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Deciding on a honeymoon destination is one of the many things to check off the list when planning a wedding. These days, practically anywhere in the world can be the most exotic and romantic getaway for a newly married couple. Hawaii seems to be a honeymoon mainstay though. It’s far enough away from the continental U.S., but not too far. No passport or currency exchange is necessary. And…it’s beautiful!
Maui is on many people’s list of possible honeymoon destinations. We decided to break from the crowd a little. My husband-to-be suggested Kauai. I was slightly skeptical at first, but Kauai turned out to be a great choice!
Kauai was easy to get to as well. American Airlines flew non-stop from LAX to Kauai (Lihue – LIH), which was really handy. Our hotel wasn’t far from the airport. Soon we were off to our Kauai Marriott Resort honeymoon in paradise!
NOTE: The Kauai Marriott Resort has been rebranded and is now the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort Lihue.
By the time we arrived at the Kauai Marriott Resort, it was dark. We opened the door to our patio and could hear the waves lapping the shore, but we couldn’t see the ocean.
When we woke up the next morning, this was our view!
The Kauai Marriott Resort is situated on Nawiliwili Bay, so the water is very tame and swimmable. Immediately past the pool is Kalapaki Beach.
Our room included breakfast at the poolside restaurant, Kukui’s.
We had the buffet breakfast each day, which meant that we could pretty much survive on only shave ice for lunch! The breakfast buffet was amazing, to say the least. Made-to-order omelettes, fresh juices, yogurt, yogurt parfaits, bacon, waffles with toppings, fresh fruit…and that was just the beginning!
Yes, that’s Fruit Loops and Frosted Flakes and a tiny bit of whipped cream on the waffle. We went a little crazy!
My favorite breakfast item was the mini pancakes, topped with crushed macadamia nuts, toasted coconut, and coconut syrup!
This was our view from breakfast most days, before heading to the beach or the pool or exploring the island of Kauai.
On the first full day of our Kauai Marriott Resort honeymoon, we reserved the deluxe beachfront cabana. We were served fresh pineapple and iced lemon water and had front row access to Kalapaki Beach. Kalapaki Beach is a public beach, but we found it never to be crowded (we were there at the end of May).
The sand at Kalapaki Beach was very fine and soft.
Besides the delicious breakfasts, well-manicured grounds, and the beach just steps away, we also enjoyed having one of the famous Duke’s restaurants just steps away on the beach access path.
Several evenings, we dined at Duke’s Kauai’s Barefoot Bar. Their fish ‘n’ chips, mai tais, and Hula Pie can’t be beat!
After almost a week on the island, it was time to head back to the “real world.”
We will never forget this view and our wonderful Kauai Marriott Resort honeymoon.
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Never been but thanks to your text and photos I have a lot to daydream about!
You had me at coconut with coconut syrup!!! This looks like such a wonderful honeymoon, as well as a lovely vacation spot! Thanks for sharing.
I’m there! And I’ll be ordering those mini pancakes…they look awesome!
this looks like a beautiful place. I would love to go.
This looks like such a beautiful resort! I visited Kauai in High School and I want to go back!
I’m sold!! Someone take me here, it looks amazing!!
Gorgeous views, and the breakfast looks delicious! Kauai is high on my bucket list currently, and I’ve been trying to work it into a couples vacation, this post is just making me want to go even more now!
Loved Kauai when we were there. Probably should go back so we can appreciate it more.
Those pancakes, omg look so good! ❤ I love anything with macadamia nuts and coconut! Other pictures are lovely, too. 😊
Am I the only one that wants to book a one-way ticket? This looks so amazing!
That poolside breakfast has me sold!
Hawaii seems to be a popular wedding destination, yet people seem to have such different experiences. I think that makes it even more special. I admit that your breakfast looked like a yummy and naughty treat!
We never did a honeymoon when we got married so Hawaii is a big one on our list of places to go. I just dread the super long flight, but it looks worth it.
Hi Monica! It’s totally worth it! From the west coast, the flight isn’t that bad (especially compared to flying to Asia, as we did last year!).
What an incredible view! I can’t wait to go to Hawaii one day.