Wedding season is upon us and many of you are probably in the planning stages of your honeymoon or know someone newlywed couples looking to make a quick getaway once the bouquet is tossed. While I can list off plenty of great honeymoon destinations across the world (as can you I’m sure), given the economy and the need to be thrifty, there are a few US destinations that are quite worthy of your honeymoon and will not weigh heavily on your wallet. My pick of such destinations is Maui.
Maui is a perfect destination for couples, with soft sandy beaches, calm waters and plenty of sunshine. It is peaceful, quiet and attracts more couples than families, but at the same time, packs a good balance between serenity, adventure and nightlife. For those who want privacy, Kapalua, Hana and Wailea offer plenty of alone time and pampering. If a little crowd is your thing, Kaanapali or Lahaina are just what you want.
Some of the things you should definitely do while in Maui (whether on your honeymoon or otherwise):
Take a Sunset Cruise that will take you out to the Pacific ocean, where you will meet other couples and have a few drinks, all while enjoying the beautiful Maui coastline.
Drive to Hana. Hana is a two hour drive from the main resort areas of Wailea or Kaanapali, and lies at the south-east tip of Maui. The drive is absolutely stunning, with ooh’s and aah’s at every turn. The road winds and curves countless times giving you new stunning views at every turn. I recommend packing a picnic basket to enjoy once you get to Hana.
Partake in the Old Lahaina Luau. The Old Lahaina Luau is one of the most popular luau’s in all of Hawaii. Everything from the hosts, table settings, pig roast and the food is authentic. In fact, Emeril hosted his recent Maui visit program from the Old Lahaina Luau grounds.
The Spa Grande at Hotel Grand Wailea is truly an incredible way to pamper yourself and your significant other. This spa spans over 50,000 square feet and has been voted a Top 10 Spa in the US by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines. For guys, if spa is not your thing, you can enjoy a round of golf while she relaxes under a Pacific Seaweed Masque.
Outdoor activities. While honeymooners might not be up for a lot of physical activity, I do recommend you try snorkeling or parasailing or both. One of the things I enjoyed while in Maui is doing a sunrise bicycle tour of the Haleakala National Park. Needless to say, there is lots to do for adventure seekers in Maui.
Finally, remember to shop around. Hawaiian shirts, Kona coffee, Pineapple jam and souveniers for the home are quite cheap in Maui.
Most hotels in Maui are on the beach, so you are never too far away from the ocean. Sheraton, Hyatt and Marriott have hotels in Kaanapali that go for $200 to $400 per night depending on season. For more upscale and secluded hotels, I like the Grand Wailea, the Fairmont Kea Lani and the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, all of which run from $400 to $700 per night. If you don’t care for maid service, room service or large swimming pools there are plenty of hotels like the Outrigger and the Aston Maui which run less than $200 and are still right on the beach.
Happy honeymooning!
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