22 Hawaii Honeymoon Things to Do: WOW your partner!
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The Hawaiian islands are an excellent choice for newlyweds. But as one of the most romantic places on earth, Hawaii is also amazing for anniversaries, baby moons, and any other special occasion you want to celebrate with a loved one.
If you’re looking to plan the ultimate romantic getaway, this Hawaii honeymoon things-to-do list is for you.
Unlike other articles, which tell you to book activities like luaus and spas (they’re nice and all, but too obvious), we’ve curated a list of unique ways to wow your partner to make your trip truly unforgettable! These are the best Hawaii honeymoon things to do.
Check out some of our best planning resources:
1. Start here if you’re in the beginning stages of planning
2. Don’t forget a thing with our Hawaii packing list
3. Take a deep dive on the island of your choice with our in-depth travel guides: – Oahu Travel Guide – Maui Travel Guide – Big Island Travel Guide – Kauai Travel Guide
Hawaii Romantic Vacation FAQs
Do you need a Hawaii honeymoon travel agent?
Surprisingly, there aren’t many travel agents that specialize in planning Hawaii vacations or honeymoons. But don’t worry; you don’t need a travel agent to book a dream vacation as it’s easy to organize your trip to the islands!
To start, we recommend checking out our Planning a Trip to Hawaii guide. It includes essentials like what to pack, when to go, and what to do and see when you’re there! And if you’re interested in booking something special for your sweetheart, then we also have some tips on how to plan a Romantic Getaway to Hawaii!
If you want a travel agent so you can completely skip the headache of trip planning and still have the perfect vacation, grab an itinerary, and thank me later.
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What is the best time of the year for a Hawaii romantic vacation?
In our opinion, the best time to go to Hawaii is during the shoulder seasons, specifically April or May and September or October. Not only is the weather still nice, but there are also fewer crowds and therefore cheaper prices for flights and accommodation.
However, we understand that you may need to work around school schedules or the holiday travel season. These are still good times to visit Hawaii, although you might have to deal with more tourists or more expensive prices. For a detailed explanation of when to go to Hawaii, check out this article on the Best Time to Visit.
What Hawaiian island is the best for a honeymoon?
This is a tough question, as everyone has their thoughts on what the most romantic island is. Even as Hawaii experts, we also go back and forth between which island is the best for a honeymoon!
However, it always comes down to Maui or Kauai. Maui is larger and more developed in terms of tourism, so there are nicer resorts and a lot more activities available. But Kauai is incredibly beautiful and peaceful and the better choice if you’re into outdoor adventure and going out with the best local Kauai hiking ever.
But everyone is different, so we recommend finding the best island that suits your interests. We even put together a video to help explain which one to pick for your honeymoon.
Should you island hop?
Island-hopping is a great option if you want to see a lot of Hawaii. But we don’t recommend cramming in different islands if you only have a week or less. Even though the distances are short, traveling does take up time, and you don’t want to spend your entire day waiting at the airport, flying, getting a rental car, etc.
So if you have more than seven days, then feel free to choose another island to visit. Otherwise, just stick to one place, so you have enough time to explore and relax at the resort.
How much does a Hawaii romantic vacation cost?
The exact cost of your Hawaii honeymoon will depend on many factors, including when you travel, the island you choose to visit, and the type of resort you book. But on average, a 10-day trip for two people will likely set you back around $8,000.
Luckily, many of our Hawaii honeymoon things to do are free or low-cost activities.
Hawaii Honeymoon Things to Do
When it comes to memorable activities, Hawaii has a seemingly endless number of things you can do with your sweetheart. Many of these activities can be found in our Hawaii Itineraries. From fine dining recommendations to romantic beaches and resorts, these guides can help you plan an unforgettable getaway for your honeymoon!
1. Take a Hawaii Honeymoon Hike
Although it may be tempting to spend your entire vacation lounging on the beach, there are some excellent hikes in Hawaii that you shouldn’t miss.
Here are a couple of world-renown hikes we can recommend:
- Maui
- ‘Iao Needle Lookout Trail: This easy but steep trek only takes 15 minutes, but the rewarding views of the lush valley and surrounding Iao Needle are breathtaking!
- Waihe’e Ridge Trail: If you have more time, the moderate 5.5-mile-long hike on the Waihee Ridge Trail allows you to see Molokai and Lani from the top!
- Oahu
- Lanikai Pillbox: This is one of Oahu’s most picturesque hikes. It’s of moderate difficulty and only takes 60 to 90 minutes.
- Ehukai Pillbox: If you’re on the North Shore, the Ehukai Pillbox is a moderate hike (30 minutes up, 30 minutes down) that has a beautiful vista over Pupukea!
- Big Island
- Kohala Private Waterfall Hike: This hike has it all – scenic coastlines, rugged valleys, and a swim in the pools of the privately owned Kohala Waterfall!
- Mauna Kea Volcano: Hiking Hawaii’s tallest volcano is a bucket-list experience. The summit trail is long and challenging (8 to 9 hours), but it’s a nice outing for experienced trekkers.
- Kauai
- Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail: A scenic 2-mile (one-way) hike with ocean views along the southern coast of Kauai.
- Waimea Canyon: There are so many great trails in Waimea Canyon State Park! You won’t be disappointed with any of them. You can hire a local Kauai hiking guide to take you out if you want to learn more about the area.
- Okolehao Trail: This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail has pristine views over Hanalei and the North Shore of Kauai!
Check out our video below (or the corresponding article) of great things to do in Poipu to see the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail.
2. Swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Seeing a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle is easier than you may think! But keep in mind that they are federally protected, so if you see one, stay back 10 feet and do not touch them.
Here are some places where you can spot these majestic creatures:
- Maui: Honolua Bay in West Maui and Ulua Beach in South Maui (and more!)
- Oahu: Three Tables on Oahu’s North Shore
- Kauai: Tunnels Beach or Poipu Beach
- Big Island: Anaehoomalu Bay
3. Enjoy the Waterfall Swimming Holes
Few things are as romantic as swimming in the sparkling pool of a waterfall with your significant other. Thankfully, there are so many great waterfall swimming holes on all the islands!
- Maui:
- Pua’a Ka’a State Wayside: This 5-acre area in the rainforest can be accessed via the Road the Hana.
- Kauai:
- Ha’ena State Park: Head to Kauai’s North Shore, and you’ll find a small swimming area at the park entrance!
- Limahuli Botanical Gardens: After visiting the terraced gardens, you can head to the little creek at the bridge right after the gardens for a quick impromptu swim!
- Big Island:
- Kulaniapia Falls: Get a day pass for full access to this 120-foot private waterfall and enjoy a fun day of swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Kulaniapia Falls is the safest option for swimming, but we’ve also put together a list of a few other amazing waterfalls on the Big Island.
- Oahu
- Waimea Valley: A short stroll through a tropical botanical garden takes you to Waimea Falls. This waterfall has a lifeguard, so it’s safe (and scenic) for a romantic swim!
4. Catch the Sunrise on a Volcano
If you’re looking for an activity you can’t do anywhere else in the country, then consider heading up to the top of a volcano for sunrise. You can do this either on Maui or the Big Island.
On Maui, we recommend this guided tour of Haleakala. You’ll be picked up at 3 am and taken to Haleakala National Park, where you’ll enjoy a sunrise with a knowledgeable guide. A huge perk is that they secure the reservation for you, so you won’t have to fight for a spot online through the reservation system.
If you’re on the Big Island, then you can head to Mauna Kea for sunrise. There aren’t many guided tours, so it’s better suited for those who don’t mind driving themselves (keep in mind that a 4×4 is required).
If getting up at the crack of dawn is too early for you, then you can consider a Haleakala sunset or an evening stargazing experience at Mauna Kea or along the Kohala Coast.
5. Visit a Coffee or Chocolate Farm
This is the best option for foodies! The Big Island is known for its coffee and chocolate farms. During your tour, you’ll get to see the inner workings of the farm and sample the treats for yourselves!
While most of the farms are on the Big Island, there are some smaller, lesser-known options on the other islands. We can recommend the following:
- Kauai: Kauai Coffee Plantation
- Maui: Kuia Estate Chocolate Tasting and Farm
- Oahu: 21 Degrees Estate Cacao Farm
6. Book a Private Chef
Hiring a private chef to whip up a gourmet meal is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. This is a fully tailored experience that will leave a lasting impression on your honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic occasion!
Chef Daniel of Elite Maui Chefs can create a private dining experience for you and your sweetie. If you’re honeymooning on Oahu or Kauai, then we recommend Chef Amanda Smith (808-639-1578) to concoct a healthy, locally sourced meal for your special night.
7. Visit a Secluded Hawaii Beach
Hitting the beach is an obvious activity for anyone traveling to Hawaii. But we believe that the best beaches are the ones that are more secluded and off the beaten path. And while you may not be able to avoid the crowds completely, these lesser-frequented beaches are still worth visiting for a romantic, laid-back atmosphere.
- Maui: Hamoa Beach and Makena Cove
- Oahu: Waimanalo Beach
- Kauai: Paliku Beach (Donkey Beach). Although public nudity is illegal, there is a small part of the beach where you’ll find naked sunbathers.
- Big Island: Beach 49. This beautiful black sand beach is in a gated community with limited parking, so plan to arrive early (around 9 am) if you want a spot.
8. Enjoy a Romantic Hawaii Sunset Cruise
A sunset cruise is a quintessential honeymoon activity – and for a good reason! With the warm breeze, the breathtaking views, and your honey by your side, it’s hard to think of a more romantic evening activity.
While there are many different tour options, we suggest a small catamaran compared to the larger, more touristy boats. If you want to make a night out of it, you can also choose a boat with cocktails, pupus (appetizers), or a full-on dinner.
- Maui:
- Sea Maui: You can book a cocktail cruise or dinner cruise that leaves from Kaanapali Beach
- Kai Kananai: Music, food, and drinks departing from the south of Wailea
- Oahu:
- Catamaran Waikiki Sunset: An affordable option that departs directly from Waikiki Beach
- Ko Olina Sunset Sail: Romantic trip aboard a 53-foot catamaran with cocktails and pupus
- Hawaii Waikiki Catamaran: 2-hour cultural and educational tour from Waikiki with dinner, refreshments, music, and ceremonial chants. This activity beats a luau in our opinion.
- Kauai
- Napali Coast Dinner: Includes drinks, appetizers, and a stir-fry dinner on a 65-foot catamaran
- Napali Coast Sail: a 4.5-hour trip with drinks and dinner. The boat is larger and can accommodate 42 people, but it’s still a great option to see the coastline!
- Big Island:
- Waikoloa Sunset Sail: Departs from A-Bay and includes snacks and two drink coupons
- Dinner Cruise to Kealekakua Bay: Even though it’s a big group, this is a fun dinner and history cruise with live entertainment!
9. Escape on a Snorkel Tour
From colorful corals to vibrant marine life, snorkeling is one of the best activities to do in Hawaii. Here are a couple of our favorite snorkel tours for couples.
- Maui:
- Redline Rafting to Molokini: Visit the beautiful Molokini Crater on this 2-hour power raft snorkel tour.
- Hawaiian Sailing Canoe: Explore hard-to-reach destinations on this leisurely sail from Polo Beach.
- Oahu:
- Dolphin Excursions: This is your chance to see dolphins, turtles, and other tropical marine life! Plus you’ll save 10% with our promo code!.
- Oahu Adventure Tour: Private tours where you can choose your activities (snorkeling, hiking, paddleboarding, etc.)
- Kauai:
- Napali Coast Snorkel (here are 5 of the best snorkel tours to do here)
- Big Island:
- Catamaran Sail with Captain Cook Snorkeling: Enjoy 1 hour of snorkeling and a 45-minute sail down the Kona Coast. Find more Captain Cook snorkeling tours here.
- Power Raft to Kealakekua: Take a high-speed Zodiac raft through Kealakekua Bay and beat the crown on this 4-hour snorkeling adventure.
10. Enjoy the Sunset on the Beach
Hawaii is known to have some of the best sunsets in the country. If you want to see the colorful backdrop of oranges, pinks, and yellows, make your way to one of these spots for sunset.
- Maui: Makena Cove
- Oahu: Magic Island Beach (or anywhere away from the crowds of Waikiki)
- Kauai: Lawai Beach (book the Beach House Restaurant for dinner and enjoy the sunset view from your table!)
- Big Island: Kikaua Point Park
11. Do Something Authentically Hawaiian
Hawaii has a rich and thriving culture that dates back centuries, although it can be hard to see it past all the high-end resorts and tourist attractions. But if you want to learn more about the history and culture of the islands to have an authentic Hawaiian vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, try to eat locally when you can. From food trucks to family-run poke shops, eating your way through Hawaii is a good way to support businesses and get a taste of local flavors.
You can also attend live musical performances. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues where you can listen to ukulele or slack key guitar. If you’re lucky, you might also catch a street performer in the city playing some tunes!
12. Private Sailing Charter
If you want to impress, then this private sailing charter is the way to go! Treat your loved one to a sunset cruise, a morning snorkel excursion, or an afternoon whale-watching expedition!
Book with Maui Private Charters and save 5% on your trip.
13. Stroll a Historic Town
From charming cafes to local handicraft shops, a stroll through one of the quaint Hawaiian towns will get you in the island mindset. Here are some of the cutest towns to visit on your honeymoon.
- Maui: Makawao in Upcountry.
- Oahu: Haleiwa Town on the North Shore
- Big Island: Kapa’a for shopping and delicious local eats
- Kauai: Hanapepe Town (the swinging bridge is a must!)
14. Have Dinner at One of These Romantic Dinner Spots
Celebrating your marriage or anniversary with dinner is a must. But don’t just choose any old restaurant near your hotel! These eateries are some of the best places to celebrate your romantic occasion.
- Maui: There are so many to choose from!
- Oahu: House Without a Key at the Halekulani Hotel
- Kauai: The Beach House
- Big Island: Browns Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid
15. Get Off the Beaten Path with a Farm Tour
The Big Island may be known for coffee and chocolate, but there are so many other types of farms that you can visit in Hawaii. Not only are these fun cultural activities (you get to see how things are produced on the island), but they are also great ways to support local families and businesses.
- Maui:
- O’o Farms: A sustainable operation in Upcountry with two tour options: a Coffee and Brunch Tour or a Farm-to-Table Lunch Tour (it’s BYOB!)
- Big Island:
- As we mentioned earlier, the Big Island is a coffee lovers paradise. However, there are some other excellent farm tours (like a vanillerie, goat cheese farm, and sea salt producer) to check out as well.
- Kauai:
- Common Ground Kauai: Take a tour of their regenerative forest before settling down for a delicious farm-to-table experience.
- Oahu:
- 21 Degree Estates: This family-run cacao farm produces chocolate and raw tropical honey! Take the tour and pick up a few souvenirs to take back to the mainland.
16. Head to the Beach for a Photo Session
Make your trip to Hawaii something you’ll cherish forever by taking a few romantic photographs on the beach. Whether you hire a professional or set up your camera and tripod, there are so many awe-inspiring beaches where you can capture the perfect shot.
When it comes to picturesque locations, there are a few places that make a great backdrop for your photo shoot.
- Oahu:
- Kahala Beach
- Lanikai Beach
- Ko Olina Lagoons
- Maui:
- Makena Cove (Secret Beach)
- Ulua Beach
- Kapalua Bay
- The Big Island
- Kikaua Point Park
- Anaeho’omalu Beach (A-Bay)
- Kona Outrigger Resort
- Kauai:
- Kiahuna Beach
- Hanalei Bay and Pier
Get even more ideas with this article: Hawaii Beach Photoshoot: The Best Photo Spots No One Tells You About
17. Spend the Day Wine Tasting
Hawaiian wines may not be as famous as other parts of the world, but the volcanic soil and tropical climate make it a great region for producing some unique varietals. Although there are several wineries on the islands, most production facilities are not open to the public. However, you can always make a reservation in the tasting room to have a glass or sample a wine flight.
