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Aloha! If white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green landscapes call your name for that special post-“I do” vacation, you’re probably considering Hawaii for your honeymoon. With luxury resorts, secluded villas, outdoor adventures, and incredible food, the Hawaiian islands offer newlyweds paradise.
But before you jet off into the sunset, you might be wondering – how much is this Hawaiian honeymoon really going to cost?
If you’re looking for a quick ballpark estimate, plan on budgeting $5,000-$10,000 for a week-long honeymoon in Hawaii for two people, including airfare. However, costs can vary widely depending on factors like which island you choose, when you go, where you stay, and what activities you plan for your romantic getaway.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the typical costs of a dream honeymoon in Hawaii. You’ll find price estimates and money-saving tips to help you plan the tropical vacation you’ve always envisioned without blowing your budget.
Choosing a Hawaiian Island
Oahu
Oahu is home to Hawaii’s capital and largest city, Honolulu. With world-famous Waikiki Beach, iconic Pearl Harbor, and attractions like Diamond Head Crater, Oahu offers an exciting mix of city life, natural beauty, and historical sites.
Over 1 million people call Oahu home, making it the most populated Hawaiian island.
Maui
Often called the “Valley Isle,” Maui is known for its stunning natural scenery. Popular spots include the Road to Hana, Haleakala National Park, and the towns of Lahaina and Kaanapali. With its mix of rainforests, waterfalls, beaches, and the dormant volcano Haleakala, Maui appeals to nature lovers.
About 150,000 people live on Maui.
Kauai
Nicknamed the “Garden Isle,” Kauai boasts lush rainforests, jagged cliffs, and picturesque beaches. Sites like Waimea Canyon State Park and the Napali Coast have made Kauai a go-to spot for adventures and relaxation. Its small-town charm also appeals to visitors looking to escape busier islands.
Around 72,000 people call Kauai home.
Big Island of Hawaii
As its name suggests, the Big Island is the largest Hawaiian island. Unlike the other islands, the Big Island features 11 different climate zones ranging from tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains.
Popular spots include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Mauna Kea, Hilo town, and world-renowned Kona coffee farms. Over 200,000 residents live on the rural Big Island.
Best Times to Visit Hawaii
High vs. Low Season
Hawaii has two main seasons that impact costs and crowds – high season and low season. High season runs from mid-December through March and June through August. This is when the islands see the most visitors, flights and hotels are the most expensive, and popular attractions are crowded.
Low season runs from April through early December, excluding June and July. During these months, airfare and hotels can be 50% less expensive. There are smaller crowds at popular sights as well. The weather is still warm and sunny much of the year, making the low season an amazing time to visit Hawaii on a budget.
Weather Variations
Hawaii enjoys warm tropical weather year-round, but there are some variations to consider when planning your honeymoon:
- December-March: Hawaii’s high season coincides with the cooler and rainier winter months. Daytime highs average 78°F with increased rain showers.
- April-May: Temperatures begin rising into the low 80s and rain showers decrease, especially on the leeward sides of the islands. Great shoulder season to visit.
- June-September: Summer delivers ideal beach weather, with temperatures in the mid 80s, along with more humidity. Ocean conditions may be rough at times.
- October-November: Another shoulder season with fewer crowds. Temperatures remain in the 80s but with less humidity and rainfall.
No matter when you choose to honeymoon in Hawaii, packing sunscreen and light, breathable clothing along with some long pants and a light jacket for the occasional cool morning or rain shower is recommended year-round.
Flights to Hawaii
Departing from Mainland U.S.
Flights from the mainland United States to Hawaii can vary widely in price depending on the time of year, airline, and departure city. Generally, flights depart from major hub airports like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York.
Flying to Hawaii in the low season from mid-April to early June tends to be less expensive, with round-trip flights averaging between $400-$700. High season flights from late June through August and the holidays in December can average from $800-$1,200 round-trip.
