Romantic honeymoon resorts in Hawaii for a 2023 getaway

When it comes to romantic destinations, Hawaii is beloved for a reason. Or rather, many reasons.

The collection of Polynesian islands in the Pacific Ocean is an apt definition of paradise, with crystalline lagoons, turquoise waves, powdery white sand and an abundance of palm trees, flowers and jungle-covered volcanoes. Better yet, the best time to visit Hawaii is almost anytime, thanks to the fabulous year-round weather.

Hawaii is a classic honeymoon destination in the USA that seems to only get better with time as more and more resorts learn to delicately balance some couples’ desires for adventure and romance with others’ cravings for privacy and pampering.

Here are the 14 most romantic hotels in the Hawaiian Islands and all the reasons they seduce travelers.

Oasis, idyll, paradise. They all describe the quiet beauty of a resort with not a single child for 15 acres. This tranquil sanctuary is not for exuberant tykes, but for couples looking for a quiet getaway. The whole vibe is Zen and lush, with waterfalls and panoramas from a densely landscaped hillside perch.

Hotel Wailea Maui is a Relais & Chateaux boutique resort of just 72 beach house-style suites, all of which seem designed to showcase Maui’s natural beauty. There’s a next-level option, too, which is a uniquely decorated top-floor Celebration Ocean View Suite, which has original artwork from the owner’s private collection and comes with a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Champagne and daily in-room or restaurant breakfast.

Though the environment feels quite relaxed, there are opportunities to dress up a bit, too, like for dinner at The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea, where decadent prix fixe menus are built around seasonal ingredients from around the island and the resort’s own orchard. As romantic as it is, the private Treehouse — with postcard-worthy seascapes and flickering candlelight — might have it beat with seven-course, wine-paired feasts narrated by the chef as he prepares certain dishes tableside.

Memories are also made by day, since the accommodating staff can set up beach picnics, surf safaris, aerial yoga and winding, romantic drives in a vintage Porsche.

Rates at Hotel Wailea Maui currently start at $999 per night.

Mauna Lani

Kamuela, Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA

Best for: A lavish yet authentic escape into Hawaii’s singular culture, cuisine and landscape.

Why stay here: Built in 1983 and sumptuously reimagined in 2020, this beloved resort bounces breezily between romance and family fun and is home to CanoeHouse, one of the state’s most exceptional restaurants.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

In these parts, hotels’ flower-lei greetings might feel standard, but the 334-key Mauna Lani resort goes a step further to make arriving guests feel special as they exit their vehicles: an icy cold beverage, such as a Hawaiian craft beer or juice. Visitors who appreciate richly layered, storytelling design will swoon over the Auberge Resorts property’s $200 million 2020 makeover.

An authentic wooden outrigger canoe is at the heart of the soaring main building, ensuring guests will never forget the roots of this particular piece of land, recounted beautifully in soulful sessions with Uncle Danny, who has been the hotel’s cultural ambassador for several decades.

Storytelling is also a meaningful part of the sunrise outrigger paddling excursions, which, after a blow of the conch shell and invocation of gratitude to Mother Nature, touch on the meaning of this sacred place that lies between five mountains. The Kainalu Ocean Sports team is a real highlight of this resort on a swim-friendly beach.

The Kohala Coast resort is a family favorite, to be sure, but it’s quite possible to retreat to its adults-only pool for serenity — and cocktails — or book a later dinnertime, perhaps after the radiant sunset has long faded. Of the handful of eateries on the property, CanoeHouse is the brightest star. The tough reservation is worth booking far in advance for Japanese-inspired spins on Hawaiian seafood: Think roasted head-on Kauai shrimp with addictively buttery, salted shokupan bread to soak up the garlicky yuzu soy sauce.

Watch out for frequent pop-up culinary extravaganzas from visiting chefs from around the globe, like past events with Nami Nori and Broad Street Oyster Company.

Rates at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection currently start at $1,099 per night.

Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Lanai City, Lanai, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Chic Hawaii regulars and celebrities seeking tropical seclusion with a side of world-class pampering.

Why stay here: As one of just two resorts on Lanai (the other being sister property Sensei Lanai, a Four Seasons Resort), this 168-room, 45-suite beachfront utopia specializes in all things exclusive and elite.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

Lanai is nothing if not exclusive, based on the simple fact the off-the-beaten-path island has just two hotels. They both happen to be outrageously luxurious Four Seasons that were completely reimagined in recent years.

