Kauai island

Kauai Island – Kauai, known as the ‘Garden Island’ is the island of discovery, with 50 miles of breath taking beaches against the clear Pacific Ocean with its sparkling blue water to its lush tropical rainforest and cascading waterfalls with rushing rivers, colorful valleys and quaint historic small towns, where no building is taller than a coconut tree. ‘Kauai is the island begging to be explored!’

Kauai Island

Perfect Weather: Average yearly temperature is a tropical 75-85*degrees

Main City: Lihue

Time Zone: Kauai Island Standard Time 5 hours behind US East Coast & 3 hours behind Pacific time – they do not observe daylight savings time.

Language: English~Hawaiian

Kauai Island top Highlights:

  • Napili Coast- Take a boat tour along the scenic northshore to experience colorful sea cliffs.
  • Waimea Canyon- Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
  • Wailua River- Enjoy this scenic river, take in famous Fern Grotto.
  • Beautiful Beaches- Poipu on the sunny south shore  and Hanalei bay on the north shore, experience Kauai’s white sand beaches.
  • Wailua Falls- Known as the Secret Falls – 80 foot high, as seen on fantasy island.
  • Spouting Horn- One of the most photographed spots, known as ‘blowhole.’

Exclusive Inclusions: Sample of VIP Perks* at one of our Preferred Resorts:

    • Free wedding website & honeymoon registry
    • Upgrade on arrival- based on availability at check-in
    • Buffet breakfast daily for up to two
    • Evening appetizer, once during stay
    • Complimentary daily spa access for 2 ($60 value per day)
    • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Experience Kauai island, contact Virtual Honeymoon to find a Kauai Specialist today!

 

Island of Maui

The island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a population of just over 117,000. Maui has a thriving tourism industry and is one of the most popular islands to visit, featuring alluring attractions like the massive Haleakala volcano, the bustling whaler village of Lahaina, the magnificent humpback whales, the infamous stretch of road to Hana and its numerous family-friendly resorts and inviting white-sand beaches. Maui is also the largest island within Maui County, which is comprised of three other islands: Lana`i, Kaho`olawe, and Moloka`i.

Maui

Quick Facts:
Climate:
Year-round temperatures range between 70-90° F with 50% humidity, generally cooler in higher elevations

The island of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands with a population of just over 117,000. Maui has a thriving tourism industry and is one of the most popular islands to visit, featuring alluring attractions like the massive Haleakala volcano, the bustling whaler village of Lahaina, the magnificent humpback whales, the infamous stretch of road to Hana and its numerous family-friendly resorts and inviting white-sand beaches. Maui is also the largest island within Maui County, which is comprised of three other islands: Lana`i, Kaho`olawe, and Moloka`i.

Top Maui Island Picks

Road to Hana – A meandering drive on the road to Hana, a classic Hawaiian small town, is full of hairpin turns, one-lane bridges and breathtaking island views.Pools of Oheo – A series of seven beautiful pools fed by waterfalls.Iao Valley State Park – Visit the 1,200-foot Iao Needle or hike in the 4,000-acre valley.

Haleakala National Park – Go on an excursion to the “House of the Sun”, an active but non-erupting volcano.

Molokini – A small island just off the southern coast of Maui creates a paradise for snorkelers and divers looking for beautiful coral and tropical fish.

Whale watching – Calm, clear, shallow waters create the perfect environment to attract whales during the winter season (December – May). Visitors will find a variety of options for whale watching experiences departing from Lahaina which can be followed by a visit to the town’s shops, art galleries and restaurants.

Go to a luau – Rich with Hawaiian history, the shores of Maui are the perfect setting to experience a traditional luau, including a main course cooked in the earth accompanied by live music and a hula dance sharing Hawaii’s stories.

Golfer’s paradise – With 14 courses to choose from and several options falling onto various best course lists, golfers can tee off near ancient lava flows, palms trees or an ocean mist.

Upcountry – Paniolos, also known as Hawaiian cowboys, spent their time in the small Upcountry town of Makawao, where you’ll find famous cream puffs at T. Komoda Store in addition to other boutiques and galleries. While in Upcountry, make a stop at Maui Wine for a tour and tasting – we recommend the pineapple wine.

The day trip to Molokini is a must.  The snorkeling is fabulous!

Home to nearly 250 species of tropical fish, Molokini is one of the top ten dive sites in the world. Snorkeling at Molokini crater is truly a unique oppourtunity as there are only 3 volcanic calderas including Molokini in the entire world.

