Maui offers a wealth of honeymoon adventures and activities , from hair-raising road trips to unique snorkelling safaris . And beaches , lots of beautiful beaches !
Snorkel the Molokini Crater
The crescent-shaped island of Molokini resides three miles off Maui ’ s south-western shore and is actually the rim of an ancient volcanic crater . A snorkelling excursion is the best way to discover the magical world beneath the waves . Swim hand in hand while spotting colourful fish , live coral , and graceful turtles .
Brave the Road to Hana
One for the road-trippers — and thrill-seekers ! The charming township of Hana is tiny but the Road to Hana is epic . This full-day drive along Maui ' s rugged east coast started as a king ’ s trail , then became a sugarcane route , snaking its way across the north-east of the island in a series of narrow twists and turns punctuated by one-lane covered bridges ( over 45 of them !). The scenic journey features plenty of memorable stops including waterfalls , lookouts , botanical gardens , and roadside markets . A highlight for us was the Wai ' anapanapa State Park , home to walking trails , lava tubes , coastline views , and a stunning black-sand beach ( good to know : park reservations are required here ). Not ready to tackle this roller-coaster road trip yourselves ? Join a guided tour so you can cling to one another in the back seat for those heart-stopping turns .
Stargaze at Haleakala National Park
One for the star-crossed lovers . Named for the dormant volcano Haleakala ( meaning ‘ house of the sun ’), the vast Haleakala National Park in Upcountry Maui is one of the island ’ s most popular attractions . Many make a sunrise pilgrimage to the summit , which rises 10,000 feet into the clouds , but after dark is a special way to experience the magic on a Maui Stargazing tour . After ascending the winding road to the summit district and soaking up a dazzling sunset , delve into the cosmos on a guided telescope tour . We couldn ’ t believe how cold it gets up here ( wait — this is Hawai ’ i , right ?). But don ’ t worry , warm outerwear and hot beverages are provided so you can enjoy the planets , nebulae , galaxies , star clusters , and shooting stars in cosy comfort . Awesome .
[ Above & below ] Though not for the faint-hearted , the Road to Hana is a thrilling drive that will take you from Maui ' s rainforest to its black-sand beaches .
Head off the beaten path to Pa ' ia
Swap Maui ' s main tourist spots for something a little more under-the-radar in Pa ’ ia . Once a plantation town during the sugarcane industry heyday , this northern township is now home to art galleries , boutiques and eateries that radiate fun 1960s California vibes . Stop by the colourful shops , grab a bite at the Pa ’ ia Fishmarket or Choice Health Bar , and head on to the ‘ windsurfing capital of the world ’ Ho ' okipa Beach to watch the action . In summer , H . A . Baldwin Park Beach and its baby beach lagoon also make a refreshing pitstop .
Take home a ni ’ ihau shell lei
If you ’ re ready to splurge on a statement piece that will forever remind you of your honeymoon in Hawai ' i , look for this iconic local jewellery made from precious pupu ‘ o ni ’ ihau shells . The artform is unique to the mysterious ' forbidden island ' of Ni ' ihau ( off Maui ) but the jewellery can be found at selected shops across the islands .
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