Make your honeymoon magical on Maui | Hawaiian Airlines

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Make your honeymoon magical on Maui

After a wild wedding, it’s time to hang loose on your honeymoon with a flexible itinerary.

After a year of planning, all the stars aligned, and you had your perfect wedding day.

Now what?

If you’re like most, the thought of doing even more planning for your honeymoon is the furthest thing from your mind. Luckily, when you visit a dream honeymoon destination like Maui, you can plan less and experience more. Here are some big-picture recommendations that give you more opportunities to kick back, stumble upon an adventure, and enjoy your first journey as a married couple together.

Caption: Enjoy coastal views from Maui’s various luxury beachfron resorts.

Where to stay

While there are a variety of places to stay throughout Maui, we suggest splurging on a luxury resort — and Maui has some of the best oceanfront resorts on the islands, perfect for newlyweds. There are three major resort areas on the sunny west and south side of Maui. Not only will these resorts cater to your every need, but you’ll also discover some of Maui’s best spas, restaurants, and bars to enjoy just steps from your door.

Kaanapali

The stunning West Maui area of Kaanapali is home to many of Maui’s most popular resorts. The newly redesigned Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has a prime spot on Kaanapali Beach, where you can watch the iconic sunset cliff dive off Puu Kekaa (Black Rock) together. The Westin Maui Resort and Spa opened a new luxury tower called Hokupaa and is also conveniently located next to the Whaler’s Village mall. You’ll also find the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Honua Kai Resort and more.

Wailea

For pure, all-inclusive luxury, travel to South Maui to enjoy some alone time on Wailea Beach. World-class resorts include the Marriott Wailea Beach Resort, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Fairmont Kea Lani, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and more.

Kapalua

North of Kaanapali is Kapalua, with two world-class golf courses and two marine sanctuaries. Restore yourselves across 54 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. While there, don’t forget to book time in the Ritz-Carlton Spa for some Hawaiian-inspired healing therapies or the sometimes-necessary sunburn relief treatment. Or you can go on a getaway to the Napili Kai Beach Resort or Montage Kapalua Bay.

Caption: There’s no shortage of beaches to explore on Maui for the perfect day filled with sun rays and waves.

Where to go

While the idea of spending your entire honeymoon ordering room service for two from under your sheets or sitting under an umbrella by the infinity pool is tempting, don’t waste the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Valley Isle.

Take a dip in the ocean

Maui is home to over 30 miles of beautiful beaches to explore together. Famous beaches include Makena Beach, also known as “Big Beach,” which extends nearly 2/3 of a mile long on Maui’s south shore. Kaanapali Beach was once a retreat for Maui royalty and now fronts a row of Kaanapali resorts. Or you can watch pro windsurfers ride the world-famous waves of Hookipa Beach Park. Go on a beach crawl together to find your favorite spot.

Caption: A trip to Haleakala is a must when visiting Maui – pack up a picnic and catch the sunrise, sunset or even marvel at the stars.

Catch a sunset or stargaze at Haleakala National Park

No matter where you are on Maui, you can’t miss Haleakala, the dormant volcano in the heart of the island. A popular bucket-list activity for visitors and locals is to drive to the top of Haleakala National Park, 10,023 feet above sea level, to watch the awe-inspiring sunrise above the clouds. (Reservations are required for sunrise viewings.) But unless you’re jet-lagged, waking up at 4 a.m. for a road trip may not fit into your honeymoon plans. We suggest going on an afternoon drive and watching the equally stunning Haleakala sunset. Pack a romantic dinner for two and stay for some dazzling stargazing. But pack a jacket and a blanket — at this altitude, it gets cold.

Caption: Maui Ocean Center is the perfect indoor activity if you need a break from the outdoors.

Visit Lahaina and Maalaea harbors

While historic Lahaina town is known for its restaurants, shops, and art galleries, Lahaina Harbor is also a gateway for ocean adventures. During the winter months, book an exhilarating whale-watching tour. Humpback whales love to frolic and breach in Maui’s warm waters from December through April, so you may even see them from the beach. Or travel south to Maalaea Harbor to visit the Maui Ocean Center, embark on a sunset cruise, or go on a snorkel adventure to Molokini island nearby.

Caption: There’s so much to explore in Maui, including the historic Iao Valley.

Do as the locals do

While West and South Maui are where you’ll find most of the island’s resorts and beaches, Upcountry Maui and Central Maui are where you’ll discover the special spots where the locals go. On the slopes of Haleakala, Upcountry Maui features scenic vistas and farms, including the Alii Kula Lavender Farm, and the eclectic boutiques and galleries of Makawao. In Central Maui, explore the charming local shops and restaurants of Wailuku town, the gateway to historic Iao Valley and the iconic Iao Needle. Or check out what concert or comedy show is showing at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Some of your most memorable honeymoon moments will take you by surprise. So go with the flow and enjoy every unplanned moment together on Maui.

 

Story By Brian Watanabe

March 3, 2023