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Hawaii Time Share Rentals for Your Honeymoon

January 31, 2012 By

Couples often overlook timeshare rentals when planning their Hawaii honeymoon. Perhaps it just can’t compete with other more luxurious hotel options, or maybe the location is not ideal if you are planning the wedding in conjunction. However, a Hawaii time share rental may be a perfect option for couples who are a little more flexible. Timeshares are often rented out by the owners when they are unable to use their time during their allotted period. Rather than lose this money and the time that they have already payed for, they look for renters who are willing to go in their stead; usually at a reduced fee, although this varies by owner.

The cost is a huge advantage to renting on the Hawaii time share rental resale market. On average, vacationers who rent timeshare by owner (rather than booking through the resort) can save anywhere from 20-70%. Timeshares are typically condominium-type units, but you’ll find vacation clubs that look and feel exactly like a hotel or resort.

In terms of amenities, timeshares provide the same additional conveniences as such as golfing, swimming pools, fine dining, and other recreational activities.  Hawaii timeshare rentals are normally more spacious with roomy living areas and private bedrooms, since they are accommodating people (sometimes whole families) who typically stay a longer period of time. Features like full kitchens, private balconies and Jacuzzis are usually included.

The only way to decide if this is the right option for you, is to try it out! Check out some of the following websites (some which offer personal assistance) and see if a Hawaii time share rental meets your honeymoon needs:

TimeshareHotDeal.com

SellMyTimeshareNow.com

RedWeek.com

Tip:  Search for timeshares that are described as “floating”. This means that the owner is able to request certain times and may be more conducive to couples looking for a more flexible vacation period.

Filed Under: Planning 101, Popular Articles Tagged With:

Last-Minute Hawaii Honeymoon Deals Done

September 14, 2011 By

Not every couple plans their honeymoon months in advance.  Or, some plan far in advance but their plans can change at the last minute! In either case, if you find yourselves trying to plan your honeymoon at the last minute, there is still plenty that you can do and plan for your Hawaii vacation.

Budgeting

One of the biggest stresses, if not the most stressful, aspect of planning your honeymoon at the last minute is the cost!  How much exactly will this trip set you back?  We have some excellent articles providing information on budgeting and saving money in Hawaii:


Don’t Think You Can Afford a Hawaii Honeymoon?
Deals For Your Hawaii Honeymoon
Six Ways to Eat Cheap in Hawaii

Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Cruise lines often have trouble filling every single room on their ships, so last-minute deals can be easy to find.  Hawaiian cruises either sail from Los Angeles or Honolulu and can last from seven days to thirty days.  When couples plan a cruise vacation, they typically start with the cruise line and go from there.  At the last minute, you may not have that luxury.  Start with looking at discount sites that list all the available cruises.  A fantastic site is Vacations To Go, where cruises that sail from ports all over the world list their last-minute deals.  A more thorough list of discount cruise sites can be found on in our cruise article.

Hotel Deals

If you’re looking for a single hotel on a single island for the entirety of your honeymoon, it can be quite daunting if you’re trying to find something available at the last minute!  First, decide which island you would like to stay.  Next, go to travel sites such as the list found in our article How to Find Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages and begin searching for all hotels on that island.  Alternatively, if you know which hotel is best for you, call them directly and see what they have available for that time period.  Don’t be shy calling! The worst they can tell you is that they’re completely booked.  Just don’t get frustrated in your search; hotels abound on every island and there are always deals to be found.

Renting a Car

Once you have figured out where you’re going to go, be sure to secure a car rental before you get to Hawaii.  Again, go to travel websites and shop around for the best deal.  Waiting until you get to the island to rent your car can be a huge headache.  Know which rental company you’re renting your car from so that you are able to go directly to the location for pickup.

Meal Planning

If cost is not a huge concern, then feel free to fully explore the island and eat wherever your fancy takes you.  If, however, you’re on a tight budget, try to plan out how you’ll be spending your money on food before you get to Hawaii. Go to websites such as Groupon or Restaurant.com to secure some great deals before you get there.  Or find out if there is a supermarket near your hotel where you can do some grocery shopping, thus saving huge amounts of money simply by making sandwiches for lunch or eating some cereal for breakfast.  Look into whether or not your hotel offers complimentary meals and take advantage of those.

