Ultimate Things to Do in Hawaii for Couples [2026]

There are plenty of things to do in Hawaii for couples. This post will provide a broad overview of the 50th State of the Union. We hope you will enjoy this post about Hawaii, our favorite place to visit. Cos has been visiting for over 45 years and finds new things to do each trip.

Top 50 Things to Do in Hawaii

There are easily 50 different things you might wish to do on a visit to Hawaii.  We've attempted to identify the best places to visit.  Please enjoy our post,

Learn About Things to Do in Hawaii for Couples

If you have never traveled to Hawaii, or you have never read James Michener's book "Hawaii", and you're planning a trip, get the book and read it. Published in 1959, the year Hawaii became the 50th state, the book is an excellent introduction to Hawaiian history and culture. It discusses the arrival of the various people who make up the islands' mixed culture, starting with the original Hawaiians who sailed from Bora Bora. Having this knowledge will prepare you to more meaningfully interact with local Hawaiians. Cos read the book on two different occasions prior to arrival in Hawaii, and it totally enhanced his visits both times. You can get the book at Amazon.com. 

How to Travel to and Around Hawaii for Couples

Each Hawaiian island is beautiful and unique in its own way. The most visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island), and Kauai. Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian islands, with nearly 4.7 million visitors annually. It is primarily defined by the state capital of Honolulu. Maui and Hawaii (The Big Island) are also popular choices. Kauai is the smallest and least visited of the 4 main islands, but many argue it's the most beautiful. You can learn more at https://www.hawaii-guide.com/selecting-the-best-hawaiian-island. Because Hawaii is a series of Islands, if you plan on visiting multiple islands, you will need to fly with inter-island flights. While there are some options to inter-island flights, we recommend using Hawaiian Airlines. We also prefer Hawaiian Airlines for traveling to the islands. We recommend renting a car in Hawaii unless you plan to just visit Waikiki. Unfortunately, renting a car can be expensive in Hawaii (it was outrageous when Hawaii reopened right after Covid). We suggest you look into renting from Rental Cars.com or Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they offer the best selections.  

Things to do in Hawaii for Couples: Helicopter Rides

Another fun thing to do on Maui is to enjoy a helicopter ride. One path takes you over the northern part of the island of Maui and gives you a bird's eye view of the Island of Molokai. The picture below is the northern coast of Molokai. You can take helicopter rides on all of the islands. Cos also took one on a previous trip when he was on Kauai. That trip is magnificent as it takes you over the Na Pali Coast, see below in the Kauai section.

Things to do in Hawaii for Couples: OAHU

Better known as Honolulu, the island of Oahu is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and the most populous, with 70% of Hawaii's population living there. Waikiki Beach, sitting in the shadow of Diamond Head, is the number one attraction on the Island and home to most of the hotels on the island. It is the perfect place to begin your visit to the United States 50th state.

Our Recent 2024 Visit to Oahu

Cos has visited Hawaii around a dozen times now, and most of the trips have begun in Oahu. On his first trip, he stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 1978 and finally returned 46 years later. The place had definitely changed, as back in 1978, the only hotel was the Rainbow Tower. Now there are a half-dozen different hotels. This is the perfect place to start your Hawaiian Vacation.. On the recent trip in February 2024, Cos and Robin did a 10-day tour, first to Oahu and later to the Big Island. One of the highlights this year was a drive around Oahu using the Shaka Oahu GPS Tour Guide.

Tours Around Oahu

Previously, we had used the Shaka GPS Guide on Maui while taking the trip to Hana and found it very helpful. It was also very helpful in Oahu as we visited some places that were new to us. Two of our new favorites were the blowhole at Koko Crater Arch Trail and the view of the valley at Koko Head Scenic Point.

  But our best new experience overall was visiting the surfing championship at Banzai Pipeline on Oahu's North Shore.

Dole Plantation

One of the fun places to visit on a tour around Oahu is the Dole Plantation. The Dole Plantation is located in the town of Wahiawa, roughly in the center of the island. This is more of a fun, family-friendly attraction than an actual working plantation today—but it’s a nostalgic and easy stop if you’re exploring Oahu, especially en route to the North Shore. You can take the famous Pineapple Express Train Tour through the fields.

