Nearly 3 miles long and 300 feet wide, gold-sand Papohaku Beach is one of the biggest in Hawaii (17-mile-long Polihale Beach on Kauai is the biggest). It's great for walking, beachcombing, picnics, and sunset watching year-round. The big surf and rip tides make swimming risky except in summer, when the waters are calmer. Go early in the day when the tropic sun is less fierce and the winds are calm. The beach is so big that you may never see another soul except at sunset, when a few people gather on the shore in hopes of spotting the elusive green flash, a natural wonder that takes place when the horizon is cloud-free.

The beach cove that fronts the Kapalua Bay hotel is the stuff of dreams: a golden crescent bordered by two palm-studded points. The sandy bottom slopes gently to deep water at the bay mouth; the water is so clear that you can see where the gold sands turn to green and then deep blue. Protected from strong winds and currents by the lava-rock promontories, Kapalua's calm waters are great for snorkelers and swimmers of all ages and abilities, and the bay is big enough to paddle a kayak around without getting into the more challenging channel that separates Maui from Molokai. Waves come in just right for riding. Fish hang out by the rocks, making it great for snorkeling.

Just off Queen Kaahumanu Highway, south of the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, lies this crescent of gold sand -- big, wide, and 1/2 mile long. In summer, when the beach is widest, the ocean calmest, and the crowds biggest, this is the island's best beach for swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing. But beware of Hapuna in winter, when its thundering waves, strong rip currents, and lack of lifeguards can be dangerous. Facilities include A-frame cabins for camping, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and plenty of parking.

One of Hawaii's best spots for swimming, gold-sand Lanikai's crystal-clear lagoon is like a giant saltwater swimming pool that you're lucky enough to be able to share with the resident tropical fish and sea turtles. Too gorgeous to be real, this is one of Hawaii's postcard-perfect beaches: It's a mile long and thin in places, but the sand's as soft as talcum powder. Prevailing onshore trade winds make this an excellent place for sailing and windsurfing. Kayakers often paddle out to the two tiny offshore Mokulua islands, which are seabird sanctuaries. Because Lanikai is in a residential neighborhood, it's less crowded than other Oahu beaches; it's the perfect place to enjoy a quiet day. Sun worshipers should arrive in the morning, though, as the Koolau Range blocks the afternoon rays.

A luxury Hawaii honeymoon surpasses the stuff dreams are made of, especially when you are getting a good deal with American Express Travel. With the amazing sights of turquoise blue water, and beaches kissed with the sun, many honeymoon packages are centered on a Hawaii honeymoon vacation.

According to American Express Tours, Hawaii landscapes all welcome two special people joined together in love. A Hawaii honeymoon package is the perfect way to mark the beginning of a new life together. Hawaii is a luxury honeymoon vacation paradise, full of excitement and adventure. With activities such as swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling or surfing, play with your intended in some of the clearest waters in the world. If these water sports are not enough vacation material for your luxury Hawaii honeymoon vacation, consider some alternatives in the form of mountain biking, hiking and picnicking in secret hideaways. A Hawaii honeymoon package can meet any expectation because of the sheer diversity of the seven main islands. Also, the Hawaii islands are world famous for their hospitable and welcoming natives. And honeymoon couples are always treated no less than the royalty.

Fern fields, dried lava beds, white sandy beaches, underwater corals and beachside getaways are to be found in Hawaii’s islands of Kauai, Oahu and Maui. American Express Exclusives offers a luxury adventure honeymoon package that allows you to fly through the breath-taking beauty of Hawaii as you soar across the island on a zipline. There are American Express Exclusive Hawaii honeymoon packages which offer American Express Travel deals.

Exploring green sand beaches, relaxing at a spa, joining a beach-side party and star-gazing at a clear and unpolluted night sky are all possible in your luxury Hawaii honeymoon vacation. American Express Vacations offers honeymoon packages which suit all budgets. The most affordable Hawaii honeymoon packages are to be found with your AMT American Express Honeymoon Specialist. They can help choose the perfect honeymoon vacation itinerary to follow.

Hawaii is also a hub of activity, offering honeymooning couples no shortage of entertainment, lodging, historical sites, and quiet places to dine while gazing at each other over candlelight.

For the more adventuring honeymooners, AMT American Express Wedding Division can book a tour to Pearl Harbor, help you rent a kite board at Kailua Bay or arrange a surfing lesson on the Waikiki beach. Or you can try a quiet picnic at Honolulu’s Iolani Palace or in the tea house at Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. A sunrise hike to Makapu'u Lighthouse may reveal migrating whales and the silhouette of the island of Molokai. Or set out on a day of art appreciation, topping it off with fine cuisine at the Honolulu Academy of Arts café. No matter what your taste, style or preference, AMT American Express Wedding Division has sent hundreds of clients there before. With over 35 years of experience, trust the most important vacation of your married life to AMT American Express Travel Wedding Division