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Aerial view of a beach on the island of Maui in Hawaii

Honeymooning in Hawaii

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By Matthew Teversham


Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, the US state of Hawaii is formed amongst an archipelago of unique islands that have long since attracted holidaymakers for their dramatic coastlines, luscious scenery and guaranteed sunshine. Each island offers an abundance of opportunity to create lifelong memories; whether it be reef snorkelling at Molokini; climbing the Stairway to Heaven, or a breathtaking helicopter flight over the fiery Kilauea volcano.

Yet while Hawaii is a great choice for an adventure holiday, it is also a perfect choice for a romantic getaway and the ultimate honeymoon celebration. Read on for our guide to planning the perfect Hawaii honeymoon.

Kauai

One of the most impressive islands within Hawaii's archipelogo is in fact the oldest of them all; Kauai. Rightfully nicknamed the 'Garden Island', Kauai is adorned in tropical rainforest and is a unique choice for those wishing to turn their Hawaii honeymoon into an unforgettable trip. Situated on the southern beaches of Poipu, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is a perfect hotel for a special occasion with its opulent style. This quieter stretch of beach is even home to humpback whales and monk seals from December to April, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to see these endangered species from the doorstep of your hotel.


Still scattered with waterfalls and amazing adventure hikes, Kauai's most breathtaking gem is none other than the ancient Waimea Canyon. Dominating the valleys, Waimea Canyon stretches 10 miles long and over 3,000 ft deep, so it's unsurprising the state park is known as the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific'. No visit to Hawaii would be complete without a visit to the rim of the canyon, marvelling at the mass of volcanic eruptions that have formed this impressive landscape. To really admire Waimea Canyon in all its glory, soar to the skies via helicopter - the perfect end to your honeymoon in Hawaii, and an unforgettable experience in itself.


The scenery of the island of Kauai in Hawaii

Maui

For honeymooners looking for more of an intimate getaway in Hawaii, avoid the hustle and bustle of Waikiki Beach on Oahu and head to Maui for a serene break. A respite from some of the bigger high-rise hotels, Maui has a handful of boutique hotels which provide a more secluded experience while offering all the same opportunities such as the adults only Hotel Wailea, a firm favourites of Trailfinders.


One of best ways to enjoy the island is to pick up a car and follow the road to Hana, a scenic 65 mile stretch along Maui's north western coast with views surpassing those of California's legendary Big Sur. Dotted with cascading waterfalls, rugged shorelines and breathtaking ocean view vistas, there are plenty of individual cul-de-sacs to explore together at your own leisure and pace.


A honeymoon couple stood looking at a beach in Maui, Hawaiii

Oahu

While Hawaii instantly conjures an image of palm trees and crystal-clear waters, the capital, Honolulu can also serve as an exciting honeymoon destination. The biggest island, Oahu, is home to the infamous Stairway to Heaven for keen hikers, but also notably to Pearl Harbor for those interested in World War II history. Perched on the south-eastern tip of the island, Waikiki Beach is a great option if you are looking for a vibrant scene throughout the day and night. You’re spoilt for choice for luxury properties such as the Moana Surfrider or the iconic Royal Hawaiian hotels; both are fantastic beachfront choices with prime ocean views and are bound to be an enviable honeymoon choice.


Waikiki is a great spot for watersports, in particular surfing, and you’ll have the unique option to learn to surf together, a great honeymoon activity! You can even hire a car and drive to North Shore for great surf and snorkelling opportunities, or for the black sand beaches across the north western coast. Away from the beach, Honolulu has an abundance of designer outlets down Kalakaua Avenue, along with many exotic bars and nightclubs dotted throughout the city, meaning there is a constant buzz of excitement throughout your entire stay.


A view of Waikiki Beach in Hawaii

The Island of Hawaii (Big Island)

The largest of the Hawaiian archipelago, the Island of Hawaii, has an array of activities to make any honeymoon in Hawaii even more special. One of the most significant aspects of the Big Island is Volcanoes National Park, housing the explosive Kilauea Volcano. You can even opt to stay in Volcano House, Hawaii's oldest hotel, perched on the rim of the volcano commanding views of the crater for a truly unique experience for your honeymoon on the island. Venture out to Kohala Coast for a quieter beach experience, and stay at an opulent hotel such as the Fairmont Orchid which offers personalised levels of service and a wide variety of activities.


Alternatively, there are fantastic choices on the western coast of the island, the home of numerous local restaurants, great eateries and lively bars which offer an exciting level of evening nightlife outside the hotels. While other islands have phenomenal reefs and parks for snorkelling and diving, take advantage of the marine wildlife just off Kona's coast, notable for manta ray swimming - a unique experience to make any Hawaii honeymoon a memorable trip!


The most tranquil experience available from the Big Island is on offer in the evenings. After a busy day exploring the lush rainforests or lava fields of Kileua Volcano, drive to the summit of Mauna Kea for a truly unforgettable experience. Off the beaten track and perched high above the sea, enjoy a picnic dinner under a canopy of stars whilst taking in the superb panoramic views back onto the Pacific Ocean. A niche way to end your Hawaii honeymoon, opt for a slower evening and marvel at an unspoilt night sky, showered with shooting stars and a never-ending blanket of stars before returning home.


A rainbow over the Big Island in Hawaii

Hawaii Honeymoon Combos

Hawaii is a fantastic holiday within its own right with so much to explore on each island, whether you’re looking for a more relaxed or adventure-filled honeymoon. However, the only trouble is that getting to Aloha paradise involves a fairly long flight. To ease out the creases of this inconvenience, either consider upgrading to premium or business on the flights to arrive refreshed, or partner up Hawaii with one of the vibrant cities in the United States or Canada to help break up your journey.


California


As no direct flights are available from the UK or Ireland to Hawaii, connections will either stop in San Francisco or Los Angeles - so why not stop and spend a couple days exploring these great cities exploding with fantastic sightseeing?


San Francisco is a hilly yet architecturally beautiful city. Surrounded by ocean on all sides, this little island is famed for the prison island Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Choose to tram, bike or walk through its colourful Victorian-influenced streets, see seals at Pier 39, or head to Union Square for fantastic shopping.


Alternatively, further down the Californian coast sits the larger city of Angels, Los Angeles. Either choose to relax on Santa Monica Beach, or tour exciting Universal Studios. Head to Beverly Hills to witness the extravagant Hollywood homes of the stars and scattered palm trees to keep that tropical feel alive from Hawaii.


Vancouver


If you want to take the lesser explored route, Vancouver offers a prime spot on the Western coast of Canada. A metropolitan mesh, Vancouver offers both tranquil harbour stays or vibrant city excursions with fantastic day trips out to the Capilano Suspension Bridge or whale watching excursions to see Orcas.


The Hollywood sign in LA

Hawaii is a beautiful destination and a unique choice for a honeymoon. Your wedding is a once in a lifetime experience, so why shouldn't your honeymoon be too? Speak to our team today to start planning your perfect Hawaii honeymoon!


For more inspiration, take a look at our Hawaii Holidays pages.

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Written by Matthew Teversham

Matthew is a Travel Consultant in our London West End Travel Centre

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