George Boyle
Hawaii is a quintessential honeymoon destination, offering newlyweds a mix of romance, relaxation and adventure. With five or six main islands to choose from, each with its own unique personality, attractions, and cultural heritage, it can be tricky to decide which one is best suited for a honeymoon. From the lush 'Garden Isle' of Kauai to the dramatic peaks of Oahu, the Hawaiian islands promise a tropical paradise with sun, sand, and cocktails, as well as thrilling water sports, ancient cultures, and quaint local towns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most romantic | Kauai |
| Overall winner | Maui |
| Best resorts | Wailea |
| Best restaurants | Maui |
| Best for nature | Kauai |
| Best for city-meets-beach | Oahu |
| Best for seclusion | Lanai |
| Best for luxury | Mauna Lani |
| Best for adult-only resorts | Maui |
| Best for surfing | Waikiki Beach |
| Best for hiking | Kauai |
| Best for snorkeling | Maui |
| Best for whale watching | Maui |
| Best for unique experiences | Big Island |
| Best time to visit | May to October |
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What You'll Learn
Maui: the overall winner
Maui is the overall winner when it comes to the best Hawaiian island for your honeymoon. Affectionally nicknamed "The Valley Isle", Maui is the quintessential version of Hawaii, lined with 33 miles of beaches and lush rainforests. The island is also home to Mount Haleakala, which rises 10,000 feet above sea level and offers breathtaking sunrise views. Its wild landscape has served as the backdrop for many Hollywood films, including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Elvis' Blue Hawaii.
Maui has a mix of everything you could want on your honeymoon. The island boasts some of the best resorts in Hawaii, with the sunniest spots found in Wailea and Ka’anapali. Wailea Beach, in particular, is the most popular, with plenty of resorts built along its golden shores. If you're looking for a quiet, kid-free vacation, Maui also has the only adults-only hotel in Hawaii.
There is plenty to do on Maui, from snorkelling with tropical fish and turtles to exploring upcountry Maui, including MauiWine, Makawao Town, the Ali’i Kula lavender farm, and Surfing Goat Dairy. Whale watching off the coast of Maui is also a popular activity, with the island offering the best whale-watching opportunities in all of Hawaii.
If you're looking to venture outside of the resorts, head up the hill to Hotel Wailea, an adults-only hotel with ultra-private accommodations. On Maui's North Shore, you'll find the Inn at Mama's Fish House, with small cottages and suites overlooking the peaceful Mama's Beach and the island's famous restaurant, Mama's Fish House.
Maui also offers an easy day trip to another island, making it a great choice for those looking to explore multiple islands during their honeymoon.
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Oahu: the Heart of Hawaii
Oahu, also known as "The Gathering Place", is a vibrant island that combines city and beach life. It is the perfect destination for couples seeking a mix of big-city atmosphere and natural attractions. Honolulu, Hawaii's largest city, is located on Oahu and offers cultural activities, top-notch restaurants, shopping, museums, and theatres. The city's blend of urban sophistication and beach vibes makes it a unique destination for honeymooners.
One of the most famous beaches in Oahu is Waikiki Beach, a world-renowned stretch of shoreline nestled in the heart of Honolulu. With its white sand and array of water activities, Waikiki Beach is a hub for surfers, locals, and tourists alike. The beachfront is alive with entertainment, from traditional hula performances to live music events, and it also caters to families with sections of calm waters. Sheraton Waikiki, with its diamond-head view, is a great option for accommodation, as it is beachfront and offers easy access to the city's attractions and dining options.
For those interested in history and culture, Oahu has a rich heritage as the historical seat of power for Hawaiian royalty. Iconic landmarks such as Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor are must-visits, and the island's well-developed transportation system makes it easy for visitors to explore. The North Shore of Oahu is also famous for its surf breaks, and the island is home to two beautiful mountain ranges and numerous botanical gardens.
Oahu offers a diverse range of experiences, from the buzz of Honolulu to the tranquility of its natural attractions. It is a great choice for honeymooners who want the convenience of a well-developed island with a unique blend of city and beach life, all set within a vibrant and culturally rich environment.
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The Big Island: diverse landscapes
The Big Island, also known as the Island of Hawaii, is a great choice for honeymooners seeking diverse landscapes. The island boasts a mix of soaring mountains, golden-sand beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, lava fields, and green meadows.
One of the most popular attractions on the island is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can witness active volcanoes, hike through lava fields and tubes, explore lush rainforests, and discover the history of the island. The island's most active volcano, Kilauea, is a must-see, with its volcanic ash-created black-sand beaches. The eastern side of the island is rainier and more remote, offering stunning only-in-Hawaii sights, while the western side enjoys over 350 days of sunny weather due to its proximity to the giant volcanoes.
For accommodation, the Four Seasons offers luxury and privacy with oceanfront properties, soft-sand beaches, and amenities like terraces and private pools in their private villas. The Volcano Bed and Breakfast provides a combination of privacy and luxury, with windows overlooking tropical birds, massive ferns, and gorgeous rainforest greenery.
