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Sail, Cruise and Dine on Your Honolulu Honeymoon

October 13, 2010 By

Leave the Waikiki area to enjoy some scenery off-shore!

For most newlyweds, a honeymoon to Honolulu will likely mean relaxing on Waikiki,  taking in the sights, renting a car to explore the island, and of course, shopping.  But these are all land activities!  You’re on an island, and your trip won’t be complete without venturing off the sandy shores onto a ship or catamaran, even if just for a couple hours.  Honolulu has got you covered with a multitude of options for day cruising on a catamaran, sunset booze cruises and romantic dinner cruises.

Each link provided below will lead you to even more options with each company, such as high-speed sailing, watching fireworks from your boat, (Hilton lights up the skies every Friday night) and Dolphin tours.  Browse before you book!

Catamaran – Snorkeling

There are quite a few companies that offer sailing for a couple hours, whisking you away from Waikiki and into the ocean, stopping for an hour’s worth of snorkeling, then taking some time to sail around the coastline for some sightseeing and some great photo opportunities.  If you’ve never done this type of sail before, you’ll find some of the best catamaran snorkeling adventures in Honolulu.

Outrigger Catamaran has sailing and snorkeling in the morning every day of the week.  Reservations are required in advance.  The cost isn’t too bad, either: for $47 per person, you’ll get to sail for 2-1/2 hours, with snorkeling in between.   The crew of Outrigger make sure that you’ll have a great time with drinks for a few bucks and a visit to a cove filled with sea turtles.

Another fantastic option is the Maita’i Catamaran offering the Underwater Adventure Sail.  For just $45, you’ll board with their entertaining crew for two hours, eat an included lunch and snorkel at some of the best spots they can find.  This only sails on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so plan in advance.

Catamaran – Booze Cruise – Daytime & Sunset

If you love to drink, meet new people, watch the sunset, drink, dance to some Hawaiian music, and drink some more, then you need to go on a “booze cruise.”  If you’ve never heard that term before, well, it’s pretty self-explanatory…cruise while you drink all you can handle!  Keep in mind that these types of cruises typically don’t offer food.

The wildly popular, colorful ship Na Hoku II departs five times daily (four daytime, one in the evening) for 1-1/2 hour cruises.  For just $25 ($30 for sunset cruise), you’ll get music, entertainment from the lively crew, and all you can drink.   This is a serious good deal!   The sunset sail is definitely more popular, so you’ll want to book ahead of time.

Outrigger Catamaran offers different packages for different folks, but their sunset cruise is one of the best booze cruises out there.  For $39, you’ll get to watch the sunset while sipping unlimited drinks served by Captain Rabbit (yes, Rabbit!).  If you want to ride the Outrigger other times of the day, you will have to pay for drinks.  For all you can drink, take the sunset cruise and book it well in advance.

Sunset Dinner Cruises

The Star of Honolulu offers a variety of options for every budget.  However, if you’re willing to splurge a little (it is your honeymoon, after all), we highly recommend the Five Star Sunset Dining and Jazz.  For $172 per person, your three hour cruise includes a welcome reception, a 7-course gourmet French style dinner (menu changes quarterly), three alcoholic beverages and live entertainment (jazz, Hawaiian musicians and hula).  For an extra $10 per person, a motorcoach can transport you from Waikiki.  For extra luxury, spend an additional $60 per person for a limousine to take you both to the ship.  In my opinion, this seems a bit frivolous; you won’t be spending much time in the limo!

For those on a tighter budget, Star of Honolulu offers more casual options, such as the Star Sunset Dinner and Show for $88 per person and the Three Star Sunset Dinner and Show for $128 per person.

An even less expensive option is the Ali’i Kai Sunset Dinner Cruise for $66 per person.  This much more casual option offers a buffet dinner (versus a sit-down dinner with Star of Honolulu), Polynesian dancers and live music.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll still experience a Hawaiian sunset from the deck of a cruise ship.  It doesn’t get much more romantic than that!

Filed Under: Cruises, Cruises By Style, Oahu, Romantic Attractions, Travel Packages Tagged With: ,

Snorkeling in Maui

October 10, 2010 By

If you’ve never been to Hawaii before, and you’re used to the dense, dark visual of our stateside ocean coasts… then you are going to be in awe of the tropical and transparent waters of Hawaii. Don’t miss this great opportunity to explore. Snorkelers are everywhere in Hawaii and when you hit the beach, you’ll be able to rent snorkel equipment from nearby shops fairly easily.

But we recommend taking it a step further, and venturing out in the ocean on a catamaran or other boat tour. Local guides will take you to popular snorkeling areas, where you can see coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, and even dolphins. Usually these activities are a flat fee which includes a light healthy lunch, conducive to a day spent snorkeling in the sun.

Tip: Make sure to bring the strong waterproof sunblock and reapply frequently, especially after exiting the water. Harsh Hawaiian rays will penetrate even the strongest block, especially when you’re busy with your head underwater; while you’re back is exposed to reflective rays from the ocean as well.

In Maui, you can visit Molokini or Turtle Town for $80/per person. There are plenty of tours to choose from on each island, but be wary of paying escalated prices. Pay attention to whether or not children are less and the style of travel. Yacht tours are significantly more expensive. Another spot worth checking out if you’re more interested in self-paced snorkeling, is Honolua Bay. It’s a Marine Life Conservation District, located between two cliffs providing a calm snorkeling environment. However unlike a guided tour, you will need to provide your own food and  equipment since there are no stores nearby.

Maui is by far the most popular island for snorkeling. Why? Because it has more miles of swim-friendly beaches than any other island. The south and west facing shores of Maui conveniently keep out of Hawaii’s trade-winds, making for optimal snorkeling weather with calm waters.

Other great Maui snorkeling spots:

Kapalua Bay
Ahihi Kinau Reserve
Kaanapali Beach – Black Rock
Olowalu
Coral Gardens
Kamaole Beaches

Filed Under: Activities, Maui, Tours Tagged With:

Shopping During Your Honeymoon in Honolulu

September 22, 2010 By

No vacation is complete without spending some time (and money) at local shops  for souvenirs for yourselves, friends and family.  In Honolulu, you won’t run out of places to shop.  Here’s a list of some of the popular tourist locations and malls, but we’ll also highlight some niche shops that aren’t as easy to find or are mostly populated by locals to get your fix for clothing, book shopping and even sake!  This of course is nowhere close to an exhaustive list, just a list of ideas and recommendations to get you started.  Just don’t ever hesitate to stop by a shop as you walk past it; supporting local small businesses is always a good idea!

Aloha Tower:   The most popular, by far, is Aloha Tower; guaranteed to satisfy all your shopping needs and easily accessible by bus from Waikiki.  Aloha Tower is basically a large outdoor shopping mall filled with specialty shops, restaurants and clothing stores.  Live entertainment is another hallmark of Aloha Tower; try to plan your shopping day ahead of time so that you can be part of that day’s event.

Hilo Hattie: The most popular store in the state of Hawaii, with locations in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii, and of course Oahu.  There are two store locations in Honolulu: one by the airport and the other on North Nimitz Highway.  Stop by Hilo Hattie to shop for a variety of goods made in Hawaii, including clothing, gourmet foods, gifts and more.

Ala Moana Center: This is a very large mall; there are over 290 stores compared to Aloha Tower’s 75 stores and is very easily accessible by bus or trolley.  Daily entertainment is provided, similar to what you’ll find at Aloha Tower .  If you’re staying in Waikiki, you may be more likely to shop here compared to Aloha Tower due to its ease of access; Ala Moana provides Waikiki with ten trolley locations for only two bucks each way.  Ala Moana is not for those on a budget, however; many of the shops are high-end and sales are hard to come by.  However, one store in Ala Moana of note is two-story Shirokiya for all your Japanese needs, from shopping for Japanese goods to eating some outstanding sushi.

Royal Hawaiian Center:  If you’re staying at Waikiki, you won’t be able to avoid the Royal Hawaiian Center located in the heart of Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue across the street from Waikiki Shopping Plaza.  This mall has over 100 shops, nightclubs, dining and entertainment.

Waikiki Shopping Plaza:  Waikiki and Honolulu just don’t seem to run out of malls!  We’ll just be repetitive by listing what you’ll find at this mall, but here’s one thing you and your new spouse should definitely do together: 3D Glow in the Dark Mini Golf for just $8.50 per person per round (18 holes)!

Gecko Books and Comics:  For a great well-rounded selection rivaling those found in the states, visit this shop so that you don’t miss out on the newest comics, even while on your honeymoon!

Fashionista’s Market:  This is for the ladies!  This is a must for women who are into finding trendy, stylish clothing that you won’t find in the states.  Even better, you’ll spend a fraction of what you would spend in any nearby malls!

Second Skin:  Another trendy clothing boutique, but it’s not just for the ladies…it’s for guys, too!  Don’t go here if you’re into shopping on a tight budget, though!

The Sake Shop:  Yes, there actually is a store that specializes in sake, and it’s right in the heart of Honolulu.  If you love (or even like) sake you must visit this store!

Red Pineapple:  This store has become more popular in recent years due to its items being featured by Oprah and other celebrities, and for good reason!  They truly have some unique gifts and items that you just have to see for yourself.  Definitely take some time out to spend some time in Red Pineapple, located down the street from Ala Moana Center.

Farmer’s Markets: If you’re renting a place in Honolulu, or just trying to save money while staying at your hotel and are looking for some fresh local foods, you won’t find any place better than a farmer’s market.  One popular market is the Kapiolani Community College’s (KCC) Farmer’s Market open Saturday mornings.  Beware, it gets very crowded!  On Wednesday evenings, try out Honolulu’s Wednesday Farmer’s Market.  For a full list of farmer’s markets in Honolulu visit here and here.


Filed Under: Activities, Oahu, Popular Articles Tagged With: , , , ,

Helicopter Tours in Honolulu

September 19, 2010 By
View of the ocean and Molokai from a helicopter

View of the ocean and Molokai from a helicopter

As newlyweds in Hawaii, nothing says romance and adventure like a helicopter tour over Oahu.  Or any island, for that matter.  But if you’re staying in Honolulu, you will run in to many companies offering helicopter tours over Honolulu alone, along a single coast of Oahu, or perhaps around the entire island.  It can be difficult deciding upon a tour, especially since they don’t come cheap, so allow us to guide you with your search!

General Tips

Wear comfortable clothing: You’ll be strapped in and wearing a headset along with four other passengers plus the pilot.  Meaning, don’t be worried about your personal appearance for this adventure!

Wear dark clothing: If you’ll be taking pictures (and really, who wouldn’t?), wear darker clothing to diminish glare from the flash on your camera off the window you’ll be peering through.

Book in advance:  By advance we mean a week or two.  There are online specials you won’t find in person!

Cancel in advance:  If your plans change or your wallet has had a sudden change of heart, most companies require at least three days notice in order to give a full refund.

If you’re the type who gets motion sickness be sure to take motion sickness medication (such as Dramamine) before you embark.  Meaning, an hour or two before you step onto the helicopter.  Or, try picking up a patch from your doctor prior to your honeymoon.

You may not need your camera.  Most companies offer a DVD of your personalized tour, audio included (those tour guide pilots can be quite witty), for an extra cost.  Sure, you could always do both, but if you’d rather not fuss with a camera and would like to relax and enjoy the amazing sights, don’t bother with it; buy a DVD afterward!

Do Your Research:  This is an expensive endeavor, so make sure you picked the best tour for you both!  And with that, here’s some research of our own:

The Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour, Makani Kai Helicopters, 60 minute flight, $236/person or $276/person for first-class (fly alone as a couple)

Makani Kai offers many different tours in Oahu, but this one is by far the most appealing as it is a combination of the other tours and more.  You’ll get a phenomenal view of Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, Sacred Falls, the Polynesian Cultural Center, Turtle Bay, the North Shore and more.  Makani Kai also offers combination tours, meaning that they package together a helicopter tour and either a submarine tour or dinner cruise.  Honestly, avoid these “packages” as you are likely to save money by booking activities separately.  Lastly, if you’re like us, you’re probably going to go straight to Yelp.com to do some research on your own (always a good idea!).  Don’t be swayed by their single one-star review; they have outstanding five-star reviews on reliable sites like tripadvisor.com and hawaiiactivites.com.

Blue Skies of Oahu, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters, 45 minutes, $190.95/person

This is a more economical version of the Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour, as it is considerably less expensive ($190.95 compared to $236) and is a bit shorter (45 minutes compared to 60 minutes).  The only thing you’ll miss is the southwestern tip of the island around the gorgeous Ko Olina Resort.  What’s even better…the reviews!  Check out Yelp.com, TripAdvisor and more; you won’t be disappointed.  Five-star ratings abound!

Waimea Helicopter Tour Package, Genesis Aviation, 60-65 minutes, cost varies (currently ~$185/person but also advertised as $265.  Call 1-808-840-1111 for current deals)

This is essentially the same tour as the Ali’i Sacred Falls Tour described above.  Two major bonuses here: you’ll save  about $50 and their helicopters seat four people compared to six people with Makani Kai Helicopters.  Alternatively, you can fly the 40-45 minute Sacred Tour which costs considerably less (anywhere from $75 to over $100 depending on time of year and current deals).  That tour focuses on the southeastern portion of Oahu (Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Sacred Falls, etc.).  Everything you would see on this tour is included in the Waimea tour.

