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Honeymoon Guide to Hawaii

Hawaii, home of swaying palm trees, white-sand and black-sand beaches fringing clear blue waters. The ultimate picture-perfect, far-flung honeymoon destination.

Hawaii is ideal for a luxurious and indulgent honeymoon. With beautiful beaches where you can dine with the sand between your toes, hidden waterfalls, incredible sunsets… what more could you ask for?

Hawaii is a state that belongs to the USA and the archipelago consists of 137 islands, meaning that there is plenty of island-hopping to do and a colourful underwater world in the countless reefs that surround the islands.

Happy beach vacation couple tourists enjoying sunset with arms up in freedom view from behind. Woman and man standing in hawaiian shirt against ocean background dusk in Lanikai, Oahu, Hawaii.

There’s more to Hawaii than just laying around on the beach and sipping on cocktails, there are plenty of adventure activities from snorkelling, diving with manta rays, to hiking up volcanoes that will keep your adrenaline pumping.

The only downside to honeymooning in Hawaii is that it is not the most budget-friendly destination, it is essential to save up money to have the honeymoon of your dreams but once you’re there it will be worth every penny!

In the Only Honeymoon Guide to Hawaii you’ll ever need we will show you everything you need to prepare for the honeymoon of your dreams.

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Where to go in Hawaii on your honeymoon

Though there are 137 islands in Hawaii, there are eight main islands for tourists to stay on with the most popular for honeymoons being the Big Island, Maui and Kauai.

The Big Island

The Big Island is, as its name suggests, is the biggest island of the chain and is larger than all seven islands combined.

The landscape ranges from dense rainforests to lava fields, making it a great destination for adventure travel, you can hike up the five volcanoes on the island, snorkel or dive in the vibrant reefs, night-diving with manta rays is one of the highlights.

There are also fantastic beaches to be discovered where you can spend the day lounging and soaking up the rays.

The Big Island also boasts excellent shopping and fine-dining as well as art galleries for those who prefer being in the city.

Aerial view of the northern coast of the Big Island with steep green cliffs, Hawaii

Maui

Maui has been voted as one of the best islands in the world for seven years in a row by Travel + Leisure magazine, for good reason too! Maui has it all: wilderness and nature and restaurants and entertainment.

You can discover pristine, unspoilt beaches of clear white sand, amazing waves for surfing, hiking at the sea-cliffs, dolphin-spotting and its beauty and majesty can be admired from a bird’s eye view on an unforgettable helicopter of the island’s diverse landscapes.

Beautiful scene on Haleakala volcano, Maui island, Hawaii

Kauai

Known to the locals as “Garden Island”, Kauai is a verdant green paradise. This is the ideal destination for nature lovers seeking quiet, unspoilt beaches, enchanting sunsets and great hiking.

The Hanalei River offers opportunities for kayaking and observing the flora and fauna. Kauai has excellent amenities and fine-dining opportunities to ensure that all your needs are catered for.

Na Pali coast, Kauai, Hawaii view from sea sunset cruise tour. Nature coastline landscape in Kauai island, Hawaii, USA. Hawaii travel.

Important information on Hawaii for your honeymoon

Hawaii is an excellent travel destination year round due to the fact that there are many microclimates on its different islands, though it is subject to a wet and dry season. The dry season starts from June until September, with November to March being the wettest time of the year. Even if you travel within the high season, there may be some odd showers as Hawaii is one of the wettest areas on earth.

The best time to travel to Hawaii is during the shoulder seasons of May and June and again in September and October. Hawaii is an expensive destination and seasons play a major factor in the cost of your Hawaiian honeymoon and peak season should be avoided.

If you’re looking for savings, visit in February, which is also the best time to visit if you want to spot humpback whales. Other months such as May, September and October are also cheaper times to visit.

The Hawaiian archipelago sits in the path of trade winds, so those who wish to surf in Hawaii should stay on the windward side of the islands for the best waves. Those who wish to avoid more rainfall and prefer calmer beach days, should opt for the Leeward side of the islands.

Hawaii is a US State and therefore US Dollars are used on the islands, you can withdraw cash from the many ATMs in the major tourist destinations. Payment with major credit and debit cards are also accepted. To avoid high fees or exchange rates, enquire with your bank which ATMs are best for your bank card.

