Real Honeymoon: Maui, Big Island, and Oahu

Married in October, 2010, Naomi and Jamie, from Montreal, were smart in wanting to avoid the cold for their honeymoon.  So they up and left for much warmer waters in Hawai'i in December.  With the spirit of adventure in them, they wanted to make sure they were surrounded by nature and have plenty of access for hiking.  So for their honeymoon, they did an island hop and visited Maui, Big Island, and Oahu.

A-Bay

Some of their goals for their honeymoon were to have a good combination of sightseeing and relaxing so they were able to hike, see the North Shore villages, visit the rainforest, snorkel and more.

Akaka Falls

Hotel Hana Coastline

The three factors that were most important for them for their honeymoon were that it had to be fun, relaxing and breathtaking.

North Shore Oahu

Naomi and Jamie were kind enough to share some of their favorite memories from their honeymoon.

• Favourite hotel: Hotel Hana Maui
• Favourite hotel room view: JW Marriott Ihilani (Ko Olina, Oahu)
• Favourite beach: Mokule'ia Beach (Oahu)...also best spot to realize you're standing on the crash site of Jack, Kate, Sawyer, and co.
• Favourite turtle sightings: Black Sand Beach (Big Island) & A-Bay (Big Island)
• Favourite place to get stuck in a flash flood: Tiny mountainside road to Kahakuloa Village
• Favourite candy: Chocolate Donkey Balls (Big Island) and coconut M&Ms
  
• Favourite ice cream: Dole Pineapple Plantation (Oahu)
  
• Favourite spot to watch the sunset: Marina in Lahaina (Maui)
• Favourite breakfast: French toast with coconut syrup
• Favourite lava tube: Volcano National Park (Big Island)
• Favourite free facial: Steam vents at Volcano National Park (Big Island)
• Favourite interactive natural phenomenon: Sleeper (magic) grass
  
• Favourite rainbow-coloured tree bark: Hana Highway (Maui)
• Favourite restaurant: Mama's Fish House (Maui)
• Favourite place to swim face to face with a turtle: Hanauma Bay (Oahu)
• Favourite TV station: Maui Visitor Channel 7
• Favourite place to watch surfers: Sunset Beach at Sunset (North Shore, Oahu)
• Favourite dessert: Chocolate-haupia pie at Ted's Bakery (North Shore, Oahu)
• Favourite place to watch a barefooted, sprinting torch-lighter: Buddha point at Hilton Waikoloa (Big Island)

Real Honeymoon: Big Island and Kauai

Christie and David recently celebrated their honeymoon in Hawaii.  They visited the Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai and had an incredible time.  I hope you enjoy reading about their honeymoon!

1. How did you decide on these destinations?

We knew we wanted to stay closer to home for a short flight and wanted to know what we were getting. We chose Hawaii because we got to stay in the USA, use our own currency, and expect great meals and service. It’s just easy and although it may be more expensive than other destinations the peace of mind is totally worth it. Driving, shopping, eating; everything is just so easy and carefree!

2. Did you like where you stayed?

We loved the properties we stayed in. The Fairmont Orchid is a great location and teeming with Sea Turtles every day! The service and food were fabulous! The ocean view doesn’t hurt either. It is a bit further away from town so that is something to consider. The room was great and we were upgraded!

The St. Regis in Kauai is like nothing else in the world! The view of Hanalei Bay is magnificent and so romantic. We were also upgraded at this property and the service is top notch. They really know how to make honeymooners feel special. We also both celebrated birthdays at the St. Regis! Such a treat. So luxurious and well thought out by the designers. The pool and beach are also phenomenal!

3. What did you think about the destinations?

The big island really is huge! We loved driving around and seeing all the different landscapes and climate. Great for adventure but also for relaxing. We got a good taste and saw the amazing sights of the volcanoes and jungles.

Kauai really is the best Hawaiian Island for romance. It is so lush and dreamy. Everywhere you turn it is beauty everywhere. From the hiking to snorkeling to beaches, it was amazing!

4. Did you receive any special honeymoon amenities or upgrades?

Oh yes! Champagne in our rooms, special dinner reservations and higher room categories than reserved. Ocean View at Fairmont and top floor Ocean View at St. Regis.

5. What was your favorite part of your honeymoon?

Sitting in a lounge chair with a tropical cocktail watching the sunset on the beach was probably my favorite part! But then again the Helicopter ride in Kauai was once in a lifetime! We also had a blast paddle boarding on Hanalei Bay, and hiking the Napali Coast. So hard to choose!

6. Do you have any suggestions for other couples going on a similar honeymoon?

Definitely splurge! It is so worth it. You want to feel pampered and special on your honeymoon! You only get one! We love the ocean side couples massage on the Big Island and the Gourmet meals. We stayed in beautiful properties and the time of the year was perfect. No Rain, No loud families and No crowds! Can’t beat that! We also got a convertible car which was a blast!

7. What 3 words would you use to describe your honeymoon?

Romantic, Bliss, Adventure! 

Interested in having Ever After Honeymoons plan your honeymoon?  Contact us for a quote request!

Real Honeymoon: Hawaii Cruise

Ok so this trip wasn't a honeymoon, but it was definitely a special vacation because Francesco and Natalie got engaged on their first night in Hawaii!  They spent 2 nights in Waikiki and then took a 7 night cruise around the Hawaiian Islands that stopped in Maui, Hilo, Kona and Kauai.  Read on to hear about their amazing trip!

The trip was planned to celebrate Francesco's graduation, but they had much more to celebrate!  Francesco proposed at sunset on Waikiki beach.  And of course Natalie said yes!!!  Great way to start off an amazing vacation!

Francesco and Natalie wanted a combination of relaxation and activities, and by doing the cruise they were able to have both and see most of the Hawaiian Islands.

They started with 2 nights at the Moana Surfrider Hotel right in the middle of Waikiki beach which they loved.  This was the first hotel in Waikiki, and they loved the historical significance and great character the hotel has.

Next was the cruise.  The cabin was a little small, but they loved the ship, and especially the locations of where the ship docked.  They also loved the variety of restaurants to choose from on the ship.

They also loved Hawaii!  As Natalie said, "How could you not love Hawaii?!  It was fantastic.  The cruise is such a great way to see all the islands.  We probably never would have made a trip to the Big Island and it ended up being on of our favorites!  Every island is very different so we were able to get some variety, which is not always possible at a beach destination.  We were able to see an active volcano, a ton of gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets, lots of fish, and beautiful mountains all in the same trip."

As for advice for other couples going on a Hawaiian Cruise, Natalie said, "I would also suggest renting cars on the islands.  We were able to see so much of the islands by driving ourselves.  All the rental car companies have shuttles and it was very convenient."  

"Also, it is important to realize that, even though food is included, you will probably still spend a lot on board.  I expected to spend a lot, but the bill was still a little bit of a shock at the end."

Natalie and Francesco described their trip as "amazing, romantic and memorable".

If you are interested in taking a similar vacation please contact Ever After Honeymoons.  I can't guarantee a proposal though!