Hawaii

I can't imagine spending so much money on a resort, unless you really like being around people or need to be catered to at all times. I went to Oahu/Kauai on my honeymoon and I definitely preferred Kauai because it had less people and was generally more peaceful. You can find some really nice places for under $200, especially if you plan out in advance far enough.

We stayed at this place on Kauai: https://www.vrbo.com/77852?utm_camp...term=20160504&utm_source=SYS&utm_medium=email

It's kind of cool because the owner is the son of an influential local who helped create some of the beaches on Kauai and was involved in the community in other ways.

The pictures are horrible and don't do it justice, so I included some of my own. But we were literally 15 feet from the ocean and about 30 feet from a small beach that I only ever saw at most three people on (it was usually deserted). Sitting on the deck looking out at the ocean was incredibly peaceful and relaxing. At night we slept in the main room with the windows open and the ocean breeze coming in and it was perfect.

I'd definitely recommend going to a Luau that is advocated by the Blue book. I really didn't think I'd end up liking it but it was pretty enjoyable. The one I went to was: Luau Kalamaku™ - Hawaiian Package Part of my enjoyment may have been due to the alcohol, which was unlimited and actually pretty potent. The food, though, was surprisingly good, too (despite it not getting the best marks according to the Blue book). This one gets the best mark from the book for the actual show which was good.

My wife went on the heli ride and really enjoyed it (Jack Harter Charters on Kauai -- they offer a doorless version too).

Pictures of the place I stayed at:

Lanx said:

I don't think the blue book is up to date on food trucks, but yelp is, food trucks are banging (the good ones at least)

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The last Friday of every month, on a small pear next to Ala Moana Beach, they have a huge food festival. All of the gormet food trucks from the island get together and sell shit. They also have a theme to try and hit every month.
In June, the theme was Bacon. In July, it was Barbecue. This month, it's going to be Spicy. It's a nice way to experience all of the good food trucks out here.

Eat The Street Hawaii

My wife and I did a week on Kauai in December a few years back and it was great. Stayed at the Sheraton in Poipu and were happy enough with it though we were actually right by the beach.

We did a helicopter tour, catamaran to the Na Pali coast for snorkeling, bike ride down the road to Waimea Canyon, went to a rum tasting at Koloa, did a luau at the Grand Hyatt and checked out the Allerton botanical garden.

Catamaran was probably the best though the helicopter tour was cool too. Probably helped that we were sitting in the front so the views were less obstructed. Waimea Canyon is cool but the bike tour was a little lame since it doesn't involve much of the canyon other than driving to the top to look at it before you hop on the bikes to head back. The botanical garden was excellent with a ton of good photo ops. Definitely skip the luau unless you're into super touristy stuff.

Our biggest regret was not leaving a little more time open to do whatever, instead of having so many things booked. Would go back in a heart beat but would try to stay on the North shore since we never made it up there, look for a vacation rental or stay at the Grand Hyatt as that property was gorgeous. I'd also love to rent some road bikes. It's a beautiful place and we really can't wait to get back.

Yes. Tons of hiking and landscapes to take in, i really enjoyed driving around kauai, Maui, and big Island. The south east side of maui on the road to Hana was awesome.

Maui was really the only island that had the classic pristine beaches i envisioned all of Hawaii to be and I definitely didn't expect to be blown away by the mountains.

And ofc we did pearl Harbor on the way out which I really liked, that's a solid day.

Kauai and big Island definitely.

I would say definitely keep rental cars unlocked. However, people that live here lock their shit all the time. Every time you're walking through a parking lot and someone stops, you hear the distinctive "click" of the doors locking.