Oahu vs. Maui for Your Honeymoon: Which Hawaiian Island Is Right for You?
Planning a honeymoon in Hawaii and torn between Oahu and Maui? You’re not alone! These two beautiful islands each offer a dreamy escape but cater to different travel styles. I visited Oahu during my own honeymoon in 2023, but have recently visited Maui and love both islands. In this blog post, we’ll compare Oahu vs. Maui for a honeymoon so you can decide which paradise best fits your idea of a romantic getaway.
Vibe and Atmosphere
Oahu
Oahu is the more populated option. The Island offers a lively, energetic mix of city life and beachside beauty. With vibrant neighborhoods like Waikiki and plenty of nightlife, it’s perfect for couples who want to stay active and social.
Honolulu is the Hawaii state capital and the main city in Oahu. Downtown Honolulu is the hub of business, art and nightlife on the island.
Maui
Maui delivers a more relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Think quiet sunsets, upscale resorts, and scenic drives through lush landscapes.
Maui is home to the iconic Road to Hana tour which will really immerse the visitor in the remote areas of the island.
Beaches and Scenery
Oahu
Oahu is home to iconic spots like Waikiki Beach, Lanikai Beach, and the North Shore, known for surf culture and dramatic waves.
While Oahu is more developed, the island still offers stunning coastal hikes like Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail and Lanikai Pillbox Hike for panoramic views.
Looking to familiarize yourself with the island? During our stay, we took an Island Circle Tour. This was a day trip where we travelled the coast of Oahu, stopping at significant cultural sites and tourist favorites. We learned a lot about the Hawaiian culture while seeing some amazing views.
Maui
Maui boasts pristine beaches like Ka’anapali, Wailea, and Big Beach in Makena, often less crowded and ideal for honeymooners.
Maui’s landscapes are also more diverse, with everything from waterfalls on the Road to Hana to the volcanic summit of Haleakalā
On our recent trip to Maui, we stayed in an airbnb in Kihei. The beach in this area was beautiful and we were often the only ones strolling along the sand during our morning walks.
Oahu
Looking for cultural experiences? Oahu has a wealth of museums, temples, and historical landmarks.
Top 5 Activities in Oahu
- Visit Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona
- Hike Diamond Head Crater
- Explore the North Shore
- Relax at Lanikai Beach
- Experience a Traditional Luau
Maui
Maui is made for scenic road trips and natural wonders. This island emphasizes nature, local farms, and art towns.
Top 5 Activities in Maui
- Watch sunrise at Haleakala Park
- Drive the Road to Hana
- Snorkel at Molokini Crater
- Enjoy a Spa Day
- Visit Nakalele Blowhole
Resorts and Accommodations
Oahu
Oahu has a wide range of hotels and resorts from budget-friendly to luxury—making it easier to find options for every price range. A popular area of the island to stay if you’re looking to rent an airbnb or vrbo is Waikiki.
My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Aulani in Ko Olina. This area of the island is home to many resorts due to the various sheltered lagoons that allow you to swim in the ocean with ease.
3 Oahu Honeymoon Recommendations
Maui
Maui is known for its luxury honeymoon resorts in Wailea and Ka’anapali, many offering oceanfront rooms, private balconies, and adults-only pools. Everything needed for a romantic stay.
Splitting time between a rental and a resort is my favorite way to save on travel costs. Kihei has some great vacation rentals with close proximity to shops, dining and a beautiful beach.
3 Maui Honeymoon Recommendations
Dining
Oahu
Oahu features trendy restaurants, rooftop bars, and street food—perfect for couples who love dining out and socializing.
Nightlife is more active in Oahu, especially in Honolulu and Waikiki.
Looking for some restaurant ideas? Moku Kitchen, Island Vintage Coffee and Farm to Barn are must trys!
Maui
Maui offers upscale, oceanfront dining with sunset views and a quieter, more intimate vibe.
It is ideal for couples who prefer romantic evenings and stargazing.
Try Mama’s Fish House, Merriman’s Kapalua, or The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea for a memorable meal.
Getting Around The Island
Oahu is easier to explore without a rental car. Public transportation and Uber work well around Honolulu and Waikiki. We did not rent a car during our time in Oahu and didn’t feel like we were missing out.
Maui requires a rental car to truly explore, especially if you want to drive the Road to Hana or visit Haleakalā. If you’re looking to split time between different areas of Maui (highly recommend!) having a rental car is essential.
Budget and Travel Costs
Hawaii often has a reputation for being an expensive destination. When you’re on your honeymoon, you want to have a once in a lifetime experience, just not a once in a lifetime price tag.
Looking for some free activities in Maui? Check out my post Top 5 FREE Activities in Maui, Hawaii
Pro Tip: Travel during shoulder seasons (April–June or September–early November) to save on costs and avoid crowds. Also, booking flights and hotels in advance can help you lock in better prices.
Oahu vs. Maui For a Honeymoon: Final Verdict
Still not sure which island is right for your honeymoon? Here’s a quick recap:
Choose Oahu if: You want a lively, cultural experience with nightlife, iconic landmarks, and a variety of things to do.
Choose Maui if: You’re dreaming of a romantic, nature-filled escape with luxury resorts and breathtaking landscapes.
Can’t decide? Do both! Many couples split their time between the islands for the best of both worlds. Just make sure to plan for inter-island flights and give yourself enough time to enjoy each destination.
No matter which island you choose, a Hawaii honeymoon is always unforgettable.
Planning your dream honeymoon? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments below! Aloha and happy honeymooning
Looking for more info on planning your Hawaii Trip? Check out these posts:
Top 5 FREE Activities in Maui, Hawaii
5 Perfect Days In Maui, Hawaii
Our Honeymoon at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa Overview