Activities

Activities on the islands are easy to plan once your arrive at the island.  Go to the hotel front desk and inquire about activities, and they will be happy to show you what you can do and where.  Also, if renting a car you can plan your own activities on the cheap by just driving and exploring!  There’s nothing more romantic than packing a picnic basket and driving randomly until you find a romantic beach to watch the sunset.  Plus, that kind of activity is budget-friendly!

Filed Under: Planning 101, Travel Packages Tagged With: , ,

Which Island Suits You? Choosing a Hawaii Honeymoon Spot

August 14, 2011 By

Once you’ve decided that Hawaii is the perfect destination for your Hawaii honeymoon, then it’s time to consider which island is most deserving of your travel plans. Well, truth be told, it’s different for everyone. While many couples enjoy the splendor and luxury of a Hawaii honeymoon resort, other more earthy types may prefer the quiet cliffs and rushing water of Kauai’s Napali Coast.

So here’s a little breakdown of what each Hawaiin island has to offer. But first, consider a few things about how you picture your honeymoon. Are you looking for romance? Adventure? Would you prefer paradise to party town? A little black dress to boots and sunblock? Or a little of both? That’s for you to decide!

Maui

Maui is commonly referred to as the Magic Isle, and offers all the romantic wonders for a couple newly wed. This island caters to those who are looking for romance, luxury, and pure island beauty. If you find yourself unable to decide which island for your Hawaii honeymoon, Maui will give you a little taste of everthing. You can enjoy the sunrise on Haleakala, or hike across it’s peak and discover why it’s referred to as the “house of sun.”  Enjoy a stroll through Lahaina’s seaside streets or bask in the warmth of Maui’s famous beaches, which this island is especially known for. Rent a car and take the Road to Hana, but don’t forget to seek out this route’s natural waterfall pools.

Not sure where to stay? Check out the Ritz-Carlton or the Sheraton Resort & Spa for an epic experience.

Kauai

If you’re looking to slow your roll a little, then this may be the best pick for your Hawaii honeymoon. Kauai boasts unspoiled natural beauty, and is infamous for it’s beautiful Emerald Cliffs on the Na Pali Coast. You can wander through Waimea Canyon, which is also referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” If you’re the kind of couple that is looking for an earthy adventure, then choose Kauai and you won’t be disapointed. Depending on the timing of your Hawaii honeymoon, you may even get whale-watch from the shores.

Oahu

This island is for the newlyweds looking to party, and by that we mean that this the most robust island in terms of shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s also home to some more historical destinations, like touring the Arizona at Pearl Harbor, or visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center. If you’re looking to get dolled up and stroll the town, then Waikiki is your spot. You can also escape the busy downtown and travel up to Northern Oahu, where you can watch surfers or find a nice isolated beach along the coast.
Consider checking out the North Shore’s Turtle Bay or the Ocean Resort at Waikiki.

Molokai

As the smallest island of Hawaii, this is also the least commercial. There is one town- Kaunakakai. This is the best island for couples who are looking for pure escapism… newlyweds who want to shut off their phones, disconnect the laptop, and get lost for a while. It’s the most peaceful island and most isolated. Fish, kayak, get to the beach, snorkel, dive… it call be done in Molokai without the distraction of crowds and cheap tourism.

The Big Island

This Hawaii island is best known for it’s pure size and volcanic activity.  If you’ve chosen The Big Island as your Hawaii honeymoon destination, you should consider taking a helicopter ride along the coast to witness the natural beauty of the flowing lava as it hits the ocean and smolders. And what it lacks in white-sand beaches, it makes up for in it’s infamous black, green and red sand beaches. You can also enjoy all the other staple Hawaii activity, such as snorkeling, hiking, and all kinds of other water activities.

Still unsure? Check out this article on a few favorite places for a Hawaii honeymoon.

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

How to Find Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Packages

August 3, 2011 By

couple kayaking in HawaiiBy packaging together different parts of your Hawaii honeymoon vacation, rather than purchasing everything separately, you will save quite a bit of money.

