Where do you dream of going on your honeymoon? When I ask that question of the brides and grooms I work with, I always get different answers. However, Maui often comes up as a popular response. I love to send honeymooners to Maui because it offers a little of everything: romance, amazing beaches, adventurous activities, shopping and great dining choices.
The golden sands and scenic, natural wonders have resulted in this island getting voted “best island” by Conde Naste travelers for seventeen years! So if you’ve chosen Maui for your honeymoon, what next?
First, read up on all the wonderful things you can see and do on Maui.
The Go Hawaii website has a great section on the island that should get you started. Make a list of things you and your fiancee would like to do and prioritize them. After all, you may not get back to Hawaii for a long time. At the same time, you probably won’t get to them all, and you want to make sure that after a busy wedding, you have plenty of down time to just relax and enjoy being a couple.
Based on your personalities and the types of activities you want to do on your honeymoon, you’ll need to choose the right accommodations.
Maui offers a little of everything….amazing luxury resorts, condo properties, value priced resorts, beachfront cabins and bed and breakfasts. Where you stay should reflect the type of honeymoon you want. Here are a few of my favorites:
For Luxury – Four Seasons Maui
- The home page of their website will take your breath away! The Four Seasons has amazing food and service, an adults only pool area and beautiful rooms. Haleakala is the backdrop for this lap-of-luxury resort…and you can count on magnificent sunsets while you sip on champagne pool-side. (Sigh) It’s just wonderful!
For Value – Kaanapali Beach Hotel
- It’s known has Hawaii’s “most Hawaiian” hotel. With 11 acres, they offer a plethora of Hawaiian-themed activities to bring the culture of the island alive. People rave about the staff, the ultimate Hawaiian experience and the farewell ceremony! On your departure, they present a Kukui nut lei necklace to each guest and every time you return they change one brown Kiki nut to a white one. This makes guests want to come back, of course!
For Convenience – Aston Kaanapali Shores condo
- I like the Aston Kaanapali Shores for those clients wanting to have a kitchen, do their own laundry and generally have more hanging out space. I’ve received great feedback from my clients, as well as positive online reviews, making this an easy choice for anyone looking for a condo. They even offer daily maid service – something not offered at many condos. You get the services of a resort with the extra amenities of a condo.
Finally, get psyched for an amazing vacation!
Read up on the island and be prepared for what you need. For example, if you plan to climb Haleakala, bring a sweater or jacket. It will be quite chilly on top of the volcano if you’re trying to see the sunrise! Make your arrangements to see whale watching BEFORE you go. If you’re on Maui in the winter, plan to watch the amazing surfers from the cliffs above Maui’s famed Jaws surf break. Plan to take in the breathtaking views of the Hana Highway…and pull over to let faster cars behind you pass. Hawaii is very casual – so wear your flipflops everywhere and relax and be aware of “Hawaiian time”.
Have you been to Maui? If so, what was the highlight of your trip? Share your comments below so others can benefit from your experiences – thanks!