31 Totally Romantic Things to Do in Maui for Couples

When it comes to romantic things to do in Maui for couples, often it’s the small things that spark the biggest flame.

For us, it was the surreal purple sky…

We were lying side-by-side in the soft sand at Hamoa Beach watching the waves roll in, when suddenly huge puffy clouds skittered down the mountainside, and the sky shifted from blue to deep violet.

And that’s when we started making out like teenagers.

See, Maui has that effect on couples. There are so many dreamy places in Maui to stay and explore – like Hana and its beautiful Hamoa Beach.

It’s why so many couples choose Maui as their ultimate romantic getaway destination when planning a trip to Hawaii!

With its seductive beaches, tropical flowers and silken warm breezes, this Hawaiian island is synonymous with romance.

A lusted-after honeymoon destination, Maui is perfect for celebrating any romantic occasion, be it an anniversary – or simply to get away with your sweetheart.

Let’s find out more about what couples of all ages love doing on Maui…

Best things to do in Maui for couples

1) Discover beautiful waterfalls

Imagine lush rainforest with hanging vines and a graceful waterfall cascading down into a pool of crystal clear water. You and your partner are splashing playfully in a cool swimming hole at the base of the waterfall.

Romantic, isn’t it?

Good news – Hawaii’s Valley Isle is teeming with opportunities to bring this scene to life.

Indeed, just by taking one of Maui’s most scenic drives along the Hana Highway with your sweetheart, you can reach some of the best waterfalls on Maui.

Two fun Maui facts about this drive: You cross 46 one-lane bridges and navigate 620+ curves.

Tip: When packing for Maui, be sure to take good water sandals if interested in any waterfall hiking.

2) Sip sundowners by the sea

We all know that toasting the sunset with your loved one is almost sure to unleash Cupid’s arrows.

But having a waterfront view of the sun slipping into the ocean at Mala Ocean Tavern in Lahaina town adds a whole new meaning to sipping sundowners a déux.

Speaking of sundowners, why not crank up the romance with some bubbly?

Cozy up with your sweetheart at the Champagne Hale at Cliff House, a perfectly mellow lounge set atop idyllic Kapalua Bay.

Whether you’re in the mood for rosé or champagne cocktails, unwinding with your lover as you gaze out onto the Pacific Ocean is sure to get you both in the right mood.

3) Watch whales and listen to whale songs

One of the most enjoyable romantic Maui activities for couples is to take a whale watching kayak-and-snorkel tour with South Pacific Kayaks to see the magnificent humpback whales that live around Maui from December to April.

Some whale watching boat tours – like this 2-hour cruise on the Malolo catamaran – put a hydrophone underwater so you can hear the whale sounds.

For a different experience, go snorkeling and hear whale songs underwater. Puzzling at first, the complex haunting pattern of moans, trills and cries tugs at your heartstrings.

4) Learn to hula

The Polynesians developed the hula dance style on the Hawaiian islands; hula is just about the most Hawaiian thing you can do!

While you’ll have plenty of amazing opportunities to watch other people dance hula, why not take it up a notch and try your hand (or hips) doing it yourself?

Who knows, you or your partner may be an undiscovered hula prodigy!

5) Sail to Lanai

There’s something about sailing – feeling the rhythm of the ocean swells and listening to the flutter of canvas sails – that gets couples canoodling.

Take a full day catamaran excursion to Lanai with Trilogy (the “Discover Lanai” tour), and delight in hot homemade cinnamon rolls and fresh Kona coffee as you sail away from historic Lahaina Harbor.

In the winter months, you’ll probably see humpback whales and their babies frolicking and breaching.

Once on the island of Lanai, swim and snorkel at palm-fringed Hulopoe Beach (rated the best beach in North America by “Dr. Beach”) and enjoy an island-style barbecue lunch.

And, if you’re lucky, your captain might sing and play Hawaiian songs on his ukulele as you float back to Maui with the wind.

6) Watch the surfers at Paia

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Maui for free, head to Ho’okipa Beach Park at Paia on Maui’s north shore.

This beach is known as the windsurfing capital of the world.

Hug your honey as you watch windsurfers and kiteboarders jump and somersault in humongous waves. The reef stretches across the whole bay, creating epic waves that surge as high 25 feet in winter.

Then stroll the streets of the chilled little beach village of nearby Paia.

Old plantation-style wooden buildings housing boutiques, surf stores, antique shops and funky cafés reflect its history as a former sugar cane plantation town.

7) Lounge poolside in a couples cabana

Six cabanas by the adults-only Serenity Pool can be reserved in advance for a fee.

They come with robes, a plasma screen TV with headphones, two bottles of champagne, piles of lavender-scented towels, Evian spritzers, couches and a fridge. Live plants and trees add greenery, and ceiling fans keep you cool.

When you want a dip, just slide into the infinity pool and hang out over the edge for sweeping views of Wailea Beach.

Four more ocean-view cabanas (not by the Serenity Pool) have a prime perch close to the beach.

They have cushioned daybeds, flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines plus private loungers and umbrellas on the lawn in front of each cabana. Of course, they’re personally serviced too.

It’s impossible not to steal a kiss as you gaze out at the seductive views of the Pacific Ocean!

8) Snorkel with sea turtles

In Hawaiian culture, sea turtles (or honu) are a symbol of good luck and long life. So what better way to give your love life an extra boost of luck and vigor than by snorkeling together with these wonderful creatures?

Ulua Beach in the Wailea area offers easy snorkeling. It’s common to see Hawaiian green sea turtles hanging out on its outer reef.

Another top snorkeling spot is Honolua Bay, a protected marine sanctuary with colorful coral formations.

Not only is it common to see sea turtles here but you’ll also enjoy a huge variety of other marine life, like clouds of turquoise-and-pink parrot fish, darting butterfly fish and long skinny trumpet fish.

Sometimes you can even hear the music of whales underwater too!

Still another favorite local spot is Turtle Town. (Actually there are several “Turtle Towns,” where spotting sea turtles is almost guaranteed!)

One of the best ways to see these turtles is on a Molokini and Turtle Town snorkel tour (covered in more detail in #30 below). Located off Maluaka Beach, the particular Turtle Town visited on this tour doesn’t disappoint.

9) Share banana cream pie from Leoda’s

This is one of those sweet couple things to do in Maui – pun intended!

Leoda’s Kitchen and Pie Shop is famous for its decadent pies. Chocolate macadamia nut pie. Apple crumble pie. Peanut butter pie. Lime pie. Pineapple mac-nut pie. You name it.

But their heavenly banana cream pie, crowned with sky-high clouds of cream, is the queen.

What’s adorable is that the bakery’s pies, which are smaller than the standard 9-inch pie size, are the perfect size for two people.

10) Bask on a beach

The island of Maui has many lovely golden sand beaches (better swimming beaches than the beaches in Kauai).

If you rent a car (recommended, even if just for a day or two), it’s fun to drive along the coastline and explore different spots.

D.T. Fleming Beach:

One of the nicest beaches in Maui is at D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Shaded by large ironwood trees, it’s typically quiet and uncrowded.

With a sandy bottom, it offers good swimming and boogie boarding when the waves aren’t too big. You may even spot a sea turtle!

Winter months often see high surf, attracting surfers and surf watchers.

You’ll also find restrooms, showers, picnic tables and a lifeguard station here.

Part of the beach fronts the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua’s outdoor palm-shaded Burger Shack – a great place for a casual lunch or a cocktail.

D.T. Fleming Beach is at its best when it isn’t windy.

Makena Beach:

One of the most famous Maui beaches is Makena Beach.

Down in the dry countryside of south Maui, just a few minutes’ drive south of Wailea (beyond the last of the hotel developments), it offers a wilder experience than the resort beaches.

