Image by SASs Photography
With its incredible turquoise beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, there’s a reason Hawaii is such a popular honeymoon destination. But with so many beautiful resorts scattered across the islands, choosing the ideal haven for your romantic getaway can feel overwhelming. You want it to be perfect to celebrate your newly married status, we understand! That’s why we’re rounding up Hawaii honeymoon resorts that are everything you’ve dreamed of and more.
Whether you want to explore the big city of Waikiki, visit the active volcanoes of the Big Island, or lay on the beach for a week straight in Kauai, each island offers a different experience–which is why we’re rounding up hotels from every island.
Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts
Oahu Resorts
Whether you’re looking for secluded romance or adventurous exploration, Oahu has it all. Dive into the island’s vibrant culture with luaus, snorkeling adventures, and sunset cruises, or make your way to the top of Diamond Head for some of the most breathtaking views on the island. No matter what you’re looking to enjoy, Oahu is the perfect blend of city life and incredible scenery.
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olin
Why we love it: With incredible views, pools you’ll never want to leave (including an adult-only pool), a top-ranked golf course, easy access to the beach, and top-tier service from its staff, the Four Seasons has everything you could want in a honeymoon destination.
Why we love it: Oahu is arguably the busiest island out of the Hawaiian islands, and Waikiki may be a little too busy for some. That’s why we love Turtle Bay Resort. Situated on the iconic North Shore, the resort is ideal for those looking for a stay outside of the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a peaceful horseback ride down the beach, take surf lessons, enjoy the adult-only pool cabanas, or relax with a spa treatment at Nalu Spa.
Why we love it: For those who don’t mind being in the city, Halekulani is a 5-star resort fit for a newlywed couple. With its stunning oceanfront location and meticulously landscaped gardens, Halekulani is the definition of romantic. Indulge in world-class dining experiences at La Mer, where French cuisine meets Hawaiian flavors, or savor tropical cocktails at the iconic House Without a Key under the 130+ year-old Kiawe Tree.
Why we love it: With five-star service and timeless hospitality, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is set on its own secluded beach while also being only a 15-minute drive from Waikiki. Meet dolphins in the private lagoon, relax on the sand, learn to scuba, or enjoy date night at Hoku’s, where you dine on a four or seven-course meal.
Why we love it: There’s no resort more iconic than The Royal Hawaiian. Picture yourself sipping piña coladas by the waters of the resort’s oceanfront pool or catching a catamaran right off the shores of the beach in front of the resort. With its pink and white decor and rich history, the minute you step onto the property, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time.
Maui Resorts
While Oahu is beautiful, we know it can be a little too busy for some. If you love the idea of being isolated while still having some city life, Maui may be more your speed. The second biggest island is a combination of busy yet relaxing, which is why it’s arguably Junebug’s favorite island of the eight. Take the drive to Hana and enjoy some homemade banana bread on the way, snorkel Molikini Crater, or do shopping at Whalers Village. The options are endless.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Why we love it: Nestled along the pristine shores of Wailea Beach, this exquisite resort is as dreamy as it looks. Take a dip in the adults-only infinity pool before getting an oceanfront treatment at the spa. In the mood for a mai tai? The property has multiple bars and restaurants where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy delicious food before heading off to your next adventure.
Why we love it: If you’ve ever looked up things to do in Maui, you’re probably familiar with the Road to Hana. The 64.4-mile-long stretch of road takes you to some of the most incredible views the island offers. What better way to enjoy the scenery than to stay on the road itself? The boutique stay is the definition of private, tucked away at the end of the long drive. Enjoy the 75 acres of lush countryside, fresh local meals, and tours of the tropical local fruit farm during your stay.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Why we love it: Located on the exact opposite end of the island as the previous resort, the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua sits on 22,000 acres of pristine land. It has everything you could want in a honeymoon destination–delicious restaurants with ocean views, a 24-hour heated pool, six bays and beaches all within a 10-minute drive, and an on-site 36-hole golf course.
