Rhiannon Hendricks
Hawaii is a popular honeymoon destination, offering stunning natural beauty, unique experiences, and a range of accommodation options. With its mix of soaring mountains, golden beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and quaint towns, it provides the perfect backdrop for romantic getaways. The string of islands, including Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Kauai, Kahoolawe, and Niihau, each boasts its own distinct personality and attractions, catering to various interests and preferences. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, Hawaii has something for everyone. However, with varying prices and transportation options, planning a trip to Hawaii requires careful consideration to make the most of your time and budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | February or March |
| Most expensive time to visit | December and January |
| Peak travel months | June and July |
| Peak whale-watching season | January to March |
| Average nightly rate for a hotel | $406 |
| Average nightly rate for a vacation rental | $365.40 |
| Round-trip flight cost | $600-$1000 |
| Travel time from the East Coast | Minimum 11 hours |
| Number of major islands | 6 |
| Number of islands accepting tourists | 6 |
| Recommended minimum stay | 5 days |
| Recommended maximum stay for island hopping | 7 days |
| Transportation options | Car, ferry, or flight |
| Average cost of ferry ride | $30 per person |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the best island for you
Maui
Maui is a popular choice for honeymooners and stands out as an island paradise destination. Formed by two massive volcanoes, Maui boasts stunning jungle valleys, long stretches of resort-lined beaches, hidden inland towns, and scenic coastal drives. It offers a mix of luxury, romance, and natural beauty. Wailea Beach, with its golden shores and resorts, is a popular choice for accommodation. If you're looking for a more reserved island experience, Kapalua Bay to the northeast might be a better option. For those seeking remote hideaways, Maui also offers secluded escapes like the Hana Maui Resort, perched on the edge of Hana Bay.
Oahu
Oahu is known for offering a unique blend of city and beach experiences. Honolulu, Hawaii's largest city, is located on Oahu and provides a wide range of cultural activities, top-notch restaurants, shopping, museums, and theaters. The famous Waikiki Beach, with its crescent shape and backdrop of high-rises and the Diamond Head crater, is a hub for surfers, locals, and tourists alike. Oahu also offers amazing North Shore surf breaks and historical sites such as Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona.
Kauai
Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is renowned for its lush forests, winding rivers, and waterfalls. It is less developed than other Hawaiian islands, making it attractive to those seeking a more remote and sustainable experience. Kauai offers a range of posh resorts and popular attractions, such as the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon. Activities on Kauai include kayaking along the scenic Na Pali Coast, hiking the Kalalau Trail, and walking along the stunning Hanalei Bay.
The Big Island
The Big Island, officially named Hawaii, has a more laid-back vibe than some of the other islands and is far less crowded. It offers a diverse mix of landscapes and natural beauty, including soaring mountains, golden-sand beaches, active volcanoes, and green forests. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the summit of Mauna Kea are notable attractions. The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a popular choice for accommodation, offering beachfront rooms with unobstructed ocean views.
Lanai
Lanai is an intimate island perfect for couples seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. It offers stunning accommodations, from plantation-style hotels to opulent luxury resorts. Days in Lanai can be spent lounging on the beach, swimming, spotting dolphins, and indulging in gourmet meals and spa treatments.
Remember, each island has its own unique personality and attractions. Consider your interests, budget, and the type of experiences you're seeking to narrow down the island that resonates the most with your honeymoon goals.
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Getting there and getting around
There are several ways to get to Hawaii, depending on your preference for travel. If you're looking for a longer, more relaxed journey, you can take a cruise from ports in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, or Vancouver. These cruises typically last 15 to 16 nights. Alternatively, you can fly into Honolulu and take a 7-day cruise around the islands.
If you'd rather fly directly to Hawaii, you can book a flight with Hawaiian Airlines from various US cities, including Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York. It is recommended to book your flight 1 to 3 and a half months in advance to secure the best deals. If you're flying internationally, it's best to book 2 to 6 months ahead.
When flying to Hawaii, keep in mind that the time change may affect your travel plans, especially if you're travelling with children. From November through March, the time in Hawaii is 2 hours behind the west coast, and 3 hours behind for the rest of the year. Additionally, Hawaii is the "endangered species capital of the world," so be prepared to fill out an Agricultural Declaration Form and have your baggage examined upon arrival to protect its fragile ecosystem.
Once you're in Hawaii, there are several options for getting around the islands. The most populous island, Oʻahu, has a good public transit system called TheBus, making it easy to get around and visit the main sights. Maui, the next most populous island, also has a bus system, but it doesn't cover all areas. Outside of these two islands, public transportation options are more limited and geared towards residents.
If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car, but be sure to plan ahead as they are in high demand. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, which operate on Oʻahu and the larger islands, respectively. For the adventurous, there are also mopeds and motorcycles available in some resort areas, but they can be expensive.
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Where to stay
When it comes to where to stay on your honeymoon in Hawaii, you are spoilt for choice. The Hawaiian Islands offer a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels and resorts to more budget-friendly options, with prices starting from $212 per night.
Oahu
Cosmopolitan Oahu is the pulsing heart of Hawaii, offering a blend of city life and beach culture. It is home to the state capital of Honolulu and Hawaii's largest airport, making it a great introduction to the state. Here, you can experience world-class resorts, renowned beaches, restaurants, shops, and hikes. Waikiki Beach, one of the world's most magnificent stretches of sand, is perfect for a long day of relaxation, swimming, and snorkelling. The North Shore of Oahu is famous for its surfing, and the island also boasts historical museums and the world-renowned Pearl Harbor.
