Hawaiian Honeymoon

If you are contemplating Hawaii as your honeymoon destination, it has a lot to offer. There are an almost endless array of resorts, condos, home rentals and B&Bs. You can enjoy a completely different activity - or two - every day, or never leave your resort. Almost every area has at least one wonderful beach or waterfront park, and there are restaurants representing every type of cuisine, and fitting every budget. The only option NOT available here are All Inclusive Resorts like Sandals - but resorts sometimes offer rates that include daily breakfast, or you can find a vacation package that includes some activities. Another option - tours or cruises that have the meals included.

There are many destinations to consider when planning a honeymoon, even once you have narrowed it down to Hawaii. We have 5 very different islands with accomodations for visitors. I always ask people what, exactly, they want out of their honeymoon experience. Do you want to lie on the beach, maybe enjoy a few watersports, and stay within the resort ? Or do you want to be on the go, exploring the islands and the culture ? Are you a foodie ? Are you looking for adventure ? What is your budget ?

There are a few things that I think are important to note.

Getting around:

You cannot drive between the Hawaiian Islands - there are no bridges connecting them. You must fly, or travel by boat or ferry. A rental car is almost essential in Hawaii - though you can make do without, you will probably spend more on cab fare from the airport to the resort, then you would on a rental car. (In Oahu, it can easily cost $40 to get to Waikiki from the airport - plus tip !) So if you need to take a taxi to and from the airport, and then want to go to a luau, special restaurant, or shopping....it adds up quickly. So make sure you consider how much adding a rental car will actually cost, and weigh it against what you will spend on a taxi. 99% of the time, it makes sense to rent a car.

Accomodations:

To decide where you are going to stay, you need to make up a list of priorities - what is most important to you, and what doesn't matter so much ?
Here are just a few of the options to consider:
Do you need to be beachfront ?
Do you need a pool ? And do you need poolside dining for lunch and snacks and cocktails during the day ?
Do you need room service ?
Do you need daily maid service ?
Do you need a spa ?
Do you need restaurants on property ?
Do you need internet ?
Do you need a kid's club ?
Do you need a fitness center ?
Do you need to be walking distance to shopping and activities ?

You also need to be sure that the room can accomodate you - do you need adjoining rooms, or to sleep 5 people, or do you want an outdoor lanai (patio)?

Activities:

The most popular activities, and the best companies, sell out in advance. So if you have your heart set on a particular dive boat or luau, you should make those arrangements in advance. The best rates are usually through activity companies, that have pre-negotiated, discounted rates.

BEWARE - when walking the streets here in Hawaii, you will see signs for discount activities at prices that are way below retail.....and there IS a catch - you have to visit a timeshare, sit through a presentation, meet with a salesperson, and then get a certificate signed to get the discounted activity.

Booking your trip:

There are a lot of details involved in booking a trip. Your agent should be able to help you, and talk eloquently about the different options. Living on Maui, I can't tell you how many people we see wandering around the downtown area, staying at a motel on the commercial harbor, surrounded by noise and traffic. No rental car, no beach, no fun !

Make sure that you know exactly where your hotel is located in relation to the airport, the beach, and your desired activities, and that - if you are unhappy once you arrive - you can move to another property.

Make sure you have insurance that allows you to cancel if need be.

Make sure you understand what you have already paid for, so that you aren't charged again.

Make sure you check in with your agent - and the airline - to make sure your flights have not changed prior to departure.

And make sure that you relax, and enjoy yourself !