This beachfront wonder on Manele Bay gives particularly honeymoon-y vibes, thanks in part to the supreme sense of privacy afforded by its sumptuously appointed rooms with signature Four Seasons beds and contemporary Hawaiian art.

There are no room keys but instead waterproof wristbands, so couples needn’t worry about misplacing anything when sneaking down for a soak in one of the little alcoves cleverly hidden in the lagoon pools, or when diving into Japanese flavors at Nobu Lanai, one of the three distinctive restaurants plus one open-air bar on-site. Couples who love to cook should book a musubi (Japanese rice ball) or poke class, too.

Concierges can set guests up with Jeep Wranglers to explore the natural wonders of Lanai, including the otherworldly Garden of the Gods or typically deserted, reachable-only-by-4×4 beaches. Or arrange for sunset sails during which spinner dolphins might play in the golden-tinged water.

Perhaps the coolest recent addition to the property is the Observatory, complete with a powerful, state-of-the-art telescope for after-dark sessions that broach traditional Hawaiian wayfinding and astronomy.

Rates at Four Seasons Resort Lanai currently start at $1,575 per night.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Frequent travelers with high standards and a penchant for impeccable service.

Why stay here: You’ll want for nothing at this 54-acre resort with impeccable views and fabulous accommodations, especially after a $100 million reimagining completed in 2022.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn Marriott points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with Marriott.

Nature is a major draw at this tucked-away resort on Maui. But not exactly in the palm-trees-and-coconuts way that one imagines in Hawaii, since the topography here is unique and even includes pine trees, morning mist and gusty gales. There are bays with pristine reefs and marine sanctuaries for snorkeling, of course, but the surrounding area includes two golf courses and even treetop zip lines.

Couples will find plenty to engage in, from the great outdoors to Hawaiian cultural activities at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. The 466 freshly renovated rooms, suites and residences are plenty plush, with Diptyque toiletries, island-inspired palettes, deep soaking bathtubs and wide balconies.

Meanwhile, luxurious shared amenities include tennis courts, hot tubs, kayaks, a 10,000-square-foot pool and an adults-only one that remains a blissed-out zone all day. The fabulously large spa’s treatments are informed by Hawaiian traditions, sure to deliver the right amount of relaxation along with a dose of culture.

The resort speaks to foodies and those who love variety, too, since the six restaurants range from one serving local pupus and craft cocktails to Banyan Tree Kapalua, presenting bright, coastal fare using sustainable ingredients. Cozy fire pits are undoubtedly the most romantic setting for a star-sprinkled conclusion to each night.

Rates at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua start at $812 per night or 80,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The Modern Honolulu

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Culture vultures who love to be in the middle of the action.

Why stay here: It has ocean views and an irresistible pool scene, but this boutique hotel by the marina and excellent shopping is a fun jumping-off point for exploring the arts district and downtown Honolulu, too.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

In the heart of Honolulu, this hip hideaway may have 353 rooms, but its energy is distinctively boutique-y. The bedrooms are cool, comfy and coastal, with a neutral palette, teak plantation shutters and playful pops of color. Views, meanwhile, are delightfully diverse, though couples celebrating an occasion might want to splurge on a harbor or ocean view (not that the city skyline vistas are shabby).

The chic ambience also extends to the two outdoor pools, which are framed by tropical flora. The Sunrise Pool has an exclusive bar with hanging lanterns, bougainvillea and drink specials each day. There are cabanas available with a reasonable food and beverage minimum spending at the Grove Pool.

There, sandwiches, salads and light island-grown fare are available all day, alongside delicious sips such as Frozen Coconut Mojitos. Responsible, regional sourcing is also integral to the offerings at Fresh+Local, with seafood caught nearby delivered six days a week and produce from a North Shore family farm.

Rates at The Modern Honolulu currently start at $145 per night.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Island, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Active families and social butterflies who want it all and don’t mind a high price tag.

Why stay here: If choice is the true luxury, this beloved property that stretches across 865 acres — including ancient ponds, lava flows and a Jack Nicklaus golf course — is the ultimate destination.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

If the idea of swimming in a gigantic aquarium sounds like an epic way to spend a holiday with your most loved one, add the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai to your bucket list. Fish — even a spotted eagle ray — are prolific inside the 1.8 million-gallon King’s Pool, carved from lava rock. But that’s not the only place to do your best mermaid impression: The resort has seven other pools, some for families or kids but also a quite large ocean-view sanctuary just for adults.

With 243 recently transformed rooms and out-of-this-world suites organized into low, crescent-shaped buildings themed around the grounds’ features, including pools and golf, the resort is sizable and its oceanfront space is hard to beat, especially come winter when migrating humpbacks breach and play on their way past. The resort’s water sports options are encyclopedic, including snorkeling trips and Ribcraft outings.

Day and night, guests choose from three resort restaurants with bars. There are exclusive experiences on offer, too, such as a fancy picnic lunch at a beautiful sandalwood farm, maybe with a helicopter flight, and the Kimi Werner Ocean Experience. That once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn to free dive from the spear-fishing champion herself takes place over two days and includes a locally sourced seafood dinner to match the underwater magic.

Rates at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai currently start at $1,210 per night.

Montage Kapalua Bay

Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Fancy (but not too fancy) getaways where all ages can find their bliss.

Why stay here: Intimate yet sprawling, this resort offers spaciousness and peace on a turquoise bay in northwest Maui that imbues it with a deep sense of place.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

There’s nothing generic about the architecture or aesthetic of this Maui escape, which attracts families, yes, but is also beyond bucolic for those traveling sans kids. The islands’ deep history of seafaring is translated into design in striking ways, such as in the canoe-inspired roof of Cane & Canoe, one of the two on-property restaurants.

The 50 accommodations are also not standard-issue. They start at 1,250 square feet and soar from there, with each featuring soaking tubs, small kitchens, washer-dryer combos and generous lanais. Plenty of privacy is, however, typical; there’s no standing in line for check-in since that paperwork occurs in each suite or residence upon arrival.

Complimentary activities include guided hiking and tidepool excursions, plus storytelling with the cultural ambassador, while couples can snag stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling equipment at the Kapalua Bay beach for a fee. For more of an R&R vibe, there are stunning tiered pools with daybeds serviced by smiling staff happy to deliver pina coladas from the bar with breezy views of Lanai and Molokai in the distance, plus customizable Maui-inspired treatments at the spa.

Rates at Montage Kapalua Bay currently start at $1,110 per night.

Turtle Bay

Kahuku, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Freewheeling access to nearly 1,300 pristine acres of paradise on Oahu’s North Shore.

Why stay here: The landmark luxury hotel on Oahu’s coast reopened in 2021 after a total transformation that enhanced its lush, laid-back vibes while elevating its food and beverage experiences.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Fans of “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” expecting to see a replica of the movie’s backdrop won’t exactly find it at the location where it was filmed, but they won’t be disappointed, either, since the 450-room, suite and bungalow retreat is much more luxurious now, after an extensive, $250 million renovation. Accommodations are now chock-a-block with chic furnishings, ocean-inspired artwork and 65-inch smart TVs.

The North Shore icon — and sole resort in the famous area — is so sprawling it’s hard to imagine ever wanting to leave the property, since it has not only spectacular hiking and horseback riding trails plus sweet surf breaks but also a diverse set of eight restaurants and bars and even an organic farm.

This Edenic natural playground is eco-friendly in meaningful ways, too, such as sourcing tropical ingredients from the aforementioned farm for homegrown meals and harnessing solar energy for part of its power supply. Key to the renovation was a new 11,000-square-foot spa where native medicinal plants are harvested from the healing garden and a Nalu Wellness Concierge can help couples find the most nurturing treatments for them.

Bookable experiences also feel special and singular. Cultural bike rides are a chance to learn some Hawaiian history in a fun, active way, while diving with a famed environmentalist brings visitors up close and personal with one of the most thrilling yet misunderstood species: sharks.

Rates at Turtle Bay Resort currently start at $599 per night.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Easy beach access with plenty of dining and outdoor fun to be had right at the hotel.

Why stay here: Enjoy boutique hotel-style design amid all the amenities and outdoor fun of a sprawling beachside resort.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or reserve through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for value-added benefits like upgrades and late checkout based on availability, plus on-property statement credits.

Direct beach access is just one of the many advantages of this romantic World of Hyatt favorite, steps off the soft sands of Mokapu Beach and just far away enough from other properties to feel un-touristy. Modernist and minimalist yet completely cushy, Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is a rarefied retreat of 320 rooms, suites and villas with lava stone-clad bathrooms, complimentary minibars and private lanais.

