OK- so we narrowed it down to Hawaii or Aruba

HI Girls!
Please give me all your info on Hawaii such as where to stay,m which islands to go to. Because I am a teacher and I am taking off during the school year, we are only able to go for 9-10 nights. I think that should be ok for Hawaii. Please let me know all your thoughts and ideas.

Jodi

For 9-10 nights, don't try to do more than 2 islands. For my honeymoon I went to Oahu, Kauai, and Maui so I'd be happy to share info on those if you have specific questions. The Big Island is supposed to be great if you are outdoorsy/adventurous and willing to hike for great scenary. My husband and I were too lazy for that!

If you are deciding between Hawaii and Aruba, I would guess that Hawaii will probably cost more. Whats your budget like? In Hawaii, most of the better hotels start at $350+ per night.

Definitely check out that great Hawaii thread.

I went for 10 nights and only did 2 islands and I agree that is best -stick to 2 islands. I did Maui and Kauai. The only thing about my Hawaiian honeymoon I would have changed is I would have done at least 4 or 5 of those 10 nights in Kauai rather than 3. Kauai is incredibly gorgeous and relaxing. I posted a lot of info back in Nov and thru all Hawaii posts but feel free to FM me if you need more info!!!

I was told to stay on Maui and the big island. Which is the very commercialized island?
My friend just came back and stayed at the Mandarian and Ritz Carlton and said they were both great.

I am also thinking of only two islands becuase I hate flying as is so the fewer times I have to get on a plane, the better.

Our budget is pretty felixble, since this is our honeymoon and probably the only time we will go to Hawaii!

Niecey,

Thanks so much for the info. You also FM me about your travel agent who I plan on calling.

Where did you stay?

Oahu is the most commercialized, and was surprisingly our favorite. That is primarily because the hotel we stayed at (Halekulani) absolutely blew us away (and put the Four Seasons to shame in terms of service). Oahu had gorgeous beaches, and lots of things to do -- Pearl Harbor, and adorable aquarium, short hikes to waterfalls...

I've had two friends go to the Big Island -- one loved it (her and her husband took middle of the night LONG hikes to see active lava flows) and the other hated it (they didn't want to hike, and the island isn't as lush/tropical which is what they envisioned). In the end, I think your personality will determine what islands will be best.

I stayed at the grand Wailea in Maui and the Hyatt in Kauai - both gorgeous and I highly recommend them.

I debated between the Big Island and Kauai. I heard great things about both but I hear more great stuff about Kauai. My friend said she got bored of the Big Island - she said once you see one black sand beach you see them all. Kauai is a perfect honeymoon island.

Maui is definitely more commercial. I recommend staying in the Wailea section - lots of resort and very pretty.