Here’s a comparison of estimated flight costs to Honolulu from some major mainland airports:
Departure City | Low Season Flight Cost | High Season Flight Cost |
---|---|---|
Los Angeles | $350 round-trip | $700+ round-trip |
San Francisco | $400 round-trip | $900+ round-trip |
Seattle | $500 round-trip | $800+ round-trip |
Las Vegas | $400 round-trip | $700+ round-trip |
The major airlines flying to Hawaii include Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United, American, Delta, Southwest, and Sun Country. Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines tend to offer the most nonstop flights, while the other carriers may connect through western hub cities.
Inter-island Flights
Once you arrive in Hawaii, each major island has its own airport which makes easy to catch inter-island flights on Hawaiian Airlines, Mokulele Airlines, or Makani Kai Air. Round-trip flights between the islands typically range from $70-$140 per person depending on the airline and season.
Here are some sample round-trip inter-island flights:
- Oahu to Maui or Kauai: $100-$200 round-trip
- Oahu to Hawaii Island: $140-$260 round-trip
- Maui to Hawaii Island: $140-$260 round-trip
- Kauai to Maui or Hawaii Island: $100-$200 round-trip
The main inter-island carriers offer several daily nonstop flights between the islands. It’s also possible to book multi-island flights to hit all four major islands on one ticket.
Accommodations: Resorts vs. Vacation Rentals
All-inclusive vs. Room-only Resorts
When choosing a resort in Hawaii for your honeymoon, one decision is whether to go with an all-inclusive option or a room-only resort. All-inclusive resorts bundle amenities like food, drinks, and activities into the room rate, while room-only resorts charge separately for these things.
All-inclusives tend to be more expensive upfront, but make it easier to budget for your trip without extra charges popping up. Popular all-inclusive resort brands in Hawaii include Aulani, Disney’s resort on O’ahu, and several Outrigger properties on various islands.
Luxury, Mid-range, and Budget Resorts
In addition to all-inclusive vs. room-only, Hawaii resorts range from luxurious 5-star retreats to more affordable hotels focused on the essentials. Luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island provide lavish amenities like fine dining, golf, and spa treatments with price tags over $1,000 per night.
Mid-range resorts like Waikiki Beach Marriott offer comfortable accommodations and easy beach access for $300-$500 per night. Budget hotels start around $150 per night, often with few extras but an unbeatable location.
Vacation Rentals and Private Villas
Vacation home and condo rentals through sites like VRBO and Airbnb offer spacious multi-bedroom units with full kitchens, living rooms, and resort-style amenities.
- Pros: More room to spread out, ability to cook own meals to save money, sometimes more affordable than equivalent hotel rooms that sleep 4+ people
- Cons: Generally don’t include daily housekeeping, fewer on-site services like pools/restaurants, require more coordination for check-in/key pickup
Renting an entire private villa takes vacation rentals up a notch, providing total privacy amid luxurious features for honeymooners or groups. According to HomeToGo, the average weekly rate for a high-end villa rental in Hawaii is around $8,500, ranging from beach cottages to sprawling oceanfront estates.
Creating Your Hawaii Honeymoon Itinerary
Outdoor Adventures and Tours
Hawaii is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider booking an exhilarating zipline tour through lush rainforest canopies with Kapalua Ziplines or soaring over the Ko’olau mountains with Oahu Zipline.
For a more leisurely option, take a romantic horseback ride along the beach at sunset or sail along the Na Pali Coast by catamaran. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular with incredible visibility at places like Molokini Crater, Hanauma Bay, and Tunnels Beach.
Don’t forget the unique opportunity to swim with turtles or observe majestic humpback whales during winter months.
Romantic Meals and Dinners
Nothing beats dining on freshly caught island cuisine under the stars at an oceanfront restaurant. Popular romantic spots include Ocean House on the Big Island’s dramatic lava fields with sweeping sunset views or Duke’s Beach House on Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach.
