Aloha means “love” in the ancient Hawaiian language, so it’s no surprise more than 1.4 million U.S. couples choose it as a honeymoon destination every year. Planning the perfect escape in a beautiful place like Hawaii isn’t difficult per se, but finding the time to see and do everything you want in the time you’re there can be. That’s where Celebration Wishes comes in.
After making the enviable choice of a Hawaii honeymoon, you’ll have to decide if you want to island hop or spend the majority of your time exploring one of the state’s eight paradises. We break down the must-dos for each, as well as recommended excursions and attractions to take advantage of your Hawaiian honeymoon before heading home.
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Maui Honeymoons
Maui is rated the number one island for honeymooners, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s as if every inch of the picturesque locale, arguably one of the most beautiful in the world, was created just for newlyweds beginning their next chapters together. With more than 120 miles of coastline, Maui is home to 30 miles of beautiful beaches perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, kayaking and much more.
Whether you’re up for a little lounging, surfing or paddle boarding, Ho’okipa Beach is ideal. It boasts soft sand for laying out and working on your tans. You’ll also find Hawaiian sea turtles resting on the beach for unbelievable photo ops. World-famous for its windsurfing competitions, you’ll even have the opportunity to watch professionals practice just about every day of the week. Spend the day visiting the various yet equally beautiful beaches Maui offers, but make sure to leave time for the many options for Hawaiian honeymoon excursions. Whale watching, especially in peak season, is a must with a high chance of seeing a breach. It is your honeymoon after all, so splurging on a helicopter tour around the island is a must as well. One of the best honeymoon resorts in Hawaii is the all-inclusive Grand Wailea resort, which has partnered with Honeymoon Wishes for a simple and seamless registry option.
Possibly the most famous attraction in Maui is the Road to Hana. With enough waterfalls and rain forest flora to fill up anyone’s Instagram feed, this is one journey newlyweds on their Hawaii honeymoon shouldn’t miss. Of course, as each day of sunbathing, exploring, and photo taking comes to close, don’t forget that Maui is home to beautiful sunsets as well. Carve out time every night to marvel at Mother Nature from a beach or near your resort.
Kauai Honeymoons
Kauai is the oldest Hawaiian island of the eight, but age is only a number for this stunning destination. If your ideal Hawaii honeymoon is as quiet as it is mellow, this is the island for you. Many of the beaches are secluded and relatively tranquil for such a sprawling area.
Though it’s quiet, it also offers plenty of adventure. Kauai is home to 11 waterfalls, the tallest of which is 3,000 feet and aptly named Waialeale, or “rippling, overflowing water.” Charter a helicopter in the morning to see the beautiful canvas from above and spend the rest of the day standup paddle boarding at the popular Hanalei Bay where waters are calm and warm. Rainbow sightings are never hard to come by in Kauai either. If rain is on the horizon, a colorful photo op is soon to follow.
Head to Kee Beach to see where Hollywood movies were filmed, including Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. The lush landscape is breathtaking and offers snorkeling, kayaking, swimming and more in its warm waters.
Similar to Maui, Kauai has some of the best sunsets in the world and some of the best places to view them. You can make your way to secluded, off-the-grid areas, undisturbed by large crowds. Tunnels Beach, for example, will leave you and your spouse feeling like you’re the only two people on the island. While it can be a little tricky to get to if you’re not a local—parking is available about a mile away—the views make the trek worth it. For easier access, Hanalei Bay is also great for watching the sky turn into a kaleidoscope of cotton candy colors.
Big Island Hawaii Honeymoons
Hawaii is the biggest island of the eight, which is why it’s referred to as the Big Island. It offers many romantic activities to make the most of your vacation and with hundreds of miles of coastline, water excursions are not hard to come by.
Kealakekua Bay is a great spot to snorkel and scuba dive since the water is extremely calm and serves as a marine sanctuary. A wide variety of sea life is often seen here, making it a spectacular spot for couples to explore together during their Hawaii honeymoon. Kayaking is also popular for those that prefer to float above and star dry. Either way, it’s not uncommon for dolphins, turtles, bluefin tuna and more to swim by and say hello to visitors.
Visiting volcanoes while in Hawaii is a must. There are multiple touring companies that offer boat, land and helicopter tours to see lava flowing into the ocean. Because you’re dealing with the unpredictability of Mother Nature, lava is not always visible, but the views from above always make the adventure worthwhile. If you’re staying at a resort or hotel, ask the front desk for recommendations on the types of tours that are best for that particular time of year.
One of the most popular activities to build into Hawaii honeymoon packages is a luau, which includes food and entertainment. They typically occur in the evening, so you’re able to take it all in as the sun dips behind the distant horizon. Although frequent, due to the soaring popularity of luaus,, they tend to be one of the more expensive excursions to attend. In fact, you could end up paying upward of $100 per seat. But if you’re looking for a relaxing evening outside and don’t mind sitting amongst a bustling crowd, a luau is the place to be!
A Hawaii honeymoon is sure to be an unforgettable trip no matter how you piece together the itinerary. Island hop or stick to one destination; it’s difficult to leave. Celebration Wishes has partnered with numerous hotels and resorts on many of the islands, making your planning even easier.
Check out one of our sample registries for inspiration on how to create a custom registry for your upcoming celebration!