Best Hawaiian Island for Your Honeymoon (plus itinerary & cost)

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Congratulations! You’re tying the knot and you’ve made the great decision to head to Hawaii for your honeymoon. But what island should you pick? You really can’t go wrong with any island, but there is one that stands apart from the crowd. 

Maui is the best Hawaiian island for a honeymoon. Maui offers luxury resorts, romantic getaways, reliably sunny weather, and opportunities for outdoor activities. Maui offers a little something for everyone making it the ideal pick for most honeymooners’ wishes. 

But, while Maui is the best choice for most couples on their honeymoon, for some couples one of the neighboring islands will be a better choice: Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Molokai, and Hawai’i. Want to make sure you really pick the best Hawaiian island for your honeymoon? This is how you decide. 

Photo credit: Paradise Photography Maui with Erica and Jordan as models

Need photos for your romantic vacation? See our full list of recommended Hawaii photographers.

Keep the planning going with:
Planning a Trip to Hawaii: 15 essential details
Your Maui Honeymoon: 10 Unforgettable Activities for Couples
Plus you won’t want to miss our itineraries to truly make the most of your vacation!

The Best Hawaiian Island for a Honeymoon

Hawaii is a popular honeymoon spot and it’s on the rise. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 767,489 people honeymooned in Hawaii in 2023 (8% of all visitors compared to 2% in 2019). 

So we know Hawaii is a good spot for the honeymoon, but which island is the best?  

Maui is the all-around winner when it comes to the best Hawaiian island to pick for your honeymoon. Why? Because it has an adults-only resort, has beautiful resort areas on the sunny and dry side of the island, has a mix of everything you could want, and offers an easy day trip to another island.

• The best resorts in the sunniest spots. Chances are, you’ll stay in Wailea or Ka’anapali and these two spots on the island also come with the most sun and the best resort and condo accommodations. 
• The only adults-only hotel. The kids are great. But on your honeymoon, you may want the quiet tranquility that comes with a kid-free vacation. Because Hawaii is so family-friendly, this can be hard to find. But you have a luxury adults-only hotel on Maui. 
• It has a mix of everything. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it on Maui. The island has some of the best resorts, a relaxed night scene that’s not too quiet, and memorable outdoor adventures like the Road to Hana and Haleakala. 
• Lanai is just a boat ride away. If you want to add on a second island, a 60-minute ferry ride will provide a quick escape for a day or two for luxury at the Four Seasons Resort. Enjoy golf, snorkeling, quiet beaches, and romantic solitude. Check out our Island Hopping Guide and Things to Do on Lanai.

If you are in the beginning or the middle of your Hawaii honeymoon planning, read our How to Plan the ULTIMATE Hawaii Romantic Vacation. Also, check out our favorite spots for a Hawaii Beach Photoshoot.

Where to Stay on a Maui Honeymoon

Once you’ve decided that Maui is right for you, the next question is where do you stay? Maui has no shortage of hotels and you can find something in nearly any price range. These are some of our favorite hotels on the island.

Adults-Only: Hotel Wailea

Everyone loves Hawaii, including families. And while Hawaii is extremely family-friendly, when you’re on a romantic honeymoon you likely don’t want to have enthusiastic kids ruining your relaxing vibe. If that sounds like you, welcome to Hotel Wailea. This adults-only resort is luxurious and is perfect for a romantic honeymoon.

Luxury: The Four Seasons, The Andaz, and Montage Kapalua Bay

Maui has no shortage of luxury resorts, but these three are extra special honeymoon spots:

• The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea: Every Four Seasons resort is stunning, but this one takes the cake. Located along Wailea beach, it has everything you could hope for: an adults-only pool, amenities like free snorkel rentals and canoe experiences, and exceptional service. 
• Andaz: Also located in Wailea, the Andaz is a modern and sleek hotel with plenty of secluded areas that make the resort feel less crowded. They have an adults-only pool, a fantastic breakfast buffet, and a shuttle service to the restaurant area in Wailea. 
• Montage Kapalua Bay: On West Maui just north of Lahaina is Kapalua Bay, one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. This sprawling resort offers one to four-bedroom suites, rather than standard hotel rooms. The sunsets are spectacular, the service is top-notch, and you feel like you have space to roam up here. Plus horseback riding, guided hikes, a world-class golf course, and romantic dining at Kapalua Cliff House make this a perfect honeymoon spot. 

Affordable Honeymoon Hotels: Kohea Kai Maui or Ka’anapali Beach Hotel

• Kohea Kai Maui: Just north of the resorts in Wailea you’ll find Kohea Kai. It’s a well-priced hotel with direct beach access and free breakfast served daily. The location makes it easy to explore the island and the lush grounds make evening strolls feel magical. 
• Ka’anapali Beach Hotel: This hotel is nestled between two hotels that are much more expensive, so you know the location is great. Located right on Ka’anapali Beach and close to Black Rock, this hotel has sprawling grounds and friendly staff. 