Maui
Maui is a highly recommended destination for honeymooners, known for its luxury, romance, and beautiful beaches. Formed by two volcanoes, Maui boasts jungle valleys, resort-lined beaches, hidden inland towns, and scenic coastal drives. The Hana Highway offers a spectacular road trip with dramatic jungle cliffs, roadside food stands, bamboo forests, and secret swimming holes. The island also features exclusive resorts, such as the Ritz Carlton Kapalua, which provides light dining, snacks, and beverages throughout the day, and the adult-only Westin Maui with its Hokupaa Oceanview Club.
Lanai
Lanai is an intimate island paradise, perfect for couples seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. It offers stunning accommodations, including the plantation-style Hotel Lanai, the opulent Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and the all-inclusive wellness retreat, Lanai at Koele. Days can be spent lounging on the beach, swimming, spotting dolphins, and indulging in gourmet meals and spa treatments.
Kauai
Kauai is known as the "Garden Island," boasting lush greenery, mountains, riverside jungles, and hidden valleys. It is ideal for adventurous honeymooners seeking to explore nature. The Grand Hyatt Kauai, with its incredible pool area and beachfront location on Shipwreck Beach, is a popular choice for couples.
Molokai
For a more secluded experience, Molokai offers long stretches of ocean shores where you can enjoy quality time together.
Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaii offers natural beauty and ecological wonders, attracting nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can explore the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and climb the summit of Mauna Kea.
Island Hopping
While it is recommended to stay on one island for a shorter trip, if you have more time, you can consider island hopping. A ferry runs from Maui to Lanai, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean at an affordable price.
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What to do
The best island for your Hawaiian honeymoon depends on your interests. Maui is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, with its luxury resorts, untouched beaches, and natural beauty. It's also the largest island, with plenty of activities to offer. For a more intimate experience, try the small island of Lanai, which offers stunning accommodations and beaches. Kauai is another option, known for its exclusive resorts and natural wonders like parks, caves, and waterfalls.
If you're looking for a mix of city life and beach towns, Oahu is a great choice. You can explore the bustling Downtown Honolulu, with its cultural landmarks, jazz clubs, and farm stands, and then head to the North Shore for big-wave surfing and local parks. No matter which island you choose, you'll find romantic beaches, fine dining, and memorable activities.
- Take a scenic drive on the Hana Highway in Maui, known for its dramatic jungle cliffs, roadside food stands, bamboo forests, and secret swimming holes.
- Go hiking! Kauai and Waimea Canyon offer excellent hiking opportunities, with breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The 'Iao Needle Lookout Trail is another great option, offering a steep but short trek with rewarding views.
- Enjoy the beaches! Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is world-renowned, and you can also find diverse beaches in Maui, like the upscale Wailea and the country-style Pāʻia.
- Indulge in spa treatments and gourmet meals at your resort, with options like the Four Seasons Resort Lanai or the wellness retreat at Lanai at Koele.
- Explore local shopping and souvenirs, with places like the Waikiki International Market Place offering the perfect Hawaiian mementos.
- Experience the natural beauty of Hawaii with a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or a climb up Mauna Kea.
- Partake in watersports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding at Hanalei River in Kauai.
- Enjoy fine dining with a view, like romantic dinners on the beach with tiki torches.
- Visit the annual Hale'iwa Arts Festival on Oahu, celebrating local crafts, painting, jewelry, sculpture, dance, and music.
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When to go
Hawaii has two seasons: dry season/summer and rainy season/winter. The dry season runs from May to October and is the best time to visit for ideal overall weather, the fewest visitors, and the lowest rates. May is the start of the dry season, with average highs of 27°C, making it the perfect month for hiking. June is one of the hottest months of the year, with temperatures peaking at 28°C, but it's also the start of the busy summer season. September and October are considered Hawaii's 'off-season period' or 'shoulder months', so you can expect excellent weather, fewer visitors, and lower rates during these months. October is a busy month for events, including the Hawaii International Film Festival, Halloween in Lahaina, and the Maui Fair.
If you want to beat the crowds, February is the best time to visit Hawaii. Temperatures are mild, and you're likely to get some rain, but it's a great month for whale watching and watching the pro surfers. January is also a good month for whale watching, but it's one of Hawaii's wetter months, especially on the windward (northeastern) sides of the islands.
If you're looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure on your honeymoon, Maui is a great choice. Formed by two massive volcanoes, it boasts jungle valleys, long stretches of resort-lined beaches, hidden inland towns, and scenic coastal drives. The upscale resort area of Wailea and the beach-filled shores of Pāʻia offer classic Hawaiian vibes, stunning views, and easy access to shopping and dining options.
For a more intimate and secluded honeymoon experience, consider Lanai. This small island is perfect for shutting out the world and focusing on each other. It only has two hotels, but they offer incredible dining options and memorable spa experiences.
No matter which island you choose, there will be plenty to do on your Hawaiian honeymoon, with each day bringing something new.
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Frequently asked questions
The flight to Hawaii is quite long, with a minimum of 11 hours of travel time if you're flying from the East Coast.
If you're spending less than five days in Hawaii, it's recommended to stick to one island. If you're staying for seven days or more, you might consider island-hopping.
It takes about 45 minutes to travel by ferry from Maui to Lanai.
It's recommended to plan your honeymoon 6-9 months in advance to get affordable airfare rates.
This depends on which island you're on and which airport you're flying to or from.
