Hawaii vs Tahiti vs Aus vs ? ( honeymoon ideas)

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Looking for honeymoon ideas for this March. ( I know, a little late to start planning.) She wants to go somewhere warm but it doesn't have to be a beach place per se. She would like to lay out for one or two days somewhere though. I have been to Hawaii before but she hasn't. I would be perfectly fine with going there again as I enjoyed it very much and it basically has everything. ( beach and beautiful terrain and tourist things as well, like Pearl Harbor, etc. but yet still has McDonalds.. Etc. ha ha ) So is a place like Tahiti or Bora Bora worth the 3x extra in price over Hawaii? I know myself, and I don't like a place that is seclusion. It is very hard for me to go somewhere and just sit for days on end and do nothing, especially without Wi-Fi. Judge me if you want, but I would go crazy!!
And what about NZ and Aus? Would it be doable to do a couple days in each of those countries? And no Caribbean etc., I've been to just about every island in that part of the world, and they're OK for a day or two, but I just don't really like them that much.

motion · 12-31-2016, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

Looking for honeymoon ideas for this March. ( I know, a little late to start planning.) She wants to go somewhere warm but it doesn't have to be a beach place per se. She would like to lay out for one or two days somewhere though. I have been to Hawaii before but she hasn't. I would be perfectly fine with going there again as I enjoyed it very much and it basically has everything. ( beach and beautiful terrain and tourist things as well, like Pearl Harbor, etc. but yet still has McDonalds.. Etc. ha ha ) So is a place like Tahiti or Bora Bora worth the 3x extra in price over Hawaii? I know myself, and I don't like a place that is seclusion. It is very hard for me to go somewhere and just sit for days on end and do nothing, especially without Wi-Fi. Judge me if you want, but I would go crazy!!
And what about NZ and Aus? Would it be doable to do a couple days in each of those countries? And no Caribbean etc., I've been to just about every island in that part of the world, and they're OK for a day or two, but I just don't really like them that much.

You would probably go crazy in Tahiti.

Impossible to do Australia and New Zealand with a couple days each.

I would say Waikiki sounds good for your honeymoon. Like you say, a little of everything

MRM · 08:43 AM

I agree that Hawaii sounds like what you're looking for. I found Waikiki the least enjoyable part of all the islands. There are still things you can do but you're reallly trapped in the most populated and congested area of the state. Why don't you split the difference and get a nice resort on Maui or one of the other islands where you have the great beaches in close proximity to civilization but getting off the beaten path is easier? Sitting on the beach is great but exploring really spices it up. Check out https://www.toursbylocals.com/TBL/WebObjects/ToursByLocals.woa/1/wa/searchHomepageForToursInPlace?wosid=YUtnrgkjT4dKKi WAYJZsxM . We've used them and will now use them on every vacation in the future. Very affordable and they get you right to the good stuff you'd miss otherwise.

fingpilot · 12-31-2016, 08:42 AM

Got to remember the travel time to get to the southern hemisphere.

Having been everywhere, people ask me all the time, I have ALWAYS thought Hawaii was the best travel bargain by far, not to mention free from terror, no passports, shots, visas.

Start in Waikiki, drive around to the windward side, see the north shore. Try a couple of islands, Kona is a whole different vibe, Maui, Lahaina.

motion · 12-31-2016, 08:46 AM

If you really want to go all-out on Oahu, give my buddy Robert a call.

Godspeed Adventures-Godspeed Adventures

LakeCleElum · 01:56 PM

Just returned from a 14 day cruise in French Polynesia:

Cabins & Rates - Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands | Paul Gauguin Cruises

We know the Director of Marketing with this small cruise ship and can get you up to 50% off if you find a trip not full 60 days out. I'm not a cruise ship fan, but this way, we got to visit like 10 islands and knew our bed and meals were taken care of. Ship holds 338 max, we only had 275 on our trip. No KIDS. Windstar is another small cruise ship in Tahiti area ...If you are just going to Bora Bora or the island of Tahiti, you will find rooms and meals very expensive. It's a 8 hour flight from LAX to Tahiti, my cruise price included air fare.

Been to Hawaii 6 times, Kaui is my fav for a mix of the old and the new....Been to Australia 3 times. Highly recommend, but 2 to 3 week min for a flight that long......... .Enjoy your honeymoon.

I hope to post some photos soon.

motion · 12-31-2016, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fingpilot

Got to remember the travel time to get to the southern hemisphere.

Having been everywhere, people ask me all the time, I have ALWAYS thought Hawaii was the best travel bargain by far, not to mention free from terror, no passports, shots, visas.

Start in Waikiki, drive around to the windward side, see the north shore. Try a couple of islands, Kona is a whole different vibe, Maui, Lahaina.

I think I'm in agreement. Hawaii is really unparalleled.

gshase · 12-31-2016, 08:47 AM

The wife has done all 3 and Tahiti/ Bora Bora ranks tops for her. Our daughter did a Make A Wish to Bora Bora and they said it was the most expensive trip they had ever sent a family on. What an amazing place.

scottmandue · 12-31-2016, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Been to Hawaii 6 times, Kaui is my fav for a mix of the old and the new......Enjoy your honeymoon.

My fav is also Kauai... but it is pretty low key for most people.

NZ, Bora bora and Auz are on my bucket list.

But for a good mix of nature/nightlife/history hard to beat Oahu.

Personalty I would stay on the north shore, Honolulu is only an hour drive away, sorry but to me Honolulu/Waikiki is like Los Angeles in the middle of the pacific ocean (I live in L.A. so don't want to vacation in the big city, but that is just me).

You could stay at one of the mega resorts in Maui or Kauai... one stop shopping beaches/restaurants/clubs all onsite, you can rent a car and leave the complex to drive about and see the sights, I have visited a few and always wanted to try it... but I'm too cheap and always end up renting a house

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

Maui no ka oi

nzporsche944s2 · 12-31-2016, 11:13 AM

Have a look at Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Absolutely stunningly breathtakingingly postcard perfect.
No where near as expensive as Tahiti because they use NZ Dollars.
You fly into Rarotonga, Cook Islands then another flight north for an hour in a much smaller plane.
Google pics and you will see what I mean.
First time I went I just stood and stared for a good 5mins because I couldn't believe what I was looking at ( and I have travelled the Pacific a LOT)

If you are considering NZ, PM me and I'll give you some ideas

Seahawk · 11:43 AM

I love Hawaii; many months there, all Islands. I have also spent a lot of time in Australia and NZ.

I haven't planted a foot on either Tahiti or BB.

I will say this: A honeymoon should be to somewhere it is unlikely the two of you will ever go again. It should combine the spirit of adventure you both crave and the amenities that you both desire. A honeymoon should be a bit of a reach, IMHO.

A honeymoon in Hawaii, regardless of the goodness, is just another honeymoon in Hawaii. Chances are you will get to Hawaii as a couple (even with kids) again. Stretch a bit.

For me, NZ was extraordinary...I was there so many years ago I have no recommendations but I remember thinking to myself how glad I was I made the journey because unless some odd dominoes fell in my life I probably wasn't coming back. Let's face it, when or if kids come, more responsibility, less time, more commitments, you guys probably won't be either. You'll go to Hawaii because it is in reach and fun.

Take NZporsche up on his offer. The interesting part is that the journey down can, if you have the days, combine some really interesting places.

cairns · 11:49 AM

Don't know how much time you have but you can rent a luxurious house on the beach in or highlands of Australia for one quarter the amount you'll pay in Hawaii. And the $ is even stronger now.

We've used this place a lot but there are plenty of others. There are still beaches where you can be completely alone.

Port Douglas Accommodation, Apartments & Holidays at Executive Retreats, Queensland, Australia

There's no where else in the world you can have lorikeets eating out of your hand while watching roos sleep in your yard. Much less watch the bats come out as the sun goes down.

I agree NZ is fascinating too. Queenstown is one of my favorites but I like the North Island too.

scottmandue · 12-31-2016, 12:22 PM

I should add Tahiti to my bucket list...

Not to be a party pooper but when comparing Hawaii to NZ and Aus shouldn't you factor in your tolerance for long plane rides? I think Hawaii is 5-6 hours (from Los Angeles)? Isn't that almost double to get to Aus?

I know some of you jet setters wouldn't blink at 10-20 hour flights but not everyone is that robust. If/when I make it to NZ/Aus I suspect I will layover in Hawaii a few days.

YMMV

BeyGon · 12-31-2016, 12:29 PM

The travel time to Oz is the bad thing, with Hawaii for a honeymoon I think Maui or Kauai, my friend has a place in Kona, the big Island and he loves it, I have never been to the big island but it sounds nice.

scottmandue · 12-31-2016, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyGon

The travel time to Oz is the bad thing, with Hawaii for a honeymoon I think Maui or Kauai, my friend has a place in Kona, the big Island and he loves it, I have never been to the big island but it sounds nice.

Kona is nice... not as built up as Waikiki and the heart of town (little cove) is nice and they have some night life... it is also on the 'dry' side of the island so not much rain (if that bothers you) but it is also rows and rows of condos along the ocean, however the big island has a live volcano and IMHO everyone should see a live volcano at least once in their life. I you love coffee it is a no brainer... kind like wine tasting in in Napa... you can visit a working farm and do a tasting in the orchard. Hilo is the polar opposite of Kona, a fishing harbor town, small, friendly, more local flavor. The Hilton Waikoloa Village is one of the mega resorts on the big island north of Kona that looks like it would be fun to stay at.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

Thanks for all the replies. As I mentioned, I have been to Hawaii before, although many years ago, but I've been to Kauai, the big island and Maui and I loved them all and I love that fact that it's a state and I don't have to deal with poachers everywhere like I see in the Caribbean or Mexico all the time. And I do understand what Seahawk is saying in which this should a place where I might never get to go to again. Hawaii is, for the most part, easy to get to. As far as NZ or Aus, I think I could pull off 12 days but yes, it's a full day there and back from ATL. I've seen many pictures of BB and TH, etc, and while I do think it is very beautiful, I just don't think it's worth 3x the extra money over Hawaii at this point. We are having to pay for our own wedding and while it is my second, it is her first and so we are spending a LOT on it as it is a destination wedding in NOLA ( where we are both from, and you all would be disgusted on how much it is costing), and my kids are both out of college now so they can pay for their own vacations from now on.. Ha ha So now, I am leaning towards Hawaii or NZ and Aus as I could get 5 days in each country I think.

What is the weather like in March in NZ and Aus??

scottmandue · 12-31-2016, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlsnak

and my kids are both out of college now so they can pay for their own vacations from now on.. Ha ha So now, I am leaning towards Hawaii or NZ and Aus as I could get 5 days in each country I think.

I'm the youngest of three boys and when "we were all old enough to pay for our own vacations" my parents started going on cruises (not my cup of tea but apparently it was a big deal to that generation seeing as many of my friends parents did the same thing.)

Then my brother had grandchildren...

All of a sudden my parents started renting a house in Kauai for family vacations (we all paid for our own food and airfare).

Just sayin

I agree with Seahawk that is should be special, but IMHO Hawaii can be as exotic (Lanai, Molokai, heck there are some remote locations on the big Island that are pretty exotic) or as touristy (Waikiki) as you want to make it.

BeyGon · 12-31-2016, 01:09 PM

That flight to Oz is long, I have only done it twice but if I do it again I will try to make an overnight stop someplace half way. Tahiti for a night?

fingpilot · 12-31-2016, 01:36 PM

I used to spend 14 days in BoraBora every January, on someone else's tab. 6 years worth.

I loved it, even at that off-season time of year. Any excuse for the locals to not go to work on any given day becomes a trial to get a meal in a hotel, a ride to town, power sometimes, forget internet ($6.USD a minute at the yacht club), a cruise ship arrival meant a national holiday.

Don't get me wrong, I loved it, for solitude and beauty. Whatever you want, you better have brought it with you. Being on a honeymoon solves that most important part.