Junior Rasmussen
Planning a Hawaiian honeymoon? You're in luck—Hawaii is consistently ranked among the most desired honeymoon destinations in the world. With six major islands to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your romantic getaway. Whether you're looking for serene seclusion, exhilarating natural adventures, ancient cultural experiences, or cosmopolitan living, Hawaii has something for everyone. To make the most of your trip, be sure to do your research, plan ahead, and be mindful of local concerns. Now, let's dive into the aloha spirit and discover the best of Hawaii for your honeymoon.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right island for you
Oahu
Nicknamed the "Heart of Hawaii", Oahu offers a blend of cosmopolitan living and historic attractions alongside its beach culture. Waikiki Beach is one of the most desired honeymoon spots in Hawaii. North Shore is also worth exploring. Some hotel recommendations in Waikiki Beach include the Surfjack Hotel, a cool boutique hotel, the Royal Hawaiian, a historic hotel known as the Pink Palace, and the Moana Surfrider, another historic hotel in the centre of the beach.
Maui
Maui is a postcard-perfect version of Hawaii, with 33 miles of beaches and lush rainforests. It is lined with high-end resorts and has stunning sunrise views. It is also a great spot for whale watching and snorkelling. The Road to Hana is a popular route for those hiring a car. Most couples stay in either Wailea or Kaanapali on the west coast.
Kauai
Kauai is the greenest island, with soaring green mountains, riverside jungles, and hidden valleys. It is the most secluded and quiet island, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking an "off-the-beaten-path" experience. It is dotted with exclusive resorts and farm-to-table restaurants. Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is a popular spot for hiking. The island is best viewed via a sunset cruise.
Lanai
Lanai is Hawaii's smallest inhabited island, offering seclusion, serenity, and tranquility. With only three hotels and 3,000 locals, it is an intimate island perfect for relaxation. Hotel Lanai offers plantation-style history, while the Four Seasons Resort Lanai provides opulent luxury.
Molokai
Molokai is the least developed Hawaiian island, with no buildings taller than a palm tree and no traffic lights. It offers spectacular beaches, dramatic sea cliffs, and untouched Hawaiian living.
Big Island
The Big Island is perfect for adventure seekers, with plenty of resorts and vacation rentals on the Kohala Coast and Kona area. Hilo on the east coast is ideal for outdoor adventures, with volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches.
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Planning your itinerary
If you're looking for a mix of cosmopolitan living and historic attractions, Oahu, the "Heart of Hawaii," might be the perfect choice. Waikiki Beach on Oahu is one of the most desired honeymoon spots, offering a blend of city life and beach culture. The North Shore is also worth exploring, with options such as the cool boutique hotel Surfjack, just a 10-minute drive from Waikiki Beach, or the historic Royal Hawaiian, known as the Pink Palace.
For those seeking a more secluded and natural experience, Kauai, the "Garden Isle," is the lushest and wettest Hawaiian island. Here, you'll find green, velvet-like mountains, riverside jungles, and hidden valleys to explore. Kauai is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking an "off-the-beaten-path" experience. Don't miss the Waimea Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the secluded Polihale State Park for a special day of beachfront lounging.
If you're after a tropical paradise of natural beauty, tranquility, and privacy, Lanai, Hawaii's smallest inhabited island, might be your ideal destination. Once a pineapple plantation, Lanai now boasts only three hotels and a small local population, making it perfect for couples seeking intimate and serene surroundings. Hotel Lanai offers plantation-style history, while the Four Seasons Resort Lanai provides opulent luxury.
For the quintessential Hawaiian honeymoon experience, Maui, nicknamed "The Valley Isle," offers 33 miles of beaches and lush rainforests, as well as Mount Haleakala, which rises 10,000 feet above sea level and provides stunning sunrise views. Maui also has quiet beaches perfect for honeymoons, such as Kua'u Cove, an excellent spot for viewing turtles, and Kahekili (Airport) Beach Park in Ka'anapali for great snorkelling.
No matter which island you choose, remember to plan ahead but leave room for spontaneity. Discuss your preferences, budget, and must-haves, and consider enlisting the help of a honeymoon planning expert to ensure your Hawaiian honeymoon is truly unforgettable.
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Budgeting for your trip
Budgeting is an important part of planning your dream Hawaiian honeymoon. The cost of your trip will depend on several factors, including the islands and attractions you choose to visit, the type of accommodation you select, and the duration of your stay.
The average cost of a honeymoon is $5,000, but for a Hawaiian honeymoon, you can expect to spend between $3,500 to $8,500 or more if you opt for a 5-star resort. To keep costs down, consider travelling during the shoulder seasons of April, May, September, or October. During these months, you'll benefit from fewer crowds and cheaper prices for flights and accommodation.
Your single biggest cost will likely be your accommodation. There is a large range of prices for what you can expect to pay per night, from luxurious 5-star resorts to more affordable hotels or holiday rentals. If you plan to stay in a resort, consider an all-inclusive option, which can include meals, drinks, and activities, helping you to control your budget.
Transportation is another significant expense. Rental car deals are usually better when you rent for a full week, so if you're island-hopping, you may end up spending more on a rental car, as well as on transportation to and from the airport. If you plan to spend most of your time at your resort, you may not need a rental car, but if you want to explore the islands, it will be necessary.
Food can also be a large expense. Eating out for every meal can quickly add up, so consider getting an ice chest to pack and store your own food, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
While there are many excellent free or low-cost activities in Hawaii, such as hiking and enjoying the beaches, other activities like boat tours, snorkelling, and surfing lessons come at a cost. Discuss as a couple what activities are most important to you and plan accordingly.
To save money, consider putting your wedding expenses on a travel credit card to build points that can be used for your Hawaiian honeymoon.
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Getting around the islands
If you are staying on one island for your honeymoon, you can get around by shuttle, public transportation, taxi, or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. Hiring a car will give you more freedom to explore, but be sure to reserve a rental car in advance as they can be in high demand.
If you prefer not to drive, there are plenty of tour companies offering excursions and day trips. You can also get around by bike, with Maui offering the chance to bike down the Haleakala Crater after watching the sunrise.
No matter how you choose to get around, remember to be mindful of the impact of tourism on the local environment and communities, and strive to travel "with aloha."
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Where to stay
When it comes to where to stay on your Hawaiian honeymoon, you'll be spoilt for choice. The Hawaiian Islands are a quintessential honeymoon spot, and hotels and resorts know how to pamper couples.
If you're staying on the Island of Hawaii, you'll find plenty of resorts and vacation rentals on the Kohala Coast and Kona area, as well as Hilo and Puna on the eastern side of the island, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Hilo, on the east coast, is the ideal spot for outdoor adventures, with volcanoes, waterfalls, and black sand beaches, but it can get more rain. On the west coast, Kona is a popular choice, with high-end resorts and scenic views.
If you're looking for a more secluded and quiet island, Kauai is a great option. Known as the "Garden Isle", it offers untouched Hawaiian wilderness, tropical jungles, and great hiking. The island is dotted with exclusive resorts and farm-to-table restaurants. One of the most luxurious hotels on Kauai is the Grand Wailea, a sprawling resort with award-winning cuisine, golf, tennis, and a pool complex with waterfalls and caves.
For a more intimate and serene experience, consider Lanai, Hawaii's smallest inhabited island. Home to just three hotels and 3,000 locals, Lanai offers a tranquil and private honeymoon destination. The Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers opulent luxury, while Hotel Lanai provides a plantation-style historical experience.
Maui, nicknamed "The Valley Isle", is another popular choice for honeymooners. Lined with 33 miles of beaches and lush rainforests, it offers postcard-perfect scenery. Wailea, on the west coast, is incredibly scenic and known for its high-end resorts, while Kaanapali is a great choice for snorkelling enthusiasts. The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island.
No matter which island you choose, be sure to plan ahead and consider your budget. Hawaii is a luxury honeymoon destination, and prices can be high. Don't forget to research 'resort fees', which are additional compulsory extra costs added to your bill at checkout and can be approximately $25 per room per night.
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Frequently asked questions
The best island for a Hawaiian honeymoon depends on your interests. Maui is lined with beaches and lush rainforests, and Mount Haleakala offers stunning sunrise views. Kauai is the most secluded and quiet island, with tropical jungles and great hiking. Lanai is a tropical paradise of natural beauty, tranquility, and privacy. Molokai has long stretches of ocean shores and is the least developed Hawaiian island.
You can go snorkelling, hiking, and ziplining. You can also visit national parks, such as Haleakalā National Park and Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Park, and go on a food tour to experience traditional Hawaiian cuisine.
There are various accommodations to choose from, including resorts, vacation rentals, cosy cottages, B&Bs, condos, and Airbnbs. Some recommended hotels include The Surfjack Hotel, The Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, The Laylow, and Hotel Renew. For a more luxurious experience, consider the Four Seasons Resort Lanai or the Grand Wailea.
Hawaii has two seasons: summer, from May to October, and winter from November to April. Summer is considered the best time to visit, as it is the dry season. However, winter is the best time for whale watching, with humpbacks spotted along the coast from January to March.
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