A Maui Honeymoon Guide For an Unforgettable Vacation in Paradise
A Maui honeymoon offers the dreamy ambiance Hawaii is famous for, making it a top honeymoon destination for all kinds of couples. The island's stunning landscapes range from the majestic peaks of Haleakalā National Park to the lush, winding road to Hāna, offering newlyweds a backdrop of diverse and scenic beauty. On this Hawaiian island, you'll find world-class beaches that'll provide the perfect setting for relaxation, romance and fun.
Couples can indulge in luxury at Maui's renowned resorts and spas, which often offer special honeymoon packages including couples massages and private beach dinners. The rich Hawaiian culture is accessible through traditional luaus and historic sites like Lahaina, providing a glimpse into the island's vibrant history and arts scene.
If you're considering going on a honeymoon in Maui, let us be your guide. From the best time to visit Hawaii to things to do, use our tips to plan an unforgettable Maui honeymoon.
Maui Honeymoon Tips in this Article:
- Best Time to Visit Maui
- Maui Honeymoon Planning Tips
- Places to Visit in Maui
- Best Maui Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
- Things to Do in Maui for Couples
- What to Pack for a Maui Honeymoon
Best Time to Visit Maui
April, May and September through November are the best times to visit Maui, however, December is best for surfing.
Best weather: April and May, September to November.
Festival highlights: The Maui Whale Festival in February honors the annual migration of humpback whales with events like parades and whale watching tours. The Maui Film Festival is held in Wailea in June and showcases independent films under the stars, along with culinary events and panels. The Made in Maui Festival is usually in November and features Maui County's best products, including foods, arts, crafts and music, highlighting local artisans and businesses.
Maui Honeymoon Planning Tips
When planning a Maui honeymoon, consider timing your visit during the shoulder seasons (April to May and September to November) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Booking your accommodations and activities well in advance can secure the best rates and availability, especially for popular attractions like the Road to Hāna and Haleakalā sunrise tours.
Opt for a rental car to explore the island at your own pace, but remember to respect local guidelines and private properties. Embrace local culture by attending a traditional luau, trying Hawaiian cuisine and learning about the island's history. Don't overpack your honeymoon itinerary; allow time for relaxation and spontaneous adventures. Make sure to communicate with your accommodation about any honeymoon packages, specials or upgrades—they often offer perks for celebrating couples.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind while planning your honeymoon in Maui.
Entry requirements: As a part of the US, citizens do not need a passport or visa for travel to Maui, Hawaii. Although, you'll want to make sure to carry a government-issued photo ID. Starting in May 2025, you may be required to have a REAL ID.
Language: English, Hawaiian.
Location: Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It's part of Maui County, which includes three smaller islands: Molokai, Lanai, and uninhabited Kahoolawe.
Currency: USD.
Flight time to Destination: From the US West Coast, direct flights typically take about 5 to 6 hours. From the East Coast, expect flights to take 10 to 12 hours or more, usually with a layover.
Getting around: Car, public bus, bicycle and by foot.
Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to discuss travel trends and advice. You can browse travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace for Maui honeymoon expertise.
Places to Visit During a Maui Honeymoon
West Maui
West Maui is where most visitors fly in. Notable areas in west Maui include Kapalua, Honolua Bay, Kaanapali and the historic town of Lahaina, a former fishing village with historic streets, unique art galleries and boutiques.
Kauai
This island west of Maui is reachable by 45-minute flight. You'll want to spend some of your honeymoon in Kauai if you want to be closer to nature; it's home to the Waimea Canyon, which boasts elevations of 3,600 and majestic waterfalls, and the Kilauea Lighthouse for whale watching from a seaside cliff. There's also picturesque sunsets at Poipu Beach Park and kayaking amid the Wailua falls.
Lanai
Lanai, an island southwest of Maui with its own airport, is for off-the-beaten-path adventures. You can hike red dirt roads, ride horseback in idyllic fields and meet the 500 residents of the cat sanctuary.
Molokai
Also to the west is the lesser-known island of Molokai. It's home to Halawa Valley, a stunning landscape teeming with foliage and waterfalls, and the turquoise waters and pristine beaches of Papohaku Beach.
Molokini
Molokini is a tiny crescent-shaped island and partially submerged volcanic crater. It's a popular snorkeling and day cruise destination.
Best Maui Honeymoon Hotels & Resorts
Finding the right honeymoon accommodations in Maui depends on your preferred balance between seclusion, luxury and access to activities. Once you've narrowed that down, the rest will come easily. Here are some recommendations to consider.