Charming Island Inns: Paia Inn and Hana-Maui Resort

If you want to spend your honeymoon on Maui away from the crowds, these are the two best spots.

• Paia Inn: Located in the charming surf town of Paia, this inn features tropical and Asian-inspired rooms. This chic hotel puts you on the north side of the island, ideal for exploring the road to Hana or Haleakala.
• Hana-Maui Resort by Hyatt: If you want to escape it all, head to Hana. This hotel features 75 private bungalows on 72-acres. The experience is truly immersive and you can spend time exploring the remote area, luxuriating in the spa, and experiencing the quiet side of Maui. 

What to Do on a Maui Honeymoon

Once you’ve settled where to stay, it’s on to what to do for your Maui Honeymoon. One of the reasons we picked Maui as the best island for a honeymoon is there is just so much to do. While you will likely spend a lot of time sleeping, relaxing, and recovering from the wedding, you may also want to get out and explore all the island has to offer. 

Some of the most popular (and most spectacular) things to do on Maui include:

• Driving the Road to Hana
• Visiting Haleakala for sunrise or sunset
• Snorkeling with tropical fish and turtles (read: The Best Hawaiian Island for Snorkeling (with snorkel spots)
• Whale watching between mid-December and late March
• Exploring upcountry Maui, including MauiWine, Makawao Town, the Ali’i Kula lavender farm, and Surfing Goat Dairy – 15 Things to Do in Upcountry Maui
• Snorkeling the 450-acre Olowalu reef on a kayak tour
• Taking a day trip to Lanai
• Spending an evening at Old Lahaina Luau or Feast at Lele (read: which luau is right for you)

Some of our favorite, quiet beaches on Maui that are perfect for a honeymoon include:

• Kua’u cove north of Paia Town (and an excellent spot to view turtles)
• Ho’okipa Beach Park north of Paia Town
• Kahekili (Airport) Beach Park in Ka’anapali (great snorkeling and significantly less crowded than Ka’anapali beach)
• Kapalua Bay
• Secret Beach, located close to Makena Beach
• Maluaka Beach in Wailea

Want to climb a mountain? Our favorite hikes on Maui that are perfect for a honeymoon include:

• Kapalua Coastal Trail
• Waihee Ridge Trail
• Lahaina Pali Trail (great for whale watching during the winter)
• Makawao Forest Reserve
• Here are our favorite easy Maui hikes too

Dive into more Maui Planning Resources:
– Our Maui Travel Guide will give you the lay of the land and answer common questions
– Discover the best beaches on Maui, find an incredible snorkel spot, or get offshore with a snorkel tour.
– Can you think of a spot more romantic than a waterfall? Neither can we. Check out the best Maui waterfalls

When to Consider Other Islands for Your Honeymoon:

We admit that Maui might not be the dream destination for everyone. If you’re not sold on Maui, there are other islands you should consider. 

We have the best things to do in Hawaii for your honeymoon across the state.

Kauai: Best for the Most Secluded Honeymoon

While Maui is the overall winner when it comes to a Hawaiian honeymoon, it doesn’t necessarily win in every single situation. Kauai is the most romantic island for your honeymoon as it’s the most secluded and quiet island. It’s a close competition so we’ve compared Maui vs Kauai for honeymooners.

Head to the Garden Isle for secluded, untouched, Hawaiian wilderness, tropical jungles, and great hiking. 

While you’re there, set sail on a romantic Na Pali Coast sunset cruise and enjoy the stunning scenery. Tour Waimea Canyon State Park, aptly nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. And enjoy the beach at Hanalei Bay. 

Drawbacks to consider before planning your Kauai honeymoon:

The island is called the Garden Isle for a reason. Kauai is the wettest island, so depending on when and where you go, you run the risk of getting some rain. 

In fact, unlike Maui where the nicest resorts are on the sunniest side of the island, one main resort area on Kauai (Princeville) is on the north shore of the island, where you’ll get windward rain and big surf during the winter. This makes this a less than ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming during the winter. 

While the north shore will give you more seclusion, it’s not the only option. You can head to the drier south side of the island near the ever popular Poipu Beach. Here you can find safer winter beaches and less rain.

Whether you opt for tropical paradise, or you want to stay on the sunny south shore we have some suggestions on where to stay:

• One Hotel Hanalei Bay: a luxury spot on a secluded cove. It’s close to charming Hanalei town with it’s picture-perfect Hanalei Bay. 
• The Palmwood: This secluded 5-acre estate hosts a B&B in the Moloa’a hills of the north shore Kauai.
• Grand Hyatt Kauai: Located on the sunny side of the island in Poipu at the end of the resort strip, this hotel feels less crowded compared to the rest of Poipu.
• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu: Located on the sunny South Shore of Kauai, this Marriott Autograph Collection property is the nicest hotel on the South Shore.

Dive into more Kauai Planning Resources:
– Our Kauai Travel Guide will give you the lay of the land and answer common questions
– Discover incredible things to do on Kauai and more Kauai hotels for couples.
– Explore the Napali Coast on a boat tour or the best Kauai waterfalls.

Big Island of Hawai’i: Best for an Adventurous Honeymoon

If lounging around a resort isn’t your thing, the Big Island of Hawai’i might be your best bet. With 10-climate zones, the island has a lot to explore. Stay on the Kailua-Kona side (for the sun) and rent a car to explore the island. 

See the desserts on the Kohala Coast, a rainforest in Hilo, and the snow-capped mountains of Mauna Kea volcano. Take a tour of the observatories, go stargazing, swim in waterfalls, snorkel with manta rays, and hike through Volcanoes National Park. 

Plan one perfect day in Hilo with our itinerary. 

Note: Kilauea volcano is not currently erupting but always check for updates here.

If that sounds like your dream honeymoon, we suggest checking out one of these resorts for your stay: 

• Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: enjoy hula classes, lei making, picture-perfect lawns, six swimming pools, and a self-contained five-star resort.
• Holualoa Inn: Nestled in the hills above Kailua Kona is this B&B, spread out over a sprawling 30 acres. 
• Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Located along Kauna‘oa Bay on the Kohala coast, this five-star resort has plenty of activities on-site, including tennis courts and a golf course. 

Dive into more Big Island Planning Resources:
– Our Big Island Travel Guide will give you the lay of the land and answer common questions
– Discover incredible things to do on the Big Island and the best luxury hotels on the Big Island
– Explore the Manta Ray night snorkel tours in Kona or the best Kauai waterfalls.

Oahu: Best for a Cosmopolitan Honeymoon

If a quiet island isn’t quite your style, head to Oahu. Not only will you have gorgeous white sand beaches and stunning mountains, but you’ll also have the big city feel and nightlife you won’t find on any other island. Check out our five day Oahu itinerary to visit all of the best spots. 

If you’re looking for the best romantic hotels, head to:

• The Royal Hawaiian: This iconic hotel is smack-dab in the middle of Waikiki Beach, so you’re certain to be in the center of it all. It’s been featured in movies, frequented by movie stars, and features architecture from the 1920s with modern updates. 
• Turtle Bay: Possibly our favorite hotel in all of Hawaii, this resort offers sprawling amenities on the North Shore and everything you could need all at your fingertips. Horseback riding, snorkeling, golf, excellent food, and picturesque sunsets.
• Four Seasons at Ko Olina: A spectacular hotel on the leeward side of Oahu, you’ll find fewer crowds than in Honolulu and more reliable weather than the North Shore of Oahu. Plus, the Four Seasons service is hard to beat. Check out our full Ko Olina Guide if you want to head this way.

Dive into more Oahu Planning Resources:
– Our Oahu Travel Guide will give you the lay of the land and answer common questions
– Discover incredible things to do on Oahu and the best luxury hotels on Oahu
– Explore the snorkel tours or the best Oahu waterfalls.
– Check out our review of the Polynesian Cultural Center

Hawaii Honeymoon Itineraries

If you decide to head to Maui for your honeymoon and stay put on one island, there’s plenty to do — you definitely won’t get bored. Below we outline a luxury honeymoon itinerary on Maui for eight beautiful days. We know that on a honeymoon it’s important to balance relaxation with sightseeing, and in this itinerary, we did just that. 

Luxury Maui Honeymoon Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive, check into your hotel, and head to happy hour at Monkeypod Kitchen

Day 2: Grab your snorkeling gear and beach hop, and visit our favorite snorkeling spots

Day 3: Resort day (because you’re recovering after a wedding!) and dinner at Mama’s Fish House

Day 4: Lunch at Hali’imaile General Store, Upcountry, Haleakala sunset, and dinner at Kula Lodge

Day 5: Half-day snorkel boat and explore West Maui

Day 6: Road to Hana

Day 7: Resort and spa day

Day 8: Leave and promise to return again someday!

You can get the full 8-day Maui honeymoon itinerary (with the need to know details) here. 

The Cost to Honeymoon in Hawaii

Assuming your honeymoon funds aren’t infinite, there will be a point where you need to consider the cost of a honeymoon in Hawaii. Is it within your budget? 

Don’t worry, we’ve crunched the numbers for you. We estimate that a one-week luxury trip to Maui for two people will cost $8,650 (2024 price estimate). See our yearly updated cost estimate for a couple to work the numbers for yourself.

The average length of a honeymoon is eight days, so we use that to estimate. 

Flight	$1,600 round trip ($800 per person)
Hotel	$4,900 for seven nights ($700 per night, including resort costs and parking)
Food and drink	$1,600 (this includes a generous budget for poolside drinks)
Luau	$300 (be sure to book a good one)
Snorkel trip	$250 (or rent your own set of snorkeling gear and visit the best spots)
Total	$8,650

Hawaii isn’t cheap! It is a luxury honeymoon destination and one of the most popular places couples opt for. Costs may be high, but they are in line with other luxury honeymoon spots.

Related articles:

• What is the Cheapest Hawaiian Island to Visit
• The 14 Best Things to Do on Maui on a Budget