Franklin Dean
Maui is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, and for good reason. From fairy-tale resorts to top-rated restaurants, idyllic beaches, and countless other attractions, Maui has something for every type of vacationer. Whether you're looking for a quiet and serene getaway or an adventure-filled trip, Maui is the perfect place to unwind and start your life together as a married couple. In this article, we will explore the best places to stay, eat, and visit during your honeymoon in Maui. We'll also provide tips and tricks for planning your dream honeymoon, from choosing the right accommodation to making the most of your time on the island. So, get ready to fall in love with Maui and create unforgettable memories with your new spouse!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | 5-diamond resorts, cozy beach rentals, 3-star hotels, 4-star hotels, 5-star hotels |
| Activities | Helicopter tours, parasailing, snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, four-wheeling, exploring, surfing, horseback tours, couples massages, visiting The Maui Cookie Lady, picnics with alpacas and angora bunnies, watching the sunrise at Haleakalā, driving the road to Hana, strolling on the beach, dining on farm-to-table cuisine |
| Dining | Mama's Fish House, Ferraro's, Flatbread Company, Down the Hatch, The Feast at Mokapu |
| Tips | Book a package with a car, save time at the airport by having one person pick up the rental car while the other collects luggage, be respectful of locals and the environment, make reservations at restaurants in advance |
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What You'll Learn
Honeymoon resorts and hotels in Maui
Maui is a top honeymoon destination, offering newlyweds diverse and scenic beauty, world-class beaches, and a rich Hawaiian culture. From luxurious resorts to secluded villas, Maui has a range of accommodations to choose from.
The Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua is a sprawling estate on rolling hills with deep blue waters, six restaurants, a spa, and two golf courses. It is a full-service wedding venue, offering honeymoon packages with couples' massages and private beach dinners. The hotel also offers a romantic atmosphere, with ocean-view open-air restaurants featuring live music and incredible food.
The Andaz Maui, a tropical green setting for its crisp and modern concept, and the Wailea Beach Resort, with its adults-only infinity pool and stunning views, are also popular choices for honeymooners. The Hotel Wailea is another adults-only resort, offering ocean-view suites surrounded by lush greenery and ideal for couples seeking privacy.
For those seeking a more secluded and intimate experience, the Montage Kapalua Bay offers a large yet somewhat remote setting with soaring ocean views and rustic touches. The Cliff House, a glass-walled cliffside cottage, is a particularly stunning option for couples.
Maui also offers a range of off-the-beaten-path accommodations with incredible views and easy access to shops and restaurants. The Honua Kai in Kaanapali, the Whaler 1224 on Kaanapali Beach, and the Kapalua Villas are great options in this category.
Finally, for those seeking a balance of tourist activities and relaxation, the west side of Maui, including Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Napili, offers plenty of options. Kaanapali, in particular, is busy and touristy with lots of family-friendly activities, while Wailea is quieter and more upscale.
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Maui's scenic drives and car rentals
Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island, offering breathtaking landscapes that are best explored by car. There are several car rental companies on the island, such as Rent Maui Cars and Kahului Auto Rentals, which provide affordable and reliable rental options.
One of the most famous scenic drives on Maui is the Road to Hana, a 64.4-mile-long stretch of picturesque highways and captivating bridges. Along this route, you'll encounter enchanting waterfalls, lush rainforests, and dramatic seascapes. Notable stops include Twin Falls, where you can take a refreshing dip, and Waianapanapa State Park, known for its black sand beach. The drive to Haleakala, Maui's highest peak, is also a popular choice for couples, as it offers a chance to see the sunrise over the clouds.
If you're looking for a challenging drive, the Kahekili Highway on Maui's northern shore offers remarkable coastal and mountain views. The narrow, winding roads of this hidden gem lead to stunning vistas, secluded beaches, and historic sites like the ancient Hawaiian village of Kahakuloa. Another scenic loop is the West Maui Circle Drive, which takes you from the historic whaling town of Lahaina to the luxury beach resorts of Ka’anapali, through the rugged cliffs of Kahakuloa, and back to Wailuku. This drive offers unparalleled views of towering sea cliffs, lush valleys, and coastal villages.
For those who want to explore the upper part of Maui, a drive to Upcountry Maui will lead you to the island's farmlands, plantations, and historic towns. The road to Haleakala National Park is also a gorgeous drive through the interior of Maui, with mountains on one side and forests on the other. The park is considered sacred and offers a remote and tranquil experience, although it lacks gas stations and reliable cell reception.
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Maui's restaurants and eateries
Maui is a foodie's paradise, with swanky dining rooms, oceanfront views, and intimate eateries. The island's cuisine is incredibly diverse, with options ranging from seafood to Hawaiian classics and sushi.
For seafood lovers, Mama's Fish House is a must-visit. Located steps from the sand at Kuau Cove, it offers an upscale and intimate dining experience with a menu that's so local, it's updated daily with the name of the fisherman and the location where the fish was caught. If you're looking for a more casual spot, Sam Sato’s is a family-owned restaurant that’s been serving breakfast and lunch since 1933. Their dry mein, a combination of wavy saimin noodles, char siu pork, and bean sprouts served with a side of dashi for dipping, is a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
If you're in the mood for something more exotic, Nuka in Hā‘iku is a modern izakaya and sushi bar. Start with small plates like spicy edamame and miso eggplant, then move on to a sashimi platter or a simple Nuka bowl with fresh herbs and veggies. For a true taste of Hawaii, be sure to try local favourites like 'ōpakapaka (pink snapper), pohole fern, līmu līpoa (Hawaiian seaweed), and haupia (coconut custard).
Maui also has its fair share of high-end restaurants, mainly in the resort areas of South and West Maui. Merriman's, an upscale, seasonal American restaurant in Kapalua, is a great choice for sunset dining. Their wok-charred ‘ahi is a classic, but the daily changing specials are also worth trying.
