Experts Share Their Tips for Planning the Perfect Hawaii Honeymoon

These expert tips will ensure that you have an unforgettable Hawaii honeymoon.

Planning the perfect honeymoon Communication, patience, consideration and honesty are all essential skills for marriage.

A honeymoon is an opportunity to share your love and to have fun. show aloha to the places and people you encounter during your travels. These expert tips will help you plan your perfect Hawaii honeymoon.

Outline expectations.

Your partner should be able to see your honeymoon vision. “Go over expectations and must-haves,” says Renee Meyer, owner and founder of Unforgettable Honeymoons, a boutique agency that’s been planning honeymoons in Hawaii for 28 years. You can discuss your preferences on things such as accommodations, activities, hiring drivers, scheduling versus spontaneity.

Don’t forget to be realistic about your budget. “Pricing has increased since the pandemic,” says Meyer. A detailed itinerary will give you a better idea. “Gather estimates on airfare, hotels, and rental cars to be certain your dream honeymoon will fit into your budget.”

Choose an island.

Compatibility is important, just as in marriage. While all of the islands They are rich in culture, natural beauty, and each have their own distinct character Mana (energy and possibilities), so research and find the ones that are most relevant to your interests. Oahu It offers both urban and outdoor adventures like shopping, nightlife, surfing, and hiking. Honeymooners who want a more relaxed experience will love the laid-back vibes. Kauai, Lanai, MolokaiAnd the Island of Hawaii. Meyer recommends Meyer to anyone who loves relaxing on luxury pools and beaches. Maui.

“Try not to visit too many islands on your honeymoon,” says Meyer. “You’ll spend more time in airports and traveling than seeing the islands.” Pick one, or if you’re set on visiting more than one, Meyer recommends a minimum of four to five nights per island.

If you’re honeymooning on MauiYou can also fit in another island without having to take an extra flight. “Take the ferry to Lanai,” says Kanoa Haake, manager of airport operations for Hawaiian Airlines. And if you’re traveling between November and March, keep your eyes peeled for whales en route.

Determine dates.

Pick dates that suit your needs and budget. Be flexible if costs are a concern. “Many hotels base pricing on occupancy, not the season, and the price might be lower a few days or a week later,” says Meyer.

It’s not always sunny in Hawaii. Winter can be very rainy in certain areas. Learn more weather for the island or islands you’ll be visiting while planning.

Also, check out our event calendars. “Consider planning around one of Hawaii’s major cultural festivals, like the Aloha Festivals September Honolulu Festival March: Made in Hawaii Festival in November, which features thousands of locally made products,” says Duke Ah Moo, Hilton’s vice president and commercial director of Hawaii and French Polynesia. “Doing so can enrich your honeymoon.”

Ask questions.

Compile a list of questions to ensure your trip is memorable for the right reasons — not unwanted surprises. Meyer recommends clarifying details about rooms such as the ocean view or size of the bed. Oceanfront does not necessarily mean ocean view. “If you expect a full ocean view, book oceanfront,” she says.

Ask for a breakdown of the resort fees. Meyer recommends that you search for hotels offering complimentary activities and access only to adults-only swimming pools. “For example, Wailea Beach Resort includes outrigger canoe excursions, snorkeling gear, and cultural activities such as ukulele and hula lessons.”

For honeymooners on a budgetAsk if the property is willing to accept loyalty points, or if the property has a partner. Malama Hawaii program Book through this program to receive a discount or a free night for your guests.

Find out what hotels do to preserve the environment and culture. Lokalia Farm, cultural ambassador at Montage Kapalua Bay, says, “Find places to eat, shop, and stay that are owned locally. So much more of the money you spend here will stay here and benefit our communities.”

You should also be cautious about illegal rental. If you’re booking a vacation rentalAh Moo recommends double-checking that they have the proper licensing. This ensures your safety and protects residential areas from overcrowding.

Make reservations.

MaryAnn Blanchard, director at Montage Kapalua Bay’s meetings and events, suggests that you check the sunset times before making your reservations. This will allow you to dine with a beautiful view. Don’t wait to make reservations, either. “Hoping to walk in and grab a table is getting more difficult,” says Kainoa Horcajo, cultural advisor and founder of The Mo’olelo Group. “Make your restaurant reservations as early as you can.”

This also applies to activities. Many popular sites, like Hanauma BayTo protect the environment, a number of companies have created booking systems. “There’s a high demand for bookable experiences,” says Julian Arp-Sandel, director of guest experience at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “Secure them well in advance.” And don’t forget the rental car, or you may find them sold out.

Try something new and something you’ve never tried before.

Your bond will be strengthened by getting out of your comfort zone. “Do something once a day that you’ve never done before,” says Tiffany Dusenberry, director of food and beverage events at Kukui’ula. Watch the sunrise from atop Haleakalā. A private picnic can be arranged on a quiet beach in the vicinity. Turtle Bay Resort. Treat yourself to a rooftop champagne-caviar experience Espacio. Enjoy a day heli tour, and then enjoy the wonders of manta Ray snorkeling at night on the Island of Hawaii. La’akea Perry leads a warrior hula workshop. After that, relax with an oceanside lomilomi treatment and a meditation with a Native Hawaiian healer. Pi’iali’i Lawson The Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.

Participation in Native Hawaiian-led cultural experiences such as the Holoholo tour at Four Seasons Resort Lanai Healani Kimitete Ah Mow, Aloha ambassador led the sunrise ceremonies Mauna Kea Resort, and Thelma Kehaulani Kam, director of cultural services for Marriott International’s Waikiki Collection.

Each meal offers the chance to share a new experience. Alexis Huggins, event planner at Andaz Maui at Wailea ResortThe following is an example of a Poke picnic on the beach or a chef’s table dining experience at Ka’ana Kitchen. Taylor Seele, cultural expert at Prince WaikikiThe author recommends trying Hawaiian food including taro with vanilla cream. Waiahole Poi Factory.

“Given Hawaii’s plantation history, the culinary scene is incredibly diverse,” says Ah Moo. “You can get a taste of traditional Hawaiian cuisine, and there’s also excellent Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, and Chinese cuisine. Some of the tastiest meals are found at smaller mom-and-pop restaurants, and there’s also a plethora of food trucks.” If you want to enlist a local guide, book an Aloha Plate Food Tour With chef Lanai Tabura.

But don’t overschedule.

All of the experts agree: Plan ahead, but don’t fill every minute. “Don’t overplan your Hawaii honeymoon,” says Bobbilyn Jones, event sales and planning manager at Andaz Maui. “Slow down and make memories.”

Meyer advises that you make a commitment and be there. “Don’t bring your phones to dinner. Or, leave your phones in your room (locked in the safe) for the day.”

With aloha.

While celebrating your love, don’t forget to be a mindful traveler. For starters, do your research. Hulu Kanda-Estabilio, suite experience manager at Four Seasons Resort HualalaiAccording to, understanding Hawaiian history and people enriches the experience. Education also conveys knowledge. aloha Local people. Meyer urges her visitors to learn some Hawaiian phrases. If you find languages challenging, keep it simple: “Say aloha (hi) mahalo (thank you),” says Kalikolehua Storer, Hawaiian culture and training specialist at Andaz Maui. 

Respect nature. “High surf advisories, shore breaks, and strong currents are not to be taken lightly,” says Farm. “If you have little to no experience swimming in the ocean, be very cautious and only swim in places with a lifeguard.” Stay on marked trails when hiking, for your safety and for protection of the environment and culture. “Many of the state parks are Hawaiian heritage sites, so be mindful,” says Haake. 

Overcrowding can be prevented. “Refrain from using geotags when hiking and visiting beaches,” says Moku Moikeha, director of experiences at Turtle Bay Resort. Farm also recommends choosing low-impact options as much as possible. “If the road to Hana is a must, for example, a guided tour (rather than a self-drive) is more ethical because it reduces cars on this heavily traveled road.”

Clifford Nae’ole, cultural advisor, suggests that you engage in activities that leave a lasting impression and create memories. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Moikeha recommends that you join a beach cleanup group like Sustainable Coastlines Or Surfrider FoundationSeele suggests that volunteers should be involved in an a lo’i kalo (taro patch), like Ka Papa Lo’i o Kānewai. Reforesting native trees and plants is also possible. Gunstock Ranch Or with Uncle Earl Regidor – cultural ambassador at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, and cultural advisor Hawaiian Legacy Tours. “It makes for a great anniversary experience to come back and see your legacy tree flourishing,” says Nae’ole. Joy Stedman, a business development executive, is one example. Timbers KauaiVolunteering can take you to places such as the Malama Huleia fishpondThese places are off the beaten path.

Whatever you do on your honeymoon – do it with someone else aloha. “There is a ‘olelo no’eau (wise proverb): ‘aloha aku, aloha mai’ (aloha given, aloha received),” says Horcajo. “Don’t wait for it; be the first to extend it without expectation of return. Hawaii is a land of love. Most importantly, we love the love that doesn’t require anything in return…that’s often what you will get the most. And even if you don’t, your new spouse will know they made the right choice in finding a good person.”

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