Below our list of things to do in hawaii honeymoon with information on the main islands of Oahua and Maui.
Sunset cruise
There is nothing more relaxing then cruising about on a yacht as the sun sets over the water in Hawaii. Enjoy a few Mai Thais, some chilled tunes and the beautiful trade winds as your crew hoist the sails and keep you topped up and laughing. We enjoyed cruises with both Trilogy (Maui) and Maitai catamaran (Oahu) and highly recommend both for value and service.
Read our Maui Trilogy cruise review and Oahu Maitai cruise review.
Road to Hana
Jump on one of the daily organised tours or hire your own car to take a road trip of the picturesque Road to Hana. This 64-mile-long route contains around 600 bends and 54 bridges along its scenic drive. Along the way, check out the unique black and green sand beaches, take a dip in a waterfall or two and enjoy the cliff top lookouts.
Pearl Harbor
Most people will know Oahu for its historic war site, Pearl Harbour. This museum and memorial includes four key sites: the USS Arizona Memorial, USS Bowfin Submarine Memorial and park, Battleship Missouri Memorial and Pacific Aviation Museum. For more information see the official Pearl Harbor site.
Read our Pearl Harbor review for tips and tricks.
College Football
The tailgate parties before the game, the marching bands, the cheerleaders and baton twirlers, the kiss cam and of course the game itself. No trip to America is complete without taking in a football (NFL) game. The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors are the local college football team and promise an action-packed afternoon at Aloha Stadium. Be sure to grab a hot dog (they sell out quick) and arrive well before the game to wander amongst the tailgate parties in the car park (an American institution in themselves), watch the marching bands warm up, chill with some live music and enjoy a beer or two before the game.
Shark snorkel
Want an adrenaline rush that is one of the more unique experiences in the world? Head into
the deep to snorkel with some of the most feared predators of the ocean. No cages, just you, a pair of flippers and your camera stands between you and the dozens of sharks swirling below. We headed out of on the pelagic shark program with One Ocean Diving. Learn about shark behaviour and conservation before entering the water
to see these amazing creatures up close and personal.
Read our Once Ocean Diving Pelagic Shark Program review.
Fishing
Full and half day fishing charters can be accessed from most habors in Hawaii, but for those chasing the big one, you can’t go past Kona on the Big Island. It’s host to Hawaii’s biggest fishing competition and a great spot to hook a big game fish such as marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and ahi tuna.
Snorkelling
Make sure you have a snorkel and fins on your packing list (or grab one cheap at Walmart) so you can take every opportunity to see the underwater world below the surface of those azure blue waters. Paddle in straight off any beach area including the sheltered Hanauma or Turtle Bays or jump on a boat tour to places like Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.
Read our Pride of Maui Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel tour review.
Luau
A visit to one of Hawaii’s luaus for a traditional Hawaiian party and feast is a must do for most visitors to Hawaii. While many Luaus are now seen as a bit commercialised for tourists, there are still a number of good ones around and they certainly provide a fun night out. We enjoyed the Drums of the Pacific Luau at the Hyatt Regency, Maui which features dances from islands all over Polynesia and also included a trafitional imu ceremony, an all you can eat buffet of mouth-watering food such as Kalua pork, lomi lomi salmon, ahi poke and huli huli chicken, a dessert buffet and open bar with beer, wine, cocktails and juices.
Water sports
Well known as a popular surfing destination, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without grabbing a long board to hang ten as you catch some waves. Calm swells like those that are found at Waikiki are also great for some stand up paddleboarding, aqua biking or snorkelling straight off the beach. Grabbing a board or snorkel is a great way to spot turtles as you cruise around the crystal-clear waters. Boards and other gear can be hired from most hotels, but for cheaper options head to one of the many vendors along the beach strip.
Volcano tour
Turn up the heat and take a tour, trek or flight over one of Hawaii’s volcanos. With 3 active volcanos, as well as dormant ones that can be explored on foot, the island of Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where you can get up close to these natural phenomena.
Kualoa Ranch
From picturesque horse rides to adventurous ATVs and zip lining, Kualoa Ranch is an awesome day out for any visitor to Oahu. Take in the stunning mountains of the 4000-acre working ranch as you learn about the dozens of movies filmed within its valleys such as Jurassic Park and Godzilla.
Read our Kualoa Ranch ATV review and Kualoa Ranch Secret Beach review.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Wander the market stalls and grab yourself an absolute bargain at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Held at the stadium on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, this is the state’s biggest open-air flea market and features over 400 stands, selling everything from clothing to souvenirs and snacks. Entry is $1pp. Check current operation dates and times before you go in case there is a football match scheduled that week.
Shopping
Bring a spare suitcase and shop til you drop at the Waikele Premium Outlets and Ala Moana Centre. The outlets feature more than 50 brand name stores, while Ala Moana features almost 300 stores and 80 dining options. You will also find smaller outlets on the other islands and for high end fashion should check our Luxury Row on Kalakaua Ave and the duty-free prices at DFS T Galleria.
North Shore, Oahu
Hire a car and take a scenic drive to Oahu’s North Shore. You can cruise up and back in a big loop of the island in under 3 hours. On the way, be sure to check out the Dole Plantation, a historic pineapple plantation where you can enjoy Dole Whip, a delicious pineapple flavoured soft serve. Next up, stop in at the charming town of Haleiwa where you will find a relaxed harbor and street lined with boutiques, surf stores and restaurants. Take a quick tourist snap with Bob Marley or the Angel Wings while you’re there. Keep heading north to check out the famous waves at the Banzai Pipeline, before a snorkel at Turtle Bay and some famous Giovanni’s shrimp from the North Shore food trucks, before heading along the scenic east coast back to Waikiki.
Hula and Ukulele lessons
If you’re looking for some traditional cultural activities, then think about taking a hula or ukulele lesson. Most hotels will offer these, as well as other activities such as lei making, for guests staying there. You will also see ukulele lessons at many of the ukulele shops around Waikiki.
STAYING IN HAWAII FOR LONGER – CHECK OUT….
If you only have a short time in Hawaii we recommend sticking to only one island to really experience everything on offer. If, however, you have a couple of weeks planned, then do some island hopping and experience the variety of experiences on offer at each unique island.
Hopefully this honeymoon list of things to do was helpful. Follow this link for the full Hawaii Honeymoon Guide.