You can’t help but think tropical when you begin contemplating a honeymoon destination. No one wants to put on layers for a night on the town as newlyweds. So if warm beaches, candlelit dinners by the ocean and stolen kisses underneath a cabana sound more appealing, then Hawaii is the perfect choice.
In Hawaii, you can find resorts right on the beach which are fully equipped with lit walkways to the waterfront; perfect for couples who want to stroll barefoot by waves (just strolling, right?). We recommend the Hyatt or the Marriot for unparalleled luxury. You’ll also want to ask your hotel about luaus, which are typically hosted by the hotel itself on Friday nights. Additionally, consider renting a moped for your days out exploring the islands. They are cheaper than you may expect and there is a sense of freedom when you’re cruising down the open roads on the coast. You’re in Hawaii, so enjoy the closeness to nature; the options are limitless when it comes to outdoor activities.
Before your book your honeymoon adventure, be aware of the slight differences on each of the five most popular Hawaii island destinations, and try to align your expectations appropriately. You would hate to spend money on a tight night-on-the-town dress, only to find out there isn’t any nightlife.
Kauai aka the “Garden Isle”
Choose Kauai if you’re looking for a relaxing, natural atmosphere. This smaller island is a taste of isolation, with plenty of scenic hikes to choose from, such as Waimea Canyon (known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’) and hidden waterfalls worth discovering, especially if you’re not afraid to jump off them. Take a catamaran up the Na pali coast and go snorkeling. Or, you can hike the coast itself. This island is best suited for the outdoor adventurer who needs to get away from it all. Tip: don’t miss the sunset on Poipu Beach. It’s also conveniently located next to the Spouting Horn Blowhole.
Maui aka “The Valley Isle”
Want to hang out by the waves? Walk in white sand? Go dolphin-spotting? Maui is known for its beaches and if you want to get in the water and surf, body board, or snorkel–then it may your perfect island paradise. We recommend taking the bike down Haleakalā, the island’s dormant volcano. Getting up before dawn may seem like a pain, but watching the sunrise on the top of a volcano is worth waking up for. As you ride down, there are black-sand beaches to stop and rest, also worth the trip.
O’ahu aka “The Gathering Place”
O’ahu is home to the largest portion of the Hawaiian population, with the capital city of Honolulu located on the southeastern side. If you’re looking for nightlife, restaurants, museums, theaters, and an elite shopping experience–this may be the island for you. Make sure to check out the Aloha Tower which is by far the most popular outdoor mall, complete with live entertainment. Want to see Pearl Harbor? The Diamond Head Crater? If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some Hawaiian history, then this is your best bet.
Hawai’i aka “The Big Island”
This island has a little bit of everything, from fine dining, lazy beach days, to trips up active volcanoes within Volcanoes National Park; home to one of the world’s largest rings of natural volcanoes. The highlight of this park is Kilauea, an active volcano that has been continuously erupting since 1983. Do you have an affinity for coffee? Check out the Kona fields, where only coffee grown in this region can be considered ‘Kona’. Visit a waterfall with your new spouse, such as Rainbow Falls, and take in the beauty. Tip: Try to arrive to Rainbow Falls after a light rain (which is a normal occurrence) at sunrise, to witness its namesake.
Molokaʻi aka “The Friendly Isle”
East of Oah’u, lies a smaller island of Hawaii which may prove perfect for the couple looking for escape into beauty and as little annoyances as possible. The pace is simply slower, with no active nightlife, no tall buildings, but still completely tourism friendly. Enjoy snorkeling in coral reefs, fishing, rain forests, waterfalls, mountain biking… or just relax and get away from the crowds.
This article was written exclusively for STL Weddings by Carissa Rossi. Carissa is the content manager for MyHawaiiHoneymoon.com and enjoys spending time at her family’s timeshare on Kauai. She also manages newsletters for a private college.
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