Resorts were given 1-2 days notice of Honeymooner's Review Guide's intended review visits. Three resorts on Kauai's South shore were visited, all in the Poipu Point area, and two on the North Shore around Hanalei. These resorts reflect a great variety in terms of cost, size, amenities and focus. Here is what Honeymooner's Review Guide staff found with a short description of what these five have to offer as a destination wedding and/or honeymoon choice. The resorts are listed in the order in which they were visited.

The Grand Hyatt Kauai represents luxury, service excellence and incomparable Hawaiian Oceanside beauty. The property has exquisite grounds rich in tropical foliage, koi ponds, pools including a kissing cave and the wonderful, relaxing meandering 5-acre Salt Water Lagoon. For those wanting a very classy destination wedding or honeymoon site, the Grand Hyatt is the perfect choice. It is large, 602 rooms, 11 restaurants and bars and acres of land that even with its size allows couples to find privacy. The Hyatt is ideal for a carefully orchestrated, low stress ceremony and reception. Their planners pay particular attention to detail and offer flexible choices for couples and their guests. Wedding ceremonies are conducted on the Regency Club Lawn which is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and lovely ocean views. A variety of venues are available both inside and outside for receptions. The ANARA Spa offers an extensive array of treatments and services. The popular 'elua po'e or couples cleansing and massage treatment is a great choice for newlyweds. The Lu'au at the Hyatt is one of the best on the island with a buffet including fresh tropical fruits, great salad choices, and four delicious entrees to pick from including cooked Kalua pig of course. The native music, singing and dancing performances are terrific. Be warned however, newlyweds and honeymooners are invited on stage to perform.

Best Aspects: Professional wedding planners, lots of wedding packages and options, gorgeous grounds with tropical foliage, waterfalls and terrific views of coast and beach; excellent resort amenities; top notch spa; 11 restaurants and lounges, very nice rooms at different prices.

Issues and limitations: Cost, not for the limited budget crowd, long walks on spacious grounds could be a negative to anyone with mobility problems, no chairs or cabanas on the beach itself. Size might be an issue for those seeking a more private, quiet and secluded environment.

Hanalei Colony Resort -- Truly a Hidden Gem on the Far North end, this resort has personality. It has an atmosphere of serenity. The resort and staff are guest friendly and believe in service excellence, personal service and lots of attention to guests' needs whether it is a wedding ceremony, reception and guests or private honeymoon. There are several choices for wedding ceremony sites, and for those who dream of a beach wedding, not a problem. The resort has only 48 rooms, looks a bit 80's from the outside, but the rooms are newly renovated with wood floors and great furnishings. The ocean view rooms have breathtaking views of the Kauai coast, situated only a few hundred feet away from the water. Special features include meals on the beach and a special romantic cabana. The Hanalei Day Spa is a must-do for the ultimate experience in massage and relaxation. The Mediterranean Gourmet Restaurant is truly the finest on the island; the appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts are all AAA+. This resort is truly a "Hidden Gem". The Wedding and Honeymoon package with 7 nights in a ocean front premium condo, massage, ceremony and rental car is priced at just over $4,000.

Best Aspects: Location, prices for wedding services and rooms are a great value; professional wedding planner, staff, spa, the fantastic restaurant, serene ambiance, good whale watching location, just 5 minutes from famous ke'ee beach, and their premium ocean condos are 10 feet from the sand.

Issues and limitations: Older exterior, some rooms are not renovated. Limited rooms if planning a large wedding.

Whalers Cove Resort -- A much hidden treasure for small weddings and honeymoons can be found in Poipu at Whalers Cove. The resort is located in a very secluded area overlooking a magnificent view of Kauai's blue ocean and a historic bay. With very deep waters close to shore, whales are a common site. Whales and giant sea turtles can be viewed off the deep coastal waters in this area. It has a very nice secluded beach and Poipu Beach is just a mile from the resort. The Whaler is a great place for a small destination wedding or honeymoon for those who do not desire a large, full service hotel, but rather more privacy and independence with helpful, friendly staff. They can accommodate wedding parties up to 50 and has several great spots for ceremonies. The rooms are nicely decorated and spacious with private lanais and are highlighted by many amenities such as: Jacuzzi tubs; washer and dryers; cable TV, internet connections and fully equipped modern kitchens. Ocean suites with great views are available. An ocean view 1-bedroom units runs $349-$379 depending on season.

Best Aspects: Very guest service oriented, spacious well equipped condo units, location is absolutely beautiful, close to beaches and snorkeling, units have great lanais and views, resort is small, tranquil and intimate.

Issues and limitations: Limited availability due to size and condo ownership. No A/C units.

Sheraton Kauai -- No wonder honeymooners love this resort. The Sheraton has gorgeous coastline views, lovely tropical grounds, is ideally close to Poipu Beach, many island attractions and local shopping opportunities in Koloa. The resort is a perfect choice for couples looking for romance and relaxation. The Sheraton has strong destination wedding and honeymoon programs including a variety of packages. Both inside and outside facilities are available for weddings and receptions that can accommodate nearly any size wedding party. A favorite is the Ocean Point Location, which has spectacular views and gorgeous tropical flowers. The rooms are nicely attired and while the garden rooms ($355-$370) are certainly good quality for guests, one of the three different ocean suites is truly for the honeymoon couple. On the resort grounds, it is only a short walk to Poipu Beach, one of the best beaches in Kauai where it is safe to swim and snorkel. Evening entertainment starts here at 4 p.m. with their free mai tai event and the resort's "Flavors of Island Music" program which brings native songs and dance for the best in island entertainment. The Point lounge is a must for its drinks and views.

Best Aspects: location at Poipu Beach, professional wedding planner, focus on providing guest service excellence, beautiful tropical gardens, walks and pools, good beach access, great lounge with views, ocean suites, convenient to activities on South and West Coasts.

Issues and Limitations: The Spa needs a treatment itself, timeshare pressure by some, food ok, but could be better.

Hanalei Bay Resort -- The Hanalei Resort grounds are extensive and lush with tropical foliage. Views of both the Pacific and the famous Bali Hai Mountain are stunning with an atmosphere of beauty and serenity found only on the North Shore. Outside garden weddings are available with beautiful backgrounds for ceremonies and receptions. Backup facilities are available for any rare chance of inclement weather. Beach weddings are available although challenging for larger groups due to the steep paved pathway down to the beach. Brides to be will find that the Hanalei Bay Resort can arrange most anything for their wedding including but not limited to professional photographers, florists, ministers and clergy, videographers and entertainers.

Best Aspects: On-site special event coordinator with comprehensive wedding services, location at Puu Poa Beach with stunning views of Coast, excellence in guest service focus; beautiful tropical gardens, waterfalls, paths, pools, beach access, great tennis resort with 9 courts.

Issues and Limitations: Mobility impaired may have difficulty; although staff driven courtesy vehicles are available. Considerable walking is required since grounds are extensive and on a hill going down to Puu Poa Beach.

Honeymoones Review Guide launched the Choice Awards Program in March with this first stop in Kauai, Hawaii. The Hotels and Resorts have been reviewed and the results are pending with an announcement expected sometime in April.

Ronald A. Haller
LaVerne A. Haller
Senior Editorial Staff