Your Complete Guide to a Dreamy Hawaii Honeymoon

Dramatic peaks, lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches—there's a reason why a Hawaii honeymoon has become something of a standard for couples. While still part of the US, this string of islands feels worlds away—and still takes about the same time as it would to reach Europe if you're flying from the East Coast. But from California, this is a much easier—and just as exotic—locale as the Caribbean, and you'll find plenty of things to do in each of the islands. From Oahu, the "Heart of Hawaii," to the "Garden Isle" of Kauai, the six major islands pack in plenty for newlyweds, whether you're looking for a sleepy surf town, buzzy beach or nature like active volcanoes and coffee farms. From the first "Aloha," you'll instantly fall into the rhythm of Hawaiian time on your romantic island honeymoon.

Hawaii Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Hawaii
• Hawaii Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Where to Honeymoon in Hawaii
• Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels
• Things to Do in Hawaii for Couples
• What to Pack for a Hawaii Honeymoon

Photo: M Swiet Productions / Getty Images

Best Time to Honeymoon in Hawaii

Hawaii only has two seasons: summer, which spans May to October (and is considered the best time to visit), and winter from November to April, which are also the wettest months. Peak whale-watching season falls between January and March, when humpbacks can be spotted along the coast. This is also when you'll catch bigger waves, if you plan to surf or watch competitions.

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Best weather: May to October

Festival highlights: Honolulu Festival in March; Aloha Festivals in September; Hawai'i Food and Wine Festival and Hawai'i International Film Festival in October; Annual Kona Coffee Cultural Festival and Hawaiʻi Food & Wine Festival in November; Vans Triple Crown of Surfing in November and December; Honolulu Marathon in December

Hawaii Honeymoon Planning Tips

The Hawaiian Islands are a quintessential honeymoon spot and hotels and resorts know how to pamper couples. If you're staying on the Island of Hawaii, you'll find plenty of resorts and vacation rentals on the Kohala Coast and Kona area, as well as Hilo and Puna on the eastern side of the island, near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In addition to sprawling resorts with big-name brands, couples can also stay in a cozy cottage, B&B, condo or Airbnb in the form of a beach house, volcano dome home or luxe treehouse.

On most islands, you can get around by shuttle, public transportation, taxi or ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft. If you plan to explore by car, be sure to reserve a rental far in advance as they tend to go fast. Another popular way to venture around the islands? On a cruise passing through ports in downtown Honolulu, Maui and the Garden Island of Kauai.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to join your vendor team. Browse travel agents near you on The Knot Vendor Marketplace for Hawaii honeymoon advice.

Where to Honeymoon in Hawaii

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When creating your Hawaii honeymoon itinerary, take a look at the six major islands to see which of these Polynesian charmers is right for you. Or, better yet, turn your romantic vacation into a two-part trip adventuring—or embracing total relaxation—in the Hawaiian Islands.

Maui

Nicknamed "The Valley Isle," Maui is the postcard-perfect version of Hawaii, lined with 33 miles of beaches and lush rainforests, as well as Mount Haleakala, which towers 10,000 feet above sea level and shows off stunning sunrise views.

Kauai

The Hollywood favorite's wild landscape has made appearances in everything from Raiders of the Lost Ark to Jurassic Park and Elvis' Blue Hawaii. "The Garden Island" continues captivating visitors with its lush green valleys, jagged cliffs and tropical rainforests—making it a great spot for adventure-seekers who want to hike, kayak or zip-line.

Oahu

Home to capital city Honolulu and laid-back surf towns like Haleiwa, honeymooners will find tons of resorts to swoon over in the legendary neighborhood of Waikiki, where you can stay directly on the world-famous beach near shopping, dining and entertainment attractions.

The Big Island of Hawaii

The youngest and largest in the chain, you can pass through four different climate zones while venturing around the Big Island. While there are fewer (and smaller) beaches, you'll find plenty of other sites to marvel at, from the ink-black Punalu'u Beach to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts and Hotels

Whether you choose your hotel based on the island or vice versa, Hawaii offers honeymooners plenty of options for relaxing and romantic hotels. Take your pick of charming cottages, unique Airbnbs, vacation rentals and more traditional resorts where the view keeps getting better everywhere you turn.

