When Portlanders Amanda and George Kurtyka started planning their August 2011 honeymoon, they, like many couples, dreamt of turquoise waters, sandy beaches, endless sunshine and plenty of relaxation. Paradises like Fiji and St. Lucia beckoned from glossy travel magazines. But after a month full of wedding events, including their Colorado ceremony and a second reception in Connecticut, they couldn’t deal with so much more travel. “We wanted the maximum amount of time on the beach,” says Amanda. “Maui had everything: nice hotels, good restaurants, amazing beaches and easy direct flights.”
Indeed, with decadent resorts, delicious cuisine, staggering natural beauty and a rich cultural experience, it’s no wonder that Maui, Hawaii’s second-largest island, has been named “Best Island in the U.S.” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for the 21st year in a row. And Oregonians are especially lucky, able to jet to this tropical world away in only six hours on nonstop flights with both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska airlines.
“Historically, winter is high season for Pacific Northwest travelers,” says Keoni Wagner, Hawaiian Airlines’ public affairs vice president. That means aggressive pricing in January, February and March—but watch closely as great values appear throughout the year.
Maui’s temperate climate (75 to 85 degree average year-round) isn’t the only thing that will warm you—the friendly residents, deep culture and breathtaking surroundings will open the heart and calm the mind. A perfect honeymoon recipe.
In fact, the island itself has its own ancient connections: sister islands Lanai and Molokai broke off from the main island thousands of years ago and today form Maui Nui, or “Big Maui.” Not only does this geography create an ideal nursery of shallower and warmer water for migrating whales (spot the majestic mammals from November through May), the two smaller islands are distinct destinations in their own right, easily accessible for day trips but also calling for longer stays.
On Lanai you’ll feel like you have the former pineapple plantation island all to yourselves, with its two Four Seasons resorts, one small inn and postage-stamp-size town. Though world-class golfing, hikes and horseback riding beckon, deluxe pampering and quiet landscapes steal the show. Meanwhile, Molokai’s traditional way of life and nearly all-native Hawaiian population make it the place to explore island culture, from sacred valleys to historic coffee plantations. Known as the birthplace of hula, “Molokai’s hidden treasures are in the people and in the land,” says Julie Bicoy of the Molokai Visitors Association.
Whether you choose one island or hop to all three, Maui Nui truly offers something for every Northwest couple. Here are our favorite hotels, restaurants and activities, so you can create your own perfect honeymoon, from doing nothing but lay on the beach to bonding over extreme adventure.
Relaxing Luxury
Maui is home to so many of the country’s top beaches, you may never leave its sandy shores. Wailea, on Maui’s south shore, is postcard-perfect, with five crescent beaches and posh resorts like the Grand Wailea (Waldorf Astoria Resort), Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort, where the Kurtykas spent five nights. The foodie couple treated their gourmet tastes at the Hotel Wailea’s Capische, where only the “killer sunset” rivals the fine Italian fare, and indulged in the innovative locavore dishes at The Plantation House, a well-known romantic destination farther north in Kapalua. To really escape all your cares, skip over to the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay, the indulgent compound home to after-hours spa services, his-and-hers personalized perfume blending, and five-course private dinners in the beachfront Ocean Hale.
Natural Wonders
Bursting with tropical beauty, Maui offers incredible rainforest treks, eye-opening agricultural tours and stunning parks to explore. Start at Haleakala National Park—literally, the pilgrimage to witness sunrise from the world’s largest dormant volcano is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even better, coast down the slopes after with Haleakala Bike Co. Hikers will want to explore the majestic Iao Valley State Monument, where tropical plants and clear natural pools beckon. Or take a quick flight over the towering sea cliffs of Molokai—tallest in the world—to hike ancient Halawa Valley with a native guide (considered one of the first landing sites of the Polynesian migration). Discover sacred temples, exotic fruits and hidden waterfalls dotting this untouched landscape.
At the same time, Maui’s lush valleys make ideal farm land, and more visitors are going right to the source for the freshest tastes. Visit the abundant organic papaya, banana and herb fields at Molokai’s 30-year-old Kumu Farms, or head to Maui’s upcountry for a lunch tour at biodynamic O’o Farm, owned and operated by renowned Pacific’O and I’O restaurants in Lahaina.
Cultural Immerson
Most resorts offer commercial luaus, but you’ll find authentic glimpses of Hawaii’s past in small towns, at historic sites and with hands-on cultural demonstrations. In addition to Halawa Valley, Molokai is home to Kalaupapa, a 145-year-old former leper colony accessible only by helicopter or mule ride down the steep trails. On Maui, take the epic Road to Hana, a curvy coastal drive that leads to the east side of the island. In the slow-paced small town, you’ll find the Piilanihale Heiau, the largest ancient place of Hawaiian worship, and picturesque horseback rides with Maui Stables.
Back on the west side, the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, one of the originals on the resort stretch, offers daily ukelele lessons, lei making and hula so you don’t have to go far to get a taste of the Hawaiian lifestyle. Ride the former plantation train that links Kaanapali Beach to Maui’s original whaling port, Lahaina, to see cute shops, dazzling cultural shows like the Feast at Lele and Ulalena, and the historic Baldwin House.
Adventure High
Need a postnuptial adrenaline rush? Fly high over lively Kaanapali Beach with UFO Parasail, or head out to the open water with Alii Nui sailing tours to snorkel Molokini, a partially submerged volcanic crater known as an “aquarium without walls” or Turtle Point, Maui’s largest coral reef system. “It was so fun to get out on the water and it wasn’t crowded at all,” says Amanda, who counts the daylong excursion to Molokini as one of the top experiences of their honeymoon. Lanai’s serene Manele Bay cove is another ideal snorkeling spot, not to mention one of the best beaches for carefree body surfing. And that’s what any good honeymoon is about, after all—letting yourselves go and getting carried away together.