How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon on Maui

There's a reason Maui honeymoons are so popular. For starters, the island has 30 miles of beaches, lush hiking trails, and a seemingly endless supply of scenic waterfalls. It is at once otherworldly, thanks to its tropical climate and Jurassic Park-like terrain, and wonderfully familiar. Plus, you don't have to worry about a language barrier and can leave your passport at home.

In August 2023, a series of wildfires devastated parts of West Maui, including the historic seaside town of Lahaina, which once served as the capital of the Hawaiian kingdom. While much of the island has since reopened, Lahaina itself remains closed to the public as its residents continue to mourn and rebuild. Please check the Maui Tourism website for the latest updates.

Warm hospitality and dreamy experiences are the norm in Hawaii, but as with any location, it takes time to come up with a honeymoon on Maui that's both romantic and memorable. And since you're likely busy planning other things (like, ahem, your wedding), we've done some of the legwork for you, pulling together the best resorts and activities for honeymooners heading to Hawaii's Valley Isle.

Where to Stay on Maui

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

If you're looking for luxury, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua definitely delivers. This expansive and secluded property is situated on Maui's northwest shore, adjacent to the sacred Honokahua Preservation Site. In addition to oceanside views, the hotel has everything to keep you entertained: two 18-hole championship golf courses, a spa featuring treatments inspired by Hawaiian culture and traditions, six restaurants, several pools, and luxury cabanas.

To book: The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

This beachfront resort sits on 40 acres of lush tropical gardens. When you're not lounging in one of the property's nine pools, floating on the lazy river, or enjoying the many restaurants, soak up the sun on nearby Wailea Beach. Those looking to get out on the water can rent everything from paddleboards and kayaks to snorkel gear. The resort also offers complimentary scuba diving lessons for first-timers — how's that for a unique honeymoon activity? After exploring the grounds, kick back in your secluded villa or enjoy a cocktail from your private lanai.

To book: Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort

Hāna-Maui Resort

Chances are you've heard of the Road to Hāna — a honeymoon road trip must. Located on Maui's eastern tip, about a two-hour drive from Kahului Airport, the Hāna-Maui Resort, a World of Hyatt property, places you along this scenic route between Hāna Bay Beach Park and the popular red-sand Kaihalulu Beach. When you're not cruising the coastline, hide out in the sprawling resort, which has various restaurants, a spa, and bungalows with supreme ocean views.

To book: Hāna-Maui Resort

Hotel Wailea

After the stress of planning a wedding, you might want to sit back and relax without having to endure the sounds of kids playing (and screaming). That's why places like Hotel Wailea exist — to allow grown-ups to unwind in a romantic and exclusive atmosphere. At this intimate, five-star, adults-only Relais & Châteaux property, you'll enjoy endless ocean views and beautiful tropical gardens, waterfalls, and pathways. During your stay, wander around the grounds, cozy up in your ocean-view suite, lounge in the poolside cabana, grab a bite at the open-air restaurant, or swim at Wailea Beach.

To book: Hotel Wailea

Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach

If you're looking for more independence on your honeymoon but don't want to compromise on luxury, opt for a condo at Aston at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach. Here, you'll have a spacious living area complete with a full kitchen and patio (hello, romantic dinners) in addition to traditional hotel amenities like room service and spa access. The property is situated on Kaanapali's golden shoreline, offering stunning views of the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.

To book: Aston at The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach

Things to Do on Maui

Book a snorkel tour, then spend the day at Kaanapali Beach.

You'll probably want to spend a good part of the day at Kaanapali Beach. But before you lay out your towel, hop aboard Sea Maui's vessel for a half-day snorkel adventure tour off the island's west coast. After setting off from Whalers Village, enjoy breakfast on board before diving below the surface to swim among the sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs — if you book between December and April, you might even spot a humpback whale or two. During the journey, you'll also be served lunch and have access to an open bar as well as a slew of nonalcoholic beverages. Talk about a blissful start to the day.

Catch the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park.

Getting up early can be tough, but seeing the sunrise from Haleakalā National Park is always worth it. Make the journey to the Kalahaku Overlook (at 9,324 feet), or for a more remote experience, park at the Leleiwi Overlook (8,840 feet) and brave the 10-minute hike up the trail. Keep in mind that this activity is quite popular, so you'll need to book your spot in advance for sunrise visits between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. Spend the rest of the day exploring the park — hike around the volcano summit or head to the remote Kīpahulu District, home to a dense bamboo forest, the powerful Makahiku Falls, and plenty of scenic hiking trails.

Book a romantic dinner at Merriman's.

For a Maui honeymoon meal that's both authentic and inventive, book a table at Merriman's Kapalua, where you'll be treated to the work of James Beard-nominee Peter Merriman in an unpretentious, oceanfront setting. Start with an order of ahi poke and house-made Molokai sweet potato chips before diving into a plate of macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi or prime ribeye steak, among other farm-to-table favorites. Wash it all down with a signature Merriman's mai tai.

Snorkel (or look for whales) from an outrigger canoe.

It would be a shame to leave Maui without enjoying the water from a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe — and if you happen to be visiting Maui from December through April, keep an eye out for humpback whales. Blue Soul Maui offers two-hour outrigger canoe tours from Hotel Wailea, allowing guests to snorkel, whale-watch, spot turtles, and learn more about Hawaiian culture while paddling from Wailea Beach along Maui's southern coast.

Spend an entire day driving the Road to Hāna.

There's a reason why driving the Road to Hāna is on every Maui to-do list — it provides endless coastal views and access to hikes, waterfalls, and overlooks that will leave even the most jaded traveler in awe. In our opinion, the worst thing you can do is rush it. Set aside an entire day for the drive so you can pull over at every whim. And make sure to hit Pua'a Ka'a Falls, the black-sand beaches and freshwater caves at Wai'ānapanapa State Park, and the Garden of Eden, which is just as beautiful as you'd imagine.

See Maui from a helicopter.

No matter how many times you've been to Maui, seeing it from the air offers a completely different perspective. From above, everything is carpeted with a layer of green and you can ogle every rolling hill, oceanside cliff, and towering waterfall. We recommend Air Maui's 60-minute Complete Island tour or heading straight for Haleakalā and Hāna on a 75-minute trip that includes a memorable cliffside landing.

Learn about Hawaiian culture at a luau.

Head to a luau for a memorable night of music, food, and lots of Hawaiian hula dancing. You'll start the night with a shared meal — sample some kalua pig, a pork dish cooked in a traditional inground imu oven, and poi, a purple paste made from locally grown taro plants. The evening then kicks into high gear with live music and high-energy hula performances showcasing popular Polynesian myths and legends. The Old Lahaina Luau, located just outside downtown in West Maui, and the Myths of Maui (formerly the Royal Lahaina Luau) in Kaanapali, have been operating for decades — since 1986 and the early 1970s, respectively.

Get pampered at a fancy spa.

There's nothing more relaxing than breathing deeply while luxuriating in a traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage or letting the soothing hot pōhaku stones work their magic on your achy muscles — especially after the stress of planning your dream wedding. Maui is known for its fabulous hotel spas, from the Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton in West Maui to the Grand Wailea and the Andaz in South Maui. With so many options, you're bound to find a health and wellness treatment to help you truly unwind.