Kauai Honeymoon Resorts
Kauai, aka the “Garden Isle,” is known for its lush, green landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and rugged cliffs. Its unparalleled natural beauty makes it a nature lover’s paradise. Explore the famous Napali Coast, or venture inland to discover enchanting rainforests and hidden valleys. With charming towns like Hanalei and Waimea, you’ll also find vibrant markets, local eateries, and quaint shops.
Why we love it: Kauai is arguably the slowest-paced island out of the bunch, and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay leans into becoming one with nature in everything it does. The property itself is surrounded by a concentration of native plants–roughly 70% of which are indigenous–to purify the air, uplift your spirits, and give you a taste of the culture. Continue your romantic wellness retreat with yoga, a visit to their spa, or a cooking demo they host.
Ko’a Kea Resort on Po’ipu Beach
Why we love it: Hanalei is the quieter side of the island (which also happens to get the bulk of the island’s rain), so if you’re looking for something a little more lively, pack your bags and make your way to Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach. Just steps away from the beach, this hotel has everything from live music and hula to dinners paired with wine tastings. It’s also a great spot to get up and watch the sunrise. PS, Poipu Beach is one of the best places to see sea turtles.
Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
Why we love it: Located on the island’s east coast, the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach resort is centrally located, making it the perfect hotel for those who want to spend time outdoors and in town. There’s nothing more romantic than spending your evenings watching the sunset at the zero-edge pool overlooking the ocean.
Why we love it: Many of the resorts on this list are your typical hotel stays. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, sometimes you just want something that makes you feel a little more at home. That’s where The Lodge at Kukui’ula comes in. Whether you opt for one of their bungalows or a cottage, you get your own kitchen, outdoor lava rock shower, and spa-inspired bathroom.
Hawaii (Big Island) Resorts
From the fiery depths of its active volcanoes to the lush rainforests, the Big Island is a highly underrated vacation destination. Whether you’re exploring the colorful underwater world while snorkeling off the coast of Kona, hiking through the valleys of Waipio, or stargazing atop the world’s tallest volcano, Mauna Kea, the Big Island has something for everyone.
Why we love it: Explore the underwater wonders in a private bay, lounge under palm trees by the pool, or hike through the Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve at Malama trailhead, a short 12-minute walk from the hotel–the options are endless when you stay at Fairmont Orchid.
Why we love it: Although there is no shortage of incredible resorts on the islands, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai stands out. Sitting on the west side of the island, this 5-star resort is the ultimate escape from your day-to-day life. All rooms have been recently renovated, and there’s a large focus on authentic Hawaiian design, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the culture from the very beginning of your honeymoon. Although it’s a bit of a drive to other shops and restaurants, you’ll quickly find that once you check-in, you’ll never want to leave.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Why we love it: Want to honeymoon in a resort where Elvis Presley and his friends used to hang out? Consider the Mauna Lani. The resort was purchased in 2018 by Auberge Resorts and has since undergone an extensive renovation, but that Hawaiian charm that you’re looking for is still very much there. That’s why it was rated as Travel + Leisure’s #1 Resort on the island of Hawaii.
Now that you’ve found your dream resort to stay at, it’s time to think about what you’re going to bring with you. To ensure you don’t forget anything while you’re packing, use this honeymoon checklist to help you pack all the essentials!
Image by Sunny Golden
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PLEASE don’t stay at the Kahala resort. It’s not just a lagoon where dolphins like to hang out, but they are held in captivity and treated cruelly. The exploitation is so awful it breaks my heart. Junebug, please delete this recommendation and help stop the mistreatment of animals. Did you know that statistically 17 dolphins are brutally slaughtered in the capture process in Taiji, Japan for each one in captivity? The only way to stop this is to put the economic pressure on the greedy corporations that hurt these beautiful souls. You can’t just go to the hotel and not participate in the dolphin thing, please never go at all to anywhere with captive whales and dolphins.
Anyone reading this that is curious and wants more information, check out dolphinproject.com and you can also watch The Cove, which won an Oscar for best documentary. I’m more than happy to answer any questions, I’ve done a lot of study in the area.