Hawaii Honeymoon Reviews

5 Best Hawaii Honeymoon Destinations

March 23, 2011 By Kalika

If you’re looking for the best honeymoon destinations in Hawaii, look no further! Here are five of the top widely sought-after locations for couples expecting a perfectly romantic honeymoon.

1. Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai

Hanalei means “lei-shaped bay” in Hawaiian, an accurate description of this half moon shaped beach that is considered to be one of the best beaches in Hawaii. If you’re looking to stay here for your honeymoon, consider Hanalei Colony Resort or Legacy Vacations Resort. Both are very close to this popular honeymoon destination and can provide a wide range of amenities.

In regards to activities on the Bay, you have your pick of swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and yacht cruises. If you are a swimmer, check out the Northern part of Hanalei Bay where the water is calmer than other parts of the beach.

2. Waikiki, Oahu

This is perhaps one of the most popular destinations for travelers to Hawaii, since it contains such rich history and is extremely active in terms of both tourist and local life. You can easily find uber-elite hotel options near Waikiki. If you’re up for a night of dancing, drinking and strolling the town then make sure to check out Waikiki Beach Walk; the newest addition to Waikiki night-life, complete with outdoor entertainment centers. It’s a perfect night for that little black dress.

Fun Fact: Waikiki served as a vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty in the mid-late 1800s.

3. Na Pali Coast, Kauai

If you’re in the mood for something a little more isolated and relaxing, then the Na Pali coast might be just what you need. This fifteen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kauai literally means “the Cliffs” and much of its terrain is inaccessible. The best way to view this gorgeous rocky part of Hawaii, is it board a boat, windsurfer, helicopter…. or hike. And although you wouldn’t plan your vacation around whale migration patterns, if you’re honeymooning from December to April, you may get in some prime whale-watching time.

We suggest taking a look at Kauai Beach Resort. They all also have some great all-inclusive packages that include the Early Bird Special; book 30 days in advance to qualify for a discount.

4. Molokini

Never heard of it? That’s because Molokini is a small, partially sunken, volcanic crater located 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui. You can’t actually stay here. But it’s one of the best romantic honeymoon destinations in Hawaii. If you and your fiancé are into scuba diving or boating, Molokini should be on your list of activities during your honeymoon. The shape of Molokini protects the neighboring reefs against strong ocean currents and waves, making it a prime location for viewing natural marine wildlife; it also made the list for the Top 10 dive spots in the world.

5. Hamoa Beach at Hotel Hana-Maui

For couples seeking a slower pace, without all the hustle of outdoor activity and planned events, you may want to consider stay at this hotel. Hotel Hana-Maui is the best option for romance and luxury; where you don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to. Most amenities are provided by the resort such as snorkeling gear, towels, bikes and umbrellas. If you’re a couple that enjoys light competition, you can check out the tennis courts or golf. Other Hawaiian resorts pale in comparison to Hotel Hana-Maui’s pools and private lounges—but then again, why even bother with the pool when the world renowned Hamoa Beach is at your doorstep?

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Popular Articles, Romantic Attractions

Six Ways to Eat Cheap in Hawaii

March 20, 2011 By Lakaeli

One of the biggest challenges while vacationing in Hawaii is staying within a food budget. Follow our guide so that you can avoid these tourist traps and enjoy a cheap Hawaii vacation!

1) Use coupons and deals – Before you even get to Hawaii, do some research online. Look on restaurant.com where you can purchase gift certificates for less than they’re worth (for example, spend $10 for a $20 gift certificate). Two popular sites offer deals that change daily, so check in every day long before your vacation: groupon.com and livingsocial.com.

2) Avoid expensive tourist traps - Some of the most convenient places to eat can also be the most expensive, such as restaurants along Waikiki or eateries near airports. Even eating at your favorite fast food place, while convenient, can be more expensive than you would find in the continental US. Even worse, fast food won’t fill you up for very long; you’ll likely feel hungry again after just an hour or two. If you’re on a tight budget, avoid these traps!

3) Ask for a menu - It may seem silly, but asking for a menu before walking into that delicious-looking restaurant can save you a bundle. Don’t be embarrassed; ask for the menu, look at the prices and quickly calculate how much it’ll cost for the two of you to eat there and see if it fits your budget for the day. If the prices don’t fit, move on!

4) Don’t wait until you’re starving – Stopping at a place to eat when really hungry can easily set you back more than you intended to spend that day. Plan ahead, browse local restaurants, and choose where you’ll eat based on your budget and stick to it.

5) You don’t have to sacrifice quality to save $$$ – Use review sites like yelp.com and search for restaurants near where you’re staying. While doing this, you’ll likely discover reviews that remark on what a good deal that particular restaurant is!

6) Explore and support local businesses – I still remember the best food my husband and I had while in Hawaii was at a market selling local arts and wares that we stumbled upon in Kauai, on the side of the highway while driving back to our cruise ship from hiking the Na Pali Coast. There was a little kitchen/booth at the rear of the market serving Thai food for insanely cheap prices, and it was the best Thai food I have ever had in my life. Moral of the story? Explore!! Go to farmer’s markets. Stop by local markets and purchase groceries. Ask locals where they like to eat.

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

How I Could Have Planned My Honeymoon Better

March 6, 2011 By admin

Creative Commons License photo credit: jurvetson

I don’t regret copping out on the expensive hotels and resorts. Lucky for me (and my wallet), I was able to use a friend’s timeshare near Poipu Beach, Kauai. I’ll even admit sneaking into the nearby Hilton Hotel to take advantage of their pool shaped like a lagoon, complete with water-slide. At night, my new husband and I would walk down the dark marshy paths to the beach and reach the ocean with a bottle of wine in hand. The days were spent lazily, with scheduled massages, decadent food, and embracing the warmth of the sun.

When I got home from my trip, everyone wanted to know how it went. Did you see a luau? Yes, I’d say and it was spectacular. How was the food? Epic. Did you seek out the “xyz” waterfall? Err… no, I’d respond. Did you try parasailing? No… we didn’t get that far.

This is when I began thinking about how we could have made more of our Hawaiian honeymoon. So, here are a few things to consider before saying your vows and boarding that plane to paradise.

Snorkeling

During our stay, we rented snorkeling gear at Poipu Beach and tread into the surf where we’d wrestle with our rubber gear and clear our mask until the sea was somewhat visible… you know, in between the waves, children and rocks that constantly disrupted the water. Now, also imagine fighting the tide and hope that you and your new spouse are good swimmers. When we finished, my toe was bleeding and I couldn’t help but think– this wasn’t how I pictured it.

So, before you think that beach snorkeling will aptly replace the catamaran boat ride… think again. It’s really worth the money to board a boat for the day, and experience snorkeling in an uninterrupted environment. You’re also more likely to encounter a larger variety of sea life; like sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical fish.

I was so upset about our ‘snorkeling’, that I made sure in the following days we would do it properly. There’s only one word for it; breathless.

Hike

Being very much of the opinion that honeymoons are meant to be relaxing, I still regret not seeking out any hiking trails. We drove down to the Na Pali Coast, but that time was spent in a car bumping along a dirt road. I would have much preferred to see it in a more natural setting. A couple we met during at the time share showed us a view of the photos they had taken on the Na Pali Coast trail. The trail arched like a rainbow, they said, you climb over tree roots into the cliffs until you reach a waterfall that turns into a river which flows into the sea. Sigh… I should have done that.

Some people only visit Hawaii once in their lives. So even though it’s your honeymoon, don’t take the time for granted. Experience it with your new spouse; there is nothing more romantic.

Food

When I received my credit card statement, I couldn’t believe how much money we had spent on expensive restaurants. I could have done without some of the indulgence. I recommend visiting the nearby market as soon as possible so that you don’t spend 10.00 for something to just ‘hold you over.’ Remember that you’re most likely in some kind of tourist trap… and very easy to lose track of your spending. I can imagine it’s even easier at a fancy resort if you start using room service.

