Honeymoon in Hawaii

Hawaii has been popular with honeymooners for decades, and justly so. Make the most of the islands' eternal appeal by proposing Hawaii for other romantic occasions, from destination weddings to anniversary celebrations.

At Halekulani on WaikikiBeach, the ideal accommodations for romantics are the over-the-top Vera Wang and Royal suites. Both have 24-hour butler service. Travel agent liaison is Ruselle Metry, director of regional sales ([email protected]; 808-294-2063). Halekulani's general manager is Janis Clapoff (808-923-2311); contact her executive assistant, Lynn Hirayama, at [email protected].

Halekulani has 43 suites in all; opt for one with views of Diamond Head and the Pacific. Oceanfront rooms in the MaukaTower (01-09 series) have direct views of WaikikiBeach, while rooms in the EwaTower (60-68 series) have mountain views.

The concierge manager, Nicholas Yamaguchi ([email protected]), oversees a team of nine who can assist with providing private surfing lessons, food tours, private dining and personal shoppers. They can also arrange a romantic dinner at Halekulani's La Mer restaurant, which appears perennially on AAA's Five Diamond list.

The luxurious SpaHalekulani has seven suites, including one with a traditional Japanese furo (soaking tub) and the other with a deluxe shower for two. The spa director is Gloria Ah Sam ([email protected]; 808-931-5011), who encourages advance reservations.

Destination weddings are popular at the hotel; contact Joel Nishimoto, director of catering ([email protected]) or Janet Howser, catering and sales manager ([email protected]).

Send clients who want a quintessentially Big Island experience to Kona Village Resort. Although it's just a short hop from KonaInternationalAirport and bustling Kailua-Kona, we find the resort to be a low-key enclave unto itself. KonaVillage has 125 thatched-roof bungalows, or hale, tucked along lagoons and white- and black-sand beaches. The area fronts the marine preserve of KahuwaiBay—and guests today can snorkel and dive right offshore.

It's wise to book the resort at least eight to 11 months ahead during peak travel periods, such as late December through February, July and August. The most requested hale are those in the Royal category, thanks to their exceptional oceanfront locations; most of these units also have a Jacuzzi on the lanai. (Repeat guests book them a year out.)

Private Family Getaways

A number of guests prefer the tropical "deserted isle" atmosphere of those hale perched in the setting of the lagoon: We suggest you reserve Pond Tahitian 1-7, Chief Marquesan 1-4, Pond Marquesan 1-6, Pond Hawaiian 1-9 or Fijian 3-7 for your VIPs.

Families love the Hale Maluhia and New Caledonian; both are two-bedroom units and each can accommodate up to eight guests. The agent liaison here is Sales Manager Lani Cool ([email protected]; 808-325-5555). General Manager is Ulrich Krauer ([email protected]) who agents can contact directly if they are sending VIPs.

Guests choppering in from another island can land right on the resort's helipad. Kona International caters to private jets in addition to commercial flights.

The spa has three treatment rooms and two oceanside massage cabanas. Agents are encouraged to book treatments for clients prior to arrival, especially during the holiday season, according to Spa Director Chantal Dechape ([email protected]).

Destination weddings are also quite popular at KonaVillage—so much so that the number conducted is limited. Contact Wedding Coordinator Haunani Dudoit-Kary ([email protected]) for assistance.