Polynesian Cultural Center

One of the great stops on the ride around Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is a great place to learn about the cultures of many Polynesian Islands. Click below to learn more and to purchase a ticket. If you prefer a guided tour and to have someone else take you on your scenic drive, here is a GetYourGuide tour we recommend that takes you around the entire island. Just click on the link below to learn more about the tour, 

Hawaii's Historic WWII Sites - Pearl Harbor National Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Missouri, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also called the "Punchbowl", are all worth a visit. Cos has been to the USS Arizona at least four times, and every time he leaves without a dry eye. The pictures below are from a visit to Honolulu in 2015. You could still see oil leaking from the sunken USS Arizona. The picture above is the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII, which took place on the USS Missouri. The best way to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial site is to take a "skip-the-line tour." Click below to learn about the best tour at Get Your Guide.

Other Places to Visit in Oahu

Two other places that can be easily visited in downtown Honolulu are the Bishop Museum and the Iolani Palace.  We like to learn a lot about the history and culture of a place we visit, and both of these places are excellent for learning about Hawaiian history and culture.

Visiting Oahu by Cruise Ship

In 2026, we once again visited Hawaii, but this time by Cruise Ship. We had been on a thirty-day Celebrity cruise starting in Singapore, and visiting Bali, Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Samoa, and American Samoa before departing from Oahu. It was a wonderful cruise, and if interested in learning more about Celebrity or Princess cruises that visit Hawaii, please click on the links below:

A Day in Waikiki

After landing in Oahu, we spent a day in Waikiki. Previously, we had visited Waikiki on multiple trips to Hawaii, and we were always impressed by Diamond Head. On a visit in 2024, we finally accomplished a bucket-list item: we survived the famed Diamond Head Hike, which we highly recommend. During our cruise visit in 2026, we were a little less ambitious, and instead we took a catamaran ride from Waikiki Beach and took some wonderful pictures. Before we got on the catamaran, we took photos of two of Waikiki's famous heroes: Don Ho and Duke Kahanamoku. Once on the catamaran, we took some great photos, including Diamond Head and dolphins having fun just offshore. Needless to say, we booked the tour through GetYourGuide.  If interested, click below:

Things to do in Hawaii for Couples: Maui

When you ask American tourists which Hawaiian island is their favorite, Maui is often the answer. Cos and Robin got married on Maui in April of 2021. Pictured below are photos from their wedding dinner that night. Maui is popular because there is so much to do. We usually stay in the Ka'anapali part of the Island, since it is close to Kapalua, and we love its golf course and Merriman's Restaurant. The ocean is also very active at Kapalua, as shown in the picture below. You can take a nice, easy, gorgeous hike along the beach. We now also have access to a brand-new Hilton Grand Vacations Resort in Kihei (please visit hiltongrandvacations.com for more information). It has an outstanding pool setup and is closer to Wailea and Makena, where we got married.

Lahania

Lahaina, located on the Western side of Maui, was once the capital of all of Hawaii. Sadly, it was almost totally destroyed by the wildfires of 2023. So many of the islands' wonderful people have lost everything they own. Our hearts go out to the people. The psychological effects of the fires are still very real, so it is best not to ask about them when visiting the Island. We revisited West Maui in 2026. Very little of Lahania has been rebuilt. The fires have had a depressing effect on the entire West Maui area.  One thing that survived is the famous Lahania Banyan Tree.

Lahania Banyan Tree

During the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires, the tree was badly burned. For a time, it looked like it might be lost. However, the famous banyan tree is still standing and, remarkably, is alive and recovering. Planted in 1873, this banyan tree is one of the largest in the United States and has long been the heart of Lahaina’s historic district. Its recovery has become deeply meaningful—not just environmentally, but emotionally for the community. One of the fun things to do on Maui is to travel the road to Hana. It is a windy road that takes you past some magnificent waterfalls and ends up in a beautiful, scenic part of the island. If you continue beyond Hana, you will reach Haleakalā National Park, which offers great hikes and views. Beyond this park is the grave site of Charles Lindberg, a peaceful setting next to the Palapala Ho'omau Church. Robin is a fan of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, so this was a must-do. Continuing on this road is the less-traveled route, which offers gorgeous scenery. It's quite a treat. We recently hired a tour that spent the full day driving the road to Hana. We were especially looking forward to having someone else drive this rugged road, but we were pleasantly surprised that our guide was a native Polynesian. She shared many local stories and customs. We also did the road in reverse, which made for a much more pleasant experience with little traffic and frequent beautiful stops. However, the day was long, starting at 6:15 a.m. and returning at 3:45 p.m. Because there had been a lot of rain just before our trip, the waterfalls were especially robust, and the forest was lush and green. We made several stops, including one with fresh coconuts being chopped, yielding coconut water and fresh coconut meat. We also visited the Hana Cultural Farmstand, where I saw the biggest avocados we’ve ever seen, plus some delicious banana bread (of course), ginger and coconut candy, and a real ginger soft drink.

Other Road Trips

For more information about Road Trips, please visit our Road Trips Post.

Stories from the Road Trip

One particularly poignant story the guide shared was the story of the arrest and imprisonment of Queen Lili’uokalani in her home with the landing of U.S. Marines after the attempted uprising to restore the monarchy in 1893. On January 24, 1895, Lili’uokalani was forced to sign a document of abdication, choosing this alternative to save the lives of those who supported the Queen. She lived out her life in her Washington Place residence as a private citizen until her death on November 11, 1917.

Other Fun Activities on Maui

Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate offers farm tours and tastings of their premium chocolates grown in the hills above Lahaina. This local product has achieved remarkable award-winning success, including the 2021 Cocoa of Excellence Gold Award for the Asia-Pacific region.

What makes it special is that they actually grow cacao on Maui and produce “tree-to-bar” chocolate locally, which is still relatively rare in the chocolate world. The experience usually includes:

• A guided visit to the cacao farm in the foothills above Lahaina
• Learning how cacao is grown and harvested
• Touring the chocolate factory
• Tastings of multiple award-winning chocolates
• A beautiful elevated tasting area overlooking West Maui

A nice detail: the company says it donates 100% of net profits to Maui nonprofits, which has resonated strongly since the Lahaina fires.

Things to do for Couples in the Big Island of Hawaii

The Island of Hawaii is the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands and has the second-largest population. It has an active volcano and is more rugged than the other islands. The first picture below shows the impact of the volcano and its continued activity.   

Our Recent Visit to Hawaii Island (The Big Island)

As part of our February 2024 trip to Hawaii, we spent 5 days on the Big Island after visiting Oahu. We stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort. The views are spectacular.   Next to the Hilton is the Marriott Waikola Resort. It is equally spectacular.

Visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park,

Mauna Loa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most extraordinary natural features on Earth—massive, active, and surprisingly graceful in shape. It dominates the Hawaii (Big Island) and plays a central role in the island’s geology, culture, and even global science.

Mauna Loa: Why it’s so Famous

Mauna Loa is the largest volcano on the planet by volume and area. If you measured it from the ocean floor to its summit, it would actually be taller than Mount Everest. Its broad, gently sloping profile is what geologists call a shield volcano, built over hundreds of thousands of years by fluid lava flows.

• Elevation: about 13,681 feet (4,170 m) above sea level
• Last eruption: 2022 (after nearly 40 years of quiet)
• Status: Active

What makes Mauna Loa unique

Unlike the steep, explosive volcanoes you might picture, Mauna Loa erupts in a more flowing, river-like way. Its lava can travel great distances, reshaping the island over time.

• The summit caldera, Mokuʻaweoweo, is enormous—about 3 miles long
• Lava flows have historically reached the ocean and even threatened towns like Hilo
• It covers about half of the Big Island’s surface

A volcano you can actually experience

Much of Mauna Loa sits within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, where you can explore its landscape safely.

• Scenic drives across vast lava fields
• Hiking trails that cross hardened flows
• Stark, almost lunar scenery that shifts with elevation

At higher elevations, it can even feel alpine—cold, windy, and completely different from the tropical coast.

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is a completely different experience from Mauna Loa. If Mauna Loa feels powerful and volcanic, Mauna Kea feels almost otherworldly.

Why do People Drive Up to the Top?

The short answer: the views, the sky, and the feeling of being above the world.

• Above the clouds: The summit sits at 13,796 feet, and you’re often literally standing above a sea of clouds. At sunset, it’s breathtaking—soft gold light over a white cloud blanket.
• World-class stargazing: This is one of the best places on Earth to see the night sky. The air is dry, thin, and incredibly clear.
• The observatories: Those domes you see at the top are some of the most advanced telescopes in the world, run by international research teams.

What is it actually like up there?

It surprises people—this is not tropical Hawaii anymore.

• Cold: Temperatures can drop into the 30s–40s°F (or colder), especially after sunset
• Thin air: You feel the altitude—walking slowly is key
• Quiet and vast: It’s stark, almost lunar, with volcanic cinder cones and wide open space

In winter, it can even snow, which feels surreal in Hawaii.

The Drive (important to know)

You can drive most of the way, but it’s not a casual cruise.

