Source: brides.com
Looking for magic on your honeymoon? Let’s be honest, who isn’t? When it comes to sure things, Hawaii is the call to make. There’s no shortage of dreaminess to be had on these jewels of the Pacific, where there’s plenty of opportunity to indulge in the classic Hawaiian hallmarks—luau and ukulele lessons, anyone?—along with brilliant and less common experiences across the islands.
With daily flights from the mainland U.S. to several of the eight major islands, it could be tempting to fly in and plop down in the first infinity pool–adjacent lounge chair you see for 10 days. But that wouldn’t be doing justice to the diverse archipelago, which has so much to offer. An alternate plan: Hitting two to three of the stunners for an island-hopping adventure that is sure to serve up more beauty than imagined.
There are so many ways to go about piecing together your once-in-a-lifetime trip, but one way is by figuring out what you want. Is it a mix of a cosmopolitan city with picturesque beaches, views of Diamond Head, and maybe surfing one of the world’s most epic waves? Definitely get to Oahu. Are plush resorts with scene-y pools and incredible dining—and maybe some kitesurfing for a dose of adrenaline—your priority? Hit Maui. For total immersion in nature at its best with a strong sense of seclusion, there’s the Big Island, or Kauai, with its hippie vibe, verdant jungles, and plentiful opportunities to commune with Mother Earth on trails and cliffs. Lanai, meanwhile, is more off the beaten path—almost literally, it has just one paved road on the whole island—yet boasts one of the world’s most fabulous resorts.
Once you have your priorities straight, it’s just a matter of fitting them all together, with short inter-island flights or even boats. You can hop an hour-long ferry from Maui to Lanai, and vice versa, for example, or another to Molokai, to get truly off the radar—Lanai is separated by the two islands by a wide channel, affording jaw-dropping views packed with fast-moving azure water, and jagged mountains and cliffs nine miles in the distance.
One idyllic itinerary might begin like this: Land in Honolulu and head west—away from overrun Waikiki—to the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina (new last year) where the sunset views are flawless and the adults-only pool and cabanas perfect for lazing a day away. Book a heavenly couples’ treatment (you can’t go wrong with a lomilomi massage preceded by a local passion fruit and Maui sugar cane scrub) in one of the Muliwai Healing Hales where, with one wall open to nature, you’ll truly be living the Hawaiian dream. Feast on the freshest fish prepared in a multitude of forms (tacos, grilled, poke) alongside mango-drizzled piña coladas and then mouthwatering Mediterranean-Italian fare at Noe, outfitted with vibrant artwork. Hike to a secluded waterfall, tour a local organic farm, snorkel with sea turtles, make haku lei flower crowns, stargaze with a powerful telescope, learn about ancient Polynesian voyaging, and practice the art of lauhala weaving.
Four Seasons Resort O‘ahu at Ko Olina
92-1001 Olani St, Kapolei, HI 96707
Contact +1 (808) 679-0079
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