Hotel Wailea
Hotel Wailea is an adults-only hillside resort that offers ocean-view suites surrounded by lush greenery. It's ideal for honeymooners wanting privacy.
5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Montage Kapalua Bay
Montage Kapalua Bay is a large yet somewhat secluded resort that offers soaring ocean backdrops with intimate rustic touches. The Cliff House, a glass-walled cliffside cottage, is especially stunning and can be reserved for couples and groups.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Wailea Beach Resort, Marriott
Wailea Beach Resort might have the best resort views in Wailea, including from its adults-only infinity pool. Weddings can be staged seaside or in a lush grove, and guests can dance in gorgeous ballrooms.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Andaz Maui at Waliea Resort
Andaz Maui offers a tropical green setting for its crisp and modern concept.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
The Four Seasons in Wailea provides daily in-season whale watching thanks to its elevation. The property, known for its experiences, offers day trips to organic farms, nightly hula, serenity pool dinners and more. Elopement and large wedding packages are available, as well as a private fitness studio. Plus, honeymooners can enjoy ultra-luxurious private dinners and massages.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
This all-suite and villa resort offers adults-only sections amid its gorgeous landscapes. Cultural events include sunrise paddling and sunset torch lighting ceremonies, and the resort is family-friendly for destination wedding guests. Honeymooners can also partake in couples massages and private dinners. Resort passes are available if you want to rent a cabana in Wailea for a day.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton at Kapalua boasts a sprawling estate on rolling hills and deep blue waters, six restaurants, a spa and two golf courses. It's also a full-service wedding venue.
4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews
Pro tip: If you're looking for accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, you might also want to consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.
Things to Do in Maui for Couples
If you're looking for things to do in Maui, we have some great recommendations to start you off. With so much natural beauty to explore, you'll be sure to find yourselves immersed in several activities throughout the duration of your Maui honeymoon.
Whale Watching
You're most likely to see whales from December through May, and there are several tours to lead you to these fantastic creatures.
Snorkel and Scuba
Kapalua Beach offers safer snorkeling waters, while Honolua Bay is a rockier area few miles east. Black Rock at Kaanapali Beach reaches 25 feet deep and Lanai's Manele Bay is home to a pod of dolphins.
Haleakala Volcano
Three-fourths of Maui is made of the Haleakala volcano, which has its own national park. There are several hiking trails to its crater, from 10-minutes jaunts to more difficult treks for day trippers and campers.
Hiking
The Honoapiilani Highway north of Lahaina includes the 1.2-mile Ohai Loop Trail and the four-mile Waihe'e Ridge Trail, both of which cut through small hillside towns. The rocky, two-mile hike at Kapalua Bay has beaches on each side, and Kauai, Molokai and Lanai are where you'll see majestic cliffs, storybook valleys and quiet dirt roads.
A Romantic Air Tour
Get the best views of Maui with a romantic sunset air tour from Maui Plane Rides.
A Cliff Diving Ceremony
Black Rock, or Puu Kekka, at Kaanapali Beach is home to the Maui sunset diving ceremony. Legend has it that Maui's last chief, Kahekili, dove off Puu Kekaa to prove his strength.
Luau
No Maui honeymoon is complete without a sunset luau, which typically means traditional Hawaiian cuisine, hula and fire dancing.
The Road to Hāna
The 52-mile Hāna Highway, or Road to Hāna, spans from Kahului to Hāna, and it's is legendary for its sharp turns and natural beauty. Notable sights include the Ka'Eleku Caverns, the black sands of Wai'anapanapa State Park, the breathtaking Wailua Falls and the dreamy Seven Sacred Pools. There's also Mama's Fish House in Paia, a restaurant renowned for its freshly-caught sea food. You can drive yourself with an audio tour but van tours might be safer.
West Maui Mountains
You can tour through Mauna Kahalawai, or the West Maui Mountains, to experience the tropical lushness of Iao Valley State Park, see the Nakalele Blowhole and walk on bridges in the Waihe'e Valley rainforest. Self-drivers are advised to anticipate sharp turns and narrow roads.
Pro tip: Add Hawaii honeymoon experiences to your gift registry so that loved ones can gift you one of these memorable couples activities.
What to Pack for a Maui Honeymoon
In addition essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, your packing checklist should include hiking and water shoes, light rain protection and long sleeves and pants to prevent heat rash. Your honeymoon luggage should also have a sweater or two for colder evenings, along with some nicer clothes for upscale dinners.
Brittany Barber contributed to this article.