• You’ll first stop at the Visitor Information Station (around 9,200 ft) to acclimate
• The final stretch to the summit is a steep, unpaved road
• A 4WD vehicle is typically required beyond the visitor center

Many people opt for a guided sunset/stargazing tour so they don’t have to manage the drive.

A meaningful detail

Mauna Kea is sacred in Hawaiian culture—considered a meeting place of earth and sky. Visitors are encouraged to approach it with respect (and you’ll feel that sense of reverence when you’re there).

Is it worth it?

Yes—if you’re comfortable with the altitude and the drive.

It’s one of those rare places where the experience is less about “what you do” and more about how it makes you feel: small, quiet, and completely removed from everyday life.

If interested, you can book a top-rated tour to Mauna Kea on GetYourGuide by clicking the link below. This tour begins in Hilo, but they also have tours that start on the Kona side, the south side of the Island. 

Whale Watching

One of the really fun things to do, either on the waters around Maui or the Big Island, or from certain places on those islands, is to see humpback whales. We took this picture from our hotel on the Big Island. The whales come down to Hawaii from Alaska in the winter months to feed and give birth.

Hidden Gems on the Big Island

One true Hidden Gem in Hawaii is the Painted Church. It is in a small area called Honaunau, off the beaten path. We strongly recommend a visit. It is near a memorial for Captain Cook, where he was killed during his last visit.

Pu'ukohola Heiau

Another Hidden Gem we discovered on our recent trip was the Pu'ukohola Heiau, just down the road (HI 270) from the Mauna Kea Resort. A Heiau was a very sacred temple for the Hawaiians. This particular temple is fairly well-preserved and was important as the site where Kamehameha first gained full control of the Island of Hawaii. This ultimately led to his becoming the first King of all Hawaii. The site is a US National Historic Site. It has an impressive site, and the Ranger Station shows a very professional film that explains the site's history.

Luau at Mauna Kea

Finally, you can't leave Hawaii without at least enjoying a Luau. One that we did and thoroughly enjoyed was at Mauna Kea. Mauna Kea is an Autograph Collection Resort, also part of Marriott. It is a great place to stay and a beautiful setting for a sunset Luau.

Things to do in Hawaii for Couples: Kauai

Kauai is the westernmost of the Islands and the fourth largest. It is nicknamed the "Garden Isle" because it has a wetter, more tropical climate than the other islands. Waimea Canyon State Park, home of the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the Na Pali Coast State Park on the northwest coast of Kauai are two of the most beautiful places you could imagine. Na Pali cannot be reached by car. Cos has visited the Na Pali Coast both by a wild catamaran ride and an equally wild helicopter ride. The Helicopter ride takes you between the mountains, similar to the opening scene of Jurassic Park. It is truly spectacular and well worth a visit. In addition to Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, Kauai offers many great places to hike. See Survival Tips for Hiking for more information. The Wailua Heritage Trail, on the eastern side of Kauai, offers some beautiful scenic views as it follows the Wailua River.

If you want to learn more about Maui or Kauai, we suggest you visit our post, "Ultimate 10-Day Maui and Kauai Itinerary [2026]."

Best Things to Do for Couples on Lanai

Lanai is a very different kind of Hawaii—quiet, uncrowded, and a little bit wild. It’s less about “checking sights” and more about soaking in a few truly special places. If you lean into that, it becomes unforgettable.

Here’s how to shape a perfect visit:

Hulopoe Bay (the island’s crown jewel)

This is the beach—and it’s spectacular, one of the best spots in all of Hawaii.

• Calm, crystal-clear water (great for snorkeling)
• Frequent dolphin sightings just offshore
• Beautiful tide pools along the edges
• Steps from the Four Seasons, so easy access if you’re staying there

If you do only one beach on Lanai, make it this one.

Shipwreck Beach (Keahiakawelo Coast)

Wild, remote, and a bit haunting.

• Rusted WWII-era ship visible offshore
• Rough, windswept coastline (not for swimming)
• Requires a 4WD adventure to reach

This is classic Lanai—rugged and untouched.

 

Garden of the Gods (Keahiakawelo)

Feels like you landed on Mars.

• Surreal red and orange rock formations
• Best at sunset—colors shift dramatically
• Cultural significance in Hawaiian legend

Pair this with Shipwreck Beach if you’re doing a 4WD day.

Sweetheart Rock (Puʻu Pehe)

One of the most photographed spots on the island.

