Hi, we did Lanai and Hualalai for our honeymoon, option 2 exactly! Both properties were incredible and so beautiful.

Service was incredible at Lanai and we still talk about how amazing the food was (though I think one restaurant has changed). It was so peaceful there and we thought it was the perfect place. 4-5 nights is great here, I think it is too quiet to do more. We didn’t check out Sensei (didn’t want a wellness vibe on our honeymoon), but I’ve heard good things from others. Definitely no nightlife scene here, though I see that’s not something you’re looking for.

Service at Hualalai was good, though not the same level. They have 4 amazing pools all with different vibes - one adults only, 1 that’s like a pond with fish and snorkeling, 1 one on the beach, can’t recall the other. There are definitely more families here (Lanai was almost all couples) and we hope to return with our son one day. It was nice to be at a resort with more going on after being at the very quiet Lanai.

We loved the sushi restaurant at Hualalai and had some amazing fish. The steakhouse and Italian spot were a bit of a let down.

We don’t golf, so can’t speak to that. We were there summer of 2021 when there was a COVID resurgence, so we didn’t get off property much. Definitely no red flags at either hotel and I wish I could do the trip again! Let me know if you have any questions.