There you have it- my tried and true “take-aways” about planning a Hawaii honeymoon. Even though your wedding day might just be the most important day of your life… the honeymoon is a beginning to the rest of it.

**MHH would like to thank Anna for sharing her story with us. If you have a Hawaii Honeymoon story, and would like to be apart of our growing website, please email us at: MyHawaiiHoneymoon@gmail.com

Filed Under: Honeymoon Reviews, Planning 101, Popular Articles Tagged With: Kauai

Trying to Find an All Inclusive Hawaii Honeymoon? Who Isn’t.

February 21, 2011 By Lakaeli

It can be quite difficult to find an all inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon, especially compared to other romantic destinations. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a nice little list of some of the popular all inclusive Hawaii honeymoons! Because it doesn’t make wedding planning any easier when you have to worry about planning your honeymoon too!

Kauai Beach Resort

This resort, complete with multiple pools, stunning views and nestled alongside miles of beach (be aware that the beach is for lounging, not swimming), is perfect for honeymooners looking to just get away. Even better, you have all inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon choices! With hawaii-aloha.com, you’ll get five days stay including all breakfasts and dinners, Waimea Canyon and Hanalei Valley tours, some alcoholic beverages, and more for only $999 per person. The only thing this doesn’t include is flight, which you can easily find on your own using sites like Expedia, Hotwire, etc.

Another all inclusive option at the Kauai Beach Resort can be booked through Aloha Hawaii Vacations. Their deal includes round-trip airfare, seven days at the resort, meals, Waimea tour, a Swedish massage for each of you and more for $2,825 per person. If you book your own flight, deduct $815.

Kona Village Resort

When you think all inclusive, you’re definitely picturing “a room and all meals.” Just having your meals taken care of truly will ease your mind once you’re there. Well, look no further than Kona Village; included in your stay are three daily meals plus an awesome bungalow. There really is nothing else quite like it anywhere else on the Hawaiian islands. The cost may seem high, from anywhere between $300 and $1300 per night, but remember that this includes meals. Just check out their website and the reviews on Yelp; you really will be blown away.

Royal Lahaina Resort

When most people think Hawaii, the setting at the Royal Lahaina Resort comes to mind: a warm soft breeze blowing through palm trees on white sandy beaches. Maui is known for its amazing beaches, and the easily accessible Ka’anapali Beach does not disappoint. There’s even a gorgeous golf course next door and nightly luaus. AATPA offers an all inclusive option for this Maui resort, including some meals, daily sunset mai tais, open bar up to $50/per room/per day, catamaran sunset sail, and more for only $999 for five nights. This is a fantastic deal for the quality Hawaiian experience you’ll immerse yourselves into.

Turtle Bay Resort Oahu

Turtle Bay Hawaii rooms and suites are all complete with beautiful private lanais and ocean views. Three or four bedroom Ocean Villas are available and include preferential access to the villas’ courtyard, large pool and Jacuzzi. A great idea for Hawaii honeymooners is to experience the private chef who will create a romantic meal for two. Check out the North Shore Romance package starting from $399 per night or the themed Wedding Wars Beach Cottage Package.

Other ideas

Try these other ideas for customized all inclusive Hawaii honeymoon packages:

Check out Pleasant Holidays and Apple Vacations where you can enter your departure point and when you’re planning your trip. You can even enter where you would like to go. These sites will then offer all inclusive options, including airfare and car rental.

Call a travel agent. This may seem old-school or unnecessary since it seems like you can find the same deals online, but for an all inclusive deal for your Hawaii honeymoon, this may be your best bet!

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Hotels & Resorts, Kauai Hotels, Maui Hotels, Travel Packages Tagged With: all-inclusive hawaii honeymoon

Picking the Perfect Honeymoon Hotel in Hawaii

January 13, 2011 By admin

Hawaii thrives off its tourism; making the competition for a honeymoon hotel in Hawaii somewhat daunting. And even if you don’t plan on spending much time in your room (although we can’t imagine that being the case… you are newlyweds) there are literally thousands honeymoon hotels, motels, resorts and the like to choose from in Hawaii. There are a few questions to ask yourself before making your final pick.

What’s your budget for accommodations?
Are you looking for that special all-inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon deal to make your life easier?
Do you want to stay on the beach?
Do you want full service accommodations at your honeymoon hotel in Hawaiian, or are you willing to forgo certain amenities in order to save some cash?

Your Basic Options for a Honeymoon Hotel in Hawaii

Hyatt Hotels – Available on Kauai, Maui & Oahu

Marriot Hotels – There are many options for this hotel on the islands of Kauai, Maui, Oahu & the Big Island.

Four Seasons Resorts – Is it a coincidence that you have 4 Four Seasons Resorts to choose from? They are available on Maui, the Big Island & Lanai.

Holiday Inn – Check this out if you’re planning to spend your honeymoon in Waikiki. Oahu is the only location, so skip it otherwise.

Ohana Hotels & Resorts – This chain of hotels are located on Oahu, with three in Waikiki and one by the Honolulu International Airport. They also offer a few specials, although we wouldn’t categorize it as all-inclusive.

Aqua Hotel – Centrally located hotel chain, available on Maui, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai & Oahu.

Uber Elite Resorts (most with all-inclusive Hawaii honeymoon hotel options)

Castle Resorts – Hotels, resorts and even condominiums are available on Oahu, Maui, Kaui, the Big Island and Molokai. Depending on which island you choose to stay, prices vary from extremely affordable up to a bit pricey – so there’s opportunity for every budget to stay at a Castle accommodation! They even offer vacation packages including airfare and car rental.

Hilton Hotels – You can choose between the location in Waikiki, Oahu or the Big Island.

Embassy Suites – This is Hilton Hotel’s ugly stepsister, but still more than adequate compared to other chains. You can only find this hotel in Waikiki Beach. They also retain a few Hilton-esque luxuries, such as the option for all-inclusive packages. Normally, Embassy Suites wouldn’t qualify as uber elite, but all-inclusive honeymoon packages are difficult to find and makes Embassy Suites in Oahu worth the honorary mention.

Ritz Carlton – No real explanation necessary here, but keep what you should know is that it’s located only on Maui. We’ve also saved you some legwork and did a search for their Hawaii romantic all-inclusive packages.

Halekulani Hotel – If you have some money to drop, and you’re heading to Waikiki, then this is the perfect choice. The hotel itself is 100 years old and caters to the couple who are going to be spending a lot of their time around the hotel and visiting cultural venues. Their food and spa options are unparalleled. Don’t overlook their unique all-inclusive package options.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows – Plan on visiting The Big Island? Have a significant budget? Then you have to check out this 3,200-acre luxury resort. It’s the perfect Hawaiian experience, with a front row view of the Pacific, elite dining choices and your very own bungalow. This experience is not all-inclusive, but they do offer a Romance Package.

Fairmount Orchid Resort – The Fairmount Orchid Resort on the Big Island is the perfect honeymoon destination if you don’t want to do a lot of leg-work planning activities. From the resort, you can see Mauna Kea’s winter snow-capped mountaintop, and almost feel the heat of Madame Pele’s flowing lava. Honeymooners should definitely look into their Make Room for Romance package or Suite Escape.

Filed Under: Big Island Hotels, Honeymoon Tips, Hotels & Resorts, Kauai Hotels, Maui Hotels, Molokai Hotels, Oahu Hotels, Planning 101

Hawaiian Honeymoon Cruises: Plan it Right

January 13, 2011 By admin

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon and are okay with sailing from island to island (thereby not spending day after day on the beach on your island of choice) then a cruise is for you! For honeymooners, there’s nothing like a Hawaiian honeymoon cruise: all you can eat, your own room with a view with 24 hour room service, practically unlimited activity options and, of course, visits to more than just one island. Perfect for those who have never been to Hawaii, cruising is a fantastic way to get a taste of what each island has to offer.

Next step? Finding an all-inclusive Hawaiian honeymoon cruise package that fits your needs! On top of that, where do you fly to? Hawaii? Not necessarily– some Hawaiian honeymoon cruises sail from California to Hawaii and back to California. That option will certainly save airfare cost for westerly dwellers!

**If you’re puzzled by the Ensenada port of call listed under many of these itineraries, you’re not alone! This is due to the Passenger Services Act, dictating that foreign vessels must stop at a foreign port in between transporting passengers from one US port to another US port.

Your Options

Royal Caribbean – These cruises sail for 11 to 13 days and are one way from either Vancouver, British Columbia or Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii.

Norwegian – Norwegian currently does not offer any cruises sailing from the states to the islands; they only have 7 day cruises with embarkation and disembarkation from Honolulu. Ports of Call: Honolulu, Hilo, Maui (Kahului), Kona, Kauai.

Princess - 14 day cruise roundtrip from Los Angeles, CA. Ports of Call: Hilo, Honolulu, Hilo, Kauai.

Holland America

-14 day cruise. Embark and disembark from San Diego. Ports of Call: Hilo (Big Island of Hawaii); Honolulu (Oahu); Nawiliwili (Kauai); Lahaina (Maui); Ensenada, Mexico.
-30 day cruise. Embark and disembark from San Diego and travel to Hawaii, Tahiti and Marquesas. Ports of Call: San Diego; Hilo; Lahaina; Honolulu; Nawiliwili; Cross International; Dateline; Fanning Island, Kiribati; Crossing the Equator; Rarotonga, Cook Islands; Raiatea, French Polynesia; Bora Bora, French Polynesia; Papeete, French Polynesia; Moorea, French Polynesia

Carnival – Many options: 12 day from Ensenada, Mexico; 12 day from Honolulu; 15 day from Los Angeles, CA; 15 day from San Diego, CA.

Celebrity Cruises – Many options ranging between 10 to 15 days. The 15 day cruise sails roundtrip from San Diego while the shorter cruises sail from Honolulu and end in Ensenada, Mexico (or sail from Ensenada and end in Honolulu).

Finding Discounted Hawaiian Honeymoon Cruises:

The best and easiest way to find a great deal on a Hawaiian honeymoon cruise is to sign up for specials with cruise lines that you’re interested in. The farther in advance you sign up, the more deals you’ll receive. Often you’ll see discounts such as a free upgrade to a balcony room and other upgrades.

When using discount websites, make sure that you’re truly getting a good deal by first looking at the cruise line’s website to get their price.

Vacations To Go – This is a great site to check out for last minute (i.e. 90 days or less before the cruise embarks) deals on all kinds of cruises from every cruise line. This may not be ideal for most honeymooners as brides typically want these kinds of plans finalized far in advance, but for the budget-conscious, this is a site you should at least browse!

Other discount cruise sites:

CabinCloseouts.com

CruiseCompete.com

DirectLineCruises.com

CruiseDirect.com

Orbitz Cruises

Cruises.com

LastMinuteCruises.com

CruiseCheap.com

Filed Under: Cruises, Cruising 101, Planning 101

Top 5 Tips for Cruising with the Princess

November 17, 2010 By Lakaeli

One boat. Endless adventure. This is what I learned from my Hawaii honeymoon experience on Princess Cruises.

1. Rent a car on each island

2. Get a room with a balcony. No absolute need for a suite, though. Just remember that any cabin will be much smaller than most hotel rooms.

3. Relax! Sleep in when you want to. The activities will proceed without you!

4. Pack nice clothing, including formal wear. There will be a few formal nights! (Meaning a tux or nice suit for guys, cocktail dress for ladies.) Or, you could just stay in on those nights…

5. Enjoy each other. This may likely be the best vacation of your lives.

My husband and I were married in October 2009 and knew in advance that we wanted to splurge for our honeymoon. We had no idea when we would have the time or resources to take another vacation like this again. Hours of following links on the internet led us to the same conclusion: Hawaii or bust. But as like most adventures, it’s all about the journey… and neither of us had been on a cruise before.

That led us to Princess Cruises, an obvious choice considering both the options and the budget. Even better, the embarkation and disembarkation were in Los Angeles; perfect for us California residents.

Since this was our one and only honeymoon, we agreed on the no holds barred method of financing… well, as much as we could possibly stand anyway. So that meant a mini-suite with a balcony. As much as I loved our room, the mini-suite (or any suite) option would not be mandatory for our next cruise. It was often nice to have the extra room, but honestly we didn’t use that space too often; even our room service we often enjoyed either in bed on on the balcony. Speaking of the balcony, this is a must! We will never cruise without a room with a balcony…ever. You don’t know what you’d be missing… or maybe you do. It was thrilling to sit outside on our semi-private deck, playing cards, watching the waves and eating our breakfast, lunch, dinner… or one of the myriad of snacks in between.

Speaking of food, Princess has some fantastic dining options. Choose between either buffet or sitting down to a meal with a menu that changes daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also a few restaurants when you feel like indulging in filet mignon, lobster tail… and for only $20 each, we were able to eat whatever we desired. It was definitely worth it!

I have heard horror stories about people who took a cruise and felt obligated to attend each and every activity. But on the Princess, we didn’t feel overwhelmed in the least. Sure, there were activities every hour of the day… but participation wasn’t mandatory and that allowed us to take the time we wanted. Although, the activity that we did partake in almost every night was the aptly named Movies Under the Stars on the top deck, which played on the gigantic screen above the central swimming pool. The stewards even walked around with blankets, popcorn, chocolate chip cookies and milk!

The magic of feeling free from obligations, relaxing on our balcony and falling asleep on a deck chair lasted for 14 days. Of course, four of those days were spent visiting four Hawaiian islands: The Big Island, Kauai, Oahu and Maui (in that order). Princess offers excursions (like guided tours, etc.) that can be purchased ahead of time, even long before you board the ship, but personally I don’t recommend those for honeymooners.

Here’s my recommendation: rent a car and go exploring. Make your own adventure. These islands are small; grab a road map, get some advice from the locals, and start driving. You won’t be disappointed! Of course, just be sure to get back in time so the ship doesn’t leave without you.

Princess is perfect for honeymooners who want to get a taste of Hawaii without having to choose just one island while also enjoying the luxuries that this cruise has to offer. A huge perk is the savings: you won’t have to buy a flight to Hawaii!

Filed Under: Activities, Cruises, Cruising 101, Honeymoon Reviews, Honeymoon Tips, Romantic Attractions

Sail, Cruise and Dine on Your Honolulu Honeymoon

October 13, 2010 By Lakaeli

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: Big Island, honeymoon

5 Ways to Make your Hawaii Honeymoon Cost-Friendly

September 6, 2010 By Kalika

Here are some tips for keeping your Hawaii Honeymoon budget friendly.

5. Consider your board options

Sometimes looking at the price of a package can be financially daunting… but it’s only because you may not be thinking out the entire trip. Trying to book everything separately may end up amounting to much more. Many hotels offer ‘Build your own package’ options, if the standard packages don’t appeal to you.

If you and your significant other are the outdoorsy type, then you may want to consider camping. It’s cheap, at only about 25.00 a night; this includes both the state park fee and the cost of the permit. You can check the amenities and price for every state park (and even apply for a permit) online at Hawaii’s State Park website. Remember to pack wisely and check your airline’s rules and regulations for bringing certain camping equipment on board. This is the ultimate outdoorsy experience, complete with hiking trails, sunrise on the beach, and trails leading to waterfalls.

If camping doesn’t appeal to your inner city-dweller, then search for vacation rentals. The people who own vacation homes in Hawaii cannot be there year-round so they are in the business of renting it out to those who need somewhere to stay.

4. It’s Okay to Plan Ahead.

How many times have you heard people say, “If I knew about this before I booked the trip…”? Seriously, Google it. I know this doesn’t sound like too much fun, considering you’re on a honeymoon and may just want to play it by ear… but what we mean by this is, don’t just blindly begin booking activities, hotels, airfare, etc. Look into what kind of activities you think interest you in advance. Is this going to be an adventurous honeymoon, or more relaxed?

Some of the most popular attractions in Hawaii don’t require you to spend any extra cash to check it out. So if you are planning on hitting the beach and experiencing the sights, don’t sweat the cost! There are also countless hiking trails, including Waimea Canyon (aka the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’) on Kauai and plenty of waterfalls (such as Akaka Falls on the Big Island), which don’t require a fee to view. On Oahu, the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is free to visit too, if you’re looking for something a little more man-made.

3. Think Oahu.

Oahu is by far the cheapest island to visit in Hawaii. Most flights land here, which saves you the cost of an extra jump. Secondly, it’s the heart of tourism which makes finding a hotel within your budget, even easier.

2. Go during the off-season.

1. Grocery shop.

This, and a cooler, is kind of a no-brainer if you’re camping. Once you begin to get settled in Hawaii, make this one of your first priorities. There is a combination of chain grocery stores and smaller community markets that you can choose from and it will keep you from paying inflated prices for each meal.

Of course, you may still want to check out some of the local dining choices. If you don’t have the Urban Spoon App, then check out their website for a great list of cheap places to eat in Hawaii. Most Hawaiian food won’t put a large dent in your wallet. And honestly, if you’re staying in a highly populated area, you’re going to have the same restaurants to choose from as you would stateside.

Filed Under: Honeymoon Tips, Planning 101

Is an All-Inclusive Hawaii Honeymoon the Way to Go?

September 2, 2010 By Lakaeli

Coffee, anyone?

Planning your honeymoon can seem so daunting when you’re in the midst of planning your wedding. All-inclusive options are very appealing to visitors to Hawaii, particularly honeymooners as it’s so nice to kick back and not have to worry about a single thing, even where to get your next meal!

To get started in your planning, walk yourselves through these questions:

1) Do we want a truly all-inclusive honeymoon, meaning that every meal and activity is planned?

If you’ve taken other all-inclusive vacations before, such as to Mexico, be aware that there are no similar options for Hawaii, unfortunately. In Hawaii, travel agencies and companies put packages together offering couples and families “all-inclusive” options; they’re not cheaper, just easier for the tourists to purchase. One-stop shopping!

If this is the option you want, you need to recognize that this won’t be the cheapest option! Basically, it will cost the same as if you had found all the options and put them together yourself. To get started in your search, visit www.all-inclusive-hawaii.com where you can search by island. Most options include flight, hotel stay for about a week, rental car, meals and activities.

One of the most popular resorts in Hawaii is on the big island in the Kona district: Kona Village Resort. While they don’t include airfare in their packages, they do include meals and activities in one of the best vacation spots in the islands.

2) Are we looking for a package that includes just flight and hotel?

Now this is the more popular option that often does yield a less-expensive result than if you had booked your flight and hotel separately. Deals like this are easy to find! Sites like Pleasant Holidays, Apple Vacations and Expedia pack together those two most expensive costs, often with a rental car as an additional option. You can also call your local travel agent for current deals.

3) On which island do we want to spend our honeymoon?

If you’re looking for the least expensive Hawaii honeymoon with the most package deals, choose Oahu. Most flights, even for tourists headed to another island, land at the Honolulu airport. There are tons of resorts and hotels in the Waikiki and Honolulu area that have seen less tourists in recent years, so if you’re looking to save some money while still having a wonderful time, consider Oahu first. Just don’t forget to rent a car so you can see the rest of the island!

Other options include: The Big Island of Hawaii (lots of options in Hilo and Kona), Maui (very romantic!), Kauai (gorgeous and laid-back) and Molokai.

4) Do we want to go on a cruise to Hawaii?

If you’re thinking of “all-inclusive,” cruising may not be your best option. You’ll still have to buy your airfare separately if you have to fly to your departure port, plus any costs such as rental cars on the islands you visit. However, cruises are a great option if you’re looking for a luxurious experience that includes all meals, a room with a view or even a balcony, free room service, and lots more. Plus, cruises that sail to the islands offer excursions at each port of call for an extra fee.

Filed Under: Planning 101, Popular Articles, Travel Packages Tagged With: all-inclusive, Hawaii, honeymoon