There’s something unforgettable about a honeymoon in Hawaii. Whether you're walking hand-in-hand down a quiet beach, sipping Kona coffee on a misty mountainside, or floating in a saltwater infinity pool while the sun dips into the ocean — Hawaii knows how to slow the world down. Each island offers a different rhythm, but all share that magic: lush landscapes, island warmth, and the gentle reminder to just be. These were the places that made me feel like time stood still — and love had room to stretch out and stay awhile.
Best Hawaii Honeymoon Vacation Ideas
The Sheraton Waikiki: Oceanfront Romance in the Heart of Honolulu
From the moment we checked in at The Sheraton Waikiki , the rhythm of the ocean seemed to sync with our hearts. The view from our lanai—sunlight glistening over the turquoise waves—was nothing short of mesmerizing. The infinity pool melted right into the horizon, and everything about the place made time feel slower, sweeter. I caught myself thinking, “This must be what effortless luxury feels like.” Between gentle trade winds and the distant strum of ukuleles, the mood was endlessly romantic.
What I Loved Most: Floating together in the adults-only infinity pool, watching the sun slip behind Diamond Head, surrounded by the glow of tiki torches and that distinct Hawaiian warmth.
My highlight? A candlelit dinner at RUMFIRE Waikiki, Sheraton’s oceanfront restaurant. I ordered the ahi poke nachos to start, followed by a fresh-caught mahi mahi served over coconut rice. The island flavors paired with views of the Pacific felt like a celebration of us.
Travel Tips:
- Location: 2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Vibe: Oceanfront, lively, luxurious
- Best For: Couples who want high-end amenities in the heart of Waikiki
- Don’t Miss: The adults-only infinity pool and beachfront firepit lounges
- Nearby: Steps from Waikiki Beach, International Market Place, and Diamond Head hiking trails
Holualoa Inn: Big Island bliss tucked into the hills
Staying at Holualoa Inn felt like entering a living painting — banana trees, bougainvillea, and blue ocean all unfolding below. The quiet here had weight. It wrapped around our shoulders and whispered, “You can exhale now.” I remember thinking, “If peace had a sound, it would be this wind in the palms.”
What I Loved Most: Sipping fresh Kona coffee on our lanai while the sun climbed over the volcanic slopes. Time slowed to a hush, and it felt like the island was letting us in on a secret.
My highlights? Brunch on the property with macadamia nut pancakes, fresh papaya, and passion fruit juice. Everything was garden-fresh and thoughtfully prepared — light but indulgent, just like the mood of the place.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Kona Airport: ~25 minutes
- Vibe: Romantic, peaceful, intimate
- Highlights: Panoramic views, estate gardens, artisan design
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for whale watching; spring for fragrant blooms
- Cost: High-end boutique pricing with breakfast included
- Hours: Check-in 3pm, check-out 11am
- Address: 76-5932 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725
Moana Surfrider: Historic charm on Honolulu’s shoreline
The Moana Surfrider felt like walking into Hawaii’s golden age. Grand columns, rocking chairs, and the sound of slack key guitar drifting across the veranda. It was elegance without pretense, and comfort with soul. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to time travel with a suitcase full of sundresses.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting under the banyan tree at twilight, the lanterns glowing above and live music floating through the evening air — a setting that felt straight out of a love song.
My highlights? Afternoon tea on the veranda with cucumber sandwiches, scones, and mango curd — delicate, delicious, and just the right bit of fancy for a honeymooner in flip flops.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Honolulu Airport: ~20 minutes
- Vibe: Historic, romantic, refined
- Highlights: Beachfront access, classic veranda, live music under the banyan tree
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring for sunshine and fewer crowds
- Cost: Luxury tier with heritage charm
- Hours: Public spaces open throughout the day; music often starts at sunset
- Address: 2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Coconut Waikiki Hotel: A bright, breezy city escape
From the moment we checked in, Coconut Waikiki Hotel felt like a breath of fresh, pineapple-scented air. It was quirky in the best way — cheerful decor, friendly staff, and a lanai view that caught the sunlight just right. I remember thinking, “Who knew something so simple could feel this special?” It was the kind of stay where you didn’t need the oceanfront to feel close to the heart of Hawaii.
What I Loved Most: Morning coffee on the balcony with the Ko?olau mountains stretching out ahead and the quiet hum of the city waking up below.
My highlights? A quick but unforgettable breakfast at Heavenly Island Lifestyle nearby — I had the organic acai bowl with island fruit and local honey. Light, energizing, and perfect before a walk to the beach.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Honolulu Airport: ~25 minutes
- Vibe: Playful, modern, boutique-style
- Highlights: Mountain views, easy access to shopping and dining
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for sunshine and surf, spring for shoulder season deals
- Cost: Mid-range, with occasional deals for longer stays
- Hours: 24-hour front desk and lobby coffee
- Address: 450 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel: Earthy elegance on the Kohala Coast
Everything about Mauna Lani Bay Hotel whispered luxury, but in a voice that was gentle and grounded. Lava rock pathways, koi ponds, and the sound of waves smoothing the sand — the vibe here was deeply Hawaiian. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to belong to a place, even if only for a few nights.”
What I Loved Most: Walking barefoot on the sacred fishpond trails at sunset, hand in hand, watching the sky turn gold behind the palms. It was quiet in a way that made us feel awake.
My highlights? A beachfront dinner at CanoeHouse where I had the miso butterfish with ginger soy broth and a side of local greens. It tasted like the ocean and the earth had teamed up to spoil us.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Kona Airport: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: Sophisticated, serene, eco-luxe
- Highlights: Ancient Hawaiian fishponds, spa, cultural experiences
- Best Time to Visit: Winter or early summer for breezy perfection
- Cost: High-end, with elevated dining and spa options
- Hours: Resort and restaurants operate from early morning to late evening
- Address: 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Waimea, HI 96743
Grand Wailea Resort: Opulence and aloha on Maui’s coast
From the towering palms to the ocean-sized pool, everything at Grand Wailea Resort was made to wow — and it did. But the magic was in the moments: the scent of plumeria, the laughter in the lazy river, the way the sun wrapped the hotel in gold. I remember thinking, “I didn’t know a place could feel this generous.”
What I Loved Most: Floating in the Hibiscus Pool with no agenda but to soak up every drop of beauty — and love — around me.
My highlights? Brunch at Humuhumunukunukuapua?a (yes, I tried to pronounce it!) where I had macadamia nut-crusted mahi mahi with a coconut lime beurre blanc. It was rich, tropical, and paired with the best ocean view I’ve ever eaten next to.
Travel Tips:
- Drive Time from Kahului Airport: ~30 minutes
- Vibe: Grand, luxurious, immersive
- Highlights: Spa, art-filled grounds, elaborate pools
- Best Time to Visit: April–June or September–November for weather and deals
- Cost: Luxury pricing with top-tier amenities
- Hours: Pool and spa open daily; restaurants open late
- Address: 3850 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea, HI 96753
Why I’d go back
Each of these places gave us something different — a view, a feeling, a pause. From cityfront classics to quiet hillside hideaways, Hawaii offered not just beauty, but space to feel it all. I came home with more than photos — I came home rested, reconnected, and already dreaming of when we could return. The islands have that effect. You arrive as newlyweds... and leave with a love that's even deeper.
Plan your honeymoon: