The Best Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts of 2023
With its unfettered, natural beauty and refined luxury offerings, the Hawaiian Islands feel as though they're a world away from the continental US. A romance destination for hundreds of thousands of newlyweds each year, the Aloha State offers much more than swaying palm trees and fresh poke (albeit, both sound divine). In fact, select Hawaii honeymoon resorts are among the most distinguished in the world, known as such for their splurge-worthy suites and unique, on-site experiences for couples.
In This Article:
- Is There a Best Hawaiian Island for a Honeymoon?
- The Best Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts & Properties
- The Best All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii
- The Best Hawaii Honeymoon Packages
Is There a Best Hawaiian Island for a Honeymoon?
Each island boasts its own unique feel and it truly depends on what you enjoy most as a couple. For newlyweds who want to experience the appeal of vintage Hawaii, Oahu is a prime option. With an abundance of urban development against the beautiful Pacific, Oahu is also home to the world's top surf and renowned Waikiki Beach. Adventure-driven couples will want to explore Hawai'i (home to Mauna Loa, the world's largest active volcano) or they'll want to venture along the pristine Napali Coast of Kauai, otherwise known as "the Garden Isle."
For those who want the classic luxury experience–think HBO's White Lotus without the psychological drama–Maui has built its reputation as the island with the finest Hawaii honeymoon resorts and oceanfront developments. Shaped like a turtle, the "Valley Isle" is home to famed, sheltered beaches like Ka'anapali, Wailea and Kapalua, as well as UNESCO Heritage sites like Haleakalā National Park.
If your schedule allows, we recommend island-hopping and enjoying stays across various Hawaii honeymoon resorts. If not this time, the state attracts millions of repeat visitors each year, especially in time for its prime whale-watching season.
The Best Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts & Properties
Due to the sheer influx of travelers who visit the islands each year, the list of the best Hawaii honeymoon resorts continues to grow and evolve. However, several properties across the archipelago of eight islands continue to defend the title of top Hawaii honeymoon resorts for high-quality service, unique romance options, adults-only offerings, spa experiences and plush accommodations.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui at Kapalua, Maui
The Kapalua Coast is arguably one of the most iconic regions of Maui. Between black volcanic coastal trails and golden sandy beaches, the Kapalua Resort development is a haven for honeymooners who prefer the quiet luxury of the region coupled with the service reputed by Ritz-Carlton properties globally. With its recent renovations, the property offers even more experiences for couples, including access to nearby and revered DT Fleming Beach. Couples will enjoy morning snorkeling and swimming at the beach, as well as the hotel's private cabanas and an adults-only pool. Finally, couples will want to book a world-class spa treatment and end the day with a cocktail.
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui
Numerous "musts" await at this world-class property, which you've likely either seen across aspirational travel social media pages or on season one of HBO's White Lotus. (Yes, this is the resort.) The ever-blossoming list of romantic experiences well-recommended by frequent fliers includes booking a private sunset dinner for two at Ferraro's Bar e Restaurant, reserving prime seats at the adults-only Serenity Pool (how White Lotus of you), enjoying an outrigger canoe date for a turtle sighting or two, and ditching the phone for sunrise walks along the peaceful Wailea trail. While rates reflect the Four Seasons brand name, amenities like fresh aloe gel, copious Sun Bum options and beyond add the perfect amount of luxury to this tasteful Hawaii honeymoon resort.
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali Beach, Maui
It's no surprise honeymooners (and Marriott Bonvoy members) have been flocking to the Westin Maui, especially after the debut of its Hokupa'a Tower, the premium 217-room tier with an exclusive club lounge. Restaurant offerings include Waicoco Grill and Auntie's Kitchen. Within walking distance to the Shops at Ka'anapali, couples can easily pick up all the local goodies (honey, Kona coffee, luxury hand creams) as thank-you gifts for loved ones back home. While there, you'll want to try the award-winning pineapple cocktail from Merriman's.
Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux, Maui
The only Relais & Châteaux property in Hawaii, the Hotel Wailea is comprised of 72 one-bedroom suites that face the ocean. The adults-only destination (a rare claim among even the highest-rated hotels on the island) has been rated a top honeymoon resort in Hawaii as it's tucked away on a cliff for privacy. Each room's neutral interiors blend beautifully against the surrounding land, while there's a serious focus on local fare, culture and history. Couples leaning into education and purposeful travel will especially enjoy a stay at the Hotel Wailea.
Kōloa Landing Resort at Poipu Beach, Kauai
A picturesque open-air lobby, freshly-made leis and beverages await guests who step into this Autograph Collection property on Poipu Beach. Honeymooners in search for adventure and relaxing pool days will appreciate Koloa Landing's proximity to Napali Coast boat charters and Kauai's famed Waimea Canyon for ATV outings and Jurassic Park tours. As Kauai is as rugged as it gets, the property offers amenities like in-room laundry. That way, you won't have to bring muddy clothes home–only romantic tales from your honeymoon.
Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu
Considered one of the finest luxury honeymoon resorts in Hawaii, Turtle Bay Resort's suites are unparalleled as some rooms come with private plunge pools overlooking the Pacific--and corresponding views for morning coffee or sunset cocktails. The resort is also home to the Alaia Restaurant for foodies.
Four Seasons Resort O'ahu at Ko Olina, Oahu
Arguably one of the best-known Hawaii honeymoon resorts on the island of Oahu, the Four Seasons O'ahu Ko Olina has incredible views of the ocean and it's located along the quieter megaresort that's literally translated to "place of joy."
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Hawai'i
This five-star resort that calls the breathtaking Kohala Coast its home was once a favorite haunt of Elvis Presley in the 1970s. With a massive restoration by Auberge, the property received modern upgrades that debuted in 2020. Its focus on history, culture and wildlife conservation continues to set the Mauna Lani apart. In fact, resident historians and culture guides are living legends to the many well-traveled first-time and repeat visitors.
Fairmont Orchid at Kohala, Hawai'i
Along the black rocks of the Kohala Resort, the Fairmont Orchid is known for its sprawling grounds, refreshing pools, five dining options, and, for culture buffs, the Gathering of the Kings luau.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Lanai
The ultimate Hawaii honeymoon resort is the uber-exclusive Sensei Lānaʻi. The five-star Four Seasons property is considered even more premium than its siblings. For those who appreciate quiet luxury, this property is the best option for a honeymoon.
The Best All-Inclusive Honeymoon Resorts in Hawaii
It's a known fact that Hawaii isn't an all-inclusive honeymoon destination. In the traditional sense, this means most of the luxury properties aren't all-inclusive with food and beverage options and will require careful planning especially if you're on a budget. However, select resorts offer all-inclusive alternatives or romance packages. Depending on your booking type, some rooms at properties will include complimentary food and beverage options, as well as exclusive programming like paddleboarding, canoeing or sunrise yoga.
The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, Ka'anapali Beach, Maui
Honeymooners who book a room in the Hokupaa Tower will have access to the members-only Lanai, an exclusive club lounge offered to distinguished-level Marriott Bonvoy members. There, breakfast and daily tastings are included. Couples will also enjoy prime access to their own private oceanfront balconies in each suite–a perfect spot for your morning coffee, sunrise meditation or both. The club itself includes a well-maintained infinity pool and terrace overlooking prime Ka'anapali Beach–an especially exclusive experience during whale-watching season. While this isn't an all-inclusive stay, by standard wording, extra amenities do bring it a step closer. Book it on the site or via Costco Travel.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Lanai
At Sensei Lānaʻi, the wellness program includes everything from activities, a devoted guide, and fresh meals at Nobu. The purpose of its wellness retreat, which could easily double as a honeymoon for health-conscious travelers, is to refine the art of well-being and longevity. Oh–and did we mention it's only open to guests ages 16 and up?
The Best Hawaii Honeymoon Packages
Couples who want the ease and flexibility of visiting multiple destinations without building their own itineraries should consider tour packages. While it's recommended each couple does their due diligence when itineraries are formed by operators, the following options come with positive reviews.
Costco Travel
Those who like save and splurge will be pleasantly surprised by Costco's partnerships with various resorts across the Hawaiian islands. For example, this deal with the Grand Hyatt Kauai includes waived daily resort fees (which can add up), as well as special member rates for stays and roundtrip flights.
Hawaii Aloha Travel
For 20-plus years, this tour operator has helped plan over 100,000 vacations across Hawaii. With five-star partners across four islands and comprehensive, locally-focused guides, couples can simply book and relax as they go from one destination to the next.
Tripmasters
Tripmasters is reputed to partner with names like the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Grand Wailea Maui, and Hawaiian Airlines for a consistent travel experience. For a tour of both the Garden and Valley Isles, try this itinerary which offers three nights in Maui and three in Kauai with roundtrip travel.