<p>Majorca sounds wonderful during the first 2 weeks of Sept. There are lots of festivals as well.</p>
<p>I like Hawaii too. I just think it is a very long trip, and to me Costa Rica feels more interesting and exotic. And more secluded. But I have never been to the Big Island which may have more of those attributes. I think there are many Carribean islands that are as pretty as Hawaii, but I was hoping in on the “adventure” side of the equation. My fave Carribean locale is St. John. Breathtaking, but only sailing and snorkeling/diving for adventures. Best wishes to your children!!! </p>
<p>Also Costa Rica is way more budget friendly. </p>
<p>As someone who flies at least once or twice a year nonstop DC to HNL, the trip really isn’t all that bad–once you’re on the plane, you’re on the plane. In any case, the trip back to CA is only 5 or 6 hours from HI, so that’s not too long. Have never been to CR, so can’t talk about it at all.</p>
<p>I’ve been to StJohn and StThomas. I rented a nice villa on top of the mountain with wide view of the sea. My kids loved the villa and the little one, not so little anymore, could barely swam to the private pool but she still had very memorable experience. But I still love Hawaii, particularly Maui. It’s breathtaking beautiful, depends on the location. La Jolla near San Diego reminds me of Hawaii. I don’t care for the other islands like Oahu and Kauai too much. </p>
<p>Thanks for all the suggestions. I’ll pass them all along to S1 and FDIL. I have no idea when they’ll decide on their honeymoon destination since they have almost 11 months until it happens, but i know they’re trying to get as much wedding stuff done before they move in Jan. and start new jobs.</p>
<p>I love St. John also. It’s something like 3/4 national park, and has tons of nice beaches. I went there for my honeymoon. But there’s not nearly as much to do as in Hawaii. </p>
<p>D1 went to St. John this past May for a bachelorette party and absolutely LOVED it! They had a blast and it wasn’t all about the drinking! They did a sailing tour, snorkeling and spent time at the beach, etc. She has a good idea of what kinds of places I like to go to (we’ve been to Hawaii twice) and told me I need to add it to my bucket list. </p>
<p>But we did Maui a few years ago, and I have to agree, there was a lot more to do there - horseback riding, zip lining, rode to Hana, sunset sailing cruise, bike rentals, luau, etc.</p>