The Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Hawaiʻi Honeymoon

Well, you’ve gone and done it, you’ve said “yes” to your person, and now there’s a wedding to plan, along with the best part of the wedding—your honeymoon. Naturally, the warm breezes and sandy beaches of Hawai‘i are appealing to most newlywed couples—who wouldn’t want to kiss under a waterfall or watch a volcano erupt with their new spouse? While lei and mai tais are an important part of the romance, so is planning ahead to ensure that only the best memories are made. Here are a few tips on how to plan your Hawai‘i honeymoon.

Which Is The Best Hawaiian Island For Our Honeymoon? 

The Hawaiian Islands are as diverse as the people (and couples) who visit them. The best island to spend your honeymoon really depends on what type of honeymoon you are looking for—do you want to have memorable outdoor adventures? Relax at a beachside hotel with an indulgent spa? Or maybe you want to eat and drink your way through your honeymoon? In some cases you can do all of those and more, depending on the island you choose.

READ MORE: Best Hawai‘i Honeymoon Resorts in 2023

Honeymooning on O‘ahu

A couple by the bar.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

O‘ahu offers experiences that appeal to those who like more urban adventures including world-class dining and shopping options, as well as gorgeous beaches, cultural activities and incredible museums. Adventure can be found with tours to Kualoa Ranch and Pearl Harbor or hikes along a variety of gorgeous jungle trails. A foodie adventure to the North Shore is also a great option, and you can indulge in area’s world-famous shrimp trucks and a stop along the way at some of the most postcard perfect beaches you’ve yet to see, like Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay. If nightlife is an important part of your stay, Oʻahu is your best bet, especially districts like Downtown Honolulu, Waikīkī and Kakaʻako, which are home to a number of clubs, karaoke bars and more. 

READ MORE: The Best Hotels in Oʻahu, According to our Editors

Your Maui Honeymoon

A couple at Haleakalā.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

For a romantic Hawai‘i honeymoon punctuated by picturesque waterfalls, diverse beaches and unforgettable sunrises, Maui is an island best for nature lovers. Both the newer, upscale resort area of Wailea and the country, beach-filled shores of Pāʻia are filled with classic Hawaiian vibes and offer romance paired with stunning views. Both areas offer easy access to various shopping and dining options, giving couples the choice of ditching the rental car and cruise around the area.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Maui, According to our Editors

A Honeymoon on Hawai‘i Island

A couple on the Big Island.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / John Hook

Hawai‘i Island offers adventure around every corner with manta ray diving tours, caves to explore, excursions to the top of Mauna Kea and hikes to see one of the world’s most active volcanoes (which may or may not be erupting during your honeymoon visit). Add to that a burgeoning food scene, beautiful drives across constantly changing landscapes and both green and black sand beaches, and you’ve got a trip to remember.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Hawaiʻi Island, According to our Editors

Honeymooning on Kaua‘i

A couple on a Napali Coast boat tour.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

With its dramatic landscapes and quiet beauty, it’s no wonder couples can lose themselves against the backdrop of this gorgeous island. Whether you’re taking in the views at Waimea Canyon or testing your mettle hiking along the Nāpali Coast, there are so many spectacular things to see and do on Kaua‘i. If a hike isn’t on the agenda, you can hop on a helicopter or boat to explore the cliffs and caves of the Napali Coast on the island’s northern shoreline. For a truly memorable experience, float on a tube through caves, canals and chutes at an old sugar plantation with Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Kauaʻi, According to our Editors

Your Lānaʻi Honeymoon

For the chance to really get lost together, Lāna‘i can’t be beat—but it’s not necessarily in everyone’s budget. The small island only has two hotels, and accommodations can eat up a lot of your budget. However, it’s the ultimate destination for shutting most of the world out and focusing on one another. Both hotels offer incredible dining options, memorable spa experiences and all of the pampering you need. A day trip from Maui is also an option, as the only ferry in Hawaiʻi runs between the two islands.

READ MORE: Which Hawaiian Island is Perfect for You?

How Much Should We Budget For A Honeymoon in Hawai‘i?