The Big Island also offers a variety of unique experiences, such as snorkelling in Kealakekua Bay in Kona, wine tasting at Volcano Winery, helicopter tours, horseback riding through lush forests and freshwater streams, and the traditional Kona Village Luau with Hawaiian food, music, and performances.
With its diverse landscapes, the Big Island of Hawaii promises an unforgettable honeymoon experience.
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Kauai: the Garden Isle
Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is the perfect Hawaiian island for honeymooners seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both. The island is known for its lush green valleys, jagged cliffs, tropical rainforests, and rugged Na Pali Coast. It is the wettest, greenest, and lushest of all the Hawaiian islands, offering a true tropical paradise experience.
For adventure-seekers, Kauai provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining. The Na Pali Coast can be best viewed via a romantic sunset cruise, while Waimea Canyon State Park, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, offers a breathtaking glimpse of the island's dramatic landscape. The island is also home to Hanalei Bay, a beautiful beach, and Kauaʻi Coffee Company, where you can learn about coffee cultivation and indulge in tastings of locally grown coffee.
If you're looking for a more relaxed honeymoon, Kauai offers secluded and untouched Hawaiian wilderness, perfect for tranquil escapes. The island's tropical jungles and garden-green forests provide a peaceful backdrop for leisurely walks and nature appreciation. The Kauaʻi Museum in Lihue offers insights into the customs, rituals, and daily practices of the island's early inhabitants, allowing you to dive into the rich history and culture of Kauai.
Kauai also has a range of accommodation options, from vacation rentals to resorts, catering to different budgets and preferences. Keep in mind that Kauai is known for its rain, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your honeymoon.
Overall, Kauai offers a diverse range of experiences that make it an attractive destination for honeymooners seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation in a secluded, tropical paradise.
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Lanai: single-resort island
If you're looking for a private, luxurious honeymoon experience, then the tiny island of Lanai could be the perfect choice. Lanai is a single-resort island, offering the ultimate in exclusivity and seclusion for newlyweds.
With its secluded location, Lanai provides a tranquil and intimate atmosphere that newlyweds can enjoy. The island's resort will cater to your every need, ensuring you have a memorable and relaxing stay. Imagine days spent lounging on the beach, sipping cocktails, and enjoying the stunning natural surroundings.
While Lanai may be small, it still offers a diverse range of experiences. The island is known for its dramatic landscapes, including soaring mountains, golden-sand beaches, and lush rainforests. You can go hiking, explore the island's historic sites, or simply relax on the beach and take in the views.
For those who want to venture beyond the resort, Lanai offers unique opportunities to explore. You can visit the island's remote beaches, go snorkelling, or even take a cruise to nearby islands. Lanai truly offers the best of both worlds: a secluded, luxurious resort experience, paired with the adventure and natural beauty of Hawaii.
When it comes to accommodation, Lanai's single resort provides a range of options to suit your needs. From spacious suites to private bungalows, you can find the perfect place to call your home away from home. The resort will ensure you have everything you need, with top-notch dining, spa treatments, and activities all within easy reach.
So, if you're seeking a mix of luxury, privacy, and natural beauty for your honeymoon, Lanai is an excellent choice. Its secluded setting, paired with the convenience of a single-resort island, makes it a unique and unforgettable destination for celebrating your love.
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Frequently asked questions
The best island for a Hawaiian honeymoon depends on your preferences. Maui is the overall winner when it comes to a Hawaiian honeymoon, with its adults-only resorts, beautiful resort areas, and a mix of everything you could want. However, Kauai is the most romantic island for your honeymoon as it’s the most secluded and quiet island, with tropical jungles and great hiking. The Big Island is also a good option if you want a more laid-back vibe and fewer tourists.
There are plenty of activities to do on your Hawaiian honeymoon, depending on the island you choose. On Maui, you can go snorkelling with tropical fish and turtles, whale watching, or exploring upcountry Maui, including MauiWine, Makawao Town, and the Ali’i Kula lavender farm. On Kauai, you can take a sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coast, tour Waimea Canyon State Park, or visit the Kauai Coffee Company estate to learn about coffee cultivation and indulge in tastings of locally grown coffee. On the Big Island, you can go snorkelling in Kealakekua Bay in Kona, walk through lava tubes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and explore the eastern side of the island, which is rainier and remote but full of stunning sights.
There are many great accommodations for a Hawaiian honeymoon depending on your preferences and budget. On Maui, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Montage Kapalua Bay, Travaasa Hana, and the Inn at Mama’s Fish House are all great options. On Kauai, you can stay at vacation rentals or hotels such as the Royal Kona Resort. On the Big Island, the Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resort, and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel are great choices.
When planning a Hawaiian honeymoon, it's important to consider the time of year you want to visit. Summer, from May to October, is considered the best time to visit, while winter, from November to April, is wetter and less ideal. It's also important to book your accommodations and any rental cars in advance to ensure availability. Additionally, if you want to explore multiple islands, you can consider taking short flights or cruises between the islands.
