The 5 Best Hawaii Resorts For Your Honeymoon: Wed Mayhem

Say aloha to the beginning of your married life by embarking on an enchanting honeymoon in the captivating islands of Hawaii. With its breathtaking landscapes, warm tropical climate, and rich cultural heritage, Hawaii offers an unparalleled romantic getaway for newlyweds. Whether you dream of lounging on pristine white sandy beaches, embarking on adventures through lush rainforest, or immersing yourself in vibrant local traditions, Hawaii has something to everything to fulfill every couple’s desires.

Discover a diverse set of islands, each with its own unique charm, as we take you on a virtual tour of Hawaii’s most sought-after honeymoon destinations. From enchanting Maui to the picturesque Kauai, the serene Lanai, the vibrant Oahu and the majestic Hawaii, we’ll guide you to the best of the best accommodation on each island. In this blog, we not only share the top five Hawaii honeymoon resorts but also introduce you to nearby must-see attractions that will enhance your experience. Uncover the hidden gems that make each island a paradise for romance

01

Four Seasons Resorts Maui at Wailea

Location: Kihei, Maui

A luxurious beachfront oasis awaits you. Maui is a very popular destination for honeymooners as it is home to some of the most picturesque beaches with clear turquoise water. The Four Seasons is located in the prestigious Wailea area home to a collection of upscale resorts, the world-class Wailea Golf Club with three courses, and The Shops at Wailea, for all your souvenir and high-end retail needs. The resort features three pools, including an adult-only infinity pool with panoramic ocean views, three fine dining restaurants as well as an award winning spa with ocean views. This hotel may look familiar to fans of the show, White Lotus, and the honeymoon suite characters Shane and Rachel stayed in can actually be rented!

Every aspect of the guest experience is thoughtfully considered with excursions such as sunset catamaran sails, surf lessons, jet skis, and make don’t miss the incredible snorkeling! Nightly torch lighting with the blowing of the pu (conch shell) and hula and a luxury luau capture the spirit of Hawaii. Venture outside the resort to drive the breathtaking Road to Hana with waterfalls, lookouts and incredible beaches. Make sure to drive to Haleakalā for a romantic sunrise or sunset on top of the mountain Haleakalā surrounded by clouds.

02

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

Location: Hanalei Bay, Kauai

The garden isle awaits you. Kauai is known for stunning natural beauty and the lush landscapes you see in the Jurassic Park movie. Nestled in the breathtaking Hanalei Bay on the island of Kauai, this exquisite hotel exterior showcases a blend of modern elegance and natural beauty. The 1 hotel chain is all about the environment evident in the exquisite design that uses organic materials and earth tones to create a soothing and serene atmosphere, and with sustainability as they are a LEED certified and carbon neutral hotel. Lounge by the infinity pool, walk along the white sand beaches of Hanalei Bay and explore the surrounding gardens on a fully electric Audi e-tron. Indulge in culinary excellence at hotel’s signature restaurants, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into dishes that showcase the flavors of Kauai. Enjoy a private beachfront dinner under the stars, where a dedicated chef will create a personalized menu tailored to your tastes. Start your marriage off on the right foot with wellness retreat options like a spa and group fitness classes.

Explore the outdoors on guided hikes, kayaking, surf lessons, fishing and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful Nāpali Coast by boat or helicopter. Since you are already there, make sure to walk around charming Hanalei Bay for shopping and a bite to eat. If you’re up for a drive, the Waimea Canyon on the opposite side of the island is well worth it to see the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

03

Sensi Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort

Location: Lanai City, Lanai

For a serene and intimate getaway, look no further. The island of Lanai is a hidden treasure great for those who’ve been to Hawaii before or are looking for an intimate feel as it spans a mere 141 square miles. One of the few Hawaii’s adults-only accommodations, this space is all about unwinding and reveling in the serenity of the space. Wellness takes center stage at this resort with a variety of fitness and wellbeing classes. Spa services go above and beyond and feature private spa hales, steam and infrared saunas, and a garden path with 10 traditional Japanese soaking tubs. The property boasts a pool surrounded by gardens and 18 hole putting green. The resort also features farm-to-table restaurants, intimate beachside dining and is home to the popular fine dining restaurant Nobu.