Sushi lovers shouldn’t sleep on an advance booking for Morimoto Maui, the fine dining Japanese destination restaurant that is far from the only delectable dinner option. Otherwise, things on the property are fairly casual and convivial. There’s an all-day restaurant with a juice mixologist at the morning breakfast buffet and also a beach bar that services the pool, too. Acai bowls, a Hawaii staple, are available from the 24-hour market, as is wine, beer and more — a very appealing convenience when you may want to end your night with a few glasses while scanning the skies for shooting stars.

Without any amount of cheesiness, the resort’s offerings, from lei making to coconut husking, manage to captivate curious travelers, and at the Awili Spa, couples can make customized products from local herbs and flora as souvenirs of their sensuous escape.

Rates at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort currently start at $890 or 35,000-45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach

Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, USA

Best for: A romantic escape on Kauai with the island’s closest-to-the-water rooms and suites.

Why stay here: Fresh off a $5 million renovation in 2022, this intimate South Shore resort of just 121 rooms and suites offers a well-rounded immersion in lush island life.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

Without barring children, this 121-key resort naturally attracts mostly honeymooners and couples for vacations that slip into the sublime. The hotel even offers honeymoon registries to future guests who can register for things like aquatic adventures, spa treatments and six-course private-cabana dinners for their loved ones to gift.

Set on Poipu Beach in front of one of Kauai’s most beloved surf breaks, it’s a place for learning to ride the waves or simply watching them from the vibrant rooms’ balconies or lanais — or the chaise loungers at the free-form pool. In homage to the laid-back concept of island time, there are plenty of spots to lounge barefoot while sipping handcrafted tiki drinks.

There’s no mistaking the tropical location when dining at Red Salt Restaurant, where the Kauai-native chef puts a modern spin on the fresh catch and produce sourced locally, such as vanilla bean-seared mahi mahi. An intimate sushi bar also offers the freshest fish imaginable, with sake and beer straight from Japan.

Rates at Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach currently start at $510 per night.

Fairmont Kea Lani

Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Sandy, salty fun for the whole family in a laid-back yet luxurious setting.

Why stay here: After debuting a fresh room redesign in early 2023, this resort on a wide golden beach is more appealing than ever.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

When a hotel room isn’t sufficiently sexy, this resort offers only suites and villas with a minimum of 860 square feet — and up to 2,200 with private plunge pools — that feel indulgent and thrillingly private. Whatever the view (ocean, pool, garden or mountain), the 450 roomy accommodations represent a divine escape from daily life.

In keeping with the treat-yourself vibes being dished out by its spacious suites, this vast Wailea resort is all about luxury. And that can mean both sun-soaked private pool cabana experiences as well as intimate Hoku Lani dinners out under the starlit night sky, complete with flaming torches and four courses of Maui-caught fish, Kauai prawns and lobster.

Beyond special occasion meals, Kea Lani’s four restaurants and two bars set the stage for day after day of culinary exploration, mixing and matching casual bites with mouthwatering multicultural cuisine at Ko, where dishes are inspired by mid-19th-century Maui.

Couples who tend to get bored on beach vacations should be safe here, especially when taking advantage of what the resort fee covers, which includes cultural experiences, snorkel equipment and daily fitness classes. There are sailing trips to be taken, luaus to be entertained by, an adults-only swimming pool, and golf in the Wailea development. Of course, the acclaimed Willow Stream Spa, with state-of-the-art facilities, is also a commendable way to wile away paradisiacal days.

Rates at Fairmont Kea Lani currently start at $764 per night.

Halekulani Hotel

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Heavenly indulgence in a prized part of Waikiki with clear views of Diamond Head.

Why stay here: For more than a century this oceanfront hotel has offered itself to chic travelers as a sanctuary of world-class cuisine, next-level wellness and gracious hospitality.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to enjoy elitelike benefits and on-property credits.

Storied and sophisticated, this historically beloved oceanfront hotel on Gray’s Beach with its own live jazz lounge is an amorous escape for the ages. Memory making is what the veteran staff excels at, along with making couples feel special and completely pampered.

