The 7 Best Honeymoon Suites in Hawaii
When it comes to the crème de la crème of honeymoon destinations, we bet it doesn't take much convincing to place Hawaii at the top of your list. Whether you want a tropical adventure, beautiful culture or total relaxation, Hawaii offers something for every type of honeymooner. There's no "wrong" way to experience Hawaii, though most couples want to find the best accommodations for their home base. We break down each of the islands and what to expect, followed by our favorite honeymoon suites for a romantic getaway.
Kauai: The "Garden Isle" is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands. The abundant rainforests and rivers make it great for active couples who love the thrill of kayaking, hiking and other outdoor activities. It's home to Waimea Canyon, Hanalei Bay, Poipu Beach and Kokee State Park. The island is more wellness-oriented if that is your preference as a couple.
Oahu: The "Heart of Hawaii" (also known as the "Gathering Place") is where you'll find the state capital of Honolulu. Oahu is the most populated of the islands, and here you'll find Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head State Monument, Waikiki Beach and North Shore. If you want a fusion of city life with laid-back beach towns, plus high-end shopping, dining and fun attractions, this island's for you.
Maui: The "Valley Isle" is the second-largest Hawaiian island and arguably the most frequented by honeymooners and families alike. Famous for 120-plus miles of pristine black-, green-, red-, and white-sand beaches, Maui offers a bit of everything for couples, from lounging poolside to indulging in culinary and cultural experiences. Fans of Maui will head to Ka'anapali for its beaches, Kapalua for golf and beautiful trails, Wailea for relaxation and luxury, and Lahaina for its nightlife and shopping. First-timers are encouraged to rent a car as the island features a range of activities and attractions, including the ʻĪao Valley State Monument, whale-watching, the splendid Hana highway and unparalleled sunsets and sunrises in Haleakala National Park.
Hawai'i: The "Big Island" is the youngest and the largest Hawaiian island. Since much of the island is made of lava, it's not quite the tropical paradise often associated with Maui. However, you'll find it has one the most dynamic landscapes in the world thanks to its eclectic climate zones. Each of the four main regions of this island has its highlights: You'll find the country's best coffee production farms in the Kona district. Hilo and Hamakua are home to lovely waterfalls. Volcano Village and the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is well-known for its tranquility and natural beauty. And, lastly, there's Waimea with gorgeous, rolling green hills. Kona and Waimea are considered the major resort areas.
Molokai: On the "Friendly Isle," Hawaiian culture thrives as most of the people who live here are of Hawaiian descent and truly abide by the laid-back, aloha spirit. If you like the small-town feel, this is the perfect place for honeymooners. There's still plenty of adventure—it's home to the highest sea cliffs in the world—but note that there's very little tourism here. In fact, there's only one hotel on the island. So, visitors mostly look to rent houses in Molokai.
Lanai: The "Pineapple Island" gets its name from producing the largest percentage of the state's pineapples. Only about 3,000 people live on the entire island where there aren't any traffic lights and there's only one school and hospital. It's technically only nine miles from Maui, but feels like a world away. If you're a newlywed couple that wants to get away from everything and unwind, Lanai is off the beaten path.
The Four Seasons in Wailea, Maui
Well-recommended by both newlyweds and seasoned travelers, The Four Seasons Resort in Wailea is a top choice for couples who savor luxurious experiences and exceptional, white-glove service. The resort's nearly two dozen oceanfront suites are located on a prime and secluded strip of Wailea Beach. Bookings include roundtrip transfers from the airport (a must-have as Hawaii has become the hottest destination in the country), daily breakfast, unlimited laundry and an in-suite Peloton bike. Not to mention—couples are guaranteed the honeymoon treatment with their very own dedicated guest experience team, renowned for tailoring once-in-a-lifetime fantasies (think: sweeping helicopter rides, culinary adventures, tastings and beyond). (From $2,990 per night, FourSeasons.com)
Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu
Oahu's only resort on the North Shore might look familiar: The hotel and its 12-mile nature trails have served as the backdrop to movies and shows like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and Lost. Each of the spacious guest rooms gives couples a front-row seat to waves crashing onto shore, while the property's plush beds are a dream after an active day. The resort keeps things simple with two variations of suites: The Ocean View Junior Suite and the Ocean View Family Suite—they're the same square footage with slightly different layouts. You'll never experience a dull day on the property with activities like horseback riding, snorkeling, and swimming (the pool has a ginormous waterslide). Plus, there's an epic 36-hole golf facility, surf school, and pickleball and tennis courts. (From $740 per night, TurtleBayResort.com)
The Ritz-Carlton in Kapalua, Maui
Despite the occasionally moody weather, Maui's Ritz-Carlton (a Marriott property) is a classy and sophisticated option located in Kapalua, just north of bustling Ka'anapali. Its spacious suites give couples the high-end experience expected from a luxury resort: a comfortable king-size bed, island-inspired décor with artwork by local artisans, two spacious lanais (balconies) with oceanfront views, a marble bathroom, and separate dining areas. There are plenty of ways the Ritz makes couples feel special, including its spa, which embraces indigenous plants and customs. To really kick things up a notch, however, honeymooners will want Club Level access for their very own dedicated concierge, plus complimentary cocktails on "Aloha Fridays," and continuous culinary offerings like fresh-caught Mahi Mahi. (From $1,644 per night, RitzCarlton.com)
Hotel Wailea in Maui
If you want to feel like you're stepping into a magical secret rainforest, this intimate Maui resort from Relais & Chateaux does the trick. Hawaii's sole luxury, adults-only property guarantees couples will find their zen. The Celebration Ocean Suite offers a king bed, comfy linens, a deep soaking tub, separate bedroom and living areas, and sustainably sourced wood from Hawai'i to make it feel more like home. The VIP package includes a welcome bottle of champagne, a tropical fruit platter, and daily breakfast on your private lanai or in the restaurant, which features open-air, Pacific Ocean views. When you want to dip your toes in the sand, a quick, five-minute ride on the free shuttle service will land you at Wailea Beach, where towels, lounge chairs and umbrellas await. Cool perk: you can use the resort's Teslas to get around the Wailea area. (From $899 per night, HotelWailea.com)
Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort in Kauai
Just a few feet away from surf and sand, the Oceanfront Suites at Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort let you take in all the natural beauty of Poipu Beach as you live in island comfort (think: marble baths with rain showers, local bath products, plush robes and spacious living areas). Their honeymoon package ups the ante with welcome goodies, a $500 food and beverage credit and the option for late checkout. You'll love the on-site experiences that feel like quintessential Hawaii: tiki torch lighting rituals, hula lessons, a lava-inspired swimming pool, oceanfront fire pits and Red Salt restaurant, which showcases the best of Hawaiian cuisine. To ensure a good night's rest after a full day of soaking in the sun, the beach hotel offers a "sleep menu" from the spa that features local ingredients and herbs that aid in restful sleep. Honeymoon resorts don't get more serene than that. (From $599 per night, MeritageCollection.com)
The Four Seasons in Hualalai, Hawai'i
The moment you start sipping your complimentary rum punch during check-in, you'll realize the Four Seasons resort is what Hawaii honeymoon dreams are made of. This resort was designed to blend into the natural setting with two-story bungalows that are influenced by charming Hawaiian architecture instead of giant hotel towers. If you opt for the sophisticated Kou Suite, you'll get an exclusive beachfront location, a private lanai that spans the length of the villa, central living and dining areas, plus a full granite bathroom with an outdoor lava-rock shower. Venture out further into the resort and you can relax in one of the cabanas that line the infinity pools, enjoy quiet time at the golf course, or partake in on-site water sports. (From $2,000 per night, FourSeasons.com)
The Westin in Ka'anapali, Maui
The completely transformed and redesigned Westin (a Marriott property) offers unparalleled views of Ka'anapali Beach, one of the island's top attractions. Indulge in complete luxury by booking a suite in the Hokupa'a Tower, which offers panoramic views of Ka'anapali, in addition to a private bar, an infinity pool and other calming touches. Guests at the Hokupa'a will receive the honeymoon treatment with exclusive access to The Lanai, featuring a daily artisan breakfast and beverage samplings with mixologists. Book your honeymoon in time for whale watching season, and you're all set to wonder at wildlife from the comfort of your balcony. (From $1,595 per night, Marriott.com)