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Your Hawaiian honeymoon is about to begin. Holding your beloved's hand, you sit back and close your eyes as the airplane lifts into the sky. In a few hours your honeymoon begins--for real--in Hawaii.
Perhaps it is tranquility you seek, wandering along trails or gardens amidst the fragrant smells of tropical flowers. Or perhaps it is exquisite food in a romantic restaurant that excites you.
With its warm weather and the beauty of its tropical scenery and pristine beaches, Hawaii is the most popular honeymoon destination in the United States. The four main islands are Oahu, the Big Island (Hawaii), Kauai and Maui.
For those who desire a more active time together in Hawaii, you can swim, snorkel, surf, sail or scuba dive. You can golf at some of the world's top golf courses. There are many tourist activities to be seen, including Polynesian cultural events, dinner cruises, helicopter
sightseeing tours and submarine rides. You can also sea kayak and mountain bike and hike through lush vegetation or volcanic hillsides.
The diversity of Hawaii is so great, that you could spend weeks on these islands and still not see all of its wonders. Knowing that your time will be limited, I have included a brief summary of each island along with two of the most highly rated honeymoon hotels or resorts on each island.
Oahu
Honolulu's Waikiki beach is perhaps the best-known beach in the U.S. Honolulu has many excellent restaurants, cultural and historic sites, fine hotels, nature trails and beaches. This is an exciting place if you want to be active during your stay.
Many people who visit Hawaii for the first time choose to arrive via Honolulu. By Hawaiian standards, Honolulu has reasonably priced accomodations and many opportunities for inexpensive flights or all-inclusive packages. Also, on Oahu's North Shore, some of the best surfing in the world can be found.
Two of the best honeymoon hotels on Oahu are in Honolulu.
The Halekulani, is a modern, airy hotel--a refuge, really. It has been operating since 1917, and is the only hotel in the state that has received a five-star rating from AAA. Outstanding service and excellent dining are the hallmark of the Halekulani.
The Hyatt Regency Waikiki across from Waikiki beach has excellent views of the beach, the surfers riding the waves, along with views of Diamond Head. You will be in the center of the action.
Big Island (Hawaii)
The Big Island has the most diverse ecology of all the islands. In the Waipio Valley, you can ride horseback, viewing huge waterfalls, thousand foot cliffs and black sand beaches. At Volcanoes National Park you can see the world's most active volcano, Kilauea.
The Kona coast (west side) is a seventy mile stretch of black lava-covered coastline, noted for its coffee and world-class deep sea fishing.
The summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii, offers stargazing opportunities unlike any other place in the world.
As for honeymoon hotels, here are two of the best:
The Kona Village Resort on the island's west side is a nearly perfect honeymoon destination. Located on the beachfront, this hotel offers thatched-roof bungalows. You can swim, snorkel, explore marine life, attend a traditional luau or get a massage, all within this resort. Travel and Leisure Magazine has rated this as one of the world's top 50 romantic getaways.
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Kohala offers many unique features. Palm trees
and flowing pools greet you as you enter the atrium around which the hotel is centered.
Oceanfront rooms have dazzling views. With its accomodating staff and many services, this resort is exquisite. It features two of the island's best golf courses. The South course, built on a lava flow, has spectacular views.
Maui
Maui has both world-class resorts and rental condominiums to choose from amidst natural wonders.
Here you will find Haleakala National Park, Maui's main natural attraction. Hawaiians recognize the mountain as a sacred site. Many people drive from sea level to the 10,000 foot summit of the crater to watch the sunrise.
Along with the natural beauty on the road to Hana, Maui boasts some of the best beaches on the islands. It also has several top-rated (PGA Tour) golf courses. Snorkeling and scuba adventures abound on the west and south shores of the island.
If your vision of the perfect Hawaii honeymoon is to get away from it all and still have many comforts and conveniences, Maui is the place for you.
Hotel Hana-Maui, on the east coast of the island, is noted for its seclusion and luxury service, so if you want to slow-down and relax, this hotel is sure to please you.
Hotel Hana-Maui is a long drive from Kahului airport over twisting roads. If you wish to forego this adventure, flying into Hana airport from Honolulu is your best bet.
The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea is an exquisite property with an open courtyard of reflecting ponds, fountains and gardens. Nearly all the rooms have ocean views and lanais where you can watch the sunset and see whales in winter.
You can have a massage in the privacy of your own cabana, listening to the waves rolling in on Wailea Beach. Also, surrounding the hotel are great restaurants and shopping, in addition to the beach.
Kauai
Kauai, the Garden Isle, is covered with flowers and tropical vegitation unlike anywhere else.
There is no nightlife on this island, simply the magic and beauty of tropical paradise with emerald valleys and golden beaches.
The natural beauty of the island can be found along the NaPali coast or in Waimea Canyon. Called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon, with its reddish lava beds bursts with ever-changing color throughout the year.
This island offers miles of trails through tropical forests and along ocean cliffs, and has many opportunities for watersports and outdoor adventures.
Priceville Hotel on the North Shore's NaPali coast is richly furnished in a casually elegant style. It sits on a cliff between the crystal-blue waters of Hanalei Bay and the volcanic mountains. Most rooms have ocean views. With access to Puu Poa Beach, spas, tennis, river and
ocean kayaking, you can do as much or as little as you like. Private dinners on the beach are available if you desire a romantic evening together, and money is not a concern.
The Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa is on the South Shore. The grounds are exotic, and the multiple pools are incredible, meandering through diverse vegetation and terrain. With a golf course, multiple spas and five restaurants, you will never have to leave this resort if you don't want to. Of course this all comes with a high price tag, but if you are looking for luxury on your Hawaiian honeymoon, this is the place.
I hope your honeymoon in Hawaii is all that you want it to be. Remember: "There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved." -George Sands
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