Kauai Honeymoons

The most tropical of all the main-ticket islands in Hawaii, a Kauai honeymoon is ideal for romantics. There’s a reason this stunning idyll has been the backdrop of films for decades, from Elvis’s Blue Hawaii (1961) to Jurassic Park (1993) to The Descendants (2011). Full of secret beaches, emerald hills, and breathtaking waterfalls, this island’s natural beauty has endless opportunities for honeymooners. Couples can take pleasure in beaches and tide pools tucked away in the rain forested hills of the islands or enjoy much-deserved rest and relaxation at the many luxurious resorts and spas located on the island.

Princeville, in the North, offers the most luxurious accommodations and cozy privacy from the St. Regis with its stunning infinity pool spilling out to a private beach and gorgeous oceanside golf course to the Wyndham Shearwater’s one-room villas and beachfront massages. For those looking for an adrenaline rush, mammoth waterfalls, Waimea Canyon, and plenty of snorkeling and scuba diving are readily available.

This breathtaking island is an ideal honeymoon destination—here's a rundown of what you need to know about a Kauai honeymoon.

When to Go

Unlike the rest of Hawaii, December through March is an ideal time to enjoy a Kauai honeymoon, when crowds thin out in favor of the more family-friendly resorts islands. Prices can get high at this time of year, but you’ll have the opportunity for whale spotting as humpbacks make their way to this coastline. The best time to visit may be April through May or October through November, when crowds are at their lowest but the weather is perfect. Be prepared for plenty of local festivities during this time of year. Avoid June through September when the crowds are at their highest as families make their way here for summer vacation.

Top Sights and Activities

• Tube your way through a natural lazy river: The frigid waters of an old irrigation circuit make for an excellent tubing adventure, guided by Kauai Backcountry Adventures, fit for thrill-seekers and the tamer-hearted alike.
• Take a helicopter tour of the island: One of Kauai’s most popular excursions is a helicopter trip around the island, with views of Waimea Canyon and the massive Manawaiopuna Falls, made famous by Jurassic Park
• Take a hike through the Napali Coast: This 11-mile hike is not for the faint of heart, but worth the stunning views on offer. You can also see the coast by boat.
• Dine with the sunset at Beach House: Located at the southernmost tip of the island, this restaurant comes with the best sunset views on offer—ideal for a romantic Kauai honeymoon experience.
• Visit Waimea Canyon: Known as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii, the stunning vistas will take your breath away.
• Swim in a natural tide pool: Queen’s Bath, a 10-minute hike past a waterfall, is a picturesque natural pool filled by ocean waters. Check conditions before jumping in!
• Have Secret Beach all to yourselves: This off-the-beaten path beach can be hard to find, and takes a 20-minute hike to reach, but the beautiful and secluded location is worth the effort for any Kauai honeymooners.
• Plunge into Hanikapi’ai Falls: It’s an 8-mile round-trip hike to get here, but you may find yourselves alone in the rippling pool below the 320-foot falls.  
• Treat yourself to water ice at Wishing Well: This food truck near Princeville offers an island favorite, shaved ice with deliciously, naturally made syrups.
• Enjoy inventive dishes at Bar Acuda: This innovative, urban-chic restaurants offers small plates and a romantic setting
• Get a couples massage at Anara Spa: Located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai, treat yourself to a lavish day of pampering in a private garden hale with a body scrub, clay mask, massage, private shower for two, side-by-side facials and lunch.
• Seek adventure in Koloa: This less-populated part of Kauai offers ziplining, stunning beaches, and prime snorkeling destinations.

Article by Allyson Johnson