Epic Honeymoon in Hawaii: A Guide for Adventure-Seeking Newlyweds
If you're looking for a honeymoon that combines romance with adrenaline, Hawaii is the ultimate destination. From hiking lush volcanic trails to paddle-boarding along crystal-clear waters, Hawaii offers a diverse range of activities perfect for adventurous newlyweds.
How do we know this? Because that’s exactly where Chris and I went for our honeymoon! In this blog, we’ll guide you through an unforgettable adventure honeymoon in Hawaii, complete with the favorite outdoor experiences and tips on gear to help make the most of your time together.
Hawaii isn't just a tropical paradise; it's an adventurer’s dream.
Why Choose Hawaii for an Adventure Honeymoon?
Chris and I spent more time deciding where to go on our honeymoon than we did picking a location to elope. We have a huge list of places we want to travel to, but we ultimately landed on visiting Maui and Kauai in Hawaii. Whether you're into surfing, hiking, snorkeling, or exploring hidden waterfalls, Hawaii has something for every couple looking to celebrate their vows with a bit of adventure.
What makes Hawaii ideal for an adventure honeymoon?
- Diverse landscapes: From volcanic craters to pristine beaches, the islands offer varied terrain that’s perfect for exploration.
- Unique wildlife: From snorkeling with sea turtles to whale watching, Hawaii’s wildlife provides unforgettable moments.
- Perfect weather year-round: Tropical temperatures and sunny skies make for ideal outdoor adventures all year long.
- Relatively easy to get to: We were able to find a direct flight from Detroit with Delta, which really helped to cut down on our travel time.
- Amazing views: The perfect combination of chill, islandy, and adventure!
Our Top Three Adventure Activities for Honeymooning in Hawaii
1. Hike above the clouds at Haleakalā National Park.
On Maui, don’t miss the sunrise hike to the summit of Haleakalā, where you’ll experience breathtaking panoramic views of the island. This was by far one of my favorite national park experiences! Since we arrived in Maui late the night before, our first view of the island was above the clouds at sunrise. Doesn't get more perfect than that!
Gear You’ll Need:
- Hiking boots or trail shoes for your hike
- Warm clothing (It can be really cold on top of the volcano, especially before the sun is up.
- Headlamps (This is a must! The park is incredibly dark, so you'll need a headlamp to be able to the see path.)
- A backpack for water and snacks
- Extra layers (We made sure to pack our puffy coats specifically for this activity.)
- A hat and sunglasses to protect from the sun once the sun rises
- Blanket (We packed a cozy blanket to bundle up together.)
- Reservation for sunrise (Haleakalā National Park requires a reservation for the sunrise experience. You can book this ahead of time on the Recreation.gov website.)
2. Paddle-board along the Wailua River + Secret Falls Hike
For a more relaxing yet adventurous activity, try paddle-boarding along the Wailua River. Chris and I love paddle-boarding and have paddled all over the country, so we knew renting boards in Kauai was a must. We rented boards from Kauai SUP for the day, and were able to launch into the river at the marina down the street. The calm waters offer the perfect setting for paddling and enjoying the view, and the river leads right to a trail that is only accessible by water. Once we pulled our boards up onto the sand, we hiked to Secret Falls. There, we swam under the waterfall, enjoyed a trail beer together, and made an adorable new friend (who joined us for the rest of the day.)
Gear You’ll Need:
- Bathing suit
- Lightweight water or hiking shoes to change into for the hike to Secret Falls
- Layers
- Pack towel
- Sunscreen
- A dry bag to keep your essentials safe
3. Hike the Napali Coast
Hiking the Napali Coast has been on the top of our bucket list for ages, and we highly recommend you add it to yours too! This hike is packed full of gorgeous views and ends with the most amazing waterfall. Seriously, photos don't do this view justice.
Gear You’ll Need:
- Comfortable, breathable hiking clothes (I wore one of my bathing suit tops so I could easily swim once we got to the waterfall.)
- Light, layered clothing (It can get a bit chilly near the waterfall and along the ridge of the island.)
- Trail shoes with grip (This hike requires a bit of scrambling so watch your step!
- Trekking poles (We like to keep poles attached to our bags in case we need them.)
- Hiking bag to store all of your essentials, snacks and water
- Pack towel (These are great for when you don't have a ton of room in your bag but plan on stopping to swim during your hike.)
Honorable Mention Experiences:
Hike and explore the many beaches both Maui and Kauai have to offer. There are TONS of trails and beaches to experience, and I could honestly write an entire post just about that. Instead, my recommendation is to get out, explore and discover your favorite!
Adventurous Accommodations
After a day filled with adventure, unwind and relax at some of Hawaii's most unique accommodations. We’re big fans of renting quirky Airbnb stays. We loved both of our stays, but our Kauai rental was our favorite. The view overlooking the ocean did not disappoint, and we were able to whale watch from our balcony every morning! There are plenty of options of all price ranges varying from private cabins treehouses, beachfront villas, to luxury resorts
An Adventure Honeymoon Like No Other
An adventure honeymoon in Hawaii offers the perfect balance of excitement, romance, and natural beauty. Whether you’re surfing, hiking, paddle-boarding, or simply relaxing on the beach, Hawaii has something to offer every adventurous couple. So, pack your bags, put on your adventure gear, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
