Maui has been one of our most popular honeymoon destinations for many years - and for good reason. This tropical island is home to incredible beaches, soaring mountains, world-class resorts, jaw-dropping tropical scenery, and so much more. It's absolutely beautiful and teeming with romantic experiences everywhere you look.
Heading to "The Valley Isle" for your honeymoon? Instead of hitting all of the well-known spots, couples can carve out their own unique honeymoon experience by heading off the beaten path a bit.
Check out 10 of our favorite Maui hidden gems below. Then be sure to add these one-of-a-kind activities to your honeymoon registry ahead of your trip.
1 - The Best Hawaiian Shave Ice - Conveniently located in Kihei, Gus' Hawaiian Shave Ice serves up some of the very best shave ice in all of Hawaii - straight out of a 1964 VW bus ("Gus the Bus"). Honeymoon couples can expect delicious and unique flavor combinations, from root beer coconut to coconut macadamia nut coffee with coconut cream.
2 - Farmers Markets of Maui - Farmers markets on the island are typically fantastic places to meet locals and discover unique items, whether it be handmade crafts or farm fresh produce (think passion fruit, juice, cheese, fish, banana bread, and macadamia-nut spreads). Check out the latest schedule here, which covers markets on all corners of the island.
3 - A High Elevation Lavender Farm - Situated at 4,000 feet elevation on the slopes of Mt. Haleakala, the incredible Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm is a terrific place to wander together. On top of jaw-dropping views in the cooler upcountry climate of Maui, newlyweds can explore over 10 acres of scenic gardens and browse their gift shop for a wide array of unique lavender-themed treasures.
4 - Coffee Shop Visits - Hawaii is one of the few places in the United States that grows coffee for consumption. Albas Cuban Coladas, Grandma's Coffee House, and Akamai Coffee (where the coffee is 100% locally grown and roasted) are three of our favorite coffee shops worth a visit during your Maui honeymoon.
5 - Hidden Maui Beaches and Snorkeling - While many honeymooners already know about popular Maui beaches like Ka'anapali Beach and Makena Beach, the island is also home to many swoon-worthy, under-the-radar strips of sand, such as Maluaka Beach in the southern part of Maui near Makena. This spot is also known as "Turtle Town" for its tremendous number of green sea turtles.
6 - Maui Plate Lunch - Get a taste of real Maui by heading to some of the island's best plate lunch spots. Traditional plate lunches typically feature casual restaurants or take out establishments offering a meat entree and sides like rice and macaroni salad. Two of our favorites include Aloha Mixed Plate (with its lovely open-air setting) and Tin Roof, which is run by former Top Chef finalist Sheldon Simeon.
7 - Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center - Set in upcountry Maui, this amazing nonprofit offers a wide variety of art events, exhibitions, classes, workshops, and gift shop. Be sure to check out their class offerings for when you're visiting.
8 - Stargazing - Most newlyweds visiting Mt. Haleakala often spend time hiking or visiting for a sunrise and bike tour. On top of those incredible experiences, be sure to book an unforgettable stargazing experience atop the mountain, which includes a tour of the national park, sunset picnic, and astronomer-led telescope tour of the cosmos.
9 - Aunty Sandy's Banana Bread - The world-famous Road to Hana has many wonderful detours (like Maui's Garden of Eden), but make sure Aunty Sandy's is at the top of your list. Just after mile maker 16, this delightful roadside snack stand has been serving up delicious banana bread daily since 1983. Honeymooners can also enjoy many other sweet treats like dried fruit, candy, cookies, and fresh fruit juices.
10 - Hidden Hikes - With national parks, rainforest terrain, volcanic peaks, massive waterfalls, and soft sand beaches, it's easy to see why Maui is an extremely popular destination for hiking. Looking for a rewarding trail just off the beaten path? Head out to spots like Kahakapao Loop Trail (a breathtaking trail through Makawao Forest Reserve), and Waihou Spring Trail, a 1.4-mile hike through a serene pine forest that leads to springs and a waterfall.
**Looking for ways to help Maui and its local communities after the devastating wildfires in 2023? Helping Maui is a tremendous resource for staying updated and discovering ways you can make an impact.**
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