happymommy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Messages
- 7,152
I didn't feel awkward every time I went to Maui. I only mean it was that, when I did get that feeling, it was always on Maui and never any other island - and I've been all of the main ones save Lanani because it doesn't have any reasonable hotel accommodations.
You have an extremely strong connection to Maui, and that's something too special for most people to really experience. For me 7 weeks (which is how much time my 5 visits amounts to when added up) was more than enough. I do admit this stems from being a resident of the state. Going to another island is more like going to another town for us.
In terms of how much time a visitor needs, that's relative. Most activities like kitschy shows, luaus, water sports, hikes, plantations, snorkeling, golfing, zip lining, hiking trails, and countless other things have counterparts on the other islands. When I advise people who are island hopping, I usually suggest they focus on things that aren't generally found on other islands. For Maui, that's all the things I named in my earlier post. But on the other side of the coin, many people don't mind duplicating activities because a change of location can make something feel new and exciting. It all comes down to your previous travel experience and what you hope to get out of your vacation.
Sorry to correct you, but I also used to live on Oahu, and Lanai most definitely has two wonderful resorts, that as Kamaaina we could get great rates for, the Lodge at Koele and the Manele Bay. If it were me, for a honeymoon, I would go to Manele Bay (but we couldn't afford it back when we got married and didn't have much money!).
To the OP: Sounds like you have a wonderful honeymoon planned! If you are comfortable with driving in the US, though, I don't recommend being at Ko Olina (Aulani) without a car. We go (to the Marriott next to Aulani) every other year, and next year I'll be there for a month. No way would I go a day without a car. Yes, every day or two we may not use it, but we typically do run into town a lot. If you like conveyor belt sushi, Sushi Bay in Kapolei is the best (and 20 years ago Genki Sushi was my favorite, but no more, they've gone downhill and this place by Safeway in Kapolei we've been going to for years now).