What exactly goes into a Hawaii honeymoon vacation package?  The first basic is accommodations, which for most couples means staying in a Hawaii hotel or resort.  Other accommodations may include a private rental (such as a condo) or a timeshare.  For most Hawaii package deals, a hotel stay is provided.

The second thing you should be thinking about is transportation, which typically means a flight.  Other means of transportation could include a cruise, which can be bulked into a package deal through some sites.  The third part of a vacation package is a rental car, which you two may or may not want depending on your particular destination. Unless you’ve booked a cruise, consider renting a car so that you have an easy way to explore the rest of the Hawaiian island on your romantic honeymoon.

But where to start with these packages?  It can seem overwhelming trying to find exactly where to look for deals, and it can be even more difficult determining whether or not you’re actually saving money.  Let’s start with a list of some very helpful sites to get your search going, where each site easily guides you through the three basics of a package: hotel, flight, car:

Kayak – search most sites all in one place!

Expedia

Priceline

Orbitz

Hotwire

Funjet - scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your departure city to find current package deals.  This site has some really awesome offers!

Hawaiian Airlines

CheapTickets

Pleasant Holidays

Another great way to find a deal is to contact American Express if you’re a cardholder.  You’ll get bonus points by booking with them, plus points by using your American Express credit card.  Even if you think that you may save money by booking through a separate site (such as from the list above), checking out offered packages won’t hurt!  Just remember to factor in the savings that you’ll get from the points by booking with AmEx.

Are you a AAA member?  Did you know that you can book Hawaii honeymoon vacation packages with them? Well, iIf you didn’t, now you do!  Members receive specials discounts, so why not take a look?

Am I actually saving money?

Most often the answer is Yes!  But just to put your mind at ease, once you’ve found the deal that suits you best, do a little research.  Contact the hotel directly and find out how much it would cost to book that number of nights for the particular travel dates.  Then do the same for the airline and rental car, when applicable.  You’ll be shocked at the price difference!

Filed Under: Planning 101, Travel Packages Tagged With: , ,

Hawaii Travel Packages: A Plan of Attack

May 8, 2011 By

couple kayaking in HawaiiAfter deciding that an all-inclusive package is the way to go, there are many different kinds of Hawaii travel packages for you to explore when planning a honeymoon. They relieve the stress of that horrible, time-consuming planning process that goes into a vacation. Instead, kick back and simply enjoy the experience.

Hawaii travel packages take care of scheduling flights, booking hotel rooms and finding activities for your trip. You can choose Hawaii travel packages that cater to any of the six major islands: Molokai, Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Lanai.

Tip: If you want to avoid the large commercial resorts and tourist trappings, choose to honeymoon along the shoreline of the Big Island in Hawaii.

One of the easiest ways to search for a Hawaii travel package is to visit online travel websites.  Make sure they are well-known and reputable travel websites such as Pleasant Holiday or Hawaii Aloha. If your travel dates are still unconfirmed, spend some time checking different options, like leaving on a Sunday versus leaving on a Friday. Especially if you’re planning your Hawaii honeymoon during the off-season, you’ll find that the price of Hawaii travel packages goes down.  Don’t forget to utilize the tools to customize your search, since these websites cater to a huge audience. We also recommend signing up for any available newsletters, but again, make sure to customize your preference. This will give you a front row seat to some of the best Hawaii travel packages.

If you’re not so into the idea of booking this yourself, then consider a travel agent. This approach is convenient and more personal. It also limits the tedious travel research you would be doing on your own.  Remember that travel agents are mostly just focused on giving you an awesome Hawaii honeymoon, as opposed to finding you the best deal.  Which is great if you have the funds; but if you’re sticking to a limited budget and would prefer an experience  (like snorkeling or whale watching) to paying a travel agent for convenience, then go with your gut!

Another resource for killer honeymoon travel packages, is the resorts and hotels themselves. Don’t limit your search to travel websites—consider which Hawaii hotel or resort you plan on stay at and then explore their website. There are even options for little thematic niche packages, which add to the luxury of your Hawaii honeymoon experience. If you haven’t picked a destination yet, you should check out this article on popular Hawaii resorts, many which feature some of these smaller packages.

