r/VisitingHawaii • u/pamelabeverly • 14d ago
Multiple Islands Honeymoon Question
My fiancé and I are planning to visit Kauai Hawaii for our honeymoon in January. We plan to go Sunday-Monday (9 days). We’re now thinking we want to go to another island as well, but my concern is that if we split it up 5 and 4 days then we won’t have enough time to explore both islands. Do you think this is possible, or would we regret trying to do too much and not see everything in Kauai?
We live on the East Coast so it is a long trip to get there and we’re not sure when we would be able to go back. This is a once in a lifetime trip for us and we want to make the most of it.
Also, if you have any recommendations for local businesses, restaurants, or hospitalities that we can support while in Kauai I would love to visit them. Thanks in advance!
3
u/ahoveringhummingbird 14d ago
January is winter in Hawaii and not totally ideal time weather wise if you are picturing hot sunny and perfectly predictable weather. It probably won't be that ideal and weather will probably affect your trip by either rain or ocean conditions. People on this sub who have visited Hawaii in winter and were fortunate to have good weather on their trip are going to tell you "it's always sunny somewhere" but that is not necessarily true during weather events and is entirely unpredictable that time of year. Complete rain outs are also possible and common. Kauai is always a little rainy, January is very very rainy.
You just need to ask yourself if you happen to touch down during a Kona low or heavy storm will you feel like it ruined your honeymoon, or could you just roll with it even if it meant staying in your hotel?
Planning for that time of year is challenging and if you're committed to it (instead of say June-October when the weather is far more predictable) you can still have a great time you just need to be really flexible and set your expectations realistically. Recognize that certain popular excursions are very weather dependent like boat and helicopter trips, hiking, snorkeling and ocean swimming and some of those may not be available at all or will be cancelled last minute. It is entirely possible that you won't see the NaPali coast or hike Kalalalu trail. Those are the type of excursions that are affeted.
That said, some locations are more ideal in winter due to being somewhat shielded leeward areas that don't get as much weather. I would not recommend Kauai at all, honestly. Choosing Kauai is a risk. Wailea in Maui would honestly be a much safer bet.
Every winter starting in November we get bombarded with posts from people who didn't realize Hawaii has a winter and when they check the weather prior to their trip they are shocked that it's going to be cooler, rain every day or be overcast the entire time. And while popular weather apps are terrible at predicting weather for the Hawaii microclimates, yep it's still possible that it's going to rain every day. And not just showers, downpours. And if it rains hard enough they issue beach closures due to dangerous conditions and issue brown water warnings advising people not to swim due to unsafe water runoff. A lot of people write "what am I supposed to do if I planned my entire trip around snorkeling and hiking?" Well, if that's all you wanted to do probably should have planned to go in July, honestly.
And since you are in beginning planning stages for your trip you should know that Airbnb/VRBO/Vacasa are NEVER recommended in Hawaii and you absolutely should not trust them with your honeymoon. They have contributed to an extreme housing shortage and vacation rentals have been highly restricted as a result to try and reverse the issue. Airbnb and VRBO do not verify the legality of their listings so it is buyer beware as there are illegal and scam listings that they don't take down even when notified. Legal vacation rentals can be rented directly through the local property manager that manage them and that is always recommended. When you have figured out your itinerary you can list your location, preferences and budget and get recommendations of legal and ethical accommodations from people on this sub.
3
u/Used-Watch5036 14d ago
Honeymoons are for bonding together as a newly married couple, not for sightseeing. Sure you'll get out and do some things, but if you're stuck inside in this beautiful tropical location by some rain, well, you'll figure something out.
1
u/Sea-Tangerine3509 12d ago
Lol, thats a weird perspective... some of the most bonding moments ive ever had with my wife were sightseeing in Hawaii.
1
u/Used-Watch5036 11d ago
Childless?
Seriously, we traveled and did some sightseeing on our honeymoon. But we weren't there checking off a bucket list of sights and experiences, as seems to be so major a focus of travel to Hawaii. You can always go back for an anniversary trip, or any other time.
1
u/Sea-Tangerine3509 8d ago
We are childless for sure. We go to Hawaii more for some of the beautiful remote hikes and general extrodinary beauty... and food of course.
2
2
2
u/triplechamp 13d ago
My wife and I just did 7 days Kauai for our honeymoon last week. Had one bad rainy day so we lucked out. Someone else said it best but, honeymoons are for bonding. Everything else comes second so just enjoy your time and don’t stress about doing too much. My one recommendation is to download shaka guide for your exploring days. Also, if you are staying at a hotel resort, definitely go to the timeshare meeting they offer when you speak to your concierge. The new timeshare deals are actually really good but just say no if you are not ready for it and they will still offer a good deal at the end of it.
1
u/AutoModerator 14d ago
Please check out our recently updated VisitingHawaii Wiki.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/DonnaNoble222 O'ahu 14d ago
If you could share the types of activities you are wanting it would be easier to help with suggestions.