Whichever company and tour you choose, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Filed Under: Oahu, Tours Tagged With: , , ,

Experience a Luau

August 26, 2010 By

Eat. Drink. Watch native Hawaiian dance. Join in if you dare. Throw back some Mai Tais. Get lei’d…

This is just a piece of what has come to encompass the Hawaiian event known as the Luau. Originally, it meant the young tops of the taro plants. Today, it’s a party in the traditional Hawaiian sense. And there is nothing that can beat it. No matter where you are going for your Hawaiian honeymoon, you can be sure that there is a scheduled luau nearby. It’s the heart of Hawaii’s tourism.

When you first show up, expect there to be large groups clustered around beautiful men and women holding traditional leis (created with Hawaii’s lush, natural botanic environment). You can also expect that the luau will begin nearing twilight, and torches will make up the majority of lighting. There is usually an open bar, depending on the luau you’ve chosen, serving colorful Mai Tai (complete with pineapple wedge) and other Hawaiian cocktails. Everyone is relaxing as they feast on an open buffet line which contains Hawaii’s most traditional dishes;  Kalua pig, poi, mahi-mahi and Haupia coupled with macaroni salad, fruit and rice.

courtesy Wiki Media Commons

The world gets darker, and just as you begin to feel this intoxicating mix of the warm environment, ocean breeze and alcohol…

…that’s when the music starts up, and the drums being as  performers dance to their rhythmic beats. While wielding fiery torches,  they move their bodies in ways you never imagined possible. The whole performance is really quite stunning and beautiful.

Most likely, the hotel you’re staying at will host the luau, especially if you are on the beach. You might want to reserve your seats ahead of time; which varies depending on whether or not it’s Hawaii’s on or off tourist season and the type of luau (they are not all the same!).  But if you’re hotel isn’t hosting, then check out The Hawaiian Luau and choose your island.

If you’re going to Hawaii for your honeymoon, go to a luau. It’s fun, cost friendly (again, depending on type), romantic, and one of those things you just have to experience.

Filed Under: Activities, Hawaiian Culture, Romantic Attractions Tagged With:

Choose the Perfect Hawaiian Island for Your Honeymoon

August 22, 2010 By

The view from a hike up the Napali Coast

Hawaii may be only one state, but it encompasses distinct islands each with their own flavor.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s all the same, because you will be rudely awakened when your honeymoon doesn’t quite meet expectations. So the next question is, what do you want to do on your honeymoon?

Kauai aka the “Garden Isle”

This island is aptly named for its lush environment and natural setting. Choose this island if you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere. This smaller island is a taste of isolation, with plenty of scenic hikes to choose from and hidden waterfalls worth discovering, especially if you’re not afraid to jump off them. Take a catamaran up the Napali coast and go snorkeling. Or, you can hike the coast itself.  This island is best suited for the outdoor adventurer, who may feel the need to conquer Waimea Canyon, known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’.

Maui aka “The Valley Isle”

Want to hang out by the waves? Walk in white sand? Go dolphin spotting? Maui is known for its beaches and if you want to get in the water and surf, body board, or snorkel–then it may your perfect island paradise. We recommend taking the bike down Haleakalā, the island’s dormant volcano. Getting up before dawn may seem like a pain, but watching the sunrise on the top of a volcano is worth waking up for. As you ride down, there are black-sand beaches to stop and rest, also worth the trip.

O’ahu aka “The Gathering Place”

O’ahu is home to the largest portion of the Hawaiian population, with the capital city of Honululu located on the southeastern side. If you’re looking for nightlife, restaurants, museums, theaters, and an elite shopping experience than this may be the island for you. Want to see Pearl Harbor? The Diamond Head Crater? If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some Hawaiian history, then this is your best bet.

Hawai’i aka “The Big Island”

This island has a little bit of everything, from fine dining, lazy beach days,  to trips up active volcanoes within Volcanoes National Park; home to one of the world’s largest rings of natural volcanoes. Do you have an affinity for coffee? Check out the Kona fields, where only coffee grown in this region can be considered ‘Kona’. Visit a waterfall with your new spouse, and take in the beauty of the Hawaiian islands.

Molokaʻi aka “The Friendly Isle”

East of Oah’u, lies a smaller island of Hawaii which may prove perfect for the couple looking for escape into beauty and as little annoyances as possible. The pace is simply slower, with no active nightlife, no tall buildings, but still completely tourism friendly. Enjoy snorkeling in coral reefs, fishing, rain forests, waterfalls, mountain biking… or just relax and get away from the crowds.


Filed Under: Islands, Romantic Attractions Tagged With:
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