Best Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is our pick for the best Hawaii honeymoon resort

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Known for its spectacular beaches, scenery, laid-back vibe, and outdoor activities, like surfing, hiking, snorkeling, and whale watching, the best Hawaii honeymoon resorts are synonymous with romance. From the famous Nā Pali Coast to the lush mountains of Maui to the stunning waterfalls of the Kona-Kohala Coast on the Big Island, newlyweds can choose from an array of resort options.

Best Hawaii Honeymoon Resorts in 2024

Best Overall : Four Seasons Resort Hualālai


Spa at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Why We Chose It

Situated on the lava-filled Kona-Kohala coast, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai delivers the ultimate Hawaiian experience. The remarkable landscape, the private pools, and the abundant activities make for an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Notable Amenities

Swimmable aquarium, championship golf course, five restaurants

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Beachfront access

  • Plenty of activities

  • Some better deal offers

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Free parking requires a walk

Hotel Overview

The Four Seasons Resort Hualālai promises oceanfront splendor with a focus on sustainability. An array of exclusive suites and villas—including the Makaloa Villa and the Ho'onanea Villa, both of which feature private beachfront access—deliver optimal privacy for newlywed couples. Five restaurants and a snack bar serve regional seafood, sushi, steak, pastries, and ice cream. King's Pond, Hualālai's signature 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium, offers a protective cove for snorkeling lessons. And the resort's stunning beach, with its white sand and lava rock outcroppings, is the perfect place to relax, explore, and swim in the sheltered coves.

Best Almost All-Inclusive : The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua


Lobby Lanai with Firepit at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
JASON DEWEY/Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Why We Chose It

The Ritz-Carlton offers several vacation packages, with past offerings including breakfasts for two and savings on room upgrades. You also get concierge service and internet access.

Notable Amenities

Multiple pools and jacuzzis, two championship golf courses, pre-wedding golf and spa events, customized reception dinners

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Lush landscaping

  • Friendly, helpful staff

  • Great views

  • Gourmet room
    service

Cons
  • No private beach

  • Nearly a one-hour drive from airport

  • Daily resort fee

Hotel Overview

Maui's Ritz-Carlton Kapalua sits on 54 lush acres and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It features an array of meandering pools that offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. Couples can book the 2,560-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite, which boasts a large bedroom, two balconies, and a separate living space. The hotel's secluded beach offers breathtaking mountain views, and on-site gourmet dining at six distinctive restaurants makes it possible to enjoy your getaway without leaving the resort.

Best Luxury : Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa


The property at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Courtesy of Hyatt
Why We Chose It

With its world-class Anara Spa, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is one of the most exclusive resorts on Kauai. The hotel's superb poolside service and spacious suites with refined furnishings and premium bathroom amenities make it the most luxurious.

Notable Amenities

Multi-level pool with waterslide, golf course, world-class spa, private saltwater lagoon, tennis courts

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Beachfront hotel with private beach

  • Spacious rooms

  • Environment friendly

  • Lots of activities for kids

  • Breakfast packages available

Cons
  • Water can be rough for swimming

  • Daily resort fee

  • Can be crowded at peak times

Hotel Overview

The island of Kauai is as exclusive as it gets, and the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa has an ideal location with lush tropical grounds and gorgeous views from every direction. Several room options are suitable for a luxurious honeymoon, from the posh Presidential Suite to the 1,500-square-foot Royal Suite with an oversized bathroom, a wine chiller, and a cozy reading nook. In addition, honeymooners can relax in the saltwater lagoon, play championship golf, or book couples treatments at the resort's upscale Anara Spa.

Best Beachfront : Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort


Window view from Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort in Maui, Hawaii
Courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Why We Chose It

Andaz Maui's private beach cove on the famous Mokapu Beach has crystal blue waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and a wide swath of sand to sunbathe. The hotel is also the start of the Wailea Beach Walk, a coastal trail that extends south to Polo Beach. 

Notable Amenities

15 acres of beachfront, 70,000 square feet of event space, adults-only infinity pool, guided excursions, personalized spa and wellness experience 

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Private beach

  • Hip, design-concept guest rooms

  • LEED Silver certification

  • Pet friendly

Cons
  • Not all that service-oriented

  • Some rooms face the parking lot

Hotel Overview

With a spectacular location in South Maui, the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort offers the perfect spot for couples celebrating their happily ever after. Private oceanfront villas and the 1,500-square-foot Premier Suite with a separate living area and kitchenette are available. The hotel sits on 15 beachfront acres with direct access to Mokapu Beach, a stunning mountain backdrop, farm-to-table dining, and an on-site spa. Couples who crave privacy can rent a poolside cabana or unwind at the adults-only tranquility pool.

