Our Hawaii honeymoon guide gives the top 5 reasons why newlywed couples should travel to the tropical & romantic destination of Hawaii.
OVERVIEW OF HAWAII
When Love & Lavender thinks about Hawaii, one of the first words that comes to our minds: romance!
Hawaii is a unique destination in this world that attracts many tourists for special events like weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries. Its no coincidence either. From the moment you step off the plane and inhale the smell of sweet plumeria, your senses come alive and you realize why Hawaii is called a true tropical romance destination.
We think the few points below are an enticing endorsement for a honeymoon on one of the Hawaiian Islands:
- Hibiscus greetings on your morning breakfast tray
- Evening sunsets that glow a fiery orange/red hue
- Temperate weather and lovely trade winds that lull you into a relaxing state of mind
… everyday in Hawaii is one to remember. It’s not only in the movies, it’s the real deal.
The rich Polynesian culture has an Aloha (caring, sharing, and giving) spirit no matter where your adventures take you around the islands. The six main islands each have a distinct personality and look; your hardest decision will be picking the best island for you.
Sports enthusiast couples will love the world class golf courses, diving, snorkeling, surfing and other endless activities to fill your days. Or, just sit by the ocean and let the world go by in the warm sun — there are plenty of intimate hideaways too!
Soft ukulele music and breaking surf provides a perfect romantic mood while dining over outstanding local cuisine options. A Hawaii honeymoon is always a great choice.
THINGS TO DO IN HAWAII ON A HONEYMOON
- Hike the Kalaupapa Trail, a total of 6.4 mile on the island of Molokai
- Take part in a luau and enjoy a traditional show and feast
- Sail into the sunset on a romantic dinner cruise
- Take part in a hula or surfing lesson and impress your friends and family when you get home!
- Helicopter into the rain forest of Waimea Canyon on Kauai, while listening to dramatic music through a headset
- See the beautiful waterfalls on Maui with a day trip to Hana
- Wake up early and head to the top of Haleakala Crater in Maui to watch a magical sunrise from 10,000 feet
- Marvel at humpback whales (December through April)
- Witness the raw power of an active volcano on the big island, watch real lava flow into the ocean
- Take a Koloa run factory tour on the island of Kauai – free samples!
- Head to the North Shore of Oahu and hang ten with the local surfers
WHY HONEYMOON IN HAWAII?
Romance Factor
Hawaii is one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, and one of the most romantic places in the United States.
Best Beaches
Hawaii also has some of the best beaches the world has to offer. Feel the tropical breeze while listening to the azure waves lap onto one of the many beautiful shorelines. Some popular beaches include:
- Waikiki (Oahu)
- Wailea & Kaanapali Beach (Maui)
- Punaluu & Kauna’ oa Bay (the big island of Hawaii)
- Poipu (Kauai)
- Manele Bay (Lanai)
Nature
Raw natural beauty is at its best in this part of the world. From world class underwater coral floors to the unspoiled forests covering the island, exploring Hawaii’s magnificent natural surroundings is something that must be seen.
Sunsets & Sunrises
Sharing a sunset with your new spouse is probably one of the most romantic things on a Hawaii itinerary. Of course, sharing a champagne picnic at the same time would substantially increase the romance factor! Sunsets and sunrises in Hawaii are truly something else – nothing except Pacific coastline and an unobstructed view.
Get ready for rich colors of purple, pink and red like you have never seen before.
World-Class Everything
World-class beaches, accommodation, food and service await. A trip to Hawaii is simply unforgettable. And, unlike other beaches or trails around the world, you can find a secluded beach or hiking trail to enjoy all to yourselves.
WHICH ISLAND IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON?
Eight Island Experiences
There are so many beautiful places in visit on all the different islands that make up Hawaii. Below are honeymoon hot spots most couples dream about.
As the second largest island of all the Hawaiian islands, Maui is a world-renown haven for snorkelers, golfers, and sailors. It is consistently voted one of the top honeymoon destination in the US by travel publications.
Maui offers a variety of accommodations, everything from world class uber luxury resorts to cozy self-catering beach side rentals.
Maui is the perfect honeymoon spot for couples looking for a little rest and relaxation with many adventurous options.
Activities List in Maui
- The Road to Hana
- Romantic Sun set at Haleakala Crater
- West Maui Drive
- Iao Valley State Park
- Small Town Visits to Lahaina, Makawao and Paia
- Water Activities – Everything from surfing, snorkeling to scuba diving
- Luau
- Golf
- Visit Ali’ i Kula Lavender Farm
Honeymoon on Kauai
Known as the “Garden Isle” due to its lush green vegetation, postcard worthy beaches, and waterfalls galore, Kauai offers a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. It also offers a staggering list of non stop activities ideal for adventure enthusiast honeymooners.
