Honeymoon Travel Blog

Maui or Kauai for your Honeymoon

An Essential Guide for Choosing Your Ideal Hawaiian Island

Maui versus Kauai, one of the most common questions from honeymooners who only have time to stay on one island for their Hawaiian Honeymoon.  Maui and Kauai are two beautiful Hawaiian Islands perfect for honeymoons, yet both  offer a completely different vibe and experience, which is why it is so important for couples to do their due diligence before they plan which island to visit.

Top Hawaiian Honeymoon Expert since 1994, Owner and Founder of Unforgettable Honeymoons® , Renee Meyer, shares three decades of advice and experience planning honeymoons to Maui and Kauai.  Renee Meyer Shares her advice for making the right choice for your once-in-a-lifetime Hawaii Honeymoon.

 Maui and Kauai are both beautiful islands, yet world’s apart

Often couples only have time to visit one island in Hawaii for their honeymoon

Based on nearly three decades of planning honeymoons to Hawaii,  we  found that the most common dilemma is where to honeymoon, Maui or Kauai.  For many couples the answer is simple,  go to both Maui and Kauai.  For many couples the option for 2 islands is out of the question due to time or funds.  If a honeymoon couple has five nights, one island is best to choose in Hawaii.

First Lets review the highlights of a Honeymoon in Maui

Maui has become the most popular honeymoon island in Hawaii. Why? because it has everything couples are looking for in a Hawaiian Honeymoon. Maui has some of the best beaches, the top luxury hotels, the most known landmarks outside of Arizona Memorial (on Oahu) as well as the finest beaches for swimming, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. Maui also has some of the most stable weather patterns in Hawaii.

What to expect to find on your Maui Honeymoon

Beaches:  Maui has the best beaches for swimming, surfing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling

• Maui has great long stretches of white sandy beaches dotted with resorts for all budgets
• There are 3 main beach areas. Kaanapali, Wailea/Kihei, Kapalua.
• Kaanapali is the most famous for sunsets, long walks and snorkeling off of black rock which is located at the very end of Kaanapali
• Wailea has smaller beaches that are more shallow and attract more families with young children
• Kapalua has 3 beaches perfect for body surfing, snorkeling, and walking
• An easy day trip to Lanai offers one of Hawaii’s most beautiful beaches at Four Seasons Lanai.

Maui offers beautiful Scenic Drives, waterfalls, and zip lining

• Maui has some great scenic drives, the most famous Road to Hana is a must-do for couples who love hiking, dramatic scenery and waterfalls. Couples also love the many hiking trails island wide.

Nightlife, Shopping and Evening stroll in the quaint town of Lahaina

• Lahaina town is like no other in Hawaii, it is one of the most quaint & charming seaside towns in all of Hawaii. Perfect for evening strolls, art gallery browsing, fine dining, nightlife, and souvenir shopping.

The highlights of a honeymoon in Kauai, a tropical paradise

Couples love Kauai because it has a less busy and touristy vibe and not nearly as built up as Maui or the island of Oahu in terms of tourism. Kauai has some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in the world and ideal for honeymooners who want to hikes, explore on their own, horseback ride and visit secluded beaches. Kauai is a tropical paradise with endless hiking trails, secluded beaches and incredible scenic drives.

Over The Top stunning and dramatic Scenery at Napali Coastline & Waimea Canyon Kauai

Kauai is known for incredible scenery….

• The crowning jewel of Kauai would be the Napali Coastline as seen in many Hollywood movies. Napali Coast (featured in numerous movies) the Napali coastline has the highest sea cliffs in the world, and you can see dolphins swimming along with the snorkel boat trips in this area.
• The Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Hawaii which you can drive right up to or fly over by helicopter. Couples can hike the rim as well at Kokee state park

Kauai is quiet in the evenings and offers very little shopping

• Kauai is far less touristy and offers a more pristine unspoiled island experience
• The Island of Kauai has many more secluded areas, beaches, and hiking trails
• Couples love exploring the coastline, beaches, and interior by car, bike, kayak or helicopter.
• Unforgettable Honeymoons client’s get an amazing discount off of a Napali coast cruise for the day, a must-do on your Kauai Honeymoon on the HoloHolo charters which is the only snorkeling trip to Nihai the forbidden island.

Should you go on an island-hopping honeymoon to Maui and Kauai?

We recommend an Island hopping Hawaiian honeymoon for couples who have a minimum of 6 or 7 nights and who are adventurous, not looking for a lay on the beach for a week honeymoon ( such as an all-inclusive honeymoon)

We find honeymoons to Maui to be more beneficial to couples looking for deeper discounts and value-added packages! ( this due to so many more hotels on Maui)

Some of our best values for a honeymoon in Maui :

Sheraton Maui at “Black Rock” – Free Double upgrade (get a 2 category upgrade , plus a free day in your own pool cabana for the day)

Hyatt Kaanapali Maui –  Free two for one luau at Drums of Pacific. If you purchase one luau you get one free which saves you $130 for two. The Hyatt Maui at Kaanapali beach is only a 5-minute drive from Lahaina town

Ritz Carlton Kapalua Maui – An incredible 5-star luxury resort at a 4-star price, if you book with us you get an incredible offer a 15% discount off all your food, beverage and spa services. Ritz Carlton Kapalua Maui Luxury Suite Honeymoon Package