DO
Fly First Class.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking and believe me I'm not made out of money either. That shit can be expensive. BUT, you're on your honeymoon. You only get a few of these! (Points for movie reference). Mr. Warbler and I didn't fly first class and we regretted it for a couple of reasons. First of all, our flight to Oahu was 5 and a half hours and we had really crappy seats. We sat in the back row where you can't recline your chair back for those extra centimeters of space. It was especially uncomfortable because we're really f@*kng tall.
I don't know why there's a stigma against doing "tourist" activities. Especially if you are a tourist! In my opinion, it's the best way to explore if you want to maximize your time. Our tour guides were amazing and gave us recommendations for other activities that weren't "touristy". Which brings me to my next bit of advice...
Go local.
Of course Hawaii is amazing because of the amazing beaches and everything, but you seriously need to take the time to visit with the locals. From cultural centers and swap meets to shrimp trucks and shave ice stands, you get a different view of Hawaii than you do on the resorts. And the people are so friendly! On our first night in Hawaii, we went to a small restaurant for dinner. I got a little nauseous and went to the restroom to splash water on my face. I spent about 15 minutes trying to mentally force myself not to ruin the first night of my honeymoon. Well, one of the women sitting at the next table noticed I had been gone awhile and asked Mr. Warbs if I was feeling OK. He told her I was feeling sick and she immediately got up to go check on me! The next evening we ran into her again on the street and stopped to chat for a while. Seriously, the people are amazing.
Yeah, I know what you're thinking and believe me I'm not made out of money either. That shit can be expensive. BUT, you're on your honeymoon. You only get a few of these! (Points for movie reference). Mr. Warbler and I didn't fly first class and we regretted it for a couple of reasons. First of all, our flight to Oahu was 5 and a half hours and we had really crappy seats. We sat in the back row where you can't recline your chair back for those extra centimeters of space. It was especially uncomfortable because we're really f@*kng tall.
We were giants in Hawaii.
On the flight home, we were able to upgrade our seats for a little more room, but I secretly openly envied those first class passengers.
Book at least one tour.
Book at least one tour.
Up bright and early for the Road to Hana tour.
Go local.
Of course Hawaii is amazing because of the amazing beaches and everything, but you seriously need to take the time to visit with the locals. From cultural centers and swap meets to shrimp trucks and shave ice stands, you get a different view of Hawaii than you do on the resorts. And the people are so friendly! On our first night in Hawaii, we went to a small restaurant for dinner. I got a little nauseous and went to the restroom to splash water on my face. I spent about 15 minutes trying to mentally force myself not to ruin the first night of my honeymoon. Well, one of the women sitting at the next table noticed I had been gone awhile and asked Mr. Warbs if I was feeling OK. He told her I was feeling sick and she immediately got up to go check on me! The next evening we ran into her again on the street and stopped to chat for a while. Seriously, the people are amazing.
DON'T
Feel the like you have to eat outside of your food comfort zone.
I'm a picky eater and Mr. Warbs is even pickier. While we did eat at local restaurants and try new food, we made sure to order things we knew we would like. Vacations are expensive enough, without wasting money on food you don't even like. A couple nights in Maui, we even cooked our own food at our condo.
I'm a picky eater and Mr. Warbs is even pickier. While we did eat at local restaurants and try new food, we made sure to order things we knew we would like. Vacations are expensive enough, without wasting money on food you don't even like. A couple nights in Maui, we even cooked our own food at our condo.
You better believe he was making steaks.
One of our tour guides offered up some advice about the ABC stores. Apparently the locals have a joke that ABC stands for "A Bunch of Crap". Like a Starbucks or McDonalds, there's one on pretty much every corner. They're tourists traps because everything is dirt cheap, but the items are not very well made. I bought a pair of plumeria earrings and they broke when I got back to our condo. What can you expect for three bucks?
Overpack!
Between the two of us, we packed three large suitcases and one carry on bag. We ended up buying a lot of souvenirs and accessories. On the way home, we were barely able to get all of our stuff back in the suitcases. Definitely plan on buying things on your honeymoon ahead of time, so you can make sure to leave room!
What's the best honeymoon advice you've received? Or if you're already married, what advice do you have for other brides?
*All photos are personal
Between the two of us, we packed three large suitcases and one carry on bag. We ended up buying a lot of souvenirs and accessories. On the way home, we were barely able to get all of our stuff back in the suitcases. Definitely plan on buying things on your honeymoon ahead of time, so you can make sure to leave room!
What's the best honeymoon advice you've received? Or if you're already married, what advice do you have for other brides?
*All photos are personal