Best Boutique : Ko’a Kea Resort on Poipu Beach


Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort

Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort

Why We Chose It

The comparatively small 121-room Ko’a Kea Resort delivers an intimate experience with its boutique-style accommodations and amenities, including a pool and tiki bar, beachside yoga, and an on-site adventure center.

Notable Amenities

Private beach, water sports equipment rental, fitness center with gym and Workout room, pets welcomed

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Quiet and intimate

  • Upscale furnishings and decor

  • Great snorkeling

Cons
  • Only one small pool

  • Swimming beaches require a walk

Hotel Overview

Kauai's Ko'a Kea Hotel & Resort sits along Poipu Beach in Kauai and features an array of rooms and suites primed for romance. Options include an oceanfront suite with a separate living area, an enormous soaking tub, custom robes, and flip flops. On-site dining features fresh, local favorites, like vanilla bean seared mahi and ahi tuna, and the on-site spa has a romantic couples suite you can book to escape the world while you enjoy luxurious treatments.

Best Historic : Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa


Moana Surfrider

Moana Surfrider

Notable Amenities

Private beach, full fitness center, kids' TV networks. nightly entertainment

Why We Chose It

Opened in 1901, Moana was the first resort on Waikiki Beach. Over the years, and with the addition of the Surfrider Hotel, the resort has experienced several renovations, expansions, and restorations. Now known as the "First Lady of Waikiki," the Moana Surfrider is our pick as the best historic hotel.

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Central location

  • Historic charm

  • Several beachfront dining options

Cons
  • Only one pool

  • Daily resort fee

Hotel Overview

During their memorable trip, couples exploring Honolulu and Waikiki should check out the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa. This iconic beachfront hotel is home to Waikiki's only oceanfront spa and the renowned Beach Bar. Rooms geared to couples include the Tower Ocean Suites, which boast a separate bedroom and living area and extraordinary ocean views. In addition, the resort's location along the main drag, Kalākaua Avenue, makes it ideal for couples who want to enjoy nightlife and the city's best dining as they celebrate their big day.

Best for Romance : Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea


Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Why We Chose It

You'll never want to leave your romantic room at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, with its customizable mattress, private lanai, and sunken bathtub. The adults-only serenity pool also offers couples a romantic reprieve.

Notable Amenities

$100 shopping credit, adults-only serenity pool, air purification systems

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Beachfront location

  • Indoor and outdoor fitness center with beach yoga

  • 3 restaurants and access to many more

  • No resort fee

Cons
  • Daily parking charge

  • Some rooms have sub-par views

Hotel Overview

This five-star resort located on the island of Maui has oversized suites and guest rooms, often with upgraded amenities like air purification systems, marble bathrooms, and 180-degree oceanfront views. Couples can also rent over 80 different cabanas—some oceanfront and some poolside—or enjoy watersports, like stand-up paddleboarding, on the adjacent white sand beach. The adults-only serenity pool also provides a respite from the rest of the resort and a spot for quiet romance and bonding.

Best for Foodies : Hotel Wailea, Maui


Hotel Wailea-Maui-Hawaii-JohnRusso-Hero
Courtesy of John Russo / Hotel Wailea
Why We Chose It

Executive chef Bryan McMahon, who runs the acclaimed The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea and The Treehouse, worked with Wolfgang Puck's Fine Dining Group for a decade. As a result, the resort's dining focuses on fresh, organic, and "hyper-local" ingredients, and the food is directly inspired by the seasonal offerings of the island's farms and fishermen.

Notable Amenities

Dream drives in vintage cars, outrigger canoeing, sunset sailing, surf safari

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Small and intimate

  • Posh pool area with free cabanas

  • World-class dining at two restaurants, one bar, and poolside cabanas

Cons
  • Not located on the beach

  • Small fitness center

  • Daily resort fee

Hotel Overview

Maui's Hotel Wailea is Hawaii's first and only Relais & Châteaux resort, and its adults-only environment is perfect for couples who want to get away from kids. The 72 suites are spread across 15 rolling acres with tropical greenery and mountain views galore.

Guests celebrating a honeymoon can book a Celebration Suite with panoramic ocean views and vaulted ceilings. You can also reserve a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in an open-air treehouse, where a private chef will cook a seven-course tasting menu with expert wine pairings.