Explore the resort by horseback or play at the Manele Golf Course with stunning views of the neighbor island. Located in the quaint Lanai City, you’ll be surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, art galleries. Go beyond the 30 miles of paved roads and off the grid and explore the 400 miles of 4-wheel-drive trails and 18 miles of secluded beaches. Make sure to take advantage of the snorkeling!

04

Royal Hawaian

Location: Waikiki, Oahu

Kick off your marriage by staying at the “Pink Palace of the Pacific ” located in the heart of Waikiki, Honolulu. This hotel has been an iconic landmark not only for its hue, but for the decor that exudes glamor, where old-world charm blends seamlessly with modern amenities and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Guests can bask in the sun by the two outdoor pools, take walks along the beach and rejuvenate themselves at the full service spa. Unforgettable experiences like lei-making classes, hula lessons, cultural performance and historic tours, guests can embrace the spirit of the islands. Don’t miss the Aha’aina Luau every Monday and Thursday as the Royal Hawiian pays homage to Helumoa, the legendary playground of Hawaiian royalty where the resort currently stands, with a modern interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian food, song, stories, hula and culture. Enjoy sunrise over Pink Palace pancakes, dinner under the Spanish-Moorish architecture, happy hour at the Mai Tai bar and delicious banana bread at the baker.

This hotel is great for the couple who wants to relax but be in the busy Waikiki. Make sure to make a reservation to check out Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic tuff cone, and take the 0.8 hike to see the beautiful lookout. Rent a car and take a day trip to the infamous north shore, grab shaved ice in Haleiwa, and watch some of the best surfers take on thirty feet waves in the winter months or relax in the water during the summer.

05

Fairmont Orchid

Location: Waimea, Hawaiʻi

The luxurious Fairmont Orchid brings us to the Island of Hawai’i known as The Big Island. The property spans 32 oceanfront acres on the black-lava Kohala Coast where guests can explore marine life in the private bay, lounge by the 10,000 square foot oceanfront pool and stroll through the lush gardens filled with tropical wildlife and waterfalls. Get your sweat on in the 1700 square foot fitness center, 10 full-service tennis courts, yoga, pilates aqua aerobics classes, or at the 45 hole championship Mauna Lani Golf Course. Get a relaxing massage in an open-air oceanfront cabana or private waterfall hut surrounded by koi ponds and tropical landscape. Adventure with surf lessons, fishing, canoe fishing excursions.

Experience Hawaiian history with an archeological hike to a nearby ancient petroglyph field, dance hula, and learn how to weave a bowl, platter or purse from a coconut frond. If you’re looking to explore the island, must-do excursions include a trip to Hawai’i Volcano National Park to see an eruption if you’re lucky, Hakuna Beach State Recreational Area for the black sand beach and Kona manta ray night snorkeling.

honeymoon

Planning

6 min

3 Budget-Friendly Destination Weddings and Tips to Legally Marry Abroad

By Allyson Reedy

It’s easy to see the appeal of a destination wedding—it’s like a vacation with all your favorite people! But vacations, and weddings, are expensive, so many couples think destination weddings are cost prohibitive.

But not so fast. There are affordable destination wedding locations, even if you’re looking to get more stamps in your passport. “Mexico and the Dominican Republic are going to be the easiest and most budget-friendly,” says Andrea Wolter, co-founder of Intoxicating Travel Group.

Jamaica is another affordable destination, and, like Mexico and the Dominican Republic, it’s filled with properties that are very experienced in hosting weddings—and that even offer freebies and discounts to attract them. Many hotels, both all-inclusive and not, offer extras to their marrying couples, like discounted room rates, complimentary welcome cocktail receptions or bonfire parties, and even free weddings.

