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Ideas of the perfect honeymoon vary. Some may seek tranquility, the soothing sounds of the ocean waves

and the fragrant tropical gardens to reach a state of serenity. Others may find the solace in the many outdoor challenges that the natural terrain offer.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, Hawaii is a favored honeymoon spot due to its warm weather and lush vegetation. Out of the main Hawaiian islands, the most popular are Oahu, the Big Island (Hawaii), Kauai and Maui.

Those who want an outdoors adventure have the opportunity to engage in all the aquatic activities that each island has to offer. Activities include, and definitely are not limited to, surfing, snorkeling, sailing, and scuba diving. For those who may prefer to remain dry, outdoor sports, ranging from golfing to mountain biking. Some must-dos if you choose to honeymoon in Hawaii include dinner cruises, enjoying Polynesian Cultural events, and helicopter tours.

The diversity that Hawaii offers is so vast that weeks on the island could not encompass all of its treasures. Knowing that time is limited, following are brief summaries of the individual islands so you can find one that best suits your wants. Included with each summary are two of highly rated hotels on each island.

Oahu

Many people who visit Hawaii for the first time choose to arrive via Honolulu. By Hawaiian standards, Honolulu has reasonably priced accomodations and many opportunities for inexpensive flights or all-inclusive packages. Also, on Oahu’s North Shore, some of the best surfing in the world can be found.

A popular destination for first time travelers to Hawaii is Honolulu. By Hawaii standards, accommodations and flights are reasonably priced, and there are many opportunities for inexpensive all-inclusive packages. The mix of local culture and scenery, and the ease of metropolitan living make Honolulu an easy transition between the vastly different worlds on the island.

Oahu is home to some of the world’s most famous beaches. One of them includes the North Shore, best known for the gigantic waves that are consistently found throughout the year. On the other side of the island lies Waikiki Beach, which may be the best-known beach in the United States. Aside from aquatic activities, Honolulu is home to many cultural and historic sites, as it was the epicenter for much of Hawaii’s own history. There is also a broad range of activities, cultural and historic sites to nature trails and beaches. The mixture of activities available make Honolulu a very versatile honeymoon vacation spot.

Two of the best honeymoon hotels on Oahu are in Honolulu.

The Halekulani, is a modern, airy hotel–a refuge, really. It has been operating since 1917, and is the only hotel in the state that has received a five-star rating from AAA. Outstanding service and excellent dining are the hallmark of the Halekulani. Located off of the main street in Waikiki, it is an ideal spot for rest and relaxation.

The Hyatt Regency Waikiki across from Waikiki beach has excellent views of the beach, the surfers riding the waves, along with views of Diamond Head. Choosing this hotel will place you in the heart of Waikiki.

Big Island (Hawaii)

The Big Island has the most diverse ecology of all the islands. The active volcanoes on this island allow for distinctive plant life to thrive with the help of the many indigenous wildlife. Vacationing on the Big Island offers visitors the opportunity to interact more freely with the environment. In the Waipio Valley, you can ride horseback, viewing huge waterfalls, thousand foot cliffs and black sand beaches. At Volcanoes National Park you can see the world’s most active volcano, Kilauea. The Kona coast (west side) is a seventy mile stretch of black lava-covered coastline, noted for its coffee and world-class deep sea fishing. The summit of Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in Hawaii, offers stargazing opportunities unlike any other place in the world.

As for honeymoon hotels, here are two of the best: The Kona Village Resort on the island’s west side is a nearly perfect honeymoon destination. Located on the beachfront, this hotel offers thatched-roof bungalows. Within the hotel, activities range from experiencing a traditional luau to exploring the local marine life. Travel and Leisure Magazine has rated this as one of the world’s top 50 romantic getaways.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows in Kohala offers many unique features. Palm trees and flowing pools greet you as you enter the atrium around which the hotel is centered. If choosing this location, the oceanfront rooms have dazzling views. The South course, built on a lava flow, offers a unique view as well. With its accommodating staff and many services, this resort is exquisite. It features two of the island’s best golf courses.

Maui

The island of Maui offers world-class resorts and rental condominiums scattered amidst the island’s natural wonders.

Maui’s main natural attraction is Haleakala National Park. Hawaiians revere the mountain as a sacred site in much of their history and folklore. Many people journey to the summit of the crater to watch the sunrise.

Along the famous road to Hana, Maui boasts some of the best beaches on the islands. Several of the golf courses along the PGA Tour. Aquatic adventures of all sorts are abundant along the west and south shores of the island.

If your vision of the perfect Hawaii honeymoon is to get away from it all and still have many comforts and conveniences, Maui is the place for you.

Hotel Hana-Maui, on the east coast of the island, is noted for its seclusion and luxury service, so if you want to slow-down and relax, this hotel is sure to please you. There are two ways to arrive at this particular hotel. Hotel One route is the long drive from the Kahului airport. If you wish to forego this particular adventure, flying into Hana airport from Honolulu is another option.

The Four Seasons Maui at Wailea is an exquisite property with an open courtyard of reflecting ponds, fountains and gardens. Nearly all the rooms have ocean views and lanais where you can watch the sunset and see whales in winter. You can enjoy the ever-present ocean while receiving a massage in your own private cabana. Surrounding this hotel are great restaurants and shopping.

Kauai

Kauai is known as the Garden Isle because of its endless forests and tropical vegetation found no where else.

The nightlife is nonexistent on the island, however the magic of the moonlight and the endless waves of emerald green overshadow this fact.

The natural beauty of the island can be found everywhere, but is most prominent along the NaPali coast or in Waimea Canyon. The Waimea Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, bursts with ever-changing color due to the multitudes of reddish lava beds.

This island offers miles of trails through tropical forests and along ocean cliffs, and has many opportunities for all kinds of outdoor adventures.

Priceville Hotel on the North Shore’s NaPali coast is richly furnished in a casually elegant style. It sits on a cliff between the crystal-blue waters of Hanalei Bay and the volcanic mountains. Most rooms have ocean views, the hotel itself has easy access to Puu Poa Beach. With many opportunities for fun and relaxation available, you can do as much or as little as you like. If you’re looking to spend romantic evenings on the beach, private dinners are available, and money is not a concern.

The Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa is on the South Shore. The grounds are exotic, and the multiple pools are incredible, integrating perfectly with the diverse vegetation and terrain. With a golf course, multiple spas and five restaurants, you will never have to leave this resort if you don’t want to. Of course this all comes with a high price tag, but if you are looking for luxury on your Hawaiian honeymoon, this is the place.

I hope your honeymoon in Hawaii is all that you want it to be. Remember: “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.”