For a more relaxed meal, head to the West Side, where you'll find Jojo Vasquez's laid-back eatery in a Napili strip mall. This hidden gem serves up bentos, burgers, and fried chicken bites during the day, and at night, chef Jojo puts on a show with his meticulous prix fixe dinners.
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Maui's beaches
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach is one of Maui's most renowned beaches, known for its brilliant and beautiful variations of blue and turquoise waters. It offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkelling, and whale watching. The beach is also home to the Maui sunset diving ceremony at Black Rock, or Puu Kekka, where Maui's last chief, Kahekili, dove off to prove his strength. The beach is easily accessible from nearby resorts and provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach, located in the Wailea area, is known for its quiet and upscale vibe. It boasts soft sand and calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach is also a great spot for whale watching, especially from the adults-only infinity pool at the Four Seasons Resort. The resort offers couple-focused entertainment, fine dining, and spa experiences, making it an excellent choice for honeymooners seeking luxury and privacy.
Keawakapu Beach
Keawakapu Beach is a favourite among visitors to Maui, known for its beautiful sand and vibrant blue waters. It offers a serene and relatively uncrowded atmosphere, perfect for swimming and strolling. The beach provides a picturesque setting for romantic walks and intimate dinners.
Kapalua Bay/Beach
Kapalua Bay, located in West Maui, is renowned for its calm and clear waters, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and exploring the amazing reefs. The beach offers soft sand, lava rocks, and great waves, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. The nearby Montage Kapalua Bay resort offers a large yet secluded experience with intimate rustic touches and stunning ocean views.
Hookipa Beach Park
Hookipa Beach Park, located about 4 miles from other popular beaches, is known as the windsurfing capital of the world. It offers consistently high waves for surfing and other water sports. If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, this beach provides an exciting opportunity to catch some waves and enjoy the vibrant energy of the surfing community.
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Maui's spas and romantic experiences
Maui is a popular honeymoon destination, offering a range of romantic experiences and spa treatments. The island boasts stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and luxurious resorts, providing the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway.
Spas in Maui:
Maui is renowned for its world-class spas, offering a variety of treatments and wellness experiences. Here are some of the top spas to consider during your honeymoon:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua: Features a luxury spa and wellness centre with a range of Hawaiian-based treatments, including the authentic lomilomi massage and Hawaiian healing experiences. Their spa products incorporate natural ingredients like pineapple, papaya, and coconut.
- Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort: Home to the Awili Spa, a 14,000-square-foot facility with a private adults-only pool, an apothecary blend bar, and three outdoor infinity pools. Couples can enjoy romantic massages and dining at acclaimed restaurants like Ka'ana Kitchen and Morimoto Maui.
- The Spa at Four Seasons Maui: This spa offers lush healing treatments in a gorgeous setting, consistent with the high standards of the Four Seasons brand.
- The Heavenly Spa by Westin Maui: Specialises in a streamlined menu of spa services, including the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Pohaku Stone Massage, and the CBD Massage. The CBD Massage uses Cause Medic CBD oil to nourish the skin and ease muscle soreness.
- The Spa at Black Rock: Offers a range of massage treatments, body treatments, and skincare options. The Ho'o Malie O Ke Kai oceanfront massage and the oceanfront cabana for couples are popular choices.
- Art of Spa at Spa Montage Kapalua Bay: Features a unique fusion of traditional Japanese omakase and an old-world apothecary. The hydrotherapy area includes a sauna, whirlpool, and bamboo rainfall showers, creating a lush private oasis.
- Fairmont Spa: Provides a range of spa treatments, including the Kea Lani 90-minute massage, which has received rave reviews for its relaxing and intuitive touch.
Romantic Experiences in Maui:
In addition to spa treatments, Maui offers a plethora of romantic experiences to enjoy with your partner:
- Sunrise at Haleakalā: Drive up to Haleakalā, Maui's highest peak, to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the clouds.
- Road to Hāna: Take a scenic drive along the Road to Hāna, counting the waterfalls along the way.
- Ka'anapali Beach: Enjoy one of Maui's best beaches, offering traditional Hawaiian luaus, surf lessons, and horseback tours.
- Helicopter Tour: Explore the island from above with a helicopter tour, taking in the beauty of the Road to Hāna and Haleakalā National Park.
- Hiking in Haleakalā National Park: Discover the diverse landscapes of this national park, from native shrublands to aeolian cinder deserts, and enjoy the breathtaking views.
- Dining: Indulge in Maui's sumptuous farm-to-table cuisine and stroll along the serene beaches under the moonlight.
- Lahaina: Visit the former Hawaiian capital and explore its Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good hotels and resorts in Maui for honeymooners include the Westin in Kaanapali, Honua Kai in Kaanapali, Ritz-Carlton Maui, and the Four Seasons in Wailea.
Mama’s Fish House is one of the most popular and most recommended restaurants in Maui. Other recommended restaurants include Ferraro’s and Flatbread Company in Paia.
There are plenty of activities for honeymooners in Maui, including the Road to Hana, a driving tour of the Hana highway that takes you through lush rainforests, hikes, waterfalls, and ocean vistas. You can also go snorkelling and scuba diving, swimming in Hulopoe Bay, whale watching, horseback riding, golfing, hiking, and exploring the red spires of the Garden of the Gods.
The peak holiday season in Maui is from December 20 to January 7, Spring break, Valentine's week, President's week, and Summer holiday weekends. If you're looking for a quieter time to visit, it's best to avoid these peak times.
It's important to book your accommodations and activities in advance, as things can book up quickly. It's also a good idea to rent a car to get around the island and save on transportation costs.
