Honeymoon or destination wedding in Hawaii?
🌺 Aloha, Lovers: Your Guide to Island Hopping in Hawaii for Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
The following information was made from my own wedding in Hawaii. We spent a lot of time looking up locations and figuring out stuff for our guests. Here's some of the information that I put together for everyone in case they decided to ishop or do some fun adventures. I did revise it to focus more on couples. Hope you enjoy it..
Whether you're tying the knot barefoot on a beach or soaking in that just-married glow under a canopy of stars, Hawaii is more than a postcard—it’s a full-on experience. This isn't just one island. It’s a chain of magical backdrops, each with its own personality, rhythm, and jaw-dropping views.
While some couples park it on one island, the real magic happens when you island-hop. Imagine waking up in Waikiki, saying your vows in Maui, then hiking Kauai’s cliffs arm in arm. Or snorkeling with sea turtles in the morning, followed by a candlelit dinner on a black sand beach. This is the kind of love story you’ll never stop telling.
✈️ Island Hopping Basics (with Romance in Mind)
Getting Around:
Short inter-island flights (30–50 mins) are the norm, with airlines like Hawaiian, Southwest, and Mokulele offering multiple daily options. Prices run $50–$150 one-way—less than your wedding cake topper.
Flight Times:
Oahu → Maui: 30–45 mins
Oahu → Kauai: 30–40 mins
Oahu → Big Island: 40–50 mins
Maui → Kauai: 45–55 mins
Maui → Big Island: 30–40 mins
Tip: Grab a window seat. Aerial views of coral reefs and volcanic craters beat any in-flight movie.
Baggage Tip: If you're hauling wedding attire, pack smart—some smaller aircraft have tighter luggage rules.
Alternative: Ferry from Maui to Lanai (45 mins) is a scenic and affordable day trip for couples craving a quieter, off-the-grid beach day.
🌴 Oahu – Where the Vibe is “Yes, We Do”
Vibe: Oahu mixes city pulse with island soul. Think sunset cocktails in Waikiki followed by a quiet walk on Lanikai Beach. Perfect for couples wanting nightlife one night and nature the next.
Top 10 Romantic & Fun Things to Do:
Waikiki Beach – Surf together, take a sunset sail, or just tan with Diamond Head in the background.
Diamond Head – Hike it early for unforgettable sunrise pics (ideal for a honeymoon selfie).
Pearl Harbor – For couples who value history. Deep, reflective, and powerful.
North Shore – Winter waves for adrenaline junkies, summer calm for snorkeling and cute roadside food stands.
Hanauma Bay – Snorkel together in a fish-filled paradise. Tip: Go early. It gets busy.
Lanikai Beach – Turquoise water and soft sand. Rent kayaks to the offshore islands.
Iolani Palace – Royal Hawaiian history in a rare U.S. palace.
Kualoa Ranch – ATV rides, Jurassic Park sets, horseback rides—yes, really.
Waimea Valley – Lush gardens, a sacred waterfall, and even hula shows.
Manoa Falls – Easy jungle hike with a rewarding waterfall kiss spot at the end.
Budget Hotel Picks for Couples:
Aqua Palms Waikiki – Steps from the beach, modern and affordable.
Ewa Hotel Waikiki – Great for longer stays with kitchenettes.
The Equus – Boutique with an equestrian vibe—unique and cozy.
Pagoda Hotel – Urban calm with koi ponds in the heart of Honolulu.
🏔️ Maui – The Island of “I Do, and Then Some”
Vibe: Maui is romance with a view—sunrise vows on a volcano, beachside luaus, spa days, and luxury hotels with private lanais.
Top 10 Things to Do for Couples:
Road to Hana – Rent a convertible. Stop often. Kiss under waterfalls.
Haleakalā National Park – Watch the sunrise above the clouds. Bring a blanket and each other.
Ka’anapali Beach – Snorkeling, sunset diving, and beachfront dinners.
Lahaina Town – Art walks, oceanfront restaurants, and local charm.
Molokini Crater – Snorkel in a sunken volcano together.
Iao Valley – Peaceful walks and Hawaiian heritage.
Makena Beach (Big Beach) – Wide open, stunning, and never too crowded.
Wailea – Home to Hawaii’s top resorts—perfect if you’re splurging post-nuptials.
Kapalua Coastal Trail – Low-key, high-reward hike.
Whale Watching (Dec–April) – Humpbacks breach right off the coast. Romantic and rare.
Affordable Honeymoon Hotels:
Maui Seaside Hotel – Chill basecamp in Kahului.
Kihei Akahi – Full kitchen condos near the beach.
Days Inn by Wyndham Oceanfront – Beach just steps away.
Nalu Kai Lodge (Paia) – Hip, budget-friendly with great access to Hana.
🌿 Kauai – The Honeymoon Hideaway
Vibe: Kauai is what couples imagine when they think “tropical getaway.” Quiet, lush, and cinematic. Fewer tourists. More waterfalls. Ideal for unplugging and reconnecting.
Top 10 Things to Do for Couples:
Nā Pali Coast – Catamaran cruise at sunset = unforgettable.
Waimea Canyon – The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Epic photos.
Hanalei Bay – Swim, paddleboard, or sip wine at the edge of the world.
Poipu Beach Park – Spot sea turtles or monk seals while holding hands.
Wailua Falls – No hiking. Just park and feel the mist.
Koke’e State Park – Panoramas and rare birds, with trails for every pace.
Kalalau Trail – For adventurous duos (or just do the first 2 miles).
Lydgate State Park – Calm waters, picnic spots, and plenty of shade.
Spouting Horn – Blowhole drama and nearby markets.
Princeville – Classy resorts, world-class golf, and unbelievable views.
Budget-Friendly Picks:
Kauai Palms Hotel – Near airport and town, simple and clean.
Tip Top Motel – Breakfast here is a must.
Garden Island Inn – Artsy, funky, and 2 mins from the beach.
Kauai Shores Hotel – Beachfront without the luxury price tag.
🌋 Big Island – The Wild Side of Romance
Vibe: For couples who want adventure. Think lava hikes, black sand beaches, and volcano-top stargazing. This island is dramatic, moody, and unforgettable.
Top 10 Things to Do for Couples:
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park – Hike craters, lava tubes, and maybe witness real lava.
Mauna Kea Summit – Stargazing above the clouds—literally. Romantic, surreal, and chilly.
Akaka Falls – Towering waterfall in a jungle setting.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach – Sea turtles + honeymoon photos = gold.
Hapuna Beach – Possibly the best beach in Hawaii.
Hilo Farmers Market – Flowers, fruit, and handmade goodies.
Kona Coffee Tours – Tour plantations and sip world-famous brews.
Waipio Valley – Drive, hike, or ride into the “Valley of Kings.”
Kealakekua Bay – Kayak or snorkel where Captain Cook landed.
Rainbow Falls – Early morning rainbows and lush surroundings.
Budget Hotel Recommendations:
Kona Seaside Hotel – Great location for Kona explorers.
Arnott’s Lodge (Hilo) – Affordable, clean, with tour options.
Hilo Reeds Bay Hotel – Ocean views on a dime.
Castle Hilo Hawaiian Hotel – Slightly more upscale but worth it for the bay views.
💍 Final Thoughts: Why Island Hopping is Perfect for Weddings + Honeymoons
Hawaii lets you build your own story. Start on Oahu to get the full mix, slow it down in Kauai, celebrate in Maui, and explore your wild side on the Big Island. Whether you’re walking down the aisle or kicking off a lifetime of love, Hawaii gives you more than a honeymoon—it gives you chapters.
So skip the all-inclusive routine. This is Hawaii. Write your own itinerary. Make it personal. And whatever you do, island hop. Trust us—it’s the best way to turn your honeymoon or destination wedding into the trip of a lifetime.
