14 Must-Do Romantic Maui Activities for Couples (2024)
Planning a romantic getaway to Maui and looking for the best Maui activities for couples to put on your itinerary?
Maui is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the USA. Its golden-sand beaches, luxurious resorts, topnotch eateries, and plethora of activities make it irresistible to couples seeking a tropical paradise for their vacation.
Whether you are celebrating an engagement, a honeymoon, a wedding, or an anniversary, planning to pop the question or renew your vows, or just want to go some place beautiful with your special someone, Maui is the perfect place.
In this article, we’ve described some of the most romantic Maui activities for couples, from a sunset sail on the Pacific to sunrise on Haleakala, special stays, and places for date night dinners.
Planning a trip to Maui? Sunrise at the top of the Haleakala crater is a magical experience you will remember long after your visit!
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Things to Do in Maui for Couples
1. Enjoy a relaxing sunset sail in West Maui
One of the most romantic experiences you can have as a couple on Maui is a magical sunset sail.
Feel the ocean breezes ruffle your hair as you cruise aboard a catamaran, enjoying cocktails with your significant other and looking for marine life.
Ocean cruises on the west side of Maui offer spectacular views of the Maui coastline, as well as the offshore islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai, and Molokai.
You may see spinner or bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the water, and, in the winter, sightings of majestic humpback whales (and even young calves!) are possible.
And if the weather gods are on your side, your cruise will end with a spectacularly colorful Maui sunset, with brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples lighting up the skies.
An evening on the ocean in Maui is a romantic experience you just cannot miss.
This highly-rated sunset cruise loads directly from Kaanapali Beach (which means it’s a barefoot cruise!) and features an open bar.
>> Check pricing and availability on this Kaanapali sunset sail now!
Rather keep your shoes on? Consider this sunset dinner cruise that departs from Ma’alaea Harbor! Enjoy live island music and a 3-course dinner.
2. Celebrate with a romantic dinner in Maui
A romantic date night dinner (or three!) can really elevate your couples getaway to Maui, and there are many topnotch eateries from which to choose.
The most famous dining destination on Maui is Mama’s Fish House in the charming little north shore town of Paia.
Not only is the food spectacular, the beach outside the restaurant is very romantic and is a venue many suitors choose to pop the question.
But even if you are not planning a proposal on the beach, it’s a great place to stroll hand in hand at sunset, followed by dinner at the restaurant.
The Polynesian Black Pearl dessert is the perfect sweet ending to a meal here.
Another Maui restaurant worth the drive is Hali’imaile General Store in Upcountry Maui.
The “store” is around 100 years old, and our dinners at the restaurant have been nothing short of exceptional.
Don’t want to drive? There are many excellent places on the west side of Maui for a date night dinner, from Kō at the Fairmont Kea Lani and Matteo’s Osteria in Wailea to Roy’s Kaanapali and Merriman’s Kapalua.
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
3. Soar over stunning landscapes on a Maui helicopter tour
For adventure-loving couples, a helicopter tour over the gorgeous landscapes of Maui is a fun thing to do on a romantic getaway!
Even more breathtaking landscapes can be found on nearby Molokai, so consider a tour that flies over both islands.
This 5-star rated Maui helicopter tour departs from the heliport in Kahului and flies you over the rugged peaks and valleys of the West Maui Mountains before crossing over to the neighboring island of Molokai, known for its towering cliffs that rise 4,000 feet from the coast.
Some of the sights you’ll see on the flight can only be seen from the air.
>> Check price and availability for this West Maui + Molokai helicopter tour today!
Prefer a doors-off experience? Consider this highly-rated helicopter tour that includes West Maui and Molokai and offers the opportunity to enjoy unobstructed views without glass in between!
>> Check price and availability for this doors-off Maui helicopter tour today!
4. Stroll the boardwalk at Kaanapali Beach
A coastal walk along the scenic West Maui coastline is a wonderfully romantic experience, with both morning and sunset providing excellent opportunities to enjoy the ocean breezes and views.
Kaanapali Beach is considered one of the prettiest beaches in Maui, and a waterfront boardwalk lets you take in the beauty as you stroll.
Or you can walk on the beach, letting the water kiss your feet, if you prefer!
With miles of white sand, turquoise waters, and palms, Kaanapali is one of the most romantic settings on the island.
We like to walk along the beach in the mornings for seclusion and quiet, and stroll the boardwalk at sunset to enjoy the lively vibe, stopping for sundowners afterwards.
If you are by the Sheraton at sunset, be sure to watch the nightly cliff dive at Black Rock! A runner lights the torches along Black Rock and then dives gracefully into the ocean.
Tip: If you are based in South Maui, the Wailea Beach Path is a nice sunset stroll or serene morning walk. And in Kapalua, in the north, you can walk part or all of the scenic Kapalua Coastal Trail!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
5. Book some spa time!
Nothing spells relaxation more than a pampering day at the spa, and Maui offers many gorgeous spas where you can relax together.
The spa at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers a range of therapies from massages to facials and body treatments. Ask about traditional lomi massages, and schedule yours oceanside for a special experience!
The Kilolani Spa at the Grand Wailea Resort is stunning, with hydrothermal gardens, hammam, vitality pool, and a meditation lounge. There are three couples’ treatment rooms and two deluxe couples’ suites, perfect for side by side treatments.
The Spa Montage in Kapalua Bay offers an island-inspired wellness experience. Opt for a private outdoor hale experience by the ocean!
6. Experience sunrise at Haleakala
Especially if this is your first visit to Maui, plan to experience sunrise at the summit of the Haleakala volcano! It’s a must-do romantic Maui activity in Haleakala National Park for nature-loving couples.
If you are lucky from a weather perspective, this is an experience you will reminisce about long after you return home.
Getting up to the top of Haleakala in the dark, watching dawn break over the crater and the stars disappear, is magical.
Borrow some blankets from your hotel or vacation rental for extra warmth, bring a thermos filled with hot chocolate, and find a spot from which to watch one of the most spectacular natural shows in Hawaii.
Pinks and oranges take over the skies in a burst of color before the sun makes its grand appearance above the clouds and spreads a golden glow over the Martian landscape.
Remember, however, that if you plan to drive yourself to the top, you need a parking reservation, which you can make here. Read our guide on how to visit Haleakala for sunrise.
Don’t want to drive? Consider a guided Haleakala sunrise tour that allows both of you to sit back and enjoy the experience without worrying about the logistics!
>> Check pricing and availability for a Haleakala sunrise tour now!
7. Stay at a top Maui resort
Where you stay on your couples vacation in Maui is of course a big consideration, and Maui offers many fine choices.
For an ultra-luxurious stay, consider the Four Seasons Resort Maui in Wailea. Located on the oceanfront, the Four Seasons features an adults-only infinity pool, spacious ocean-view rooms and suites, and an onsite spa.
You can’t go wrong with the Fairmont Kea Lani for a romantic stay. Also located in Wailea, the Fairmont is called Maui’s white palace. Suites are spacious, with lovely lanais, some overlooking the ocean.
Up in the northwestern part of Maui, Montage Kapalua Bay offers one-bedroom residences set amidst lush tropical gardens. The marble bathroom has a luxurious soaking tub. Enjoy the onsite spa and the sunset luau!
In romantic Kaanapali, opt for a stay at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa. The oceanfront resort has rooftop stargazing and a beachfront spa. The lush gardens are lovely!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Maui Tours now!
8. Book a photo shoot!
You don’t have to reserve a professional photoshoot just for proposals or engagements or weddings.
Set aside a little bit of time on your Maui couples vacation for a fun and romantic “just because” photoshoot.
Your local photographer will suggest beautiful locations where you can pose for photos together. It’s a great way to capture memories of your time together in Maui and you’ll look back at the photos with fondness later.
This highly-rated beach photo shoot includes about an hour of picture-taking at one of the most scenic locations in Maui. You’ll be able to choose from several hundred shots for purchase.
>> Check pricing and availability for this Maui photo shoot now!
9. Hike a Maui trail together!
We love hiking as a couple, no matter where we go, and Maui offers some wonderful trails to enjoy nature in each other’s company.
At the top of our must-do Maui hikes is the Pipiwai Trail in the Kiaphulu District of Haleakala National Park.
With lush rainforest, a boardwalk section through a forest of towering bamboo, and two waterfalls, this trail is one of the most scenic on the island. It’s rated moderate, and is about four miles total.
A shorter rainforest waterfall hike in Maui awaits at Twin Falls, Maui, where you can see lots of plants, and potentially even swim in a plunge pool.
More intrepid hiking couples will want to check out the epic Sliding Sands Trail in the Summit District of Haleakala National Park.
An endeavor that takes several hours, this trail is a great way for active couples to enjoy an adventure on the island. You will see the endangered Haleakala silversword plants, and maybe a chukar partridge or a nene goose.
The Waihee Ridge Trail is another challenging trail that offers sensational views of the West Maui Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
10. Admire the scenery on the Road to Hana
The Road To Hana is one of the most scenic roads you can drive anywhere, and there are lots of fun places to stop en route.
But trust us, if you want the Road to Hana to be a romantic experience, you will limit your stops to three or four, and instead, focus on enjoying the drive, and each other’s company.
It’s usually a crowded route, and limiting the stops (and the need to find parking) makes the experience infinitely more enjoyable.
Our ideal day has us only stopping on the way out at Keanae Peninsula, where we can watch the waves pound the shore and use the restroom, and Aunty Sandy’s for a freshly-baked loaf of banana bread.
Then we like to drive all the way to Kipahulu, enjoying the breathtaking scenery en route. There we spend a couple of hours on the Pipiwai Trail, up close to the beautiful rainforest plants.
On the way back, we stop to admire Wailua Falls and then spend a few hours on Maui’s black sand beach in Wai’anapanapa State Park. Advance reservations are required for this beach!
If it’s winter and the waves are expected to be tall, our last stop is the Ho’okipa Beach Lookout, which has plenty of room to park.
Don’t want to drive? Sit back and relax on a guided Road to Hana tour! This highly-rated tour has a max of 6 to 8 passengers so it feels almost like a private tour.
>> Check price and availability on this Road to Hana tour now!
11. Laze on a golden sand beach
What’s a Maui vacation without lots of beach time?
Lazing a morning or afternoon away on an idyllic golden sand beach is a great way to have some “together time” on the island.
So pack your sunscreen, get lunch to go, and plan on a few relaxing hours by the water with your significant other.
With beautiful beaches strung like pearls on a necklace all along the leeward side of Maui, you are spoiled for choice on where to spend your beach time.
We love Kapalua Bay Beach in the north west part of Maui for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. And the Kapalua Coastal Trail makes for a great walk out of the water.
A little south, Napili Bay Beach has soft sands and usually calm waters, perfect for relaxing, swimming, or snorkeling.
In Kihei, we love Keawakapu Beach, which is usually less crowded but great for snorkeling and lazing on the sand.
And in Wailea, we love the white sands of Wailea Beach, of course, but we also enjoy Ulua Beach. Ulua Beach is usually one of the less crowded South Maui beaches.
12. Swim in a Maui waterfall plunge pool
There are many beautiful waterfalls in Maui, especially along the Hana Highway.
Framed by lush vegetation, the aqua plunge pools of many of these waterfalls look inviting, especially on a hot Hawaiian day.
But especially if it’s your first visit to Maui, you may be hesitant about jumping in without proper guidance.
If you want to swim in a Maui waterfall plunge pool with a local guide present, book this popular hiking and waterfalls guided excursion!
You’ll drive along the Hana Highway to the trailhead, where you will enjoy a rainforest hike. Your guide may even point out edible fruit along the way!
Admire gorgeous Maui waterfalls and enjoy refreshing dips in the plunge pools.
These waterfalls are not open to the general public; instead, you and your tour mates can enjoy them in a small group.
>> Check pricing and availability on this waterfalls and hiking excursion now!
13. Enjoy a luau, one of the most relaxing Maui activities for couples
Like to get in a little bit of local culture on your vacations?
A Hawaiian luau is a great way to spend a relaxing evening with your significant other.
A luau usually combines a feast of Hawaiian delicacies with traditional entertainment, for a few hours of colorful dance, music, and storytelling.
Many west side Maui resorts offer their own luaus, so you might find one where you are staying, but we usually pick one of the top-rated shows for a memorable experience, even if that means driving some and finding parking.
The Te Au Moana Luau at Wailea Beach Marriott is one of our favorite luaus on Maui. The beachfront setting is gorgeous, with views of the sunset and tiki flames lighting up the night.
The food and drinks are great quality and the costumes, music, and dancing exceptional.
>> Check price and availability for the Te Au Moana Luau now!
Other Maui luaus worth the splurge are the Maui Nui Luau at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali, the Old Lahaina Luau in Lahaina, and the Feast at Mokapu at the Andaz Maui.
14. Observe marine life on a snorkeling or whale watching tour!
If you are a nature-loving couple, you’ll want to plan at least one adventure with a focus on observing some of the marine life around the island.
Maui is a year round snorkeling paradise, and there are several spots where you an snorkel from shore.
Maluaka Beach in Turtle Town is an excellent snorkeling beach. Not only can you look for colorful reef fish around the rocky parts at each end (the south end is especially nice), you can also look for Hawaiian green sea turtles in the water.
Offshore lies the crescent-shaped Molokini Crater, one the top snorkeling destinations on the island. The visibility is unmatched and there are dozens of species of fish to be seen.
Book a boat snorkeling tour that combines snorkeling at Molokini with a stop at Turtle Town, where you can snorkel with sea turtles.
>> Check price and availability on a Molokini Crater and Turtle Town snorkel tour now!
Visiting Maui in winter? Be sure to put a whale watching tour on your itinerary.
Every winter, thousands of majestic humpback whales arrive in the warm waters on the west side of Maui to mate and breed.
Seeing a mama whale and a calf side by side in the ocean, or watching a whale propel its giant body out of the water in a breach are sights that will definitely take your time together in Maui up a notch!
If you are looking to amp up the excitement level even more, check out this eye-level raft whale watching tour!
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