 

 

Filed Under: Travel Packages

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: ,

Don’t Think You Can Afford a Hawaii Honeymoon?

April 11, 2011 By

If you have always dreamed of a Hawaiian vacation, you may have thought it was something you could never afford.  However, with a little research you will be able to find great deals on an inexpensive all inclusive Hawaii honeymoon.  By checking with travel agencies and looking online, you will be able to find cheap airfare or reasonably priced package deals that include both airfare and hotels.  You can get on lists to look for deals, and if your wedding happens to be in the off-season, the deals you will find will be even better. Or, check out our 5 Ways to Make Your Hawaii Honeymoon Cost Friendly, for some tips.

As you plan your activities for the week you will be there, you should know that there are many great things to do at little or no cost.  Some people make the mistake of hiring a tour guide to take them everywhere, when they could simply rent a car and go most of those same places without any additional costs.  By leaving out the paid guide, your inexpensive honeymoon can be planned at your own pace.  Keep this in mind as your browsing.

With the fabulous free beaches and gorgeous blue waters, exciting rainforests and the plethora of marine life, you can plan self-guided tours that will give you an amazing experience.  You can watch daily polo matches in Oahu or listen to the Royal Hawaiian Band perform.  Golf courses abound as do shopping experiences.  The Pearl Harbor Memorial is one of many historical and significant sights to see, and all of this can be done on a budget.

So before you decide that ‘you can’t afford it’, check out these articles:

5 Ways to Make your Hawaii Honeymoon Cost-Friendly
The Best Time for Your Hawaiian Honeymoon
Deals for Your Hawaii Honeymoon
6 Ways to Eat Cheap in Hawaii
Honeymoon Gift Registries: Why You Want One

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

Deals for Your Hawaii Honeymoon

April 3, 2011 By

Arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world, Hawaii is a top spot for honeymooners.  Honeymoon deals to Hawaii can be found year-round.  By doing a little research, you can enjoy this paradise-like adventure for a very reasonable price.

One of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, part of your honeymoon is the flight.  Plan as far ahead of time as you can to look for flight deals.  Check out sites like SideStep, Travelocity, Hotwire, CheapTickets, Orbitz, and Hawaiian Airlines.  You should also ask a local travel agent; you never know what kind of deal you’ll find there.

Next step: accommodations.  You can choose the type of accommodations that you prefer, even ones initially thought to be outside your budget.  Honeymoon deals to Hawaii include hotels that range from world-class luxury resorts to small hotels to yachts that can be chartered.

When looking for deals at your destination in Hawaii, finding deals at restaurants is a great way to save money. You can find the most expensive restaurants as well as small restaurants and cafes that offer amazing dishes for a fraction of the cost.  Check out these six ways to eat cheap during your Hawaii honeymoon.

When choosing a time to travel, honeymoon deals to Hawaii can be found for any time of the year.  You don’t have to wait until the off-season to find a great price on a package deal.  If you decide to go in the off-season, you should know that the weather is amazing year-round.  You will be able to enjoy the incredible beaches any time you decide to go,  explore underwater and experience the fascinating marine life, or visit the rainforests and become one with nature.  No matter what you like to do, you will be able to do it here and the experience will be one that you and your new spouse will remember for the rest of your life.

 

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips

Hawaii Honeymoon Gift Registries: Why You Want One

March 28, 2011 By

It is not uncommon nowadays for couples live together before they tie knot and take that epic Hawaii honeymoon. In fact, you may already have heard the complaint from your friends- what am I supposed to get as a gift? You have everything! Or perhaps you are unsure how to afford your Hawaii honeymoon; or maybe you just wanted to step outside the box of stuffy wedding gifts. Whatever the reason– honeymoon gift registries are a great idea, and will allow you guests to have some real fun choosing a personal gift, with out the headache of traditional wedding gift pressures. Let’s clear that table of cards!

