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5 Adventures for Your Maui Hawaii Honeymoon

September 12, 2011 By

Black Sand beach, Maui

Welcome to paradise honeymooners! You can pretty much do, see, eat, drink whatever you want on your island adventure in Maui… but here are some activities that you should definitely seek out during your Hawaii honeymoon.

1. Take a Ride on a Catamaran

The ocean looks like a big blue crystal from the beach, so while you’re honeymooning, try to plan a boat trip of some kind so that you’re only view isn’t from the shore. There are many boat charters that explore the Pacific, and aren’t too costly if you’re on a budget. Check out SailMaui.com or HulaGirls.com for some great themed excursions, like “Afternoon Sail & Snorkel Coral Gardens” or “Lahaina Champagne Sunset Sail”.  Depending on the time of year, you can opt for a peaceful afternoon of whale watching or HulaGirl’s “Pacific Rim Dinner Cruise”.  Just make sure that if it’s a day trip, you bring sunscreen, sunglasses or a hat—the glare can be harsh!

2. Visit Waterfalls

There is nothing quite like the sound of rushing water in a tropical environment; it’s amazing how the earth seems to come alive. You don’t need to ride a helicopter or take an expensive tour to experience this closeness with nature. Just put on a pair of boots, rent a car, and take a romantic honeymoon adventure together. Check out some of hot spots, right off the highway like Wailua Falls or Upper Waikani Falls. If you are up for a paid tour, and a full day of sightseeing, then check out the Road to Hana Tour, where you can swim in the Ohe`o Stream and Pools. Either way you do it, you’re going to love what you see and never forget the experience.

3. Enjoy a Sunset Honeymoon Dinner

Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? Well, we’re not talking about an ocean view while you eat. We recommend getting much closer than that! While it’s one thing to take a snorkeling adventure on board a catamaran, it’s much different and more romantic to enjoy a Hawaii honeymoon dinner cruise. Instead of donning your flippers, try a nice pair of dancing shoes since most Hawaii dinner cruise provide music and a dance floor.  Tom’s Barefoot Tours in particular, includes a full bar, dinner and entertainment. We also agree that this should be the last activity on your Hawaii honeymoon. What better way to remember your experience than burning a permanent image of you and your new spouse aboard a ship, floating between the Hawaiian Islands; a memory suffused with sunset colors!

4. Watch the Sunrise on a Volcano

Haleakala is the world’s largest dormant volcano, so you must take this opportunity to see for yourself the “house of the rising sun.” We encourage you to take a bike tour on the road leading between Haleakala’s base and summit; especially since it’s one of the fastest gains of elevation in the shortest distance in the world. But don’t start feeling crazy and pull a “no hands” move. It’s a truly exhilarating experience that we recommend seeking out. Most Maui hotels and resorts will have more information on the tours available and most likely, the shuttle will pick you up and drop you off in the front.

If you’re up for a challenge, you could bike from the coast to the summit, but most people just enjoy the downhill ride.

5. Tour the Road to Hana

Hana Highway is where the true beauty of Maui’s landscape comes alive with 600 winding turns, 57 one-lane bridges, streams, waterfalls, pools and jungles. You could opt for a guided tour, an unplanned adventure and a map, or one of the many popular guided CDs. Either way, you’re looking at 52 miles of Maui’s northern coastline. The road to Hana will take you off the beaten path of tourist resort areas so that you and your spouse can explore some of Maui’s more remote areas, such as bamboo forests, magnificent waterfalls, and black sand beaches. It’s practically a must-do when you visit Maui!

Tip: If you’re driving, get gas before you leave. There is only one gas station in Hana and it’s very pricey. It takes approximately three hours to drive from one end to the other, but with a few stops along the way, it usually takes more than 5 hours– so plan ahead!

