Honeymoon in Hawaii
Tropical beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls and sunset dinners — all without a passport. Here's how to pick the right island and what it really costs.
A 10-night Hawaii honeymoon costs about $8,000 for two at mid-range hotels including flights from the mainland, $5,000 on a budget, and $18,000+ at luxury resorts. Maui is the best all-round honeymoon island, Kauai is the most romantic and lush, and the Big Island suits adventure. Go April–May or September–October for the best weather and value, and pick no more than two islands.
How much does a Maui honeymoon cost?
Hawaii is expensive by US standards, mostly due to hotels, rental cars and resort fees. A realistic 10-night breakdown for two:
| Tier | Flights | Stay (per night) | Food & drink | Extras | 7-night total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (condos, 2 islands) | $500 pp | $220/night | $70/day pp | $900 (car, inter-island flight) | ~$5,000 / couple |
| Mid-range (resort hotels) | $650 pp | $420/night | $110/day pp | $1,400 (car, snorkel tour, luau) | ~$8,000 / couple |
| Premium (oceanfront resorts) | $900 pp | $750/night | $150/day pp | $2,000 (helicopter, spa) | ~$13,000 / couple |
| Luxury (Wailea / Lanai / Kona suites) | $2,000 pp first | $1,200/night | $200/day pp | $2,500 (private tours) | ~$18,000+ / couple |
Most hotels add a daily resort fee of $30–$50 plus roughly 18% in taxes. Inter-island flights run $60–$150 per person.
Costs are researched estimates for two travellers and move with season and demand. Compare against our full honeymoon cost guide.
Where to stay in Maui for a honeymoon
Each island has a distinct personality. Two islands are perfect for 10 nights.
| Stay | Island | Style | From / night | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wailea and Kaanapali resorts | Maui | Beaches, Road to Hana, Haleakalā sunrise | $450 | The best all-round honeymoon |
| North Shore and Poipu hotels | Kauai | Lush cliffs, quiet, Nā Pali Coast | $350 | The most romantic scenery |
| Kohala Coast resorts | Big Island | Volcanoes, manta rays, stargazing | $400 | Adventurous couples |
| Waikiki and Ko Olina hotels | Oahu | Food, culture, nightlife | $300 | City-plus-beach couples |
| Ultra-luxury hideaways | Lanai | Two exclusive resorts, total privacy | $1,200 | A splurge add-on |
Best time to honeymoon in Maui
Hawaii is warm all year (78–88°F). Rain varies by side of each island; prices and crowds vary by season.
- April – May — Our top pick: dry, green, calm seas and shoulder prices after spring break.
- June – August — Summer holidays bring crowds and higher prices, but the calmest north-shore water.
- September – October — Warm, quiet and great value — an excellent honeymoon window.
- November – March — Rainier winters with big north-shore surf, and humpback whale season (Dec–Apr). Holidays are peak-priced.
A 10-day Hawaii honeymoon itinerary (Maui + Kauai)
- Day 1
Land on Maui
Collect your car, check into Wailea or Kaanapali, and watch your first sunset.
- Day 2
Molokini snorkel
A morning boat to the crater reef, then an afternoon on the beach.
- Day 3
Road to Hana
Start at dawn for waterfalls, black-sand beaches and bamboo forest; stay overnight in Hana if you can.
- Day 4
Haleakalā sunrise
Reserve the summit permit for sunrise above the clouds, then upcountry farm lunch.
- Day 5
Spa and luau
A couples' massage and a traditional luau at night.
- Day 6
Fly to Kauai
A short hop to the Garden Isle; base in Poipu or Princeville.
- Day 7
Nā Pali Coast by boat or helicopter
The island's dramatic sea cliffs — the most romantic views in Hawaii.
- Day 8
Waimea Canyon
The 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific' with short rim hikes.
- Day 9
Hanalei Bay day
Kayak the river, swim and eat at the North Shore food trucks.
- Day 10
Fly home
Red-eyes to the mainland give you a final beach day.
Most romantic things to do in Maui
Haleakalā sunrise (Maui)
Requires an advance reservation; dress for near-freezing temperatures.
Nā Pali Coast (Kauai)
By catamaran in summer, helicopter year-round.
Manta ray night snorkel (Big Island)
Glide alongside giant mantas off Kona.
Whale watching (Dec–Apr)
Humpbacks breach just offshore, especially off Maui.
Traditional luau
Pick a smaller, culturally focused luau over the biggest shows.
Sunset dinner on the sand
Wailea, Kapalua and Poipu all have beachside tables.
Honeymoon in Hawaii guide: Maui vs Kauai vs Big Island vs Oahu, real costs, the best months and a 10-day two-island itinerary. No passport needed! #hawaiihoneymoon #mauihoneymoon #honeymoonideas
Ready to book your honeymoon?
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How to book a Maui honeymoon
- Pick two islands maximum. Each inter-island move costs half a day; Maui + Kauai is the classic honeymoon pair.
- Book the rental car early. Cars sell out and prices spike; Turo is an alternative.
- Reserve permits in advance. Haleakalā sunrise, Hāʻena State Park and some Road to Hana stops need reservations.
- Factor in resort fees. Compare total nightly cost including fees and parking.
- Mention your honeymoon. Many resorts offer upgrades or welcome amenities for newlyweds.
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Maui honeymoon FAQs
+How much does a honeymoon in Hawaii cost?
About $5,000 for two on a budget, $8,000 mid-range and $13,000–$18,000+ for luxury, for 10 nights including flights from the US mainland.
+Which Hawaiian island is best for a honeymoon?
Maui is the best all-rounder with great beaches and resorts. Kauai is the most romantic and lush, the Big Island is best for adventure, and Oahu suits couples who want food and nightlife.
+When is the best time to honeymoon in Hawaii?
April–May and September–October have the best mix of weather, prices and smaller crowds. December to April is whale season.
+Do you need a passport for a Hawaii honeymoon?
No. Hawaii is a US state, so US citizens only need a valid ID, such as a REAL ID-compliant driver's licence.
+How many islands should we visit on a Hawaii honeymoon?
One island for a week, two for 10–14 days. Maui plus Kauai is the most popular honeymoon combination.
+How many days do you need for a honeymoon in Hawaii?
Seven to ten nights. Ten nights comfortably fits two islands without rushing.
If you love Hawaii, also consider
Maui
United StatesVolcanic coast and the road to Hana.
- Best:
- April–May, September–November
- Flight:
- 6–11 hrs
Kauai
United StatesThe Garden Isle's dramatic cliffs and waterfalls.
- Best:
- April–June, September–November
- Flight:
- 6–11 hrs
Bora Bora
French PolynesiaMount Otemanu rising from a turquoise lagoon.
- Best:
- May–October
- Flight:
- 12–16 hrs