We have all heard of bridal registries; well this works kind of the same way. Except that instead of picking out physical merchandise, people choose to donate to a honeymoon fund that you create. Couples are usually charged a percentage per gift, which is worked out during the set-up, but there are no initial fees.

It’s simple. Here are the steps for creating the perfect Hawaii honeymoon adventure– on someone else’s dime!

 

1.  Set up an account online. Popular sites like Starwood and Honeyfund have tons of options for the best Hawaiian destinations.

2. Choose items for your honeymoon. This means you can choose your perfect Hawaii hotel & resort, type of room and activities for your trip like golfing, romantic dinners, snorkeling adventures, etc.

3. Begin blasting your friends. These kinds of tools come equipped with viral marketing techniques like blogs, email wizards, and create-your-own-website options. Who isn’t on Facebook these days? Put all those friends to work!

4. Watch the gifts roll in. Your friends can begin donating to your honeymoon account immediately. How much cooler is it to receive a spa package, instead of more dinnerware?

5. Schedule your vacation. You have complete control over your day-to-day activities. So arrange your Hawaii honeymoon how you see fit—and have a blast!

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

4 Essentials for Your Hawaii Honeymoon Cruise

March 27, 2011 By

This is what you should avoid.

How many times have you returned from a vacation, only to realize you did not need half of what you packed? You are not alone. People go through great lengths to make their luggage travel-friendly. If you’ve chosen to take a Hawaii honeymoon cruise, the last thing you want to think about is extra luggage. So, in the spirit of making your honeymoon cruise adventure less of a hassle… here are four things to double-check before departure.

1. Sportswear & Gear

Hawaii honeymoon cruises are laid-back. Simply put, you are not going to be ‘dolled up’ every day; so make sure you include a swimsuit (yes, this should be obvious), work-out clothes (if you look forward to some light gym time) and casual clothing (for roaming around the deck or when you are in port). Speaking from experience, make sure you include two sets of sun glasses– it’s very easy to lose them if you don’t think before jumping into that crystal clear water. Trust us!

Don’t forget appropriate clothing for any of the side-adventures you plan to have. Most Hawaii honeymoon cruises, like Carnival Cruises, include some kind of shore excursion.  This means boots for hiking and snorkeling masks, if you have them (otherwise you can rent). And no matter what you plan, make sure to bring a light rain jacket. It can’t be sunny all the time; Hawaii is a sub-tropical environment and light, scattered showers are completely normal.

2. Personal Stuff

Most of us over-think when we pack, and a Hawaii honeymoon cruise is just the kind of vacation where you may be tempted to overload yourself. Try to anticipate the kinds of personal items you will really need; like less make-up and more deodorant. We kid… but seriously– depending on the type of Hawaii honeymoon cruise activities you’ve booked, you may be a little more ‘rugged’ than normal, and prefer an extra bandana over that stick of lipstick.  If you need any kind of prescription medicine, make sure to carry these with you onto the plane—do not leave them in your checked baggage.  Lost luggage happens all the time and although your odds are good, you wouldn’t want to leave that to chance.

It’s also a good idea to call the cruise ahead of time, and ask if hair dryers are provided. Most of the new ships come equipped with built-in hair dryers, which will free some space in your bag, but not all.

3. Sun-wear

If you’re coming to Hawaii from the US main-land, chances are, you are going to need sunscreen. Make sure to pack waterproof for the pool and ocean; the light reflecting off the water itself can do some serious damage. If you have naturally darker skin or you prepare for your cruise by tanning booths, you still want to use it. Go for at least SPF of 50 if your complexion is naturally light.

Pack extra sunglasses–and finally, bring a hat. Most of us are not in the habit of rubbing sunscreen on our scalps and it’s especially necessary if your fiancé prefers the shaved-head look.

4. Camera

Wouldn’t it be horrible to finally arrive in Hawaii for your honeymoon cruise, and realize you forgot your camera? Sure, you could purchase a disposal, but it’s probably not going to pack the same punch as your own.

Our advice: Put any electronics you want to bring in your carry-on. What could be worse than forgetting your camera? If your luggage was lost with your camera.

 

 

Filed Under: Cruises, Cruising 101, Honeymoon Tips Tagged With: ,
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