Filed Under: Activities, Explore Hawaii, Nature Preserves, Tours Tagged With: , ,

A Closer Look at Radiation Levels in Hawaii

April 16, 2011 By

In wake of the devastation that occurred in Japan, honeymooners are concerned for their safety when planning a Hawaii Honeymoon. Is this a valid concern? The truth is, of course it’s a  valid concern. The threat of nuclear radiation is a serious subject. But before you decide to cancel your Hawaii Honeymoon, check out the latest news, and stay aware. Do not let fear itself disrupt your Hawaii honeymoon plans.

Radiation from Japan has already reached Hawaii in very small amounts.  It took a week or so to get to the Islands. Recently, the Hawaii Department of Health found trace amounts of radiation in milk from the Big Island, making it the first time food produced in Hawaii has tested positive for radiation from Japan.

However, consider this: most of the milk sold in Hawaii comes from California. And while radiation has also been found in the milk there, neither is what health officials would consider, ‘a level of concern’. State health officials also are advising residents against taking potassium iodide supplements as a precaution.

What they have detected, is minuscule levels of an isotope, detected at a fixed monitor in Hawaii. However, it’s far below any level of concern for human health. Fear is running high, but the state department of health says there is no radiation hazard and continues to monitor air quality.

Now, us here at MHH– we aren’t scientists, nor are we trying to be. But fear breeds fear, and nothing is more fearful than the threat of nuclear radiation.

President Obama stated, “We do not expect significant levels of radiation to reach the west coast,” specifically referring to California, Oregon, and Hawaiii. Since the event, Japan has had some success cooling reactors and restoring power.

According to the April 13, update from Hawaii.gov:

“The highest reading for Hawaii (I-131, 1.4 pCi/m3) was found in a sample captured by a monitor March 20, 2011. Miniscule amounts of Iodine-131, Tellurium-132, Iodine-132, Cesium-134, Cesium-137 were captured in subsequent days, but have since dropped to undetectable amounts. Elevated levels of radioactive material in rainwater are expected as a result of the Japanese nuclear incident. Several states have shown increased levels of radiation in recent precipitation events. Short-term elevations such as these do not raise public health concerns.”

Filed Under: Local Life, Planning 101 Tagged With: ,

Getting Scholastic with Your Oahu Honeymoon

March 16, 2011 By

The USS Missouri was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.

Oahu is by far the most popular Hawaiian island to visit, and not just because of its namesake The Gathering Place. The history itself is a major attraction to this Hawaiian destination. Oahu’s local history is that of monarchy, beginning with the Ali’i and followed by powerful Kings like Mailikukahi and Kaumualii.

It was also the first Hawaiian island ever discovered by Europeans in 1778 by Captain James Cook and the crew of HMS Resolution. James Cook was later killed on Valentine’s Day at Kealakekua Bay.  As you probably know, it’s also the site of the surprise attack from The Imperial Japanese Navy during World War 2 and the final resting place of the USS Arizona.

If you and your fiancé enjoy leisurely browsing through historical museums to learn more about Hawaii’s pivotal role in American History, then you just may want to think about booking a tour. Chances are, you aren’t staying for more than a couple weeks, and the history is so expansive it would be impossible to do it all and relax.

Here’s a little break-down of some popular tours in Oahu, courtesy Discover Hawaii Tours.

Oahu’s Ultimate Eco Circle Island Tour

This popular Oahu guided tour starts at Pearl Harbor, where you can board a shuttle boat to visit the USS Arizona. Next, it’s on to the Dole’s Pineapple Plantation at the North Shore. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as the staff tells stories and Hawaiian folktales.  From there, you venture on over to the Polynesian Culture Center, a museum experience that includes a full BBQ lunch buffet.

A Day at Pearl Harbor

This deal is perfect for WW2 history buffs, craving to see first-hand one of the most memorable and tragic events of American history. This includes a complete Pearl Harbor tour featuring USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine, USS Missouri Battleship, Pacific Aviation Museum as well as an exploration of downtown Honolulu.

Oahu Dolphin Swim and Snorkel

Okay, so we know this departs from the historical theme of the previous tours, but this activity is perfect for the honeymooners who are looking for something a little more adventurous and a little less observatory. Your boat leaves before sunrise from Waikiki, and the rest of the day will be spent with music, food, dolphins, swimming & laughter. After the crew guides you towards the local wildlife, don’t be afraid to get close. Dolphins are known for their intelligence, affectionate demeanors and playful spirits. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Filed Under: Activities, Hawaiian Culture, Oahu, Tours Tagged With: ,

Drink Only the Best During Your Honeymoon – Kona Coffee!

March 12, 2011 By
Kona Coffee Plantation

Kona Coffee Plantation

You’re going to Hawaii for your honeymoon, and you love coffee (who doesn’t??) so you must be looking forward to having some delicious Kona coffee!  If you’ve never had Kona coffee, you’re in for a treat; Kona coffee is smooth, a medium dark roast, with balanced flavor, and is absolutely delicious!

You don’t have to actually stay in Kona or even anywhere on the Big Island to enjoy a cup; coffee bars abound throughout the islands.  Let us guide you through the best shops and bars on each island.

Oahu

Island Vintage Coffee – Located in the heart of Honolulu, in the Ala Moana Mall, this shop serves the finest 100% Kona coffee.  You’ll probably be shopping in this mall anyway, so be sure to stop by and partake!

Happy Cake Cafe – Nope, this isn’t a coffee shop per say, but they do sell some yummy Kona coffee!  Try their iced coffee while nibbling on a Happy Cake, a delectable cake made with pineapple, coconut and macadamia nuts – all which sound very “Hawaiian” but it’s actually quite a unique cake-eating experience!

Maui

Hawaiian Village Coffee – Located in Lahaina, there are lots of different varieties of 100% Kona coffee to choose from.  Sip some Kona Peaberry while lounging in their internet cafe.  They of course also serve baked goodies to much on while you browse.

Bad Ass Coffee Company – Yes, this is a chain, but it’s a small chain that serves 100% Kona coffee and that can sometimes be a little hard to find on Maui.  This location is right by the airport, so take advantage after landing or right before heading home – or both!

Kauai

Java Kai – Serving Kona coffee, but lots of other varieties of coffee, food and baked goods as well.  They even serve some deliciosu breakfast!  This is a small chain with about a dozen locations throughout the islands and Southern California.  Located in the quiet town of Hanalei, on the northern coast of Kauai.

The Big Island – Hilo

Hilo Sharks Coffee – Located right in Hilo, this shop not only serves kona coffee, but other Hawaii-grown coffees and even homemade ice cream!

Bayfront Coffee, Kava & Tea – While this shop is more about the kava experience, it’s another option if you want to check out some delicious Kona coffee while in Hilo.

The Big Island – Kona

It almost seems silly listing a Kona coffee shop in Kona when there are so many farms you could visit directly.  Or you could just walk into any coffee shop in Kona and guarantee yourself some 100% Kona coffee!  But we did our research and found a couple that you may want to check out:

Hula Daddy Kona Coffee – Your trip to Kona will not be complete without taking a tour of one of their many Kona coffee farms.  It would be like visiting Napa Valley in California without taking a wine tour!  Hula Daddy is perched atop a hill along Mamalahoa Highway, with out of this world views.  The staff is super friendly and will give you a tour of their coffee growing and roasting process.  And, of course, you’ll need to try their amazing coffee and will likely even buy a pound for yourselves!

Kona Blue Sky Coffee – Yet another coffee plantation that you may want to check out.  They serve some amazing coffee from beans grown right on their plantation on the side of Mt. Hualalai.

Molokai

After lots of research, it seems that we just can’t find any Kona coffee in Molokai!  Honeymooners to Molokai, don’t despair, for this small peaceful island grows its own coffee that you’ll easily be able to sample at restaurants, the airports and of course, coffee shops.

Filed Under: Hawaiian Culture, Kauai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu, The Big Island, 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: