Best Honeymoon Destinations (Maui, Hawaii)
For our full list of best honeymoon destinations, check out this blog post!
This may be an obvious choice and done many times over but you really can’t deny the beauty of the cool misty air, soft sandy beaches, and colorful natural beauty of Hawaii. Each individual island has its own unique experiences, but the island of Maui has to be our favorite! If you’re flying in from the US, your flight time will range anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on what state you’re travelling from. Most of which will be flying over water...however when you do land, make sure to look out your window to see the whole island from a bird’s eye view, it’s really cool!
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone is greeted with a fresh flower lei when they arrive in Hawaii, you actually have to set that up in advance (Still a really nice gesture though, especially if it's your honeymoon). If you do set up a lei greeting, you also have the option of getting airport transfer assistance and concierge service.
(Photo: Kaanapali Resort)
Choosing the right hotel for your stay in Maui can really amp up your experience. We even recommend looking into an oceanside airbnb for a more private getaway!
Our Picks (By price):
-Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa $$$
-Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux $$$
-Maui Coast Hotel $$
One of the most popular activities to do in Maui is travel along the Road to Hana! Take a trip up the 64.4 mile road from Kahului to Hana and travel through lush forests and scenic views. But this isn’t just a regular road trip, the Road to Hana is notoriously full of winding roads and sharp turns, so go at your own pace and keep a watchful eye. Alternatively, instead of driving yourself, van tours are also available. There are lots of photo opportunities and things to stop for, but the last thing you want to do is end up driving back on an unfamiliar road in the dark. Head out early in the morning and choose a handful of things you want to stop and see when you go!
Our Favorite Road To Hana Stops:
-Paia Town (for breakfast and shopping)
-Waikamoi Ridge Trail (great photo op’s and hiking)
-Halfway to Hana Stand (for banana bread, yum!)
-Pua'a Kaa State Wayside Park (a great rest stop with picnic tables, bathrooms, and swimming)
-The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (aka the seven sacred pools)
-Nahiku Marketplace (for lunch)
-Hana Lava Tube (break out the flashlights!)
-Wailua Falls (for a moment to enjoy the beauty of nature and to catch the locals selling food and art work)
-Maui Tropical Plantation (for rest and a bite to eat before the trip back)
Pro Tips: For this adventure you’re about to take, there are some things you’ll regret not bringing such as Dramamine (for those who get easily car sick), some cds for the journey (good chance you may lose radio signal), cash, hiking shoes, bug spray, a full tank of gas, portable phone chargers (just in case), extra water bottles and some disposable baby wipes (you just never know...)
You certainly can’t come to Maui and not go snorkeling at least once! There are plenty of snorkeling tours (some even provided by your hotel) that will take you out to the best spots to see the ocean life up close. Kaanapali Beach, Ulua Beach, and Honolua Bay are some of the best spots for snorkeling. Most tours will cost you about $100 but will also provide you with snorkeling gear and on occasion, underwater cameras. You really can’t compare seeing sea turtles on tv to seeing them up close in real life. It’s an experience I highly recommend. (P.S. Tuna fish look like sharks from a certain distance so don’t get spooked!)
Banyan Tree Park is another must see place on our list. See the largest Banyan tree in the world! Standing 60 feet tall and providing a lot of shade should you decide to picnic here. The park isn’t very time consuming, but there’s a lot of shops, restaurants and other things to do in the area. Go check out the Lahaina Heritage Museum!
What’s a trip to Hawaii without a luau? The most popular luau spot in Maui is Old Lahaina Luau with its award winning performers and traditional cuisine. Feast on poi, Kalua pig (apple and all), and poke (just to name a few), and watch fire dancers and hula dancers as you sip on something tropical (curly straw and umbrella required). It’ll set you back about $120 but it’s well worth the experience!
Speaking of food, you have to try out some of the local cuisine (no Olive Garden on our watch!) Fresh fish, edible flowers, chicken long rice, and of course pineapple (is your mouth watering?). We did some research for you and picked out some of the best spots to grab a bite to eat while you’re honeymooning in Hawaii.
Our Picks (By price):
-Lahaina Fish Co $$
-Cafe O'Lei Kihei $$
-Hana Farms $
Honorable mention: Bubba Gump’s Shrimp Co. $$ (We know this is a chain, but the Hawaiian experience is unforgettable!)
Naturally, when you’re not busy travelling the road to Hana, hiking the national parks and learning how to hula dance, catch some waves surfing or simply just enjoy the soft misty breezes lying on the beach with your new spouse. We recommend:
-Kama’ole I, II, and III Beach
Enjoy your stay! Mahalo!
Itinerary
-Request a traditional lei greeting upon landing in Maui
-Get settled in the fabulous Hawaiian hideaway of your choice
-Prep for the day trip to Hana
-Travel the Road to Hana and pull over at your favorite spots
-Go snorkeling (hopefully see some turtles!)
-See the oldest Banyan tree in the world!
-Go to a luau
-Try the local cuisine
-Hit the beach
-Relax
🖤 For help planning your honeymoon or next vacation, be sure to check out Deborah and Brian Miller at dmiller@dreamvacations.com 🖤
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