- Maui:
- MauiWine: You absolutely have to try the pineapple wines at this tasting room in Upcountry Maui! They also have reds, whites, roses, and bubbly.
- Oahu:
- Mana + Pua: Make a reservation at this winery on the North Shore. Be sure to come hungry because they have a great menu for breakfast treats, sandwiches, and flatbreads.
- The Big Island:
- Volcano Winery: Located on the summit of the Kilauea Volcano, this is one of the few wineries that you can tour! See their vineyard and production room before enjoying some sips in the tasting room.
18. Take Surf Lessons
For adventurous couples, there’s no better place to learn how to surf than in Hawaii. Being in the warm tropical waters surrounded by volcanos and beaches is guaranteed to be a romantic experience.
- Maui:
- Maui Surfer Girls: This all-female-led surf school (don’t worry, they teach everyone!) offers private, semi-private, and group lessons from Ukumehame Beach Park.
- Kauai:
- Kauai Surf School: If it’s your first time on a board, then Kauai Surf School can help you tackle the gentle waves of Poipu Beach.
- Big Island:
- Surfing at Kahalu’u Beach: Hawaii’s only native-led surf school offers private and group lessons with American Red Cross-trained lifeguard surf instructors.
- Oahu:
- Ohana Surf Project: With a prime location right in Waikiki, this school has lessons for all skill types – private, semi-private, and group.
19. Volunteer on Your Hawaii Honeymoon
Giving back to the Hawaiian community is an activity that’s guaranteed to stay with you and your loved one for years to come. There are lots of organizations on each of the islands, but here are a couple of our favorite programs to consider:
- Maui:
- The Big Island:
- Kauai:
- Oahu:
We have more volunteer options for all of Hawaii as well as Maui specifically.
20. Enjoy the Best Mai Tai on Each Island
After a long day at the beach or hiking up a volcano, there’s no better way to relax than with a Mai Tai. This tropical cocktail is synonymous with Hawaiian culture, so you’ll want to try at least one (or two) while you’re on the islands!
- Maui:
- Monkeypod Kitchen in Kaanapali and Wailea
- Oahu:
- Kauai:
- Duke’s on Kalapaki Beach
- Tahiti Nui in Hanalei
- Big Island:
21. Go Whale Watching
If you’re in Hawaii from December to March, then you’ll have the opportunity to see humpback whales that have migrated from Alaska. While you can see whales around all the islands, the place with the most sightings is Maui. So, if whale watching is a priority for your honeymoon, make sure to visit Maui in winter or early spring!
It’s possible to see whales from land, but whale-watching tours can get you closer to the animals. Here are the best tours on Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island.
22. Take One of These Best Tours for Couples
When you visit the Hawaiian islands, there are some must-do activities that we recommend for all types of travelers – regardless of whether you’re here on your honeymoon or not!
- Maui: Admire the sunrise from the summit of Haleakala Volcano
- Kauai: Take a helicopter tour of the Napali Coast, one of the most remote places on the island
- Big Island: Go snorkeling with gentle manta rays in the middle of the night
- Oahu: Book a kayak tour (or do it DIY) from Kailua Bay to the Mokes
If you need more inspiration, check out our directory of more activities you can do in Hawaii.
Hawaii Romantic Vacation: Final Thoughts
- Don’t book too many things during your trip. Hawaii is great for activities, but it’s also the perfect destination for relaxing and spending time with your honey! Make sure you give yourself a few days to just enjoy the pool or beach.
- If you’re planning to be out and about most days, book a vacation rental or budget hotel to save money. But if you prefer to relax in the resort, then you can splurge on a place with nice amenities.
- Planning a honeymoon can be stressful. But with our guides and itineraries, you can spend less time organizing activities and more time relaxing and having fun!
- Don’t bookmark these Hawaii honeymoon things to do, cut to the chase with our Hawaii itineraries below to finish your planning.
Your guide was spot on in every detail and made our trip so much easier to plan and know what to expect. Thank you for taking the time to put together an excellent guide and I will have no hesitation in recommending your guide to anyone visiting the Island!
Kervin P