Kelly and Shane of Edmonds, Washington are the grand-prize winners in our Who Do You Love contest! The lucky couple will soon be flying non-stop to Maui, Hawaii, undisputedly one of most luscious and lovely places on earth. We want their vacation, and yours, to be everything paradise is supposed to be, so we’re giving you the lowdown on the best that Maui has to offer. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a Maui honeymoon that’s hot in every way.

 

Settle down on the Wailea Coast: Every inch of Maui is gorgeous, but in our opinion, there’s no place more inviting than the coast of Wailea. Here’s where you’ll find the poshest hotels and spas, the coziest condominiums, and the sexiest places to eat, drink, and show off your tan. Make yourself at home at one of the world-class properties situated along the Wailea Beach walkway, and you’ll want for nothing. Here are our favorite ultra-romantic places to call home.

The Condos on Elua Beach – Private and perfect beachfront getaways on the northern end of Wailea. Choose from a wide array of condos and book your favorite one directly with the owner.

The Four Seasons Resort – This world-class property is glamourous and refined, conjuring up visions of Hollywood in the forties.

The Grand Wailea Resort and Spa – Truly one of the most gorgeous hotels in the world, full of stunning Hawaiian art and dramatic water features. The Grand Wailea offers the ultimate spa experience and six to die for restaurants. Note: Even if you don’t stay here, you simply must see this hotel!

 

Soak Up the Sun: Well of course you will! The island of Maui has about a zillion gorgeous beaches to relax on, but alas, you may have a chance to visit only a few. Here are the ones we suggest you don’t miss.

Wailea / Ulua – Lucky you! If you’re staying at any of the properties along the Wailea beach walkway, these two gorgeous beaches will be right outside your door. Swim, kiss, and rub coconut-scented sunscreen on each other backs while the sun beats down upon you. Then, when night falls, stroll hand in hand along the tiki torch lit promenade and watch the lighted waves wash up on the shore.
Little Beach - Just a short hike up over the hill from ever-popular Makena Beach, lies Little Beach, a haven of natural beauty for the uninhibited. Clothing here is optional, but we think there’s nothing more delicious then splashing in the waves au naturel. Remember boys, keep your eyes on your prize.

Hookipa Beach –This wildly beautiful beach located on the northern most end of the Hana Highway is without a doubt one of the foremost windsurfing beaches in the world. During the winter, swells can rise up to a spectacular 40 feet! If you are an expert windsurfer you’ll definitely want to take this ride, but if not, grab a picnic in nearby fun and artsy Paia, then kick back to watch this awesome spectacle from the beach.

 

Watch the world go by: No matter what time of year you visit Maui, chances are the weather will be perfect and there will be a ton of things you'll want to do and see. We know you’ll want to check out the following fun activities:

Snorkeling - Rent equipment from a local shop or bring some with you, then dive right in to your own jumbo size aquarium. Buy some fish food and let yourself be surrounded by tropical fish in a rainbow of colors. When snorkeling in the Wailea area, check out Polo Beach, and Ulua/Mokapu. When you’re south of Wailea try Ahihi Keanue Reserve, and when up you’re up north, visit Honolua Bay or the stunningly gorgeous beach at Kapalua.

Helicopter Tours to Hana and Haleakala Crater - Many visitors to Maui make the somewhat infamous trip down the highway to Hana in hopes of seeing the Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch, and the many beautiful waterfalls along the way. The highway is only 50 or so miles long, but it’s dangerous and slow going, and by the time you arrive you feel like you’ve been traveling for days. We suggest you hop on board a helicopter to see the sites of Hana, and the many other spectacular features of Maui in style. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of Haleakala Crater on your way and you’ll see dozens of otherwise inaccessible waterfalls without breaking a sweat.

Whale watching - From December to the middle of April you can watch humpback whales migrating right off the beach anywhere on the Wailea Coast. It’s a thrill, and with binoculars you can get an amazing view of their journey. Even so, we suggest you book a ride on a charter boat and get up close to these awesome animals for an experience you’ll never forget.

 

Watch the Sun Go Down: Nightfall means delicious food, yummy tropical cocktails, and unobstructed views of the sunset from dozens of Maui’s restaurants and bars. The most memorable are:

Spago at the Four Seasons - Wolfgang Puck’s creative infusion of Hawaiian and Asian flavors. This super chic restaurant serves up panoramic sunset views on a five-star platter.

Nick’s Fishmarket at the Fairmont - Dine outdoors under a canopy of sparkling lights and fragrant stephanotis. Nick’s serves some of Maui’s most delicious food and the service here is impeccable.

Humuhumunukunukuapua'a – We might not know how to say it, but we do know that we love it, and so will you. This elegant and exotic restaurant sits in the center of a blue lagoon teeming with tropical fish. Choose your own lobster or try the macadamia nut encrusted Mahi Mahi, but be forewarned; if you do, you’ll be spoiled for mainland fish.

Mama’s Fish House – This perfect example of Hawaiian cuisine and hospitality has been a Maui romantic institution since the 1950’s. Call for reservations several days in advance of your trip to Hookipa Beach, then settle in for a Mai Tai or three at this divinely located hot-spot and watch the sun slowly melt into the horizon.

 

And celebrate being in love!  No matter how adventurous or athletic you are, don’t book up all your time. Maui is a place to be savored right where you are. If all the two of you end up doing on your honeymoon is reveling in each other, we’re positive you won’t be disappointed!