Best for Activities : The Royal Hawaiian Waikiki in Oahu


The Royal Hawaiian Waikiki in Oahu

The Royal Hawaiian Waikiki in Oahu

Why We Chose It

The Royal Hawaiian Waikiki offers free activities, like surf lessons, lei making, guided historical tours, and hula lessons. You can also use one of the resort's Go-Pro cameras for free to document your adventures throughout the day.

Notable Amenities

Special honeymoon venues, award-winning Azure restaurant, parasailing, surfing, shopping

Pros and Cons
Pros
  • Beachfront location

  • Historic resort

  • Oceanfront pool

  • Free Go-Pro camera loans

Cons
  • Historic rooms need renovated

  • Daily resort fee

  • Pool and hot tub close early

Hotel Overview

Honeymooners who want to be close to the action should consider booking their trip at the "Pink Palace of the Pacific," also known as The Royal Hawaiian. This resort is located in stylish Waikiki, which puts it close to award-winning golf, hiking, shopping, and some of the best dining in Hawaii.

Couples should consider booking a Historic Ocean Deluxe Suite, which is lavishly appointed with fine amenities like crisp linens and a separate living area. Sample world-class dining at the award-winning Azure Restaurant or experience a Royal Hawaiian Luau for the most authentic and delicious dinner money can buy.

Final Verdict

Out of the nine resorts reviewed, the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai is our best overall pick due to its private beachfront access and 1.8-million-gallon swimmable aquarium. The landscape is unique, set among lava rock and crystal blue waters, and the on-site restaurants offer regional fare suitable for any honeymooner's tastes. The private snorkeling option and the Jack Nicklaus championship golf course help deliver a once-in-a-lifetime couple's getaway.

Guide to Choosing a Hawaii Honeymoon Resort

Location

Each of the five main Hawaiian Islands offers unique personalities and attractions. Newlyweds should carefully choose the island that best serves their honeymoon goals, especially regarding budget, activities, and mutual interests.

Amenities

Things like coffee makers, cable TV, and room service are essentials, not amenities. For a great Hawaii honeymoon, look for resort amenities like private pools and beaches, championship golf courses, kids' clubs, gyms and wellness studios, daily entertainment, and free excursions.

Nightly Rate

Not surprisingly, Hawaii has some of America's highest nightly hotel rates. In the resorts listed here, for example, nightly rates range from $299 to $2,200 per night. However, those rates include many complimentary amenities rarely found in less costly hotels. Since the last thing any newlywed couple wants to do is return from their honeymoon broke, hotel room rates and fees must be carefully considered.

Excursions

The number one tip for a successful honeymoon is never to get bored. Whether it's a hiking, surfing, swimming, or sightseeing experience, choose a resort that offers plenty of excursion options. Look for free transportation and guided tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where Is the Best Place in Hawaii for a Honeymoon?

    Maui is the best Hawaiian island for a honeymoon. It's considered the most romantic of all the islands. Its northernmost beach, Kaanapali Beach, hosts a nightly tiki torch lighting that ends with a spectacular sunset. 

  • What Is the Most Romantic Place in Hawaii?

    Lanikai Beach on Oahu is considered one of the most romantic spots to be at sunrise. The sky comes alive in a pastel of colors, with the offshore Mokulua Islands as a backdrop. Go early and enjoy the nice walk to the white sand beach.

  • What Is the Average Cost of a Honeymoon in Hawaii?

    An average seven-day honeymoon trip to Hawaii costs approximately $7,000, which includes an average of $1,200 in airfare, $500 a night in accommodations, $1,800 for food and drink, and about $500 for additional activities. Of course, depending on the time of year, you can shop around and pull it off for less.

  • When Should You Honeymoon in Hawaii?

    The best time to visit Hawaii is April through September. November and March are the rainiest months, and hurricane season lasts from June through November.

  • How Far in Advance Should You Book a Honeymoon in Hawaii?

    At least two months before you plan to leave is a good rule of thumb. The best hotels fill up quickly, especially during the summer months and over holidays.

Methodology

When reviewing the best Hawaiian honeymoon resorts, we looked for hotels with amenities for couples. We considered the resort's location, size, and room types, choosing a sampling of those that offer rooms, suites, and villas. Our pick for best overall is set in a striking landscape and includes a unique lineup of amenities. We also considered resorts with world-class restaurants, upscale spas, and adults-only pools, all designed to deliver the most romantic experience for couples celebrating their new marriage.

Brides / Designed by Amelia Manley