Hawaiian Honeymoons

Exotic landscapes, beaches galores, world class scuba diving  and snorkeling,  surfing,  relaxing, private massages,  horseback riding,  hula dancing,  picnics  by waterfalls, and gourmet cuisine -- these are just some of the highlights that Hawaii has to offer. No matter which of the five islands you choose to visit, you'll be in for a honeymoon rivaled to be one of the most romantic and exciting around. First things first, figure out where you want to go. Then you should gather up the sunscreen,  pack a sarong  and swim trunks,  sunglasses,  surfboard,  hiking boots,  and a guidebook to Hawaii  -- everything you'll need for a superb Hawaiian vacation.

What to Know Before You Go

Going to Hawaii is not a hop, skip, and a jump. It is a minimum of seven hours flying from LA, the same time it would take to fly to Europe. With that said, a Hawaiian honeymoon is obviously not the best choice for people short on time or those with young children. Nonetheless, this is one of those locations that stands out amongst all others, ranking as one of the top spots for honeymooners and destination weddings. Plus, you don't need a passport to get there if you are a US citizen. For people who have seen the Caribbean and already backpacked through Europe, a trip to this luxurious and exotic getaway is the icing on your already fabulous wedding cake. 

The Hawaiian culture is something not to be missed. It naturally blends Polynesian, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino traditions together with an ease that is as light as a Hawaiian breeze. Besides the wonderful people, there is also the traditional music, food, and dance that cannot be surpassed, not to mention the amazingly untouched flora and fauna.

The Islands

Kauai -- The Garden Island

Luscious Landscape: Lush, verdent rainforest, towering mountains, cascading falls, geysers, and white sand beaches. Perfect for people who want to indulge in nature and be outdoors.

What to Do: Visit national parks, wander the beaches, golf, Gay & Robinson Khuai Sugar Plantation, take a helicopter tour,  hike, bike, horseback ride, paddle boat, or go on a movie tour.

Notable Landmarks: Waimea Canyon, the "hidden" valley of Kalalau, Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei Bay, Wailua River, Nawiliwili Bay, Poipu Beach.

Famous For: It was the site for the filming of Jurassic Park. 

How to Get There: Lihue, Port Allen, and Princeville Airport.

Where to Stay: Sheraton, Hyatt, Marriott, Princeville, Khuai Inn, Outrigger, Kuhio Shores Condos, Waikomo Stream Villas

Oahu -- Hawaiian Capital, Honolulu

The Scene: Ideal for sun bathing, snorkeling, shopping, sky diving, and plenty of partying. If you are young and out to have fun, this place has it all.

What to Do: Hang on the popular Waikiki Beach to swim and people watch, groove at a luau, hike Makapuu Point, take a Glider Ride, golf, go to the spa, or play in the water.

Attractions: Polynesian Cultural Center, Diamond Head, Dole Plantation, the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, the Honolulu Zoo or the Waikiki Aquarium.

Famous For: The hit series Lost  is filmed on the beautiful island of Oahu.

How to Get There: Honolulu International Airport, Kalaeloa Airport, and Killington Airfield. 

Where to Stay: Sheraton Royal Hawaiian, Prince Resorts, Hyatt Waikiki, Halekulani, Okatani Kaimana, Radisson Waikiki Prince

Molokai -- The Friendly Isle

What to Expect: Not much. This is where to go for peace, quiet, and plenty of R&R. But don't think you still can't have fun. Just don't show up thinking it's a place to party.

What to Do: Besides lazing about, you can fish, bike, get a massage, play a round of golf, take a mule ride, have some Hawaiian coffee, or take advantage of the best hiking around.

Attractions: Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Päpöhaku Beach & Park, and Moloka‘i Museum, and Cultural Center.

Famous For: Being the most secluded and relaxing of the islands where you can truly experience what it means to be Hawaiian. Locals outnumber the tourists and nature takes precedence over concrete.

How to Get There: Molokai Airport or Ho‘olehua Airport, and Molokai-Maui Ferry.

Where to Stay: Ke Nani Kai, Hotel Molokai, Marc Molokai Resort

Lanai -- The Smallest of All

What to Expect: A teeny, tiny island with only one main city, home to around 3,000 people. Nonetheless, you can experience just about any sport you want through the hotel's concierge.

What to See: Manele Bay, Pu`upehe (Sweetheart Rock), Munro Trail, (the Garden of the Gods), Hulopoe Beach or take a tour of the island to get a little taste of everything.

How to Get There: Lanai Airport or the Expeditions Lahaina-Lanai Ferry.

Where to Stay: The Four Seasons and The Lodge at Koele, both of which feature a famous golf course, the Jack Niklaus Challenge and the Ko'ele golf course, respectively, and Hotel Lanai.

Maui -- The Magic Isle

Something for Everyone: Whether you want to veg out on the beach, scuba dive or snorkel, hike, bike, shop, or dine in swanky restaurants.

Attractions: Haleakal Volcano (the largest dormant volcano in Hawaii), the quaint whaling town of Lahaina, Humpback whale watching, content ‘Iao Valley State Park, Hana and the Maui Ocean Center. There are also several golf courses and 81 accessible beaches.

How to Get There: Kahului Airport is the main port of entry, but there's also Kapalua Airport.

Where to Stay: Hyatt, Marriott, Aloha Pualani, Napili Bay Resort, Kaanapali Alii, Noelani Condos, Maui Kai

Hawaii -- The Big Island

The Big Deal: There's anything and everything you could want to do on Hawaii. From land, to sea, and up in the air, the Big Island has got it all.

Stuff to Do: Try Kona Coffee, visit one of the hundred beaches, or one of the main parks, see the volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa at the national park, visit the botanical gardens, or see the Rainforest Zoo.

How to Get There: Kona International Airport, Upolu Airport, and Waimea-Kohala Airport.

Where to Stay: Hilton, Fairmont, ResortQuest Shores, Holua Resort, Outrigger, Hapuna Price Resorts, Casa de Emdeko

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