In This Issue: The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui Hotel Hana Maui Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa Royal Hawaiian Turtle Bay Resort Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa Did a friend forward this to you? You can subscribe to our travel newsletter too.

Travel Newsletter     This month we're featuring one of my all-time favorite destinations: Hawaii! The islands of Aloha have a number of things going for them, especially for U.S. travelers. Since you're still in America, there's no passport to worry about, and no currency exchange to consider. As well, Hawaii's weather is as easy-going as its people. Hurricanes are extremely rare, and the weather is warm and not too humid pretty much all year around. There's also a huge range of vacation styles available, from escapes into nature (especially on Kauai and the Big Island), to adventure and watersports, to night life, to fabulous luxury resorts. What most people don't realize is that each island has multiple personalities: Oahu has a wild, natural side you wouldn't know about if all you've seen is Waikiki, for instance. But you can read all about this in our Hawaii Travel Guide. For now, here are a few of my favorite resorts in the Hawaiian Islands--and why they stand out for me as great vacation and honeymoon options. -- Michael

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The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui   An all-suite luxury resort in South Maui This is my pick for South Maui because you get a suite for about the same price as an ordinary room at the neighboring hotels! It's got a great location in the Wailea area, a fabulous restaurant onsite (Nick's Fishmarket), gorgeous grounds, and a great spa. Very close by: Wailea shopping center, 5 golf courses (that I can think of!), and two of my favorite restaurants: Sea Watch and Capische. 6 days/5 nights from $1766 per person

Hotel Hana Maui   A secluded escape, hidden away on Maui's wild east coast My friends Debi and Marty from Aloha Toy Store first told me about this resort--it's tucked away at the end of the legendary Hana Highway. It has much more of a private island feel than the side-by-side resorts on the rest of the island, and the view from the infinity pool is amazing! From here, you can explore some of Maui's great treasures, including the black sand beach and the Seven Sacred Pools. 5 nights from $1538 per person

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa   Luxury and location on the Garden Isle of Kauai Sitting on 50 spectacular oceanfront acres on Kauai's famous Poipu Beach, this resort's design and decor reflects Hawaii's golden age. They've got an award-winning spa (Anara), and a cool "Share the Stars" dinner on the beach with a private server available...pretty romantic! 7 days/6 nights from $1526 per person

Royal Hawaiian   A pink piece of history on Waikiki Beach Known as "the pink palace of the Pacific", the Royal Hawaiian has been an icon of luxury and romance for over a century. The location--the center of Waikiki Beach--is unbeatable, and the decor is classic and romantic. It's the resort we chose for our grand prize giveaway wedding & honeymoon for the 21st Century Wedding contest we co-sponsored. 5 nights from $824 per person

Turtle Bay Resort   The treasure of the North Shore of Oahu When most people think of Oahu, they think of Waikiki...but the North Shore is a completely different world! This resort sits on 880 ocean-front acres (that's NOT a typo!), and has championship golf courses designed by Arnold Palmer and George Fazio. I got a tour of the newly-renovated beach cottages a couple of years ago--Brazilian walnut floors, acres of marble in the bathrooms, and you're right on the beach. 5 nights from $706 per person

Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii   Swim with the dolphins at this exclusive resort south of Waikiki This upscale resort is about 10 minutes south of Waikiki--close to the action, yet quiet and secluded, and very romantic. It's a favorite of celebrities, with incredible views, a spa, and 6 on-site restaurants. They've got a lagoon with bottle-nosed dolphins that you can even swim with (supervised by on-staff trainers)! 6 days/5 nights from $1372 per person

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa   Newly renovated, with a terrific location south of Kona Perched on an ancient lava flow a few minutes south of historic Kailua-Kona, this resort is my favorite on the Big Island. Giant manta rays feed just offshore each night--you can see them from your lanai! The resort has teamed up with local manta ray expert James Wing to offer their Manta Ray Experience...you can even snorkel or scuba dive with these magical creatures on a guided excursion. You're also in a great location for a trip south to the volcano, Kilauea. My friends Rob & Cindy Pacheco at Hawaii Forest and Trail offer spectacular guided trips to the volcano and other nature highlights around the Big Island. 5 nights from $667 per person

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