The beach is huge, stretching out nearly 2/3 of a mile, and the water is impossibly clear and blue. Book-ended by two black lava outcroppings, it offers picture-perfect views of the islands of Molokini and Kahoolawe in the distance.

The waves are typically just right here for body surfing too.

You’ll find two gorgeous beaches at Makena State Park.

The main beach is known as Big Beach (aka “Big Makena Beach” or “Oneloa” or sometimes just “Makena Beach”). It has lifeguard towers, restrooms and picnic tables.

Walk north along the beach (in the direction of Wailea) and you’ll come to the second beach, called Little Beach.

You have to scramble a bit over some rocky boulders. But once you get there, you’ll see it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Maui.

You’ll also notice that most people are nude.

Yes, Little Makena Beach is a nude beach! While nudity is legally not allowed in Hawaii, the beach is so secluded that you can get away with a line-free tan on Little Beach.

Bring a sun umbrella and beach mats (inexpensive to buy on Maui), along with a picnic, and you can enjoy some great beach time at Makena Beach!

11) Hike in a bamboo forest

In Hana (located in east Maui) – one of the most heavenly spots in Maui – you can hike hand-in-hand through an enchanting bamboo forest to a beautiful waterfall.

The 4-mile Pipiwai Trail (roundtrip) starts above the “Seven Sacred Pools” (which you should view after).

After threading through an enormous banyan tree, you soon enter vast stands of thick 100-foot-high bamboo stalks.

The bamboo poles act like a giant hypnotic chime when the wind blows. The sound-surround experience of winding along the boardwalk through these soaring poles, all clacking against each other, is almost mystical.

You then cross small streams and pools to reach the base of the spectacular 400-foot-high Waimoku Falls.

12) Watch the sunrise at Haleakala

As romantic as sunsets can be, there’s really nothing like watching the sunrise from Mount Haleakala’s majestic peak (10,000 feet above sea level) with the one you love.

Be sure to plan properly and check what time sunrise will be on the day you want to go.

Keep in mind that it takes about 1½ hours to drive to Haleakala, and you want to arrive at least a ½ hour before sunrise to claim your ideal spot.

You need to make a reservation with the park ahead of time to view the sunrise – see here for sunrise reservations at Haleakala National Park.

Also, being at such a high altitude and arriving before the sun rises in the sky means chilly temperatures. Just another great reason to pack a blanket and steal some extra snuggle time with your sweetheart!

No question, greeting the day this way is one of the best romantic activities in Maui to put on your list.

13) View the turtles in Paia

Remember we mentioned watching the surfers at Paia (#6)?

Huge sea turtles – up to four feet long – are another top Paia attraction.

Turtles, like humans, enjoy basking in the sun. And they love to crawl up on the golden sands of Ho’okipa Beach and catch some Vitamin D.

To view them, walk to the far right side of the beach (as you’re facing the water). There’s also a viewing platform at the edge of the low cliffs above, so you can look down at them too.

At first, you might think the large grey-and-brown blobs are just big boulders. But you’ll quickly notice they move – they’re actually turtles.

We saw at least 20 large Hawaiian green sea turtles sunning on the beach. One was slapping the side of his (her?) shell with their flipper. Others lumbered in and out of the ocean. Fun to watch!

Ho’okipa comes from the Hawaiian word for “welcoming comfort.” And this beach certainly welcomes lots of turtles!

14) Chill out with a couples massage

Get kneaded into blissful oblivion as you both take pleasure in side-by-side massages.

This is definitely one of the top Maui honeymoon activities! But lovers at any stage in their relationship will enjoy pampering themselves this way.

At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua, treatment rooms open to private gardens with outdoor showers.

Signature therapies include the Coconut Crush Body Renewal (“love at first scrub”) and a hot stone massage, which uses warm volcanic stones to soothe tired muscles.

The award-winning Spa Montage at the Montage Kapalua Bay is also serene and gorgeous.

Opt for a traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage in one of the breezy wooden hales (huts). The flowing forearm movements used by your spa therapists feel like waves of the Pacific Ocean rippling over your body.

15) Stroll lavender fields

Venture upcountry to the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm to stroll through fields of sweet lavender.

Nestled high on the cool mountain slopes of Haleakala, the lavender farm is one of the most romantic places in Maui.

Take a leisurely walking tour to see and enjoy the scent of some 55,000 lavender plants (20 different varieties), along with “secret gardens” of flowering jasmine, protea and hydrangea.

Then sip lavender tea and nibble on moist scones and lavender honey on the pretty lanai.

Or reserve a gourmet picnic lunch basket (with lavender goodies) and seek out your own private enclave amongst the rolling lavender hills.

16) Bed down in a romantic hotel

Hotel Wailea:

The Hotel Wailea is the ultimate adults-only oasis for couples – perfect for a Maui honeymoon or other romantic holiday occasion.

Perched 300 feet above sea level – with 180 degrees of unobstructed ocean views, cascading waterfalls and meandering romantic walkways – the Hotel Wailea oozes romance!

Inn at Mama’s Fish House:

If romance to you means finding your own private spot away from the resorts and main tourist spots, then the Inn at Mama’s Fish House is exactly what you need.

Nestle up in one of the inn’s charming cottages, located in a secluded beachside coconut grove on Maui’s north shore, near the town of Paia.

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua:

Then there’s The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. As far as we’re concerned, you can never go wrong with the Ritz!

At this gorgeous resort, you’ll be surrounded by 22,000 acres of space (in the Kapalua Resort), offering six beaches, incredible hiking trails, championship golf courses and natural sanctuaries.

Feeling romantic is hardly a challenge at this Maui romantic getaway!

17) Go star gazing

Another picture-perfect way to experience Mount Haleakala (in addition to the sunrise – see #12) is cuddling up with your partner and gazing at the stars.

A heavenly night like this is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!

18) Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner

Nothing says romance more than a romantic dinner on the Hawaiian islands.

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea:

One of the best honeymoon spots for an evening of amazing views and alfresco dining is The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea – it’s the perfect place to set those wheels of romance in motion.

You can choose from decadent three and five-course prix fixe menus. Delicacies include sublime mushroom risotto and locally-sourced fresh fish specials, like the mahi mahi with pineapple chutney.

Lahaina Grill:

It’s all about the food at Lahaina Grill, one of the top fine dining restaurants in the U.S.

Billing itself as a contemporary bistro, this sophisticated romantic restaurant tempts the tastebuds with Maui-onion-and-sesame-seed crusted seared Ahi (served with vanilla bean jasmine rice) and Kona coffee roasted rack of lamb.

Mama’s Fish House:

For the freshest seafood and best location, the family-owned Maui institution Mama’s Fish House can’t be beat.

Maybe start with grilled octopus or macadamia nut crab cakes.

Fish is their specialty, so for an entrée, be sure to order one of their signature dishes like Mama’s fish curry made with ahi tuna, mahi mahi and salmon, served with Mama’s mango chutney.

And don’t skip dessert – their chocolate pie, baked in a caramel cookie crust, is out of this world.

We think Mama’s Fish House is one of the most romantic restaurants in Maui!

If you’re celebrating your honeymoon in Maui – or any other romantic occasion – be sure to dine at least once at Mama’s Fish House.

Mala Ocean Tavern:

Absolutely start with sunset cocktails (see #2) at this smashing seaside eatery and bar on the edge of Lahaina.

But then stay for dinner. Mala Ocean Tavern is one of our favorite casual yet romantic Maui restaurants on the water.

If oyster shooters aren’t your thing, the Ahi bruschetta (made with flaxseed toast) is a deliciously healthy way to kick off.

Candlelight dinner at Wailea Beach Resort:

If you want to pull out all the stops for a guaranteed romantic dinner for two, reserve a private sunset dinner at the Wailea Beach Resort.