The island is big enough to offer plenty of activities during your stay, but small enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can take a scenic drive of the island starting at one end and be on the other side in under two hours.
If it is your dream to take an amazing helicopter ride in Hawaii, this this is the place to do it! Remember those scene’s from the original Jurassic Park movie? Yep, that’s Kauai. A lot of the interior is inaccessible, but with a helicopter tour you’ll be able to really see the island’s majestic untouched beauty.
Whether you want share an unforgettable adventure together as newlyweds or just hide away at a luxurious resort, taking time to relax and the spa and treating yourself to their fine dining, Kauai will be a honeymoon you most certainly will remember.
Activities List in
- Stop and watch every sunset, especially from Polihale State Beach
- Helicopter tour
- Plan a leisurely day trip to the Northshore to visit the waterfalls, lighthouse, etc.
- Have lunch or dinner in Hanalei
- Waimea Canyon
- Kokee State Park
- Go hiking on some of the trails Kauai has to offer
- Snorkel at Lawai’i beach.
- Kayaking the Wailua River
- Catching a Kauai luau
- Romantic stroll through tropical gardens
- Snorkelling
- Mountain tubing
- Sunset picnic
- Simply driving around the island to see waterfalls, canyons and valleys
Honeymoon on The Big Island of Hawaii
Also known as the Big Island, the island of Hawaii, is the largest by land mass in all the chain of islands and shares its name with the entire state.
It has both dry desert climate in Kona on the west coast, and lush green in Hilo on the east coast, with tons of scenic sites in between. It offers the most diverse adventures of all the islands, with an active volcano at your door step, a dormant snow-capped one you can climb, botanical gardens, waterfalls and much much more.
This island is for adventure seeker at heart and honeymooners looking for an action packed memorable time.
Activities on the Island of Hawaii
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (See flowing lava at Kilauea Caldera)
- Plan a dinner at the bottom of snow-capped Mauna Kea followed by stargazing at 9,200 feet in their astronomical observatory
- Walk the famed black and green sand beaches
- Snorkel and dive with manta rays and often dolphin sightings
- Book an all-day excursion with KapohoKine Adventures and explore the waterfall jungles
- Hike deep into the Waipio Valley
- Take a guided moonlight dip in Kauna’oa Bay surrounded by manta rays
- Go to the natural hot springs just north of Hilo
Honeymoon on Lanai
For luxury honeymooners, the Hawaiian island of Lanai offers acres of unspoiled natural beauty, little crowds, tranquillity and isolation.
With a barefoot atmosphere and only a handful of resorts on offer, this small hideaway creates the perfect getaway spot for couples who wan to sink into newlywed bliss.
Activities in Lanai
- Sunset cruise along Lanai’s coastline.
- Book a table for two under the stars at The Four Seasons which overlooks Hulopoe Bay. Enjoy a personalized five-course menu and wine pairings prepared just for you by their expert Chef.
- Horseback adventure at the Stables at Koele
- Explore the island’s remote sands of Polihua Beach via 4×4
- Snorkel in Hulopo’e Bay
- Have a picnic in the park
- Sunbathe
- Watch the dolphins off of romantic Hulopoe Bay
- Hike up to Puu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock
- Relax by the pool with champagne
- Enjoy a post-wedding Spa treatment
- Golfing
Honeymoon on Molokai
For those honeymooners who don’t have the budget for Lanai, but still want that unspoiled Hawaiian beauty, we recommend the fifth largest Hawaiian island, Molokai.
This is an island for a couple seeking a quiet escape away from traffic lights, crowds, tall buildings, and night life. A place that offers stunning views, rest and relaxation after a long wedding planning journey. A place where Ancient Hawaii traditions can still be seen; like the hula dance which was created here.
Activities in Molokai
- Hand out at one of the 16 beaches Molokai has to offer (although only 6 are considered suitable for swimming)
- Take a dip in the water. There is a reef that lies about a mile off Molokai’s south shore, which makes the water relatively calm and shallow.
- Kayak
- Check out one of Hawaii’s largest white sandy beaches, Papohaku Beach, which stretches 3 miles long and 100 yards wide,
- Fishing
- Mule ride to coastal cliffs in Kalaupapa National Historical Park
- Descend the worlds tallest sea cliffs on the north side of the island along a four-mile trail to the Kalaupapa Peninsula
- Luau
- Take a Hike in Kamakou Preserve
- Hike through the forests of Halawa Valley to the 250-foot high Moa’ula Falls and take a swim
Honeymoon on Oahu
If you only have time to visit one Hawaiian island, may we suggest choosing the third largest island of Oahu. It is by far the most popular choice for tourists, and for good reason.
Oahu is Hawaii’s central flight hub for any incoming flights from the mainland, the vast majority of Hawaii’s population resides on Oahu and it also hold the capitol of the state, Honolulu. This all means that tourists have access to all the modern conveniences afforded by a city.
The only possible downside to Oahu is that as it is a so packed with tourists. Also, finding a romantic hotel may be more of a challenge.
Activities in Oahu
- Scuba and snorkel in crystal-clear waters
- Skydive together
- Helicopter tours
- Nuuanu Pali lookout
- Hiking Trails
- Horseback riding
- Visit the World War II Valor (Pacific National Monument)
- Spend the day on the world famous Waikiki Beach
- Sunset cruises
- Fine Dining
- Nightlife
- Shopping
Honeymoon in Honolulu
Honolulu, is located on the island of Oahu, and is known to be one of the most visited of all the Hawiian Islands. Honeymooning in Honolulu offers the best of both worlds because couples have access to the modern conveniences of a capitol city like museums, shopping, fine dining, and nightlife, but also have the chance to experience beautiful Hawaiian landscape and traditions.
If you are a couple who likes to be beach bums and adventure junkies during the day and live it up in the city at night, Honolulu is probably the perfect spot for you!
Activities in Honolulu
Couples honeymooning in Honolulu have access to all above listed activities found on the island of Oahu
Honeymoon Hawaiian Cruise
A honeymoon cruise around hawaii hitting up places like Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui (lahaina), is a great way to see a good chunk of what Hawaii has to offer.
Meredith did a Christmas/New Years cruise abroad Golden Princess from LA to Hawaii back in 2011 and had the most wonderful trip. She highly suggests this route if you are thinking of visiting Hawaii.
Meredith: “Okay, so its not overly romantic with the ‘rents. This was before I met my husband! Trust me, it will be very romantic with your new spouse!”
HAWAII HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS
When To Go
Bargains can be found mid-April through to early June, as well as early September until Mid-November.
Keep in mind though that some activities are seasonal – whale watching is a good example as it only takes place in the winter. If you are looking to surf, the water can get rough and you may find that some beaches are closed due to unsafe conditions.
Weather
The average year-round temperature in Hawaii is 80°F, which is a perfect temperature in our opinion. Rainy season runs November to March, while the dry season is typically April through October.
Transportation
- Car Rental – Spend time relaxing on the beach or laying in the sun on your honeymoon should be the primary goal of your trip. However, we think you’ll miss out on a lot more if you don’t get off the resort and explore by car (preferably a red mustang convertible). Regardless of what island you vacation, a car rental is a smart way to get around.
- Bicycle – Renting a bike to see the landscape at a slower pace is another great way to spend your day. Andrew fondly remembers a family trip he took in 2008 to Oahu’s North Shore and how much fun it was to cycle on the open road. Towering mountains on one side and stunning coastline on the other.
- Public Transportation – If you don’t fancy renting a car, you might consider going to Oahu. Oahu has Hawaii’s best public transportation of all the islands. The Bus allows you to get around the island easily and cheaply.
HELPFUL HONEYMOON HINTS
Events
You may want to plan your honeymoon during one of the many special events happening on one of the Hawaiian island. Check out Go Hawaii’s event calendar for more details.
Aloha Spirit
The translation of ‘Aloha’ to English means hello, goodbye, peace and love! Use the word often to get a great feel for a warm Hawaiian way of life.
Lei Greeting
The second you get off the airplane, grab a beautiful lei greeting for you and your partner in order to set the mood.
Here are some companies to book a lei greeting from:
HAWAII FAST FACTS
Language: English; greetings in the Hawaiian language are common!
Currency: US Dollar ($)
Electricity: 120v/60HZ Same as mainland US
Area Code: (808)
Driving: Just like in mainland US, Hawaiians drive on the right hand side of the road and speed limits are expressed in miles per hour.
Well, there you have it. I hope you have found our honeymoon guide to Hawaii helpful.
If Hawaii isn’t the honeymoon spot for you and you want to see other honeymoon destination options then head over to our Honeymoon Destination Travel Guide section.