The average budget per day should be around $268 per day. On average, you should budget for around $60 for daily meals and around $28 per day for on-island transportation.

Inter-island flights are quite pricey and you should budget from $50-225 per one-way flight, not including luggage costs. Hawaiian Airlines, island Air, Makana Kai Air and Mokulele Airlines all cater for these short flights. Advance flight bookings will help to keep the costs down.

Another option for getting around from island to island is on the inter-island ferry service which only runs from Lanaʻi and Molokaʻi to and from Lahaina, Maui.

To get around the islands you can use public transportation, rental cars and bicycles. There are plenty of buses running on the island, if you prefer a more comfortable mode of private transport, rental cars are a good option, at around $35-70 per day.

Cycling is much more economical and bicycles can be rented from $20 to $45 per day, but be aware that the weather, traffic and narrow roads can pose a risk to cyclists.

Food in Hawaii is excellent and safe to eat. An average meal costs around $15 upwards, with more for fine-dining restaurants. Tipping is standard in Hawaii and a 15% tip is expected in most establishments. Tap water is drinkable in Hawaii and is sourced from the same place as bottled water.

Hawaii surfing bicycle standing on the road with a surf board on it waiting for the waves.

Where to stay in Hawaii on your honeymoon

Luxury

Four Seasons Lanai

This intimate and secluded resort is perfect for a romantic honeymoon. Perched upon a hilltop overlooking Hulopoe Bay and only five minutes to the beach on foot, this hotel has something for everyone.

The rooms are chic and modern, fitted with minibars, Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs and balconies or patios looking out over the lush greenery of the gardens.

The hotel amenities include a staggering nine bars and restaurants to choose from, including a Japanese fine-dining restaurant, two swimming pools, a luxury spa, fitness room and golf course.

What makes it special is the five-star experience of staying at the Four Seasons, here you can customise your five-course menu with the chef and dine under the twinkling stars, or if you prefer to get out onto the water you can experience a private cruise on a catamaran.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Ka’upulehu, Hawaii Island

Discover the most Instagram-worthy hotel on the Kona-Kahala Coast, the rooms are spacious and look out over the ocean and are equipped with soaking tubs, flat-screens, expresso machines and patios or balconies. The suites offer additional living spaces and there are even villas with private pools.

The hotel has seven, yes seven, swimming pools! One pool, the King’s Pond, is full of tropical fish and rays and surrounded by lava rocks and lush greenery.

The hotel also has three restaurants and two bars, tennis courts, 19-hole golf course and spa. Activities include hula classes or lei-making classes.

Honolulu, Hawaii. Aerial skyline view of Honolulu, Diamond Head volcano including the hotels and buildings on Waikiki Beach.

Mid-Range

Moana Surfrider, Honolulu, Oahu

This elegant beachfront resort was first opened in 1901 and is part of the Westin Hotel chain.  The architecture and colonial-style pillars of the hotel reflect its Victorian influence.

Rooms are bright and contemporary with minifridges, coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

An upgraded suite includes balconies looking out over the ocean and separate living spaces. The hotel amenities include a 24-hour gym, luxurious spa, beach bar, café and restaurant with ocean views, as well as afternoon tea served on the elegant veranda every day.

Volcano Rainforest Retreat, Big Island

If you’re looking for the perfect escape into nature, head to this secluded rainforest retreat nestled within the lush green tropical forest situated near Volcano Village.

The hotel consists of four cedar-wood cottages with a tropical vibe, amenities include free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes, living areas and some rooms come with outdoor showers and private soaking tubs.

Despite the coolness crisp mountain air, rooms are kept cosy and warm with in-room fireplaces, there are also soaking tubs in the Japanese-themed Sanctuary Cottage.

The hotel has a shared outdoor hot tub and also provides free breakfast and freshly-brewed Kona coffee to your cottage, there are also massages and spa services on-site.

This hotel is ideal for a short stay of one or two nights before moving onto a beach location.

The swimming pool at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel sits at waters edge by the blue Pacific Ocean on Waikiki beach Hawaii

Budget

Queen Kapiolani Hotel, Honolulu

The Queen Kapiolani Hotel is situated a short distance from Waikiki Beach and is within walking distance of the aquarium and Kapiolani Park. The contemporary and minimalistic rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, minifridges and coffee-making facilities.

The upgraded rooms look out over the ocean and Diamond Head. The hotel facilities include a sun deck, swimming pool, spa, a poolside bar, café and restaurant looking out over the Pacific Ocean where you can enjoy your breakfast and lunch while taking in the views.

Kauai Shores Hotel, Kauai

This beachfront hotel is situated on Kauai’s Royal Coconut Coast and has access to a quiet and secluded beach. The hotel is surrounded by the tropical gardens and accommodation includes contemporary décor with a retro flair, decked out in bright tropical colours of the island.

The amenities include Keurig coffee makers, minifridges and private terraces or balconies offer views of the surrounding landscapes which include the ocean, gardens, pools and mountains. The hotel has two outdoor pools and a restaurant.

Honolulu, Hawaii. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Things to do in Hawaii while on your honeymoon

Go island-hopping

With a staggering 137 islands, there are plenty of places to explore. Each island has its own microclimate, landscape and attractions.

If you have the option, try to stay on at least two of the islands so you can explore the many natural wonders that Hawaii has to offer.

Ohahu island, Hawaii, the sea of the Sunset Beach Park in the north west area of the island

Soak up the sun

With all the incredible Instagram-perfect beaches in Hawaii, hitting the beach is something you must do on your honeymoon.

Take the time to lounge around on the white sand beaches, feel the cool waters lapping at your feet and enjoy the colourful underwater world of the local reefs, which you can explore using only a mask and snorkel!

For some of the best snorkelling, head to Hanuma Bay nature reserve, just thirty minutes from Honolulu and experience the underwater world of tropical reefs.

There are also plenty of beach bars and restaurants on all the main beaches of Hawaii and you can enjoy catching the spectacular sunsets with a cocktail in hand.

For a truly romantic experience, head to a secluded beach with a picnic and enjoy a romantic experience with the sand between your toes.

For the best beaches off the beaten track, head to Hamoa Beach or Kapalua Beach in Mau or Kailua Beach Park in Kauai.

A view of a bay in Kapalua in Maui, Hawaii

Whale-watching in Maui

Hop on a cruise to get up-close and personal with these majestic mammals. The magnificent humpback whales of Maui can be seen in the protected bay of Lahaina Harbour and you will experience the magic of seeing these huge creatures breaching and surfacing.

A naturalist will accompany you as a guide on the tour and explain the behaviour of the whales. This ultimate bucket list tour starts at around $34 per person.

A humpback whale breaches off the coast of Maui Hawaii. These whales migrate to the warm Hawaiian waters during the winter each year to mate and give birth.

Experience a traditional Luau

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a traditional Luau to get a taste of the local culture and traditions. The Luau is an evening of feasting, storytelling, music and dancing traditionally held to celebrate special occasions.

As the sun begins to disappear over the horizon, performers and dancers perform local dances and sing songs hailing from Hawaii’s past. A five-hour Luau ceremony in Oahu with transportation starts at $114 per person including transportation.

Luau hawaiian fire dancers motion blur tourist attraction in Hawaii or French Polynesia, traditional polynesian dance with men dancer.

Take a helicopter tour

What better place is there to take in the majestic beauty of Hawaii’s wild landscape than from a helicopter? For the ultimate honeymoon experience, book a helicopter tour and fly over volcanoes, coastal cliffs and waterfalls which take on an ethereal beauty from another vantage point. 

An award-winning helicopter tour with ECO Adventure can be booked from Kauai and starts at $287 per person.  Helicopter tours on the Big Island, Maui and Oahu can also be organised through different companies.

An Open Door Helicopter Tour of Oahu Hawaii

Swim with giants

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting close to the magnificent manta rays, head to Kailua to do a night dive or snorkel with manta rays.

These large and harmless creatures feast on plankton at night which are drawn to the lights of the boat. On a night dive or snorkel, you can enjoy a close encounter with these elegant animals that perform balletic swoops and dives as they gorge on plankton.

Diving and swimming with mantas are the experience of a lifetime and costs $125 for certified divers for a one-tank dive or $110 for a snorkeller. Head to Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii for more information.

A manta swoops down on the divers at the manta ray night dive in Kona, Hawaii.

Get under the surface and explore the reefs

If you’ve tried snorkelling and you want to go further, Hawaii is the perfect place to start your scuba diving adventure. Hawaii has stunning marine life including reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, bottlenose dolphins and countless tropical fish that inhabit the colourful reefs and cerulean waters.