The 453 guest rooms, suites and premier suites all have deep soaking tubs spacious enough for two, while some offer Diamond Head views from bed — not to mention sweeping panoramas of the otherworldly turquoise water below. One nice perk is that nightly turndown service, access to the freshwater swimming pool and fitness center all come without a resort fee.

The smoke-free hotel comprises towers connected by lush courtyards, and as many reasons as there are to stay on the property — such as the impressive collection of fine art that includes soulful Hawaiian pieces — Les Clefs d’Or concierges delight in personalizing suggestions for guests, such as surfing excursions or visits to the nearby Iolani Palace.

Along with hospitality, Halekulani is known for its wide-ranging dining outlets, including but not limited to three restaurants, two cocktail bars and a wine bar. House Without A Key is the sunset-ready spot for evenings accented by local music and hula performances, while La Mer is the refined, heavily awarded French restaurant that seduces lovebirds with its splashes of Hawaiian flavors.

For some TLC there’s SpaHalekulani, but it’s not simply a spa; it’s a full-blown haven for well-being in the sense that it offers not only movement classes and bodywork but in-room sleep therapies and sessions on emotional health, too.

Rates at Halekulani Hotel currently start at $665 per night.

Hana-Maui Resort

Hana, Maui, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Aloha-filled adventures along Maui’s famous Road to Hana.

Why stay here: This lush, boutique-style Destination by Hyatt hotel beckons guests to truly escape — as in no in-room TVs or clocks — and truly take in the uniqueness of Hawaii.

Best way to book: Book through our partner Skylark to earn World of Hyatt points while enjoying elitelike benefits and on-property credits, or redeem your points by booking directly with Hyatt.

If you’re a believer that the journey is the destination, this remote and romantic resort on Maui’s epic Road to Hana is perfect for you and your other half. It’s for lovers of nature who appreciate waterfalls, rainforests, secret beaches and road trips, but who also want to just lie back and relax.

The sprawling resort’s 75 rooms, bungalows and cottages feel like stepping back to old Hawaii, thanks in part to having no air conditioning, clocks or TVs. Stays are gloriously analog. There is, however, Wi-Fi, and a breezy private lanai for each accommodation — many of them perfectly positioned for admiring the awe-inspiring sunrises. For special occasions, the ocean bungalows offer the best aquatic panoramas.

Farm-to-table nourishment comes via the main restaurant, Hana Ranch, plus in-room dining and grab-and-go selections from the Hana Dry Goods shop. There are two pools, one of which is wellness-themed, and a fitness center with Peloton bikes, a yoga pavilion and classes.

Couples treatments are highly recommended in the comprehensive full-service spa, where skilled therapists dole out lomi lomi massages and other locally inspired techniques using hot lava rocks. It doesn’t get better at the end of an active day than a cold plunge or soak in the jetted tub looking out to Kapueokahi Bay, though it’s also hard to beat a mai tai and bowl of island-caught poke at the pool bar.

Rates at Hana-Maui Resort currently start at $579 or 25,000-35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA

Best for: Sustainability-minded travelers who appreciate quiet elegance and expansive panoramas.

Why stay here: One of the most elegant properties on the Waikiki Beach strip, the resort’s sleek white rooms are oases 60 steps away from the busy beach.

Best way to book: Book directly for the best rates and packages, or through your favorite credit card travel portal.

City meets sea in this bright white bastion of hospitality set just off the Waikiki strip within walking distance of so much, including the Pacific. Reopened in 2018 as Alohilani after a massive refurbishment of an older existing hotel, this contemporary-styled gem is light-drenched and stocked with all the beachy necessities, down to shopping and plenty of delicious food and drink.

Momosan provides breakfast (at an additional fee), while “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto’s namesake restaurant downstairs is tantalizing for pan-Asian fare. Swell bar is a scene-y spot, especially for sunset happy hours, with an innovative menu of cocktails and bites dubbed “Earth to Cup,” featuring ingredients from the Hawaiian Islands that are sustainably sourced. More options, such as for Italian and small-batch ice cream, are available, too.

When the beach looks too busy, there’s always a private cabana at the hotel’s saltwater infinity pool — home to morning yoga classes, too — for a more elevated vibe, bookable through the always-helpful concierges. For more exclusivity, honeymooners might also opt for a room with access to the Longboard Club lounge, where breakfast bites are available each morning and 16 wines are on tap for later in the day.

Rates at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach currently start at $275 per night.

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