Photo: Mauna Lani

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

The open-air resort is one of the most luxurious in Maui—and also boasts the most spacious accommodations on the island. Modern suites sit perched over the Pacific and Wailea Beach, and you'll even spot neighboring islands while lounging on your lanai. Take a dip in one of the Four Seasons' three saltwater pools, which includes an adults-only option lined with twin Missoni-designed cabanas.

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The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

This oceanfront beauty with direct access to sandy D.T. Fleming Beach is a paradise for couples who want easy access to Maui's best snorkeling and surfing (six bays sit within a 10-minute drive), but there's also plenty at the resort if you don't want to stray too far from your suite. Lounge under an umbrella at the 24-hour heated pool, play tennis on a court overlooking the ocean or set off on a trek around Kapalua's miles of coastal and mountain trails.

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Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

If you're planning to cash in points for a dream honeymoon stay, now is the time. Ranked one of the top resorts in the Hawaiian Islands, Grand Wailea is a destination in itself. Unfolding along Wailea Beach and surrounded by 40 acres of lush landscape, this sprawling resort checks off tons of boxes, from award-winning cuisine to championship golf and tennis, a Mexican mosaic-lined cabana-fringed pool and a lagoon with nine individual pools, plus waterfalls, caves, three Jacuzzis and a swim-up bar.

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Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Touches of the islands are found throughout Mauna Lani in the form of sleek hardwood floors, natural fabrics and gorgeous textiles you'll want to source your own version of and bring home as a souvenir. In addition to a furnished lanai, you'll find sumptuous touches like soaking tubs overlooking the ocean and spacious, minimalist-chic bathrooms with walk-in showers roomy enough for two. Canoe out to spectacular snorkel spots or embrace Hawaii's natural side another way, indulging in a spa treatment that champions homegrown plants and botanicals.

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1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

The oceanfront enclave on Kauai's North Shore blends the best of wellness-focused 1 Hotels with Hawaii's natural beauty. Gardens and living walls are planted with mostly endemic or Polynesian canoe crops brought over nearly 1,000 years ago; dining at signature spot 1 Kitchen is plant-forward and hyper-local, showing off seasonal fare sourced from the island's own farmers, fishers and growers; and mountain- or ocean-view rooms frame views through wall-length windows and daybed-clad terraces.

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Pro tip: For even more luxury stays in Hawaii, check out all-inclusive resorts perfect for a romantic island honeymoon.

Things to Do in Hawaii for Couples

Photo: Michael Hanson / Getty Images

Indulge in an Authentic Feast and Luau

You can't visit Hawaii without experiencing a luau, and this entertaining version on the site of the Battle of Kipapa in Honolulu combines Hawaiian war history, traditional dance and fire-knife performances. Get ready for the art of hula and an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian feast.

Cruise Oahu's Coast

A sunset cruise is always a romantic moment when visiting an island, but this three-course crab and steak dinner cruise comes with extra entertainment in the form of the largest cast in Hawaii's waters. Toast with Mai Tai cocktails while watching a live performance dubbed "60 Years of Aloha."

Snorkel with Manta Rays on the Big Island

Hop on a cruise along the Big Island where a local guide will get you equipped to plunge down for a snorkel session with manta rays. This is one experience you'll want to bring (or rent!) a GoPro to catch the moment on video to share with everyone back home.

Helicopter Over the Garden Isle

The next best thing to skydiving, jump into an open-door helicopter and soar for nearly an hour over Kauai's wild cliffs, canyons and rainforests. On the trip, you'll spot waterfalls from Jurassic Park and the Na Pali Coast with a trained firefighting pilot at the helm.

Go Chasing Waterfalls and Volcanoes on the Big Island

On this small-ground sightseeing tour, you'll get a mix of history, culture and nature while touring a Kona coffee farm, dipping your toes at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach (keep an eye out for green sea turtles!), and peering into the 500-year-old Thurston Lava Tube.

Pro tip: Add Hawaii honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can give you one of these memorable couples activities.

What to Pack for a Hawaii Honeymoon

When going through your packing checklist for a Hawaii Honeymoon, don't forget comfortable footwear for walking, sandals for the beach, a few nicer pieces for dinners (think breezy dresses, linen pants and espadrilles), and layers for daytime. Tropical chic is the vibe here, so mix colors, patterns, knits and statement accessories (go for fun over formal). You'll also want to pack essentials like a hat, sunglasses, waterproof camera or case for your phone and reef-safe sunscreen.