Wedding Blog
We only briefly discussed honeymoon possibilities, but it looks like Hawaii is a winner! Although it is a “common” honeymoon destination, there is a reason for that - Hawaii is fabulous!! I’ve been there once, but Mr. Emerald hasn’t. We want to go someplace relaxing, scenic and beachy, but not completely remote like Bali or Thailand (one day though!!). Not to mention there are a few other factors:
1. We want to be able to use frequent flyer miles to pay for the flights. Between the two of us, we have enough points to book 2 roundtrip tickets to Hawaii (70,000 miles total). We should book soon though, cuz I was told that AA Advantage flights to Hawaii get snapped up quickly. We have a credit card that we are using for all wedding related charges to accumulate points, but that may take too long, so I am considering transferring some of my points to Mr. Emerald since I have extra and he doesn’t have quite enough (but that costs $50/5000 mile increment!).
2. I work for a 4 star hotel chain (I’d prefer not to say the exact name) so we have to go somewhere with my hotels so that I can take advantage of my free stays. I just booked them, and we are saving about $3000 - $3500 in hotel costs!! We will also be upgraded… oooo I can’t believe we have to wait 9 more months to go!!
Free airfare & Free hotel = awesome honeymoon. *knock on wood* We are planning to island hop, 3 nights in Kauai and 3 nights in Maui. A friend of mine told me that I need more time in Maui. I’d love to stay 4 nights there, but I don’t think Mr. Emerald can spare that many vacation days. Maybe 2 nights Kauai, 4 nights Maui??
I can’t wait to be here…
Kauai
Maui
So for you ladies that have done Hawaiian honeymoons (or have been to Hawaii in general), which islands did you go to? What do we absolutely have to do?? Any tips??
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The prices have been really good to go to Hawaii. I would say to save your miles and buy your air. I have been looking for vacation packages to Maui because I am getting married there in March of 2007. It’s cheap! Cheap! Cheap! I started by using SideStep…’cause it’s the new thing…but I ended up going with Expedia because it was $200 cheaper for a 3/29-4/5/07 vacation: air, room and car for 4 people. SideStep = $1100. Expedia = $800. My guess is that it’s cheap because of the earthquake. Lucky us! My MOH is looking for flights only and she is going during Spring Break and it’s only $500 RT.
Another thing to think about is condo vs hotel. I opted for 3 star condos because I know that I won’t be spending much time there. Also, I went for the condo so I don’t have to pack too much because there is a washer and dryer and for late night binging and pre-partying there is a kitchen available.
Definitely go to Maui. I’m a little biased (I was born and raised in Maui). =D
It’s “modernized” enough to have all of life’s pleasures (clubs, shopping, etc…) and rural enough to really taken in the beauty of awesome beaches, beautiful rainforests and colorful sunrises and sunsets.
I like Kauai but there is not enough to do for a young couple.
If you want, I have a .ppt with all the things to do in Maui. (I was trying to kiss bum to an executive to my company.)
We’ve honeymooned in Kauai. It was our pick since it seemed the least touristy. Stayed there all 8+ days since we didn’t want the hassle of packing and unpacking to island hop. Had the best time. We actually stayed where your Kauai pic was taken. It was perfect for us b/c we just wanted to lay on the beach and relax. It’s also great if you want to do outdoors-y stuff like ATV riding, etc. Very beautiful island. Great choice.
maui is so beautiful. unfortunately i was there over 10 years ago and all i did was hang out on the beach, snorkel, and eat. i think 3 days kauai, 3 days maui sounds great.
http://www.weddingbee.com/2006/07/06/pineapples-win/
here’s a bit of info from mrs grasshopper who honeymooned in kauai. 
Maui is the most beautiful island ever. Did Maui and Kauai for our honeymoon and ended up taking a trip back to Maui we loved it so much…is that the Hyatt on Kauai in the first pic? We stayed there and it was great. Kauai was quieter, but b/c an island vaca, even a honeymoon, can get a little boring, Maui was better b/c there was more to do - more shopping, restaurants, touristy stuff. Kauai is more outdoorsy, so if you prefer that, it you may prefer it. And there is so little rain in Maui, you can’t beat it!
I have no tips, but we’re doing Kauai as well! In November. Will the weather be weird?
Kauai can be a little wet but they always say, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes.”
