Oahu Honeymoon Guide & Best Resorts

No more stressful planning for a wonderful honeymoon to remember for the rest of your lifetime! Head straight for Oahu, a destination that perfectly blends the city atmosphere with its exotic landscape. The island has a plethora of stunning beaches with the Waikiki, Diamond Head Crater, and Pearl Harbor being the most well-known.

There is so much to do in terms of an adventurous holiday like surf camps, sunset sailing, skydiving, discovering the horse ride trails, or just exploring the island. You’ll have a fun-filled, memorable honeymoon in a tropical paradise.

Honeymoon in Oahu Quick Picks

• Best Honeymoon Resort: Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina
• Best Time of Year for a Honeymoon in Oahu: April through May, or September through October
• Best North Shore Resort for a Honeymoon in Oahu: Turtle Bay Resort

Oahu Honeymoon Resorts

The coasts in Oahu are dotted with hotels for all budgets. You will have to make your choice as per your preference and budget.

Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina

The elegant and spacious king-sized rooms come with large private balconies or lanais (Hawaiian patios), deep-soaking marble tubs, and glorious views of the gardens, mountains, or ocean. There’s a beautiful salt-water infinity-edge pool for just adults, two other swimming pools, a full-service luxurious spa, a choice of fine-dining and beachside restaurants, tennis courts, a game room, and a range of free daily activities. 

You can arrange exceptional tailor-made trips and experiences to make your stay truly special. Honeymoon activities include couples’ massages and training in massage techniques to learn how to pamper each other at home, romantic private picnics on the beach, and candle-lit dinners without another soul in sight.

See our full review of the Four Seasons Maui at Wailea.

Aulani

This is on Oahu’s southwestern and leeward side and is Disney’s first Hawaiian resort. You will definitely want to stay at Aulani if you are in love with Disney. 

But it’s not just the connection to Disney. Aulani has a lot of great amenities to offer honeymooners. It all starts with the room choices. Honeymooners can select from beautifully designed rooms that have either a garden, ocean, or partial ocean view rooms. No matter your selection, you won’t be disappointed.

A big draw of Aulani is the world-class spa. Not only can you experience a great couples massage, but you will also have access to many other treatments and amenities. Take a dip in one, or more, of the mineral baths, or take a stroll down the tranquility path. You’ll find yourself super relaxed and ready for your couples massage.

Turtle Bay Resort

The laidback North Shore has only one major hotel, Turtle Bay, which is, of course, an excellent one. Get fantastic ocean views from almost every room of the property. It has beach cottages and ocean villas that are practically on the shore sands. The resort offers plenty of activities that include horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and surfing schools. 

The hotel also offers exceptional honeymoon packages that you can pick for that special time. Those of you who can afford the more secluded beach cottage room might end up spending your honeymoon with a celebrity who is known to frequent it. 

Moana Surfrider

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, this is the property where you should book your honeymoon accommodation. Prime location, impressive amenities, and telling architecture together make it a hot destination all year round. It has several on-site bars and restaurants and also happens to be the oldest hotel on Waikiki. It continues to give the exciting fresh feel year after year. 

The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Just on the outskirts of Waikiki, this is a stunning seafront resort. The property boasts of a private beach that offers plenty of vacation options. The USP of the resort is that it is the only place that provides the unique experience of swimming with dolphins. You will realize why this is easily rated as one of Hawaii’s best overall hotels from the time you set foot on it.  

The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club

More of a hipster hangout, this is a different streak with its accented bamboo, bright hues, and mid-century-modern furniture. The Surfjack can be the most exciting honeymoon place to stay with its unique hangout outlook. 

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

This is one of the splashiest places on the Oahu island and is packed with some signature amenities. You will get splendid views of Waikiki Beach and the Diamond Head. The property also houses Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s exclusive restaurant having a sprawling elevated pool deck spanning 17,000 square feet. The facility is replete with a rooftop fitness center apart from batting cages, tennis courts

Those who are inclined to revive the earth will be happy to know that the hotel pledges to plant 100,000 indigenous plants and trees as part of their reforestation initiative. A portion of all tariffs goes in for this endeavor.

Halekulani

Meaning “house befitting heaven” in the local Hawaiian language, you get the authentic feel of its name the moment you set foot on it. The resort continues to offer discreet yet attentive service, which is its hallmark even after opening for the first time in 1984. The best rooms of the total 453 are those that come with a private terrace giving a splendid view of the Waikiki Beach also known as Diamond Head.

These are just perfect for the honeymoon seclusion time while enjoying breakfast or sunset aperitifs.

When to Visit Oahu

Any time is a good time on this beautiful island. But September-October and April-May are usually considered the best time of the year to be here. Of course, the rates are highest from mid-December till the end of March.

These apart, general holiday times when schools are out of session to see the island teeming with visitors. Plan your honeymoon accordingly if you are looking for more personal space and wish to avoid the crowd.  

Oahu Honeymoon Things to Do

A lot of people think about the beach and the tropical atmosphere when planning a honeymoon in Oahu. And, while this is a great option for a day or two in Oahu, the island also offers a lot of other great activities and adventures.

Find a Fun Water Sport

Apart from immersing yourself in the mesmerizing view of the sea from Waikiki with its breezy palms and inviting grounds, you can also go swimming, snorkeling, and hire a canoe or a kayak. The waters of the Waikiki will surely remain etched in your mind for the rest of your life, allowing you to relive your honeymoon years later!

Experience the Local Flavor

There is undoubtedly plenty to attract you to the lovely Oahu with its lively downtown Honolulu and Chinatown which is throbbing with jazz clubs and bustling markets. There are boutique shops like the Quince that you will find to your right and left. Alongside come the farmers’ markets that showcase diverse offerings of the island on the platter.

Visit Historical Sites

The island has its share of history, and Pearl Harbor which honors the attack of 1941 is one destination that you should visit together. There are also museums, the Iolani Palace and the Byodo Temple that are a must-see.

Tour the Island and Do Some Hiking

Hire a car and explore the local parks along with the town and the beaches. There is also a provision of hiking in the Waimea Valley and touring sugarcane or a pineapple facility.

Get the Luau Experience

If you want to experience more of the local cuisine and culture, consider a traditional Hawaiian luau. Guests at this traditional dinner will experience amazing food, live music and dancing, as well as other aspects of the Polynesian culture. It’s definitely an experience you won’t want to miss. 

Visit the North Shore

The North Shore is known as an iconic surfing spot, but you don’t have to be a surfer to love this part of Oahu. You can stroll the streets of Haleiwa and grab a local treat from a food truck. If you do want to get a taste of the surf culture, consider watching surfers catch some waves at Banzai Pipeline.

Visit Pali Lookout

If you want a little romance and sightseeing, then you’ll want to visit Pali Lookout. Nestled at the top of Nu’uanu Valley, Pali Lookout is a piece of the breathtaking Ko’olau mountain. From this spot, you can see panoramic views of sheer cliffs and lush rainforest landscapes.

Restaurants for a Honeymoon in Oahu

If you’re looking to spend some great time on the island enjoying a romantic dinner and enjoying the taste of the local cuisine, there are several places to head to. Each of the resorts has more than one ocean-front dining option apart from Kahala. You can’t think of skipping a romantic dinner on the Oahu when on honeymoon here!

Roy’s

Considered the most famous chef from the state, Roy Yamaguchi is a pioneer in Hawaiian regional cuisine. As Chef Roy continues to build his empire of restaurants, his flagship Waikiki outlet remains a true destination. Enjoy the signature fusion entrées, top-notch wines, and of course decadent desserts.

Sushi Sasabune

On a honeymoon and looking to eat some great sushi too? This Sushi joint on the South King Street favorite is a great draw for all from across the globe. The omakase is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. There is also the a-là-carte dining option if that is what you prefer. Catch Chef Seiji Kumagawa in action with his methodical sushi preparation by grabbing a place by the counter.

The Pig & the Lady

A plush Vietnamese restaurant, the place is credited with having brought Chinatown and Honolulu together in the Pacific food circle. Chef Andrew Le, the frontline Hawaiian culinary master, is known for his mettle to blend in flavors from the Pacific coasts and credited with creating the “haute Vietnamese” cuisine. 

You’ll come across a bowl of pho made with brisket braised for 12 hours, Scallions, Calamansi, Sawtooth herbs, Stewed bone marrow, fresh Ginger, and Chili peppers. The restaurant also offers takeout that is a perfect cap to an adventurous and excitingly long day on the beach!

Hoku’s at the Kahala Resort

If creative and fusion food is what you are fond of Hoku’s is the place to head to. It merges Hawaiian, European and Asian flavors with precision. Taste the island classics with modern flavors added to it in dishes like the Kurobuta Pork Chops served with Maui Gold Pineapple and Shishito Peppers and the Salt-crusted Rack of Lamb.

Halekulani’s House Without a Key

This is a place for a real Hawaiian experience at the Oahu. Book a table under the giant Kiawe tree and order the signature Mai Tais and savor it while enjoying native Hawaiian music and dancing with the setting sun on the horizon as the backdrop!

Mahina & Sons

Owned and run by Oahu-born Ed Kenney who is also a James Beard nominated chef, this latest outlet is located within the Surfjack Hotel. The focus here is on serving sustainably sourced seafood in the emphatic interiors of a retro dining room you will not find anywhere else in Waikiki.

The island is just perfect for those wanting a quiet and intimate honeymoon time and also those looking to take on all that the island offers. There is also the vibrant cultural angle that you can enjoy by going to its festivals, art scenes, and monthly events. So, who’s ready to start planning that honeymoon in Oahu?

Author’s Bio:

Daniel works as a credit manager in a leading financial company. He has been an avid traveler and a part-time blogger at Pata Sudaka Surf Trips when he stepped into adulthood. Last year, he went to the majestic islands of Hawaii and enjoyed spending time in close proximity with nature. Surfing on the mighty waves gave him immense joy and pleasure.