For quaint seclusion, share locally sourced farm-to-table dishes at an intimate bistro like Pa’ia’s Maui Cuisine or CJS Steak and Seafood nestled in Kapalua Resort. Splurge on a private beachfront dinner just for two catered by someone like Tropical Events.
Finish with decadent desserts featuring tropical fruits, banana bread topped with vanilla bean gelato or a decadent chocolate creation with a glass of bubbly.
Spa Days and Treatments
Pamper yourselves with rejuvenating spa treatments designed for romance and relaxation. Popular choices include couples massages in private thatched roof hales at The Spa at Kapalua, side-by-side facials utilizing nourishing local ingredients like coconut, ginger and lavender at Prince Waikiki Spa with dazzling views of the city skyline and Waikiki Beach, or a 75-minute couples treatment incorporating aromatic botanicals, hot stones and lomilomi massage in a candlelit seaside cabin at Grand Wailea’s Spa Grande.
Finish your pampering session soaking in volcanic waters of natural pools or steaming in heavenly scented saunas knowing you’ll leave feeling refreshed and reconnected in paradise.
Sunsets, Stargazing and Scenic Drives
Nothing says romance like stunning island landscapes painted in dazzling colors by sinking suns. Perch on sandy beaches with a drink in hand watching sunsets at popular west-facing spots like Napili Bay on Maui or Salt Pond Beach Park on Kauai, have your hotel concierge make a reservation at Sunset Bar (Kalanipu’u Restaurant) on Molokai for unobstructed panoramas, or splurge on a sailing cruise that finishes with views of fiery sunsets slipping into azure waters.
After darkness falls, stargaze in wonder hand-in-hand from summit lookouts like Mauna Kea or Haleakala. Scenic drives like Road to Hana on Maui or Waimea Canyon on Kauai reveal some of Hawaii’s most magnificent landscapes.
Stop to capture Instagram-worthy scenes, picnic in secluded valleys or hike to hidden waterfalls as you explore off the beaten path.
Average Cost Breakdown for a 7-Day Hawaii Honeymoon
Planning a honeymoon in Hawaii can be exciting but also overwhelming when trying to estimate costs. Here’s a breakdown of average expenses for a 7-day Hawaii honeymoon to help you budget.
Flights
Flights to Hawaii can vary greatly depending on departure city, airline, time of year, and length of stay. Expect to spend around $500-$800 roundtrip per person from major US cities.
Accommodations
Hotel rooms in Hawaii generally range from $200-$500 per night. Opting for a condo rental can save money. Average cost for a week’s stay is around $1,400 for hotels or $1,000 for a rental.
Food
Figure $100 per day per couple for food if you eat some meals out at nice restaurants and prepare simpler meals yourselves as well. This equals around $700 for food for a 7-day trip.
Transportation
Rental cars in Hawaii average around $50 per day. Some resorts offer shuttle services. Other options are tours, public buses, or splurging on taxis. Transportation for a week often totals $350-$500.
Activities
Determine a budget for luaus, boat rides, helicopter tours, spa treatments, and other adventures. These vary greatly but count on around $100-$150 per major activity per couple. For a 7-day trip, that could total $500-$1,000 depending on choices.
Add it up and the average cost for airfare, lodging, food, transportation, and activities easily reaches $3,500-$4,500 for a honeymoon in paradise. Saving up and planning ahead helps make this dream trip a reality!
Conclusion
From luxurious oceanfront resorts to cozy bungalows, Hawaii offers newlyweds a wide range of accommodations and activities to design your ideal honeymoon within nearly any budget. While airfare and lodging tend to be the biggest expenses, you can save substantially by visiting during shoulder seasons, choosing less expensive islands and towns, and looking for flight deals and resort packages.
We hope this guide gave you a helpful overview of what to expect in terms of costs when planning your post-wedding getaway in paradise. No matter which islands you visit or where you decide to splurge – you’re sure to be swept away by Hawaii’s romantic sunsets, lush landscapes, and welcoming aloha spirit.
So start dreaming up your perfect itinerary…the Hawaiian honeymoon of your dreams awaits!