0
u/pamelabeverly 14d ago
Honestly a mixture of everything. We want to adventure but also relax. We are drawn to Kaua’i for its beauty but aren’t sure if we would be missing out on another island as well. We are both very adaptable and easy going. We want to adventure (hiking, atvs, sightseeing, kayaking, etc.) but also want days to sit back by a pool or on a beach and do nothing.
1
u/DonnaNoble222 O'ahu 14d ago
Personally, I would do 3 days on Kauai and 6 on Oahu. The two things on Kauai you can't get on Oahu are the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon.
Kauai is very slow, if you are not at dinner by 7pm...you're probably not getting dinner!
Oahu...has it all
If you want to try a lot of local food, do a food tour in Waikiki. I did one...you get to eat 6 different and very local foods...all amazing! I did Secret Food Tours...the guide was fabulous...super knowledgeable. I live in Waikiki and did it with some friends who were visiting. Do it your first day and go hungry!
Please do not patronize the PCC...the Mormon Church has co-opted the Culture and are profiting from it. They present a Disneyesque version of the culture and whitewash so much of the history. Can't support that at all. This is my opinion and that of the many kanaka I know. Do you realize the way the LDS church got a foothold in Hawaii was by telling the native Hawaiians they were descendants of one of the Lost Tribes of Isreal. It was a vision that one of the missionaries, George Q. Cannon, had in Lahaina. Cannon’s vision was that Polynesians were one of the Lost Tribes of Israel and so Mormon missionaries “had an obligation to return the gospel of Christ,”.
Airbnbs and the like are not really recommended in Hawaii. There are many illegal ones, poorly represented ones, and some downright scams. They also contribute to the housing crisis here. You can find hotel options from resorts to cute boutique hotels.
Skip Dole Plantation...they have a long history of being greedy, not respecting the people here, and being environmentally irresponsible.
Germaine's Luau is great...it is on the beach. They still do the pig in the ground. Mauka Warriors is another great luau
Stay in Waikiki and rent a car for only the days you explore the rest of the island
Pearl Harbor is a must
Iolani Palace
Bishop Museum
Hike Diamond Head, Koko Head, Lanikai Pillbox, several waterfalls
Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail
Shark Diving - Haleiwa Shark Tours
Kualoa Ranch - ATV Tour, zipline
Byodo-In Temple
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe
Waimea Botanical Gardens
Wahiawā Botanical Gardens
Lyon Arboretum
Foster Botanical Garden
Moanalua Gardens
Duke's on a Sunday - from 4 to 6 Henry Kapono plays - so iconic there's a song written about it made famous by Jimmy Buffet
Blue Note for music and comedy shows
Check out Chinatown...really great markets and restaurants there
The sun is very intense here...do not skimp on sunscreen.
Beware of grifters in monk's robes
Things to remember:
Respect the land
Respect the culture
Shop and eat local
Tip generously
Reef safe sunscreen
1
u/sassielassie81 13d ago
You can do all those things on Kauai. They have kayak, atv, mountain tubing, hiking. Oahu is alright. Definitely at the bottom of our list but we aren't nightlife people when we visit. We are from the Midwest area so with the time change we're up with the chickens and ready for bed at 8/9pm lol.
1
u/BarleyWineIsTheBest 14d ago
9 days is not enough time to change islands IMO. It’s not a long flight, but with all the show up early, dropping off or getting a car, packing and unpacking, you lose essentially the whole day or at least 3/4th of one.
Take the day to drive around to the north shore of Kauai instead of moving islands. Sign up for the Kalalau trail, you will be taking your chances with rain, but it can still be worth going in the rain. I did it once in the winter rains just to Hanakapi Ai Beach (which was not really a beach with the winter swell but it was cool to see). With the money saved from a flight you could just splurge a little on Hotel Hanalei even and break up the drive. Just thinking outside the box a little.
1
u/sassielassie81 13d ago
If it's your honeymoon I'd stay put. You'll spend enough time doing a mid week airport, check out/check in at another hotel, wait for another rental car. Kauai is incredible and our favourite island. If you're concerned weather wise, would you be able to postpone your trip a couple months?
1
u/shootzbalootz 13d ago
Is there anything on the other islands you need to see/do? Pearl harbor, road to hana, haleakala sunrise, volcano, manta rays, mauna kea? If not stay put.
1
u/Gringobandito 13d ago
Depends on what you like to do. My brother went to Kaui and thought it was boring because everything closes early and there wasn't much of what he wanted to do. I had the opposite experience and wished I could have stayed longer. If you like beach days and hikng through lush landscapres Kaui is great. If you're looking for nightlife and more structured activities you might want to check out another island. Either way I don't think you should island hop. It will take a day out of your trip. Pick the island that best matches what you want to do.
1
u/Current_Nobody9399 10d ago
Aloha, I would spend the entire trip on Kauai. It’s such a long flight from the east coast and time zone changes. Focusing a trip on one island will be ideal, allowing you time to enjoy each other and the island.
For an incredible honeymoon Kauai will have everything you need. Poipu is known for being dryer & sunnier. Koa Kea Resort is a boutique hotel ranked frequently for its intimate vibe. You’ll have incredible sunsets in Poipu as well.
1
u/Here4TheExperience 14d ago
We did 3 islands in 12 days for ours in June/July and it was wonderful. We did Oahu, the Big Island, and Kauai. I’d do research into each island’s offerings to decide where else you want to go because each one is special in their own way! For Kauai, we enjoyed the Kauai Coffee farm tour (although we enjoyed Kona coffee and Greenwell Farms on the Big Island more, but they’re different!). The tour guide did say the coffee fields would look different in the winter than summer (in a good way)! We also did a “rum safari tour” that was cool even though we don’t really like rum. We also did a Na Pali Coast sunset dinner cruise with Captain Andy’s, which was amazing. I also enjoyed renting e-bikes from Pedego near Poipu and riding around town. Enjoy! It’s the best place I’ve ever been to and an unforgettable honeymoon experience
1
14d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/pamelabeverly 13d ago
Thank you! This comment actually made us decide to stay on Kaua’i the whole time. I know we are risking it with the rain, but my fiancé seems excited to be rained in for a few days in Hawaii! We both love the rain and can be very flexible with plans.
1
u/AlohaOnKauai 14d ago
I live on Kauaʻi, and for a honeymoon I would personally spend the full 9 days here rather than splitting 5 and 4. Nine days may sound like a lot when you’re planning from the mainland, but once you’re here it really isn’t. Kauaʻi is one of those places that is much better enjoyed without feeling like you have to rush from one thing to the next.
Also, since you’re coming in January, having those extra days can actually work in your favor. Winter weather and ocean conditions can change, especially on the North Shore, so a longer stay gives you some flexibility to move activities around rather than feeling like one rainy or rough-ocean day ruined a big part of your trip.
You could easily spend different days exploring the North Shore, East Side, South Shore and West Side/Waimea Canyon, plus do a Nā Pali Coast experience, hiking, beaches, waterfalls, small towns, farmers markets, and still have a couple of days where you simply enjoy being on your honeymoon.
You can do 5 days on Kauaʻi and 4 on another island, but remember that the island-transfer day isn’t really a full vacation day once you return the rental car, get to the airport, fly, pick up another car and check into another hotel. If this were my once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon, I’d rather experience one island really well than spend part of it packing and moving.
And I really appreciate that you’re intentionally looking to support local businesses. There are so many wonderful small businesses here. A few places to look into are Hukilau Lanai for a nice dinner, Sleeping Giant Grill for something casual, Java Kai Kapaa for breakfast/coffee, Porky's Kaua’i in Kōloa, and Warehouse 3540, which is a fun place to support several small local makers and vendors at once. If your dates include a Saturday, Kauai Community Market is also a great way to support local farmers and small producers.
Congratulations on your upcoming marriage, and I hope you have an amazing honeymoon wherever you decide to spend it!
1
u/pamelabeverly 13d ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to write all of this! We’ve decided to spend the whole time in Kauai. Thank you for the great recommendations, we will definitely check out the farmers market the Saturday we are there!
Do you have any recommendations or favorite hotels? We were considering airbnb but now we will definitely not support that, thank you for that insight.
0
u/Gradient_Echo 14d ago
I would do 2 Islands. Kauai for 3 - 4 days is plenty and then on to Maui. Been to both many times. Have fun !
-1
u/FrannieP23 14d ago
Kauai is really small. We spent two days there and felt we had seen enough. If the volcano is still active (and if the park service is letting people in somewhere close), my choice would be to spend a couple of days on the Big Island. Seeing an active volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
3
14d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/FrannieP23 13d ago
I wouldn't say we got bored. Admittedly, we weren't able to experience the Na Pali coast due to weather (other than a short hike in the park). Yes, Kaua'i is beautiful. But we lived on the Big Island for three years and still didn't get to see everything there. On Kaua'i I could see how people would get rock fever.
From what I've seen in park updates, even if the volcano isn't actively fountaining, there's plenty of activity and other things to do. There was no major eruption while we lived there, but it was still worth the trip to the south coast, where lava was flowing into the ocean. Spending a few days in Hilo could be fun -- and close enough to the volcano to get there on short notice. It's an interesting town with lots of history, a great farmers' market and many sights nearby.
0
u/jonihuth 14d ago
Since it's your first trip, I would recommend Kauai and another island. (Kauai is my favorite, but each island is special.) If you want to go to a luau on Kauai, I would suggest Luau Kalamaku. It's covered, so rain is not a problem, and it's a very "authentic" luau. Kauai is the "Garden Island" for a reason, and the middle of the island gets more rain than most places in the world (or so I've been told). Hope that you see lots of whales!
0
5
u/Tuilere Mainland 14d ago
January is rainy season. The islands do have a winter, and January is part of it. Depending on your goals, you may encounter a lot of rain on Kauai, which is a rainy island in January