A personal attendant will tend to your every need as you and your loved one enjoy a candlelight dinner at your own secluded oceanfront table.

For the private dinner option, you can customize your own menu.

Tip: The Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese is amazing!

19) Get a bird’s eye view of Maui by helicopter

If this is your first Hawaii trip, a helicopter tour is an an absolute must. No matter what tour you choose, it’s sure to be an experience you both will treasure forever.

20) Taste Maui wines

One of the most delightful things to do in Maui for couples is to go wine tasting in the island’s upcountry area of Kula.

Take a leisurely drive up to MauiWine, a 23-acre vineyard at Ulupalakua Ranch. Then unwind as you sip on their locally-crafted wines, while soaking in the picturesque natural beauty.

Take your time savoring delicious pineapple sparkling wine or a signature wine cocktail, like the Wild Hibiscus or Lehua Royale.

Before you leave, grab an extra bottle or two of pineapple wine to bring home as a memento of your trip!

21) Walk the Kapalua Coastal Trail

If the two of you are wondering what to do in Maui for a little outdoor exercise together, hit the Kapalua Coastal Trail. It’s one of our favorite walks in Maui!

The trail runs for 1¾ miles along the coast from the south end of Kapalua Bay to D.T. Fleming Beach.

If you start at Kapalua Bay, you walk alongside Kapalua Bay Beach, past the luxury Montage resort. At Oneloa Bay, waves crashing against lava rock cliffs vie for your attention.

The last section continues past the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua hotel to D.T. Fleming Beach, where surfers ride the waves if the surf’s up.

Then turn around and head back to where you parked your car. And trust us, the ocean views look different on the way back.

With photo stops (and a lot of gawking), this Kapalua walking trail takes about 2 hours. You’ll be walking on everything from pavement and boardwalk to a natural rocky path across lava fields.

Tip: Go in the morning before the sun gets too strong – and enjoy!

22) Steal a kiss in the Sacred Garden

There’s something about the pristine beauty and serenity of Maui’s Sacred Garden that really gets those love vibes pulsating!

Part nursery, part spiritual retreat, part creativity center, the Sacred Garden inspires connection, peace and love. You won’t be able to help stealing a kiss – or two or three – while in the gardens.

Whether you decide to sit peacefully, gazing at the 500-lb Buddha in the Buddha Garden, or to take a stress-releasing stroll through one of the walking meditation labyrinths, all couples will benefit from disconnecting from the outside world and connecting with each other here.

Visiting this special place is one of the most relaxing activities in Maui for couples.

23) Spy spinner dolphins in La Perouse Bay

There’s nothing like seeing spinner dolphins in action out in the wild!

If the two of you want to experience this phenomenon, going on a rafting tour of La Perouse Bay (with Red Line Rafting) is one of the best things to do in Maui.

The site of Maui’s most recent volcanic activity (in the 18th century), La Perouse Bay is made up of many small pristine coves.

It’s a stunning place to snorkel. And the spectacle put on by its resident stars – the spinner dolphins – doesn’t disappoint!

24) Go on a gourmet “farm-to-fork” lunch tour

Among the things we love most about Maui are all the opportunities to connect to the land and nature. And you can get a truly enriching experience by enjoying fresh local food.

That’s one of the joys of visiting Upcountry Maui – you can relish locally harvested crops and delicacies against the backdrop of Maui’s breathtaking natural beauty.

One of the best ways to experience this is by going on an O’o Farm gourmet farm and lunch tour.

25) Paddle an outrigger canoe

Taking an outrigger canoe tour (with Hawaiian Paddle Sports) is one of the best romantic Maui activities for adventure-loving couples.

Together, you can explore nature and connect to Hawaiian tradition by paddling out on these long, sleek traditional canoes that native Hawaiians have used for centuries.

It’s also a way to discover the best snorkeling places and local marine life in an intimate setting, away from the masses.

26) Enjoy a luau at the Feast at Lele

You’ve probably figured out by now that there’s no shortage of honeymoon activities in Maui. A special one for your list is attending a Hawaiian luau.

Panoramic views of West Maui sunsets, a 5-course Pacific-island feast, scrumptious cocktails, an authentic hula performance and music… Talk about the ultimate recipe for a romantic evening!

Not only will you witness a magnificent show, but you’ll also be taken on a Polynesian culinary tour with traditional dishes from Hawaii, Aoterao (the Maori name for New Zealand), Tahiti and Samoa.

27) Jog or walk the Wailea Beach Path

Another one of the top things to do in Maui for couples who like to keep fit is to run or walk the beautiful seaside path in Wailea.

This paved path winds around the Maui coastline from the Andaz Maui hotel to the Polo Beach Club and is roughly four miles roundtrip.

Along the way, you pass five oh-so-scenic beaches. In winter, you might even see humpback whales!

28) Tour a missionary home by candlelight

On the list of romantic things to do in Maui for history buffs is taking a tour of the Baldwin Home Museum by candlelight.

Built in 1834, the Baldwin home is the oldest standing house on Maui.

It was the home of a physician, Rev. Dwight Baldwin, famous for saving the locals on Maui, Molokai and Lanai from smallpox during the devastating 1853 epidemic.

Visitors can now catch a glimpse of 19th century Lahaina living by viewing the antique furniture, artifacts, aged photographs and library at this historic missionary home.

On Friday evenings from 5pm to 8pm, you can take a romantic candlelit tour of the museum and enjoy the nostalgia of a bygone time.

29) Visit an organic vodka farm

When it comes to romantic activities in Maui, vodka may not be the first thing that springs to mind.

But there’s a gorgeous 80-acre organic farm and distillery on the slopes of Haleakala that’s home to award-winning Ocean Organic Vodka. And you might just want to include this attraction in your Maui itinerary.

They pride themselves on a completely sustainable approach to making vodka – from the water source to their state-of-the-art distillation process. You can book a guided tasting experience or enjoy the spectacular views at their open-air cafe.

You and your sweetheart will have a blast choosing from the amazing cocktails on their menu.

30) Snorkel at Molokini (and Turtle Town)

One of the best things to do on Maui for couples who love snorkeling is to snorkel at Molokini and Turtle Town on a sailing excursion.

We chose to go recently with Alii Nui Maui – they offer the most deluxe tour from Maalaea Harbor.

On their 65-foot catamaran, we ate and drank royally (unlimited mimosas and champagne were on offer).

As for the snorkeling, Molokini wowed us with its crystal-clear water visibility. We could see underwater for more than 100 feet!

Turtle Town is a treat for turtle lovers too.

No words can accurately capture the feeling of seeing a giant Hawaiian green sea turtle – its shell as big as an oval-shaped coffee table – slowly swim in front of you barely a couple of feet away.

For a less-pricey sailing excursion to Molokini and Turtle Town, this snorkeling tour on the Malolo catamaran is also highly rated. Bonus: The Malolo catamaran has two waterslides.

31) Stroll the Ka’anapali Beachwalk

A stroll along the Ka’anapali Beachwalk is always a good idea. It’s cooler in the morning – and absolutely magical at sunset.

Part paved and part boardwalk, the 4½ mile (roundtrip) flat trail runs alongside Ka’anapali Beach in front of the luxury Ka’anapali resorts and hotels.

It begins at Hanakao’o Beach Park (Canoe Beach) beside the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa on the south end of Ka’anapali Beach and extends to Duke’s Beach House restaurant at Honua Kai Resort at the north end.

Romantic Maui activities in a nutshell

With activities ranging from adrenaline-pumping adventure to picturesque relaxation, this beautiful island offers bonding moments every couple will treasure for a lifetime.

As a couple who’ve traveled to Maui many, many times, we hope you’ve found this list of the 31 most romantic things to do on Maui, Hawaii, helpful!

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Photo credits: 14, 19, 22, 25, 28, 29, 33, 34, 40, 46 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase

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