When you factor in the discounts and incentives (the hotels make a killing on all the rooms your guests book, so they’re willing to cut costs on the party itself), it can actually be cheaper to host a destination wedding versus one at home. Plus, the cost of living can be lower abroad than in the U.S., bringing down the costs of things like flowers, food, and entertainment.

One thing to be mindful of if you choose a destination wedding is to plan ahead. Wolter advises couples to start planning a year in advance to secure their date and to give guests time to plan the trip. Depending on the property you pick for the big day, you may even need to book further out.

To help with costs even further, many couples are opting for a honeymoon registry rather than traditional gifts. “Another item that budget brides are doing is the honeymoon registry, which is giving people additional money for their honeymoon,” Wolter says. Especially if you already have a blender and sheets, receiving an unforgettable honeymoon experience can be the best gift ever.

Here, three international destination wedding locales where you can host your vows and reception without going broke.

MEXICO

There’s a reason Mexico is so popular for destination weddings. It’s close to the U.S., it’s affordable, and the country knows how to throw a great party. Not to mention the incredible food, the lively culture, and, let’s just be real here, the margaritas. (And of course the white sand beaches aren’t bad, either.)

The first step in planning a destination wedding in Mexico is to narrow it down to where. On the west coast, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta are big; on the Caribbean side, many couples get hitched in Cancun, Tulum, or Riviera Maya; and Mexico City is an increasingly popular choice for its stunning architecture, food, and culture. To make travel a breeze, you may want to pick a locale with a major airport (like Cancun and Mexico City).

You’ll also want to think about where you and your guests will stay. The beach cities especially have a slew of all-inclusive resorts ready to meet you and your guests’ every need, and many of these properties will offer room discounts to your friends and family.

While getting to and enjoying Mexico is pretty easy, legally marrying there isn’t as simple. The country requires a blood test, a tourist/visitor’s permit, birth certificates, and marriage application forms. You also need at least four witnesses and to arrive in the country three business days ahead of the ceremony. That’s why many couples choose to get married legally at home, and then have the symbolic ceremony and party in Mexico.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

One of the most affordable destination wedding locales is the Dominican Republic, where the average wedding rings in around $5,000. But the views are anything but cheap—with killer Caribbean beaches and lush jungle, the Dominican Republic is truly an island paradise.

By far the most popular spot to wed is Punta Cana, where you’ll find the most beautiful stretches of white sand beaches and loads of resorts. All-inclusives are popular here, and most of them offer wedding packages and special rates.

Resort wedding specialists are experienced at both planning your dream wedding and guiding you through the legal process of marrying in the Dominican Republic. You’ll need a passport, tourist card, translated birth certificate, and a notarized in the DR declaration of your single status. There are also extra fees you’ll need to pay, and your wedding certificate will be in Spanish, which will need to be translated into English in order for it to be recognized in the U.S.

JAMAICA

Jamaica is perfect for couples looking for a banging beach party. And with so many great ways to incorporate local culture—a steel drum band playing your song as you walk down the aisle, a jerk chicken feast for the rehearsal dinner, Appleton Estate rum all around!—it’s easy to see why the Caribbean island is so popular.

Most couples choose to wed in Negril, Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios, and for good reason. All three have amazing beaches and plenty of all-inclusives and boutique hotels to choose from. Like in other locales, many properties offer bonuses like discounted rooms and free weddings for booking a certain number of rooms/nights.

To get legally married in Jamaica, you’ll need a birth certificate, passport, and to provide info on your occupation and to pay extra fees. Because it’s no fun to be stressed about all this stuff during the happiest week of your life, many couples either hire a planner to help them navigate all the legalities or opt for a legal marriage at home and a symbolic ceremony in Jamaica.