Honeymoon Destinations: Hawaii, Part I

One of the best honeymoon destinations hands down is Hawaii. There are six Hawaiian islands from which to choose: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island. The largest of the islands-Hawaii Island is so diverse that it has 11 of the world’s 13 climatic zones. I have been fortunate to visit Hawaii several times and I have some honeymoon ideas about the islands that I will share with you.

Many couples dream of a honeymoon in Hawaii. It is a place of unspoiled splendor and beauty. I have stayed on the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Oahu.

KAUAI: Poipu & the North Shore

My first Hawaiian vacation was to the isle of Kauai, referred to as the Garden Isle. It is definitely one of the top honeymoon spots for newlyweds. On the south, sunny side of Kauai you’ll find Poipu. This area is a favorite for sunbathers and snorkelers. You can catch a great sunset in Poipu. There are many hotels, condos, and bed & breakfasts located there.

On the other side of Kauai is its lush North Shore with its infamous Napali coastline. Beyond a doubt this is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The area abounds with lush vegetation, verdant valleys, soaring mountains, and of course, the beautiful ocean. I sat on the beach mesmerized by the beauty of Bali Hi.

Kauai is one of the top honeymoon destinations. This is a photo of the famous Napali coast on the North Shore.

It is known to rain a lot in the North Shore, but my experience did not bear that out. On my first and second trip I experienced sunny days. On the third trip I experienced only some cloudy days and rain — not so much that it ruined the trip. But be forewarned that it is more likely to rain in the North Shore of Kauai than in the southern portion of the island.

There is one main road on the island of Kauai and I don’t recommend traveling back and forth between the southern and northern sides of the island. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to drive between Poipu and the North Shore. Ideally, if you can split your honeymoon stay between the North Shore and South Shore that is the best way to explore the island.

There are about a zillion things to do on Kauai. There are beautiful golf courses, lots of beautiful hiking trails, helicopter rides ( a must do activity!), snorkeling, surfing, horseback riding, whale watching (December-May), ziplining, shopping, and of course lazing on the beach. Following are some popular attractions with links.

The Kilauea Lighthouse on the Island of Kaui, Hawaii.

• The Fern Grotto is one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions. This natural lava-rock grotto with waterfall is surrounded by hanging ferns and tropical foliage. It is located on the east side of the island. If you are planning a destination wedding the Fern Grotto is a favorite for wedding ceremonies. You can check out weddings in Hawaii here.

The Fern Grotto in Kauai is a perfect setting for a destination wedding.

• Learn about Hawaiian culture at the Kauai Museum.

• The Kilauea Lighthouse is located at the northern tip of Kauai. It affords a spectacular view of the rugged coastline and ocean, and is a top spot for photographs. The Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary for seabirds, is located here.

• Spouting Horn is located on the South Shore. One of the most photographed spots in Kauai, the rushing ocean water barrels through a natural lave tube and releases a huge spout of water. It also has the distinction of being a great place to watch the sunset.

•  Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”. It is located on the west side of the island.

I have found some of the best honeymoon packages are available from Pleasant Holidays. I have booked many vacations through AAA and have been very pleased with their rates and packages.

If you are considering a Hawaii honeymoon a good place to start is Hawaii’s official tourism site. You can visit it by clicking here. Check back for further posts on these island paradises.