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Hawaii honeymoon destinations: where to go for a romantic Hawaii getaway

A Hawaii honeymoon promises unparalleled natural beauty at every twist and turn.

Whether you love to laze on the beach, hike through tropical jungles or splash into the water for snorkelling or scuba diving, the Hawaiian islands are perfect for nature lovers.

My now-husband and I travelled to Hawaii together a few years ago to see several of the islands and were so blown away that it actually inspired us to start our own travel blog. Safe to say it’s our favourite place in the whole world and we could have easily picked Hawaii for our honeymoon too.

But back to your honeymoon and where you should go for a romantic Hawaii getaway. Read on for my pick of the best honeymoon destinations in Hawaii and the best hotels in Hawaii for couples.

An Oahu honeymoon: for couples in search of an easy Hawaii honeymoon

Otherwise known as ‘The Gathering Place’, Oahu is one of the easiest islands in Hawaii to get to. It’s where most of Hawaii’s population can be found, as well as the state capital of Honolulu and infamous Waikiki Beach.

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A modern five-star oasis near infamous Waikiki Beach

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Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is one of the most – if not the most – popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. While some won’t like the large number of hotels overlooking the beach, others (like me!) love their time here as it’s a beautiful, safe and clean beach.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach is one of my top picks in this area for couples as it boasts modern accommodations, ocean views, direct beach access and a heated saltwater infinity pool overlooking the bay. There’s even an enchanting double-storey saltwater aquarium in the hotel’s lobby, which is full of brightly coloured Hawaiian reef fish.

I implore you to make the most of the hotel’s rooftop sunset yoga experience for an uplifting and totally zen way to start your Hawaii honeymoon. Also, rise early on most days to claim one of the hotel’s poolside cabanas. These are perfect for private honeymoon kisses and offer a simple way to escape the outside world together.

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Honolulu
8.2 Very good (5402 reviews)

Four-star Victorian Hawaii honeymoon resort overlooking Waikiki Bay

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Another top Hawaii honeymoon resort in Honolulu is Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa. Although the building dates back to 1901, the hotel has done a fantastic job of merging its elegant Victorian roots with today’s modern luxuries. Most of the guest rooms have private ocean view balconies, which are simply perfect for toasting your newly-wedded bliss together at sunset.

The resort also boasts a stunning ocean view spa, which they say is the only beachfront spa in all of Waikiki. Sink into the relaxing bubbles of the jacuzzi, detox in a steam room or dry sauna or head to one of the couples suites to indulge in traditional Hawaiian treatments like Lomi Ho’okipa massages, ‘Awa mud wraps and wild Lehua honey scrubs.

Once all those wedding stresses have melted away, it’s time to take advantage of the hotel’s water sports activities like snorkelling, parasailing and scuba diving for a thrilling end to your honeymoon.

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Top rated
Honolulu
8.9 Excellent (8952 reviews)

Maui honeymoon: for water sports lovers and night owls

Maui is possibly the most popular island to travel to in Hawaii and it’s perfect for those of you who love to snorkel, scuba dive or try to spot whales and dolphins. Maui also has some of the best nightlife across the islands and it’s where most people will tell you Hawaii’s prettiest beaches can be found.

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Charming four-star suites on popular Kaanapali North Beach in Lahaina

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Located in the popular district of Lahaina and along the beautiful Kaanapali Beach, Honua Kai Resort & Spa offers stunning luxury suites that are perfect for couples.

All of the suites come with equipped kitchenettes and separate seating areas so there’s no excuse not to cook up a Hawaiian feast together for a few romantic nights in during your trip. Private balconies also promise stunning ocean, mountain or garden views; perfect for delicious cocktails in the evenings or late-morning breakfasts of tea and pastries.

Away from your room, you’ll relish that you’ve got three swimming pools to choose from, as well as the chance to have a relaxing hot tub session together. And the onsite Ho’ola Spa offers honeymoon packages involving a side-by-side couples massage, as well as scalp, hand and foot treatments. Ahh such romance and bliss all in one.

Honua Kai Resort & Spa

Top rated
Lahaina
9.3 Excellent (7383 reviews)

Four-star all-inclusive ocean view bungalows for a tranquil island getaway

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On the other side of Maui, along the Hana Highway itself, sits the stunning four-star ocean view bungalows and spacious suites of Hotel Travaasa Hana. Surrounded by the hotel’s lush tropical gardens and with the Maui mountains as a breathtaking backdrop, this resort promises the ultimate tranquil island getaway.

When I heard that guests are welcomed with a basket of banana loaf, I was sold on this hotel’s unique approach to hospitality. Not to mention the charming onsite spa offers a huge variety of massages, hot stone treatments and other wellness packages to truly enable you to relax after a stressful few months.