If you’re planning a Hawaiʻi honeymoon, it’s important to understand that this will not be an inexpensive trip. Items you want to make sure to budget for after you’ve locked in the plane ticket and your travel dates include:

• Accommodations: Hotels across the state average $375 per night, more affordable options as well as more luxurious choices in the mix. Be sure to keep an eye out for resort fees, too—if you have to pay them, make sure you take advantage of what they offer. Be sure to check out our editors’ picks for best hotels on Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu, Maui and Kaua‘i.
• Rental car and gas: Depending on where you’re staying and what kind of vacation you want to have, you might be able to skip a rental; but most self-directed adventures require your own set of wheels, and gas in Hawai‘i is some of the most expensive in the nation.
• Parking: Parking prices at hotels can add a significant amount to the bill when you check out; be sure you know your hotel’s rental policies and prices (and don’t forget to tip valets).
• Tips: Speaking of tips, be sure to plan for them for cleaning staff, hospitality staff, valets and excursion leaders.
• Food: Whether you’re dining out at five star restaurants, grabbing a poke bowl for the beach or making your own tuna sandwiches, you’ve got to eat , so be sure to budget appropriately.
• Excursions: Whether you want to hop on a boat or be guided through a jungle on a hike, excursions can add up quickly; be sure to book ahead so that you don’t miss out on the things you really want to do.
• Shopping and souvenirs: Shopping in Hawai‘i can be a lot of fun, plus you’ll want to charm that new mother-in-law with something beautiful from your trip; be sure to set some aside for some of the incredible local goods that Hawai‘i has to offer.

How Much Time Should We Spend in Hawai‘i For Our Honeymoon? 

A panoramic Maui view.
Photo: Getty Images

Figuring out how long to stay while planning your Hawaiʻi honeymoon depends on a few factors including budget, available time and whether you want to try out multiple hotels and islands. We recommend a week at minimum. It’s important to remember that travel time to Hawai‘i can cut into a lot of your vacation time. For those traveling long distances, you may also need to factor in time to adjust to the new time zone—we recommend snuggling in bed and ordering room service to help ease the transition. 

No matter which island you choose for your Hawai‘i honeymoon destination, there will be plenty to do, with each day being different from the next. And, of course, you’ll want to make sure to leave plenty of time to focus on your new spouse and your new status as a married couple. Be careful not to overbook your days and leave plenty of time for sipping mai tais poolside and digging your toes into the sand while watching the sunset. 

If your trip includes a visit to one or more islands, be sure to extend the time accordingly. Maui and Lānaʻi are the easiest islands to visit together, as there is a small ferry (for people only, no cars) between the two. It’s easy to extend a stay at one of Lānaʻi luxury resorts or just go visit for the day to check out the Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary and the newly reopened Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Centre.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Maui, According to our Editors

To island-hop between the other islands you’ll have to book a flight, which can certainly add to the cost of your trip (keep an eye out for sales—when one airline offers a sale, the others usually follow suit). It’s certainly worth it, though, to add on a quick trip and see one of the other islands. Flights are short and sweet and Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge bag fees, which helps for quicker excursions.

What Are the Best Months to Honeymoon in Hawaiʻi?

Though Hawai‘i is located in the tropics, temperatures drop a bit in winter months. If your plans mostly include swimming, you’ll find the water a bit colder—albeit still very comfortable—on all coastlines, however there are still plenty of warm days from November to January. And the winter season does offer some unbeatable memories, including whale watching and the opportunity to see snow on top of dormant volcanoes. Whale watching season in Hawai‘i runs from November to May.

The summer, however, sees throngs of visitors enjoying their vacations from school and work. The sheer number of people can be a bit overwhelming and not necessarily conducive to romantic relaxation. This leaves a handful of months that sit right in that sweet spot of great temperatures, smaller crowds, and memorable activities that won’t get rained out. The best months to visit for your Hawai‘i honeymoon, when there aren’t a lot of other visitors and the weather is great, are March and April in the spring and September, October and November—before Thanksgiving in the fall.

READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why Summer Is the Best Time to Travel to Hawaiʻi

No matter where you choose to visit, your budget, or your length of stay, your Hawai‘i honeymoon will be even more memorable if you and your spouse spend some time giving back together. Check out the new Mālama Hawai‘i program for volunteer opportunities, and you may even save some money on your hotel.

READ MORE: 11 Date Ideas for Romance in Hawaiʻi