Maui Hawaii Honeymoon

Five Hawaii Hotels Worth Dreaming About

April 10, 2011 By admin

Let’s pretend that money is no object, that you can face your Hawaii honeymoon with no worries. Imagine the kinds of places you could stay…the unlimited food…whatever your heart desires…but then the search becomes overwhelming! So let us dream help you dream, with five of the best Hawaii honeymoon destinations.

1) Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort at Poipu Beach – Located on the quiet, fantastically gorgeous island of Kauai, this is the resort that exceeds all expectations of Kauai luxury. This is a true resort, with ocean view rooms (complete with a sunset view), poolside bar, full spa service, private lanai, and amazing food choices at their Red Salt restaurant. An added bonus is the lack of kids and families seen at nearby hotels such as the Hyatt and Marriott; this resort truly caters to Hawaii honeymooners and retirees.

Added luxury: Upgrade to an ocean-front suite and partake in an ocean-side massage.

2) Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea – With impeccable service both in and out of your room (nay, oceanfront suite!), this Hawaiian resort offers everything you could possibly dream about – adult-only Serenity Pool complete with a swim-up bar, beachfront access, spacious bathroom, great food and bar areas, and of course a top-notch spa. They offer a multitude of suites, most with oceanfront views.

Added luxury: Stay on the eighth floor, the Club Floor Oceanfront Prime Suite, complete with your own private elevator access key, private furnished lanai and Club Concierge. Reserve a private cabana at the Serenity Pool.

3) The Kahala Hotel & Resort – Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately depending upon your tastes!), there aren’t any top-end, luxurious, dreamy resorts right in Honolulu or Waikiki. Yes, there are plenty of gorgeous hotels on that side of Oahu, but when you think Hawaiian luxury, you’re likely thinking about palm trees, serenity, 100% relaxation, away from any commotion of modern day life.

Well, on the island of Oahu, look no further than this resort just five minutes from Waikiki. The two of you will be in sheer heaven with its private beach, an adjoining lagoon complete with turtles and dolphins (that you can actually swim with!), excellent food and an amazing spa. When the desire to visit Waikiki strikes you, hop on a shuttle directly from the hotel right into the main shopping areas of Waikiki. No rental car required!

Added luxury: Stay in a Signature suite for the ultimate pampered experience.

4) Mauna Lani Resort – Located on the northwestern shore of the Big Island of Hawaii, just north of Kona, lies this tropical paradise. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a complimentary fresh floral lei and cocktail (I know it seems like the lei is complimentary at all resorts based on all those movies and TV shows, but they’re not as common as you think!). The two of you will enjoy a stress-free experience no matter what you choose to do here: sit and gaze at the tropical fish and sea turtles in their private pools and beach, enjoy complimentary snorkeling, relax in one of many hammocks, or simply recline in a private cabana along the beach.

Added luxury: Book a bungalow with a private lanai and outdoor living area, just steps from a private pool and jacuzzi.

5) Four Seasons Resort Haulalai at Historic Ka’upulehu – Yes, another Four Seasons resort! For good reason – they are known for providing the very best Hawaii honeymoon destination in terms of luxury, which is what you want in your Hawaii honeymoon! This Four Seasons is located about 30 minutes north of Kona on the Big Island. You’ll feel quite secluded in this romantic paradise as you fall asleep to the sound of gently crashing waves just outside your window.

Added luxury: Immerse yourselves in some divine spa treatments with pre-treatment rituals in their Water of Life garden.

Drink Only the Best During Your Honeymoon – Kona Coffee!

March 12, 2011 By Lakaeli

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: Activities, Hawaiian Tours

Maui ‘The Valley Isle’

January 23, 2011 By Kalika

Don't overlook the House Befitting Heaven (Halekulani Hotel). This resort has everything you need for a blissful honeymoon.

If you’ve chosen Maui (otherwise known as the Valley Isle) for your honeymoon destination, get ready to experience some of the best beaches in the entire world. In fact, Conde Nast voted Kaanapali Beach the top beach in the United States, while Hawaiian Magazine voted it the best beach for sunsets. But don’t forget the sun block! Just because you spent a few weeks tanning before your vacation, doesn’t mean you will avoid the harsh rays. And the last thing you want is to be fried and uncomfortable during your honeymoon vacation.

The accommodations in Maui are beautiful, and include notable resorts such as the Ritz Carlton (the only one in Hawaii), Halekulani Hotel and the Kaanapali Beach Resort. This island is also known to be an excellent location for whale watching. The truth is that you will never run out of places to go, and things to see. Here are three activities you should not miss during your Maui honeymoon vacation.

1. Drive Down the Hana Highway

Along Maui’s eastern coastline lies the Hana Highway which stretches 52 miles, beginning in Kahului. This drive takes approximately 2-4 hours depending on how often you stop. This may be a lot, since the coast is littered with scenic hot spots like waterfalls, cliffs, pools and parks. This includes Hotel Hana-Maui (where you can find some cool souvenirs), Hana Beach Park (a great place to swim), Waianapanapa State Park (a black sand beach) and Kanahu Gardens (a National Tropical Botanical Garden). To do it right, set an entire day aside and start early if you can.

Tip: Venture the 10 miles south beyond Hana to see the Pools of Oheo.

2. Take a Trip to Haleakala National Park

This park is aptly named in Hawaiian, ‘House of the Sun’, and is an experience that can’t be missed. It’s the highest point in Maui, and you can literally hike or horse ride above the clouds and experience some of the most amazing scenery Hawaii has to offer. It includes a large crater, which was once home to an active volcano. The best spot to watch the sunrise is Haleakala Visitor Center, which is settled 9,740 feet high above sea level. But if you are unable to make the sunrise, the closeness to the starry skies after sunset is still a worthy spectacle.

And if hiking isn’t your thing, you can arrange a shuttle to the top and bike down. Most concierges will provide further information at your hotel/resort of choice.

3. Surf in Lahaina

In Hawaii, surfing is the Sport of Kings and there is no better place to learn than Lahaina. Let the local experts show you all the techniques for catching your first wave. Group lessons are available for around $65/per person, or you can opt for more private lesson, which ranges towards $100/per person. Check out Outrageous Surf School or Goofy Foot Surf School for more information. But don’t let this opportunity to enjoy the waves pass you by.

Need help deciding which island is right for you? Check out our Islands in a Nutshell

Filed Under: Activities, Islands, Maui

Snorkeling in Maui

October 10, 2010 By Kalika

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: Maui