I Was there is January and the mother whales were teaching their babies life lessons.  What a treat to see a baby whale learn to dive!  They were breaching, just having a wonderful time. The best part, we sat on the beach to watch them! Take a trip to HaleakalaFor a sunrise view and a bike ride down the volcano.  Or you can do what I did, and to at sunset.  4:00 AM is too early for me.  Beautiful.  If to go up at sunset,  be sure to go to Mama’s fish house.  Exceptional seafood.  The menu will tell you who caught your dinner, and the boat  involved.  On the waterfront.  Pricy, but well worth the trip.Haleakala

The Iao Valley State park is very lush and may be a bit foggy.  There is an entrance fee, but you can drive in a bit for the beautiful views.

You must go to Lahaina, the major tourist area.  The cruise ships stop here.  A lot of restaurants, casual and upscale. I can be very crowded, but there is a local bus that gives free transportation, or your hotel may do it.

If you are a  member of a yacht club, bring your card, and have dinner at the Lahaina Yacht Club.  Over the water, for a wonder sunset!
Any time is good to visit Maui.  It can be windy especially in the winter months.Maui weddings


Your special day deserves a special place and Maui provides an idyllic setting for the wedding of your dreams. Whether you’re planning a casual beach wedding on the shores of West Maui or a lavish ceremony in a five-diamond resort in Wailea, Maui meets every expectation.

You’ll find an impressive list of venues and resources, and expert wedding planners will attend to your every need. Nothing is spared to make sure your special day turns out exactly as you imagined. So let Maui’s specialists take care of the details so you can concentrate on what matters most: each other. Learn more about Maui wedding photographers, planners and venues.

Written by Claudia Augustson of Riviera Vacations

For more information on Maui or any Hawaiian Island getaway, contact Claudia Augustson @ rivieravac@cox.net

Don’t know where to go on your next getaway? Find your Destination match here

VH

 

Hawaiian Islands – Oahu

Doing what we love to do……….exploring the Islands!Exploring the Hawaiian Islands - Oahu

We were recently traveling through the Hawaiian Islands and wanted to share some of our personal favorite things to do and see. I personally love to go off the beaten path, this is how you find nature at its best, those hidden gems are worth searching for, so don’t be afraid to explore, as long as their is public access and no private property signs, I say GO explore!!!!!!!!!

We will start with Hawaiian Islands- Oahu.
Oahu is the “Heart” of Hawaii with its timeless beauty blended with today’s modern luxuries and the most historic of the islands.
With its perfect 75-85 degree weather, anytime is the right time to visit.

We always start at the beach, the most popular beach in Oahu is famous Waikiki!
We say check out Waikiki, especially if its your first time, its a great area for takingOahu, Hawaii - Surfing surf lessons!

But when your ready to relax and get away from the craziness, head over to north side, where its a little more lush & serene……..
You will find authentic farmers markets where if your like me, you can get your daily coconut water to stay hydrated, yes I’m addicted!Oahu, Hawaii - Exploring - Coconut Water

 

The north shore waves in Oahu will be the biggest, if your lucky you may see some famous surfers practicing for the world surfing competitions that are often held here.Hawaiian Islands of Oahu - Sunset Beach
They also have the best sunsets on the north side, my favorite is sunset beach, in all my travels, I’ve never seen such stunning sunsets!

Another one of my favorite things to do is go horse back riding on the beach! So relaxing, there are several areas with trails, through pineapple fields all the way down to the beach, you don’t have to be experienced, they have horses for all stages from beginning to experienced, so just do it, even if your not a animal lover, its so fun and peaceful way to experience nature at its best!
Exploring the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu - Horseback RidingI was lucky enough to travel with the Hawaii Tourism on this particular trip to Oahu, so they really showed us the best of everything, such as Helicopter over Oahu, WOW what a amazing experience that was and highly recommended, to be able to see everything from a “birds eye view”like hidden waterfalls that you can only get to by helicopter, remote beaches and even see Pearl Harbor.Explore Oahu, Hawaii - Magnum PI helicopter….and the best part, yes this was Magnum PI helicopter!

We were also very blessed to have been in Oahu for the anniversary of Pearl Harbor!
While I always recommend checking out Pearl Harbor, if you ever happen to be their during the anniversary which is Dec. 7, it is absolutely amazing, to see all the service men & women come together, the families of the survivors, even some of the survivors are still around, I got to meet some amazing survivors, they stole my heart, I didn’t personally have any family in Pearl Harbor, but it didn’t matter, something happens when your there for the anniversary, it leaves you emotional and grateful for our country, it was a teary day and I will always cherish it deep in my heart, much Aloha!

Hawaiian Islands of Oahu
Engaged couples, if your looking for the perfect island style honeymoon, enter to win one at Virtual Honeymoon!
One lucky couple will win 4 days 3 nights at the breath-taking Waikiki Beach MarriottHawaiian Islands of Oahu - Marriott Waikiki Guestroom - Sunset