Maui is a beautiful jewel in the Hawaiian Island chain. I'm sure you've read that before but I am here to tell you that it's absolutely true. I have helped plan weddings and honeymoons on this island and it's just beautiful. My area of expertise lies with the Kaanapali area as that is where most all of my couples have chosen to stay. This area is most known for Ka'anapali Beach and the chain of hotels that line this beach. Most notably, the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, Sheraton Maui Resort and The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. While not in Ka'anapali, let's not forget one more hotel about 20 minutes North in Kapalua, the newly renovated Ritz Carlton.

HOTEL ROW
As I just mentioned, a stretch of hotels line the Ka'anapali beachfront. These properties are mostly connected by a beach walk (in front of the hotels) and a free shuttle the drives along the road in back of the hotels (this road is also where you will drive to find your hotel - a rental car is a must in Maui - and find self-parking, valet, etc.).

One aspect I really loved about the Hyatt Maui is that it lies at the far South end of this boardwalk. What that means is that people usually only walk down that far if they are in fact going to the Hyatt, and therefore there is much less foot traffic in front of that hotel. However, getting to Whaler's Village (see below) is a bit of a stroll and I suggest you take a water bottle (or two!) for the trip! This beachwalk is a lovely way to see what is going on at the other properties and there are usually vendors selling their wares (jewelry and such) so it can be a nice shopping excursion as well. Other than the free shuttle, it's also your direct path to Whaler's Village.

WHALER'S VILLAGE
This is a great place to escape hotel dining and gift shops. It's a shopping and dining plaza that offers various restaurants (some with beachfront dining) and specialty, jewelry and apparel stores - which can make for a great day within itself! They also offer fun (and free) activities such as Hula Lessons & Lei Making. In the evening they offer nightly performances featuring native and international dance.

LAHAINA TOWN
Another advantage to the Ka'anapali area is Lahaina Town. Just a few exits down the hwy is this great town with plenty of shops, attractions and dining venues. It is also home to the "Old Lahaina Luau" which has frequently been voted the most authentic luau in Hawaii (even if your hotel offers a luau, go to this one!). Lahaina harbor is where you can take a dinner cruise or a snorkeling trip (although some boats leave straight from your hotel beach). We also found it a great place to get some Hawaiian ice cream and to walk around at night. There are some lovely gift shops and art galleries (for the best value in souvenirs go to ABC markets - they are everywhere!). One Sunday morning we headed there for breakfast and it was great because no one was really around.

There is so much to say about this area and this island. As I hinted at earlier, my favorite hotel is the Hyatt Regency but there may be a better property more suited to your preferences. Really, most of them are fantastic. The island is fantastic, really, you will not have a disappointing honeymoon on Maui!