There is no rushing around allowed here. Every guest is encouraged to take their time and truly immerse themselves in their surroundings whether you choose to watch the world go by from your private lanai, take part in a mixology class together or chill on the grass and make traditional Hawaiian leis to wear.

Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence

Top rated
Hana
9.1 Excellent (1951 reviews)

Big Island honeymoon: for volcano lovers

Did you know that it’s possible to experience nearly all of the world’s different climates on The Big Island? Tropical Wet, Tropical Monsoon and Hot Desert are all possible climates here. And all of this is caused by the island’s most incredible and popular feature: its volcanoes!

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Classic Hawaiian honeymoon resort on the shores of Hilo Bay

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Downtown Hilo isn’t where you come for the glitz and glamour of somewhere like Lahaina in Maui or Waikiki in Honolulu; it’s where you come for a more local and low-key experience.

Hilo Hawaiian Hotel is one of the larger hotels in this area and boasts one of the best locations in Hilo; just a four-minute walk from the stunning Liliuokalani Park and Gardens. I’d recommend a Deluxe Ocean View room as the views from your private lanai across Hilo Bay will be incredible; perfect for sunrise breakfasts and sunset cocktails.

The hotel’s freshwater swimming pool, large sun deck and Queen’s Court Restaurant, which serves traditional Hawaiian dishes like blackened ahi tuna, ulu hummus and steamed opakapaka (pink snapper fish), mean you can truly relax at this hotel, Big Island-style.

Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Top rated
Hilo
8.5 Excellent (2573 reviews)

Bright and colourful guest house in Hawaii’s famous Kona Coffee region

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On the other side of The Big Island in the Kailua-Kona region, the bright and colourful rooms of the charming guest house, Big Island Retreat, await. Each of the seven rooms on offer here are decorated with a different theme.

No matter whether you’re staying in the king Bamboo room, ocean view Orchid room, garden view Pineapple room or otherwise, your stay is guaranteed to be tranquil, cosy and laidback. Not to mention each of the rooms has its own private lanai for al-fresco breakfasts.

This guesthouse can be found within a small Hawaiian neighbourhood so your stay is all about doing things “the local way”. Snorkelling, swimming and surfing at Kahalu’u Beach Park are all must-dos; you can hire most of this equipment for free at the guest house.

Big Island Retreat

Top rated
Kailua-Kona
9.0 Excellent (484 reviews)

Kauai honeymoon: for nature lovers and outdoors adventure couples

Often called the ‘Garden Isle’ or ‘Garden Island’, Kauai is possibly Hawaii’s most picturesque island. Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor adventure couples, you’ll love hiking through tropical rainforests, photographing raging waterfalls and kayaking along winding rivers.

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Tranquil four-star Hawaii honeymoon resort on the banks of Kauai’s south shore

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Found on the sun-drenched southern tip of Kauai, the Wyndham Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu Beach promises a tropical paradise getaway and four-star luxury.

This most fabulous of all Hawaii honeymoon resorts boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and large sea-view balconies in the bedrooms, as well as lagoon-style pools and palm tree shades throughout the hotel’s 25 acres of grounds.

This is a Kauai honeymoon for total recuperation and relaxation, which is why it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this resort also has a large spa onsite. Boasting five private treatment rooms including two couples suites means you can lie back and enjoy a side-by-side massage together, followed by tea on your private lanai and a soak in the spa’s Japanese Ofuro tub. Pure bliss.

And when it’s time for something a little more adventurous? Head to the hotel’s activity hut to arrange anything from hiking and surfing to a helicopter ride over the Napali rainforest.

Koloa Landing Resort at Po'ipu, Autograph Collection

Top rated
Koloa
9.2 Excellent (2068 reviews)

Luxury tropical island getaway in southern Kauai

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Also found on the southern coast of Kauai is the stunning and luxurious four-star resort, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa. Here, you can once again enjoy sea views and tropical landscaped gardens, as well as saltwater pools, lazy river lagoons and secret caves. There’s even an adults-only pool for all those romantic moonlight dips you’ll want to have together.

The resort is also home to the championship-sized 18-hole Poipu Bay Golf Course in case you’re after something a little different on your Kauai honeymoon. And as this part of Kauai is known for its lack of light pollution, you can also enjoy romantic beachside dining under the stars from one of the resort’s seven restaurants.

For a traditional Polynesian cultural experience, be sure to book a table at the resort’s luau and buffet, which happens twice weekly. However you choose to spend your Kauai honeymoon here, it’s sure to be both magical and unforgettable.

Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Top rated
Koloa
9.2 Excellent (2335 reviews)

Feature image courtesy of puhhha / stock.adobe.com