Experienced and certified divers can explore war wrecks including YO-257 on Oahu, which is also a great site for turtle encounters the Chinese merchant vessel known as the Sea Tiger in Oahu, the Makaha Caverns which are tunnels formed from lava which create shelter for octopi and turtles among some of the highlights. For an excellent diving school in Oahu, visit Oahu Scuba Diving.

Corsair plane Wreck from World War 2 - Scuba diving in Oahu, Hawaii

Discover the road to Hana

Hana is situated on Maui and there are over 100 km of stunning roads through the dense tropical rain forests, thick bamboo forests, waterfalls and black sand beaches along the way. This spectacular journey is stunning and ideal for couples who love untouched nature and hiking.

You can choose to rent a car and head up the meandering roads towards Hana or take a day trip where you can go with an experienced guide, learn about Hawaiian culture by visiting some traditional villages and bathe in the waterfalls. A day trip including transfers costs from $200 per person.

Road to Hana: The Hana Highway turns to cross a one lane bridge beside a waterfall on the north coast of Maui.

Enjoy a spectacular sunset

Hawaii boasts some epic sunsets, with the changing colours of the sky reflecting upon the waters of the ocean.

If you’re on a shoestring budget, you can enjoy the sunset from a beach or even your hotel balcony. You can even take in the glorious sunsets while enjoying a dinner as the sun disappears over the horizon.

If you’re looking for the most romantic sunset experience, head out on a sunset cruise with delicious Hawaiian barbeque dinner and spot whales or dolphins in the distance!

A cruise along Kauai’s Napali Coastline starts at $152 per person including transfers, dinner, drinks and a champagne toast to start and will be one of the most romantic memories of your honeymoon!

Sunset Hawaii. Beautiful sunset Baltic Sea ot Hawaii. Painting Sea sunset. The sea at sunset. Amazing sea sunset. Sunset sea waves. Summer Sunset in Hawaii. Beautiful seascape evening sunset sea and sky horizon Hawaii. Palms with sunset

Visit the Kualoa Ranch nature reserve

Ever wanted to visit Jurassic Park? The Kualoa Ranch nature reserve on Oahu is the closest you can get to some epic wilderness and was where many Hollywood films were set, including the famous “Jurassic Park” itself.

You can discover the vast landscape and verdant mountains of the ranch with a variety of options including  ATV or zipline, or on horseback.

Easter island head on Kualoa Ranch Oahu Hawaii

Catch the sunrise on Mount Haleakala

If you’re an early bird, this should be on your bucket list! The volcano, Mount Haleakala, means “House of the Sun” in English and is home to some of the most magnificent sunrises in the world.

The most epic way to see the sunrise is to summit the 3,048 metres before daybreak.

The experience is moving and inspiring and afterwards, you can bike the way back to Paia Bay. The guided bike tour costs $120  (online) per person and will create enduring memories that will last a lifetime.

Volcano mountain landscape nature in Maui, Hawaii. Haleakala Crater National Park.

Enjoy an oceanside massage

After all those activities and adventures you will want to relax and indulge in a soothing and invigorating massage.

There are many luxurious spas in the many high-end resorts and on Lahaina, the spa at the Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club has excellent massages which will leave you on cloud 9.

Massage place on a tropical beach.

A night of stargazing

Enjoy a night full of twinkling stars from atop the dormant volcano of Mauna Kea. With over 325 nights of clear skies, you have an excellent chance of seeing the vastness of the universe from atop the volcano.

On a stargazing tour, you will head for a picnic before sunset and drive to the top of the volcano to take in the sunset before descending to around 2,700 metres to enjoy the view of the stars with a telescope, hot chocolate and dessert.

This romantic and unforgettable tour is ideal to experience the beauty of the night sky and prices start from $240 per person.

Beautiful Tropical Island Paradise Scenic View with Starry Night Sky with Palm Tree Silhouette with Tranquil Colorful Blue Ocean Water Coming on Sandy Beach in Maui Hawaii

Romantic places to eat on your honeymoon in Hawaii

Haleiwa Joe’s Haiku

This popular restaurant is popular among tourists and locals alike and for good reason too. The surroundings of the restaurants are beautiful, you have the Ko’olau Mountains in the background and are surrounded by tranquil Haiku Gardens and koi carp swimming in little rock ponds, adding an atmosphere of romance to your dining experience.

The most beloved dishes at this establishment include prime rib cooked to perfection, coconut shrimp, freshly caught fish and seafood and also desserts. The beachside restaurant is not cheap, with main courses starting at around $20 for dinner.

Chart House Waikiki

This award-winning Waikiki establishment overlooks the Ala Wai Harbour and offers diners incredible views of the sunset.  There is also a lively cocktail lounge with happy hours and also entertainment such as live music. Classic favourites at the restaurant include steak and seafood, cooked on the grill.

Stuffed mushrooms and the molten lava cake are perfect starters and desserts to round off your meal as you enjoy the views of the boats bobbing in the harbour and the glow of the evening sun disappears over the horizon.

Hawaii mask sculpture near to the restaurant on the island of Maui.

Gaylords, Kauai

This exceptional restaurant can be found in the sprawling Kilohana Plantation hotel with its colonial architecture, live entertainment and plantation train rides. The farm-to-table restaurant offers a stunning setting for diners to savour some local flavours including freshly-caught ahi poke bowls, salads, fish tacos and catch-of-the day.

There are also delicious meat dishes such as spare ribs glazed in a hoisin sauce or succulent filet mignon. Plenty of vegetarian options such as salads can be found on their menu. On Sundays, you can indulge in a brunch buffet with plenty of options for $38.95 per person. Main courses average at around $30 per dish for the dinner menu.

Merriman’s, Maui

This restaurant offers a beautiful setting for a romantic restaurant, with high, vaulted ceilings and endless views over the ocean, the farm-to-table restaurant serves locally-sourced ingredients in a showcase of culinary delights including thick steaks, Kahua ranch lamb served with papaya salsa, Keahole lobster and more.

There is also nightly musical entertainment to accompany your dinner. Merriman’s also has restaurants on other Hawaiian islands as well, in case you don’t get a chance to visit Maui on your honeymoon.

Acai bowl and pitaya dragonfruit smoothie healthy breakfast bowls young friends eating together. Couple man and woman eating sitting outside in park for lunch break. Closeup on food.

Tours to do in Hawaii on your honeymoon

Pearl Harbour Tour, Honolulu

If you want to learn more about the significant events of 1941 in the island’s history, head on this Pearl Harbour tour from Waikiki.

A guided tour of the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri and the Pearl Harbour Visitor Centre will give you an insight into this formative period of Hawaii’s past. A must for history buffs, the tour starts at $109 per person.

PEARL HARBOR, OAHU,: The bow of U.S.S. Missouri facing the sunken U.S.S. Arizona and its Memorial. The two ships symbolize respectively the end and beginning of World War Two for America.

The Big Island in a day

This comprehensive tour is an immersive experience of the Big Island, you will be able to experience the island’s beauty for yourself: exploring the black-sand beaches, if you’re lucky you may encounter one of the native green turtles lounging on the sand, discovering waterfalls and volcanoes within the national park.

For those who are short on time, this is the perfect tour to get an overview of the natural wonders that the Big Island has to offer. A small group tour of the Big Island and includes all transfers, lunch, snacks and an experienced guide.

Hawaii lava flow entering the ocean on Big Island from Kilauea volcano. Volcanic eruption fissure view from water. Red molten lava.

Glass Bottom Boat tour

If you’re not a big fan of getting into the water, you can still enjoy the wonders of Hawaii’s diverse marine life.

A glass-bottom boat tour on a 50-foot catamaran will allow you to view the vibrant colours of the reef and the inhabitants and you may even see some sunken shipwrecks that dot Oahu’s reefs. The price per person starts at $39 which is a steal for an hour-long glimpse into the world below the surface!

Day trips from Hawaii on your honeymoon

Circle Island Adventure

Enjoy a full tour of Circle island from Honolulu, this tour will take you to the iconic Diamond Head and Pali Lookout where you can take in the panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Then onto the gorgeous marine life paradise of Hanauma Bay, Halona Cove Beach from the 1953 film “From Here to Eternity” and also visit a waterfall and the botanical gardens.

A full-day small-group tour includes a professional guide, lunch and all transfers to and from your hotel. Prices start from $140 per person.

Aerial shot of Diamond Head taken from a plane.

Recommended honeymoon tours in Hawaii

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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