• Short coastal walk from Hulopoe Bay
• Dramatic cliffs and ocean views
• Tied to a romantic Hawaiian legend

Go early in the morning or at sunset for the best light.

Explore Lanai City

A charming, almost frozen-in-time town.

• Centered around Dole Park
• Small shops, galleries, and casual restaurants
• Pineapple plantation history is everywhere

Good for a relaxed lunch and a wander.

Top 50 Things to Do in Hawaii: Golf at Manele Golf Course

If you play golf, this is bucket-list territory.

• Designed by Jack Nicklaus
• Cliffside holes with insane ocean views
• Challenging but unforgettable

Even non-golfers appreciate just seeing it.

Take a 4WD Adventure

This is one of the best things you can do on Lanai.

• Explore Polihua Beach (remote and beautiful)
• Combine Garden of the Gods + Shipwreck Beach
• See parts of the island most visitors never reach

You can rent a Jeep or go with a guide.

Relax at Four Seasons Resort Lanai

Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth experiencing.

• Oceanfront dining (Nobu Lanai is excellent)
• Spa and wellness experiences
• Gorgeous pools and beach access

This is where Lanai leans into luxury.

Snorkeling & Boat Excursions

• Snorkel Hulopoe Bay or go offshore
• Seasonal whale watching (winter months)
• Catamaran cruises along the coast

The calm waters here are often clearer than those on neighboring islands.

Sunset Everything

Lanai sunsets are next-level.

• Hulopoe Bay
• Garden of the Gods
• Manele cliffs

Plan at least one evening to do absolutely nothing but watch the sky change.

Best Things for Couples to Do on Molokai

Molokai is the opposite of “resort Hawaii.” It’s quiet, deeply local, and still very much rooted in Hawaiian culture. You don’t go there for nightlife—you go for space, history, and a feeling that Hawaii hasn’t been polished for visitors.

Here’s how to experience it well:

Kalaupapa Peninsula (powerful and unforgettable)

• Site of the historic leprosy settlement
• Reached by small plane, mule ride, or a steep hike (when open/available)
• Home of Father Damien’s work

It’s less a “tourist stop” and more a deeply moving experience.  

Papohaku Beach (miles of solitude)

• Perfect for long walks
• Stunning sunsets
• Too rough for swimming most days

It feels wild and untouched.

Halawa Valley (lush, cultural, and sacred)

This is Molokai at its most alive.

• Guided hikes to waterfalls
• Learn about ancient Hawaiian life and traditions
• One of the oldest continuously inhabited areas in Hawaii

Highly recommend doing this with a local guide—it adds meaning you won’t get on your own.

Whale Watching (in season)

Molokai sits between Maui and Lanai—prime whale territory.

• Best months: December–April
• Often visible right from shore
• A Boat tour is available and not overly commercialized

It’s a quieter version of the Maui experience.

Drive the East End (scenic + slow travel)

One of the most beautiful—and least crowded—drives in Hawaii.

• Narrow, winding roads
• Ocean cliffs and rainforest
• Leads toward Halawa Valley

Take your time. This is not a rushed drive.

Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove

Simple but iconic.

• Hundreds of tall royal palms were planted in the 1860s
• Quiet, slightly haunting beauty
• Great quick stop for photos

Snorkeling & Simple Beaches

Molokai isn’t known for flashy snorkeling—but there are peaceful spots:

• Kaunakakai Wharf area (easy access)
• Hotel Molokai beach areas
• Calm days only—conditions matter here

Visit Kaunakakai Town

The island’s main town (and it’s very small).

• Local shops and markets
• Famous Molokai hot bread (a must-try)
• A glimpse of real, everyday island life

This is where you feel how local Molokai really is.

What Molokai is not

This matters because expectations shape the trip:

• No big resorts (by design)
• No luxury shopping or nightlife
• Limited restaurants and infrastructure

And that’s exactly why people who love it… really love it.

Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or simply a well-deserved escape, Hawaii delivers the perfect blend of romance, beauty, and unforgettable experiences. From sunrise to sunset—and everything in between—these islands offer endless ways to reconnect and create lasting memories together. Choose your favorites, leave room for spontaneity, and let Hawaii do what it does best. Note: As an Amazon Associate, CosGuide4Travel earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made on its website. We also have affiliate links with other providers. If you visit their sites, we may also receive a small commission. This helps offset the cost of providing our service. This in no way increases the cost of any product or service that you may purchase on their sites. If you wish to follow us, please sign up for the newsletter below: