Something like 20,000 weddings are held each year in the state of Hawaii. And since Maui is obviously no ka oi (the best), a healthy portion of those are held on this lovely piece of paradise we like to call home.
But what about the couples who choose Maui as their honeymoon rather than wedding destination? There’s a lot to be said for honeymooning versus getting married on Maui – you aren’t overwhelmed with wedding preparations, coordinating family and friend meet-ups, and best of all, you get to focus on enjoying yourself and exploring the island as opposed to stressing about whether the wind is going to blow your centerpieces into the ocean.
This post is for those honeymooners looking for a bit more of an adventure… the couples who don’t mind skipping the resort pool and spa packages for something a little less expected.
Alternative Honeymoon Travel Ideas
Spend the Night on a Sailboat
If you’re looking for something different than hanging by the pool all day at your resort, you can enjoy the entire day, or several days aboard Maui Custom Charters’ S/V Nova (42′ sailing yacht) or S/V Artemis (47′ sailing catamaran). You can even spend the day sailing to a different island and see more of what Maui has to offer from the water (depending on conditions). While I’m sure resort room service is great, the views from the S/V Nova are better. Having previously been on this sailboat for a private snorkel cruise, I can tell you that it’s everything you dream of when you picture a sailboat in Hawaii.
Master Captain Anna, and her hand-picked team of captains and crew, have loads of experience, so let her do what she does best – catering your sailing experience and being superbly awesome – while you focus on more lovely things, like swimming with sea turtles in remote locations, sipping cocktails, learning more about the Hawaiian Islands, and watching a romantic Maui sunset from the water. Full-day charter options including sunrise and sunset while our captain and crew cater to your every need are an experience you’ll never forget.
Rent a VW Westfalia Camper Van
You may be thinking, camping? On my honeymoon? But wait. Remember that you’re on Maui, and camping on Maui is pretty much like forgetting to go back inside after spending a magical day outdoors. But again, wait. Even better, camping in a camper van means you don’t even spend the night outside. You sleep in a bed. On the beach. By the ocean. Or waterfalls. Or a black sand beach. Or the bamboo forest.
You get the picture. What I’m saying is that renting a VW Westfalia on Maui is an awesome idea. It’s like having an adorable condo that you can take with you, and it’s the perfect size for two people who are stoked to spend quality time in some of the most magical areas Maui has to offer. Aloha Campers, based in Kihei, offers VW Westfalia camper van rentals for around $140 per day with a 3 night minimum. Ask for Delphine – she’s amazing and has tons of great suggestions for camping spots around Maui. Photo by Peter Rimkus.
Take an Art Class with Drinks
Have a ton of fun with your new partner with a few drinks and a painting class at Island Art Party.
The Island Art Party has a classroom space in Kihei, and offers several opportunities to dig in and learn something new on Maui, including many different subjects to paint.
Go Paintballing
Because sometimes romance means shooting your spouse in the shin.
We hope this gave you some new ideas for your honeymoon adventures on Maui, and as always, mahalo for reading!
