Week 10 Distraction: Honeymoon
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We are doing a week at Sandals Whitehouse in Jamacia. I have been lucky enough to have traveled all over in my life (26 countries) and he has not so I let him pick. and luckily he picked somewhere I have never been, which my only stipulations I wanted were for it to be tropical, somewhere I have never been and also all inclusive so that I dont fret about the money we spend on food!0
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Elizabeth- Cocktails would be fun! Your honeymoon/wedding sounds absolutely amazing. That is a trip of a lifetime!
Indeed! We're planning to start our family right away, so we're getting the first 5 years of vacations knocked out first and then 3 back to back babies (if my body works ok, we may try for 4). LOL
PS- SERIOUSLY let me know when you're in DC... korenesq@gmail.com0 -
We're thinking Hawaii....probably two islands...but unsure of all of the rest. Has anyone ever been? Any recommendations?
Elizabeth, your Caribbean plans sound AMAZING!0 -
We're thinking Hawaii....probably two islands...but unsure of all of the rest. Has anyone ever been? Any recommendations?
Elizabeth, your Caribbean plans sound AMAZING!
Ive been to Hawaii 3x! Getting married on Oahu in November and Honeymooning on Maui! 17 days in paradise! I can let you know alot, just PM me!0 -
Gonna go down to DC too because I absolutely love that city!
Let me know when you're coming and we'll take you out for cocktails!!!
Include me too!!!!!0 -
Cookiemahnster:
Saw your post on an Alaskan cruise as a honeymoon idea. I used to work at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska which is a popular cruise destination. The boat doesn't actually dock there because there's not a dock big enough for the giant cruise ships. BUT the park rangers actually go out in these little motor boats up to the cruise ships and climb giant rope ladders up the edge of the ships so they can give presentations to the cruisers. If you want any pictures of that park I can send some over. It's great though if you go at the right time you can see humpbacks, killer whales, and sometimes you can even see moose and bear from the boats. There's also quite a few sea otters, sea lions, and seals.0 -
Forgot to mention my honeymoon details.
So excited we just booked a week on Big Island of Hawaii. I wanted that island in particular since I used to work for the National Park Service I want to see Big Volcano National Park so badly. Kevin and I also are trying to see all 50 states before we have kids (we are over halfway done now) and since he's visited me in Alaska before we'll have the 2 hard ones out of the way.0 -
Gonna go down to DC too because I absolutely love that city!
Let me know when you're coming and we'll take you out for cocktails!!!
Include me too!!!!!
DONE! Let me know when you want to play!0 -
Forgot to mention my honeymoon details.
So excited we just booked a week on Big Island of Hawaii. I wanted that island in particular since I used to work for the National Park Service I want to see Big Volcano National Park so badly. Kevin and I also are trying to see all 50 states before we have kids (we are over halfway done now) and since he's visited me in Alaska before we'll have the 2 hard ones out of the way.
Didn't know you were a parkie!!! I worked USFWS for a while in Honolulu and on some of the Marine National Monuments. Let me know if you're thinking about diving Kona. Have some GREAT memories
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We're thinking Hawaii....probably two islands...but unsure of all of the rest. Has anyone ever been? Any recommendations?
Elizabeth, your Caribbean plans sound AMAZING!
Ditto to everyone who has already volunteered. I worked on Oahu and spent lots of time in Maui/Big Island/Kauai! I have an email somewhere about Maui that I prepped for one of the lawyers at work. He used a bunch of it and had a blast. If I forget to post, remind me!0 -
We probably will. Kevin scuba dives but I've never done it before. He has actually never done any in warm water so he's really excited. We went to school in the upper peninsula so he always went in Lake Superior with 45 degree water... I don't even know what to ask but will see if he has any questions for you!0
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As promised, the info on Maui that I provided to a work friend a few months ago...
Most of the things I suggest here I discovered through my dad’s suggestions when I was stationed in Hawaii in 2009. I visited Maui several times during that year and was never disappointed. I hope you and your fiancé have a wonderful time!
The Main Events
These are the typical things in the tour books that you should not skip along with some caveats and recommendations that will be helpful.
Haleakala http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm
You’ll want to do this one for sunrise although I also went up to watch the stars one night. Be sure to give yourself enough time going up the mountain. It WILL take the recommended amount of time (I think it was a couple hours, but check using your phone’s GPS feature) because 1) it’s windy and 2) there are lots of cows in the road. Use your brights when you’re not blinding other drivers and plan to take it slow. The main parking lot and prime viewing locations will be packed, so get there early. Also, bring blankets and coats as it will be VERY VERY VERY cold. Some other great suggestions are here (http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_7.htm). Please, please read through them. My first time, I had all of this advice and ignored it and was late and cold. IF you do this one right, it is AMAZING (my second time…) IF you’re not to exhausted from your early trek, consider ziplining in the area http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_10.htm. IF you’d rather hike than sail through the air, I recommend http://www.hikemaui.com/.
Road to Hana http://www.frommers.com/destinations/maui/0015020319.html
I have not done this one and would not do it if I went back to Maui (it would be my 4th visit). I put it on the list because you asked me about it. IF you do decide to go, go early and prepare to spend the entire day. It says 3-4 hours each way and it WILL TAKE 3-4 hours each way because 1) the road is windy and 2) you will get stuck behind slow drivers. My dad said, “Hana trip made me tired.” The drive can be stressful and draining. That said, all three of us WOULD recommend some of the things that are just off the road to Hana at the early part of the road:
• Dad’s recommendation: Hookipa Beach http://www.co.maui.hi.us/facilities.aspx?pagenum=33&RID=169&Page=detail
Dad says, “The Hana Hwy road to Hookipa Beach is great.” (I agree. I took his recommendation and was not disappointed. If you park in the top parking lot, you can watch the crazy surfers from there. Also, there is a little path at the back of the parking area and you can walk down onto the rocks for pictures. Some of my favorite pics of myself and my travelling companions were taken there).
• Mom’s recommendation: Twin Falls http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/twin-falls-tips/
Mom says, “Not Even a Quarter of the Way to Hana, on the Right off the Road Is a Path That Takes You to I think it’s Called Twin Falls or Rainbow Falls Something Falls, and You Always See Cars parked on the road and there's a little store there I don't even think it's a building it's more like a lean to store but that was really beautiful it's a long long walk but it was really worth it.” (I agree. I also took this recommendation and did not regret it.)
• My recommendation: Skip the Road to Hana and make a day out of these recommendations plus my suggestions of Paia http://www.paiamaui.com/ and Mama’s Fish House http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/ (NOM!)
Essentially, you want to end with Mama’s Fish House with a sunset dinner, so plan the rest of your day accordingly. For example, you could grab an early breakfast at your hotel and pick up some stuff for a picnic on your way up to Hookipa. Watch the surfers there for a short while and walk down the path for some pics. Then, continue to the waterfall off the Road to Hana (Twin Falls). Hike it and eat your picnic lunch or buy some stuff from the vendors at Twin Falls. For afternoon relaxation, you could go back to Hookipa to take a nap on the beach in the sun or take an afternoon stroll through Paia. There is a great dress shop off the main drag that your fiancé might like. About an hour before sunset, head over to Mama’s Fish House (make a reservation in advance for a table with an ocean view). If you have a cocktail and appetizer first, your dinner should arrive around sunset. Remember some small cash for the valet parking too.
Io Valley Walk http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/index.cfm?park_id=36 and http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions-neighborhoods/central-maui/iao-valley-state-park)
Dad recommended this one – it’s a good combination of history and nature. Dad says, “When the big king landed at Kihe, he planned to conquer the island because they were being bad, and there were a lot of skirmishes there between the warring tribes and the last stand was in the Valley.” When I went to visit, we did this one and it didn’t take too long. Well worth it for the lovely pictures of me with the lush foliage.
Other things we all love
These aren’t necessarily in the guide books, but are things that we all really enjoy on Maui
Maui ProDivers http://prodivermaui.com/maui_dive_sites.html
BEST dive shop I have ever gone out with. Ever. Do Molikini Crater and Red Hill. If you snorkel, still do Molikini
Great snorkel sites (from Mom and Dad)
“North shore up around Kapalua is amazing very rural after the Ritz Carlton.”
“Good snorkeling at Honolua bay. Big dangerous blow hole up there. Idiots fall in and are gone forever.” Be careful if you go there Dad said that the beaches there are very steep, so take your time.
“Snorkeling at the end of the road at Makena is great. It was called ten fish bowl? Flipper and friends are there. Lots of turtles! Wear good shoes, sharp lava. Not good for flip flops.”
Celtic Tigers (Sunday nights)
Don’t let the name fool you, the Celtic Tigers are direct from Ireland and are fantastic. I own 2 CDs and go to see them every time I visit. They play Sunday evening at Mulligans on the Blue (make a reservation to ensure prime seating and no wait) http://www.mulligansontheblue.com/
Magic Show in Lahina http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/
Dad said that this may be a little corny, but it is REALLY nice. You can do drinks and appetizers or dinner with the show. You’ll need reservations for this one too, but don’t let that discourage you from trying to go last minute. You can also make a day of Lahina. Very nice little town by the water. Lots of shops, etc. IF you like history and you’re in Lahina, you can also try this http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_12.htm.
Wailea Coast Walk http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/hawaii_today/2009/12/28/taking_stroll_Wailea_Coastal_Walk_Maui
This is along the resorts and is gorgeous. It’s the nicest beach in Maui. I’m not sure where you’re staying, but if this is not near your hotel, consider doing the walk before heading over to watch the Celtic Tigers on Sunday. Get cocktails at the Renaissance at sunset. Great appetizers too.
Paddleboarding Lessons in Ka’anepali http://www.hawaiifun.org/Island+Style+Adventure+Surf+School.shtml
Dad’s recommendation is to get lessons north of Lahina and then go paddleboarding Ka’anepali. This is the second best beach on the island. Dad said this is his favorite to sleep and sunbathe on.
Watch the Humpback Whales http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_9.htm
“Maui's south and west coastlines provide abundant opportunities for watching this endangered species - one of the few places in the world where you can watch the whales from shore. Among the shoreline sites offering vantage points are Pu'u Ola‘i at Makena; the hotels of Wailea, Ka'‘anapali and Kapalua; the Papawai Lookout on the road to Lahaina, near Ma'alaea Harbor; and the waterfront restaurants in Lahaina.”
Anyhow, let me know if you (or your fiancé) have any questions before you head out. Oh- and buy the Maui Burn to Brown Aloe when you visit Lahina http://www.mauithings.com/maui-island-secret-burn-to-brown-formula.html. I haven’t been able to find it anywhere else and am almost out (again).0 -
As promised, the info on Maui that I provided to a work friend a few months ago...
Most of the things I suggest here I discovered through my dad’s suggestions when I was stationed in Hawaii in 2009. I visited Maui several times during that year and was never disappointed. I hope you and your fiancé have a wonderful time!
The Main Events
These are the typical things in the tour books that you should not skip along with some caveats and recommendations that will be helpful.
Haleakala http://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm
You’ll want to do this one for sunrise although I also went up to watch the stars one night. Be sure to give yourself enough time going up the mountain. It WILL take the recommended amount of time (I think it was a couple hours, but check using your phone’s GPS feature) because 1) it’s windy and 2) there are lots of cows in the road. Use your brights when you’re not blinding other drivers and plan to take it slow. The main parking lot and prime viewing locations will be packed, so get there early. Also, bring blankets and coats as it will be VERY VERY VERY cold. Some other great suggestions are here (http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_7.htm). Please, please read through them. My first time, I had all of this advice and ignored it and was late and cold. IF you do this one right, it is AMAZING (my second time…) IF you’re not to exhausted from your early trek, consider ziplining in the area http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_10.htm. IF you’d rather hike than sail through the air, I recommend http://www.hikemaui.com/.
Road to Hana http://www.frommers.com/destinations/maui/0015020319.html
I have not done this one and would not do it if I went back to Maui (it would be my 4th visit). I put it on the list because you asked me about it. IF you do decide to go, go early and prepare to spend the entire day. It says 3-4 hours each way and it WILL TAKE 3-4 hours each way because 1) the road is windy and 2) you will get stuck behind slow drivers. My dad said, “Hana trip made me tired.” The drive can be stressful and draining. That said, all three of us WOULD recommend some of the things that are just off the road to Hana at the early part of the road:
• Dad’s recommendation: Hookipa Beach http://www.co.maui.hi.us/facilities.aspx?pagenum=33&RID=169&Page=detail
Dad says, “The Hana Hwy road to Hookipa Beach is great.” (I agree. I took his recommendation and was not disappointed. If you park in the top parking lot, you can watch the crazy surfers from there. Also, there is a little path at the back of the parking area and you can walk down onto the rocks for pictures. Some of my favorite pics of myself and my travelling companions were taken there).
• Mom’s recommendation: Twin Falls http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/twin-falls-tips/
Mom says, “Not Even a Quarter of the Way to Hana, on the Right off the Road Is a Path That Takes You to I think it’s Called Twin Falls or Rainbow Falls Something Falls, and You Always See Cars parked on the road and there's a little store there I don't even think it's a building it's more like a lean to store but that was really beautiful it's a long long walk but it was really worth it.” (I agree. I also took this recommendation and did not regret it.)
• My recommendation: Skip the Road to Hana and make a day out of these recommendations plus my suggestions of Paia http://www.paiamaui.com/ and Mama’s Fish House http://www.mamasfishhouse.com/ (NOM!)
Essentially, you want to end with Mama’s Fish House with a sunset dinner, so plan the rest of your day accordingly. For example, you could grab an early breakfast at your hotel and pick up some stuff for a picnic on your way up to Hookipa. Watch the surfers there for a short while and walk down the path for some pics. Then, continue to the waterfall off the Road to Hana (Twin Falls). Hike it and eat your picnic lunch or buy some stuff from the vendors at Twin Falls. For afternoon relaxation, you could go back to Hookipa to take a nap on the beach in the sun or take an afternoon stroll through Paia. There is a great dress shop off the main drag that your fiancé might like. About an hour before sunset, head over to Mama’s Fish House (make a reservation in advance for a table with an ocean view). If you have a cocktail and appetizer first, your dinner should arrive around sunset. Remember some small cash for the valet parking too.
Io Valley Walk http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/index.cfm?park_id=36 and http://www.gohawaii.com/maui/regions-neighborhoods/central-maui/iao-valley-state-park)
Dad recommended this one – it’s a good combination of history and nature. Dad says, “When the big king landed at Kihe, he planned to conquer the island because they were being bad, and there were a lot of skirmishes there between the warring tribes and the last stand was in the Valley.” When I went to visit, we did this one and it didn’t take too long. Well worth it for the lovely pictures of me with the lush foliage.
Other things we all love
These aren’t necessarily in the guide books, but are things that we all really enjoy on Maui
Maui ProDivers http://prodivermaui.com/maui_dive_sites.html
BEST dive shop I have ever gone out with. Ever. Do Molikini Crater and Red Hill. If you snorkel, still do Molikini
Great snorkel sites (from Mom and Dad)
“North shore up around Kapalua is amazing very rural after the Ritz Carlton.”
“Good snorkeling at Honolua bay. Big dangerous blow hole up there. Idiots fall in and are gone forever.” Be careful if you go there Dad said that the beaches there are very steep, so take your time.
“Snorkeling at the end of the road at Makena is great. It was called ten fish bowl? Flipper and friends are there. Lots of turtles! Wear good shoes, sharp lava. Not good for flip flops.”
Celtic Tigers (Sunday nights)
Don’t let the name fool you, the Celtic Tigers are direct from Ireland and are fantastic. I own 2 CDs and go to see them every time I visit. They play Sunday evening at Mulligans on the Blue (make a reservation to ensure prime seating and no wait) http://www.mulligansontheblue.com/
Magic Show in Lahina http://www.warrenandannabelles.com/
Dad said that this may be a little corny, but it is REALLY nice. You can do drinks and appetizers or dinner with the show. You’ll need reservations for this one too, but don’t let that discourage you from trying to go last minute. You can also make a day of Lahina. Very nice little town by the water. Lots of shops, etc. IF you like history and you’re in Lahina, you can also try this http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_12.htm.
Wailea Coast Walk http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/blogs/hawaii_today/2009/12/28/taking_stroll_Wailea_Coastal_Walk_Maui
This is along the resorts and is gorgeous. It’s the nicest beach in Maui. I’m not sure where you’re staying, but if this is not near your hotel, consider doing the walk before heading over to watch the Celtic Tigers on Sunday. Get cocktails at the Renaissance at sunset. Great appetizers too.
Paddleboarding Lessons in Ka’anepali http://www.hawaiifun.org/Island+Style+Adventure+Surf+School.shtml
Dad’s recommendation is to get lessons north of Lahina and then go paddleboarding Ka’anepali. This is the second best beach on the island. Dad said this is his favorite to sleep and sunbathe on.
Watch the Humpback Whales http://gohawaii.about.com/od/mauiactivities/ss/top-things-to-do-on-maui_9.htm
“Maui's south and west coastlines provide abundant opportunities for watching this endangered species - one of the few places in the world where you can watch the whales from shore. Among the shoreline sites offering vantage points are Pu'u Ola‘i at Makena; the hotels of Wailea, Ka'‘anapali and Kapalua; the Papawai Lookout on the road to Lahaina, near Ma'alaea Harbor; and the waterfront restaurants in Lahaina.”
Anyhow, let me know if you (or your fiancé) have any questions before you head out. Oh- and buy the Maui Burn to Brown Aloe when you visit Lahina http://www.mauithings.com/maui-island-secret-burn-to-brown-formula.html. I haven’t been able to find it anywhere else and am almost out (again).
I cannot believe you've never gone on the road to Hana. I personally love it. It never gets old. There are little nuances/stops along the way. I think we have a cd called Mr. Frog's Road to Hana. The black sand and red sand beaches are breathtaking. I disagree wholeheartedly about skipping it.
What about Tedeschi Winery? You're missing it here. My family is obsessed with the pineapple/passion fruit wine called MAUI SPLASH! I found a place in Vienna, VA that I can order it from too. AMAZING!0 -
OMG you girls are amazing--thank you for that e-mail E! I have a Word Doc that I keep periodically adding things to look into in Hawaii for when the time gets closer to plan.
I know we want to see 2 islands. We love doing adventurous things--renting a Jeep, seeing the volcanos & black sand beaches, pineapple farm, surfing lessons, snorkeling, stand up paddle boarding, and possibly zip-lining are all things we;ve talked about. BUT, we are also complete beach bums and would love to spend the 2nd week of our honeymoon in an all-inclusive, eating amazing fresh food, relaxing on the beach and getting a massage.
Lots to research!! 0 -
In Vienna?? Really?? PM me the info!!
Also - the guy who I gave the advice to really liked the Road to Hana too. Not sure if I'll do it next time I'm in Maui. Maybe...0