MUST SEE: Kauai has the wettest spot on earth at the Waimea Canyon. They say it’s the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Very beautiful!
I would say Maui and Kauai for relaxation, but Oahu if you actually want to shop/do stuff.
It all depends on what you are looking for. I’m getting married on Kauai in May and want to total laid back feel of Kauai for the wedding and then we’re island hopping on a 7 day NCL cruise for our honeymoon.
On Kauai they have a movie tour - http://www.hawaiimovietour.com/ , great scuba/snorkeling, if you like sushi the north side has 2 popular joints … you have to check out Frommers Kauai (available in your local bookstore) or go to http://www.frommers.com and “kauai” as the search term.
Malia -
I would love to see your .ppt slides of Maui.
We are going the end of April and first of May and would love any ideas.
Thanks!CK
haha i’ve been to the resort of your last picture…it was absolutely amazing.
ok ladies! it’s in the computer at my in-laws so i will pop those over to you tomorrow =D
Hawaii rocks! Okay, I grew up there, so I’m a little biased. We’re going back to Oahu for our wedding, and then doing our honeymoon on Maui and Lanai.
For ideas on what to do on the islands, take a look at the book Maui Revealed (there might be a Kauai Revealed too?). I took a glimpse at Oahu Revealed once, and it was totally right on with restaurants, beaches, and activities that locals enjoy.
I just went to a Kauai wedding in July and it was beautiful. It was my first time to the islands and it was the beste vacation I ever had. Make sure to get those brochures at the airport for adventure stuff, they are so much fun. My boyfriend and I went zip-lining through the trees and we can’t wait to go again. Also there are boat rides that take you up to the Napali Coast and it is a must see! The only way you can see it is by boat (unless you want to hike a few miles and camp out) and most places have a lunch and snorkling included. It was great!
my grandpa owns a condo in maui, so i’ve been there many times. things you’d have to do: black sand beach, haleakala, maybe even the road to hana if you want some craziness in the rainforest.
I think Maui is amazing. I’ve been to Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Hilo, not Kona) and Maui was by far the most relaxing and amazing.
wow, makes me want to work for a hotel! i’d island hop too.
malia, please also send the ppt to me.
thanks so much!!
We just returned from our November Hawaiian HM (Miss. Kiwi- no worries, the weather was PERFECT that time of year, you just can’t do much swimming on the north shore). We stayed on Kauai for 6 nights and the BI for 5. Both were great.
For Kauai, I definitely reccomend a helicopter tour. That is the best way to see the whole island. We did the tour with no door on the helicopter and it was amazing. We also ziplined, hiked Waimea, snorkeled a ton, did a Luau. You’d be surprised how much there is to do on Kauai. Definitely check out the “revealed” books as mentioned above (Maui Revealed, and the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook) they have excellent tips.
I would pick the Big Island over Kauai but I’m a little biased since I’m getting married there. Volcanoes National Park (on the BI) is amazing and the Green Sands Beach (yes, the sand is green from olivine) is breathtaking. We’re honeymooning in Maui as well and are oh so excited. Definitely pick up the Revealed books. They’re a must have. I think if you’re planning on doing a lot of activities then do 4 days in Maui, 2 days in Kauai. But if you’re planning on doing a whole lotta nothing then stick w/ 3 days Maui, 3 days Kauai.
Malia, I would love to see you .ppt slides. My FI and I are honeymooning there in June.
Mahalo!
ocicats
Hi Malia, please send the ppt file to me too!
My FI and I are thinking about Maui for our honeymoon destination too! Thank you.
I love Hawaii too!! I went to Maui two months ago, and it was the best trip ever. For Maui, you should def. drive to Hana, Haleakala Sunrise, and take the Molokini Island snorkling tour! Email me if you want more info. Have a wonderful time there!
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Mrs. Emerald, Chicago
Age and Occupation: 26, Wedding Planner
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Paralegal
Engagement Date: October 8, 2006
Wedding Date: September 2007
Blogging Since: November 29, 2006
Venue: Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook IL
About Me: I have been dreaming about my wedding forever, and flipping through bridal magazines since high school, so I am in my element! I am calling our theme "Vintage Inspired French/Asian Fusion." Mr. Emerald is very involved in the planning process, but of course he generally defers to me cuz I have a strong opinion of how I want everything to be :-).
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