You don’t have to leaf through too many colorful pages of travel magazines and internet sites to be captured by the spell of Hawaii’s magical beauty, mystical culture and fascinating legends, many of which are linked for all time to the natural wonders found throughout the beautiful islands.
And while searching for that perfect honeymoon haven can be daunting, for couples opting to stay in the US these days, Hawaii may be a logical, less complicated, choice.
“Hawaii is a special honeymoon destination for so many reasons,” said Nancy Barkley, Owner/Founder of Honeymoons and Get-A-Ways. “Rich in culture, gorgeous beaches and resorts, stunning scenery and the Aloha spirit are just a few to just start with. Each of the Hawaiian Islands offers its own personality and endless options for activities so there is something for every couple from romance to adventure to stargazing.
“A honeymoon in Hawaii truly checks off every box a honeymoon couple could be looking for. It’s a picture-perfect, wide-ranging destination and while you may feel you are in an entirely different country, it is the US, so US citizens do not require a passport.”
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Each island offers a different vibe, promising a rich range of vacation choices and ALHI members extend some inviting honeymoon experiences.
Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort
Nestled in a lush 800-acre oasis on Kauai’s “Garden Isle,” sweeping bay views on soft golden sands welcome honeymooners to this posh resort. Kalapaki Beach offers the perfect setting for a destination wedding before settling into one of 345 luxurious rooms and 11 suites offering ocean, garden or pool views. Soak in the gentle surf or float around in the largest one-level pool in Hawaii before indulging in couples’ beachside spa treatments. Pacific Rim and island-inspired cuisine are featured at four on-site restaurants with a weekly luau showcasing local fare.
“Hawaii is a top honeymoon destination and Kauai is the perfect place for honeymooners to steal away and relax,” said Jim Pedone, Director of Sales/Marketing for the resort.
“You'll understand what we mean when you visit the island for yourself. Everything is lush and green and beautiful. The Royal Sonesta Kauai offers the seclusion newlyweds desire and our own swimmable beach is perfect for one of those ‘From Here to Eternity’ moments.”
Pedone added that every attempt is made to give honeymooners a “room with great views and a little more privacy” when they check in.
“Kauai is pure beauty,” agreed Barclay. “You can hike through the trails of Waimea, go for deep sea diving and snorkeling, kayak on the Wailua river, enjoy a hot-stone couples massage overlooking Bali Hai Mountain, and take a romantic sunset cruise with your beloved.”
Fairmont Orchid
This highly sought-after honeymoon resort showcases Hawaii’s legendary warmth and culture along 32 acres of lush Kohala coastline. The spacious 540 rooms and suites combine with a host of resort amenities, paving the way for an idyllic honeymoon happening.
A variety of onsite restaurants showcase seasonally inspired fare sure to satisfy every culinary craving. Specially created for honeymooners, the “Fairmont Gold” package offers access to the exclusive concierge lounge serving deluxe breakfast, afternoon tea, evening craft cocktails and Hawaii Island canapes.
The award-winning “Spa Without Walls” treats couples to side-by-side, soul-soothing massages drawn from indigenous Hawaiian ingredients by an outdoor waterfall. Beach and poolside cabanas and day beds offer protection from the sun as well as privacy.
At sunset, couples can indulge in a private dining experience on the shore before returning to their room where their “Romantic Turndown” amenity featuring a romantic petal arrangement and a bottle of house sparkling wine to go with chocolate-dipped fresh strawberries awaits.
A variety of on-site activities are available on property as well as nearby promise lots to do throughout their stay.
“The Big Island is great for adventure seekers,” said Barclay. “There are volcanic mountains, golf courses, and beaches of varying sand colors, including white, black, and green. And then there are so many exciting activities that make this island rank high among the best honeymoon destinations in Hawaii.”
Halekulani
Meaning “house befitting heaven,” in Hawaiian, this posh resort assures a memorable honeymoon experience. Both kamaainas (locals) and visitors alike are opting to spend their honeymoon at this elegant resort on Oahu’s tranquil shores.
Award-winning chefs dish up signature cuisine drawn from fresh Hawaiian ingredients at three on-site restaurants, all with stunning seaside views. For a romantic tête-à-tête, slip into the intimate Lewars Lounge for an evening of live light jazz and custom-made cocktails.
Each of the resort’s 453 spacious rooms and suites underscores elegance and tranquility, showcasing their signature “seven shades of white” technique allowing the décor to frame the views rather than compete with them.
Spa Halekulani provides soothing treatments with time-honored Polynesian rituals enhanced by locally made products. The recently instituted “Art of Wellbeing” program incorporates the acclaimed spa program combining therapies, movement, cuisine, sleep and culture—culminating in a thoroughly relaxing experience.
Oahu is a hub for almost any kind of water activity one could desire.
“Trails on Oahu are where couples can explore the rainforest to mountain range to coastal hikes, offering them the chance to discover hidden waterfalls, archaeological sites and beautiful native flora, not to mention all of the beautiful golf courses,” Barclay said. “It’s also where you can visit world-famous Waikiki Beach and the not-to-be-missed Pearl Harbor.”
Turtle Bay Resort
Sprawling along nearly 1,300 lush acres on the scenic North Shore Peninsula, this recently renovated resort lures honeymooners with 410 guestrooms and suites, all with ocean views. Forty newly added Ocean Bungalows, complete with a private pool specifically for those guests, assures additional privacy just steps from the ocean.
Nalu Spa combines 'Aloha 'Aina’, the philosophy of “love and nurturing care for the land,” with the use of natural ingredients and holistic techniques to soothe weary muscles and psyche. The backdrop of the renowned swells of the North Shore and mesmerizing movement of the ocean assist in the relaxation process.
A variety of restaurants and bars offer a tasty selection of dining choices and the newly added Paniolo Pa’ina features weekly entertainment dinner paying homage to Hawaii’s ranching and cowboy heritage.
Honeymooners will delight in t?e new “Only at Turtle Bay” experiences which include romantic beachfront picnics, sunset beachside horseback riding, waterfall helicopter rides, surfing, kayaking, golf and much more.
A special honeymoon package includes a romantic picnic for two as well as a massage and pedicures for both bride and groom.
Couples can also request the time-honored “Lei Exchange” ritual, an ancient Hawaiian tradition symbolic of love, affection, and mutual respect. Leis are exchanged between the bride and groom, as well as other members of the family as a confirmation of their love.
Prince Waikiki
One of the top-rated resorts on Oahu, Prince Waikiki welcomes honeymooners with 530 guestrooms and 33 suites offering breath-taking oceanfront accommodations. Especially appealing, and exclusively for guests staying in a Prince Waikiki Club Room, is access to the Club Lounge, a poolside oasis offering sweeping ocean views along with an array of complimentary culinary treats.
A variety of dining options showcase award-winning cuisine while the ample pool deck provides the perfect escape along with magnificent ocean views and perfect sunsets. Unwind in the luxurious hot tub and choose between a saltwater pool or adult-only infinity pool which, seemingly merges into the Pacific Ocean.
Follow a round of golf on the lush 27-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay with a soothing spa treatment or facial at Naio Bliss, one of the island’s premier spas.
While on the Hawaiian honeymoon, be sure to take some time to delve into one of the many romantic legends linking long-ago lovers to the flora, fauna and natural wonders of these beautiful islands.