Hawaii is one of my favorite places to vacation and I probably have been more than 10 times now. I got engaged here, attended friend's wedding, went for family vacations, and also had a babymoon in Maui for my first baby. It's an amazing place to relax and truly enjoy your 'couple' time before becoming a parent. Hawaii, with its serene beaches, lush greenery, and laid-back vibe, it is an idyllic destination for parents-to-be. Let's dive in to discover what babymoon in Hawaii could look like for you.
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Best Hawaiian Island for Babymoon
While all the islands of Hawaii have their own unique blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and luxurious amenities, making each one a perfect choice for a babymoon, Oahu, Maui, and Kauai are my top choices for a babymoon. Let's dive into each island, its popular activities for a babymoon, and top babymoon resorts you can stay at.
And note that while the Big Island of Hawaii offers awe-inspiring volcanoes and black sand beaches, it might not be the best choice for a babymoon. The island is known for its adventurous terrain and activities that may not be pregnancy-friendly, like strenuous hikes and volcano tours. Additionally, the Big Island is significantly larger than the other Hawaiian islands, meaning you may end up spending a lot of your time traveling between locations rather than relaxing and enjoying your babymoon.
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Oahu Babymoon
Oahu, known as 'The Gathering Place', boasts a fascinating blend of city life and island beauty, offering shopping districts and nightlife alongside heavenly beaches. While Honolulu is packed with tourist attractions and city-like culture, you can enjoy the beautiful serene beaches in other parts of the island such as Kailua beach and get a glimpse of surfing town in North Shore.
- If you are renting a car and want a mix of good food, shopping, and city life along with relaxing beach, I would suggest you stay in Waikiki.
- If you want a resort style lounging while having access to the city life, then I would suggest you stay in one of the resorts in Ko-olina.
- If you want to just be like an Oahu local and enjoy beautiful beaches and water activities, I would suggest you find an Airbnb in Kailua.
- I've done all three above, and it really depends on the type of babymoon you want to experience.
Things to do in Honolulu while pregnant
If you ended up staying at one of the hotels in Honolulu, then you will immediately notice how busy Honolulu is.
Honolulu is the busiest part of all of Hawaii. The main street is lined with lots of stores that includes both high-end luxury shopping to every day brands. It's always busy with tourists.
Great thing about this part of Oahu is that from your hotel, everything is walking distance. Not only are the restaurants and shopping close by, Waikiki beach is right in front and walking distance to many hotels.
Waikiki beach is very family friendly and its calm shallow water allows for any beginners to easily access the water and enjoy water sports.
However, Waikiki beach can be very busy and crowded. And there are a lot of people renting surf and paddle boards, and you will see lots of beginner surfers and paddle boarders going in and out of the beach.
Here are few things you can do in Honolulu while you are pregnant:
- Shop at International marketplace: This marketplace is a popular spot for shopping and dining. The outdoor bazaar-style atmosphere adds to the charm of the place. Plus, you can find plenty of souvenirs to take back home.
- Enjoy a nice meal at Waikiki Beach Walk: This area is filled with restaurants, cafes and shops. It's a great place to relax and enjoy some delicious food while taking in the beautiful ocean views.
- Take a sunset cruise: If you don't get motion sickness, then a sunset cruise might be a great activity to do in Oahu. I usually do get motion sickness pretty easily, but with a Catamaran and wind blowing in every direction, these cruises were totally fine for me. Relax and unwind on a sunset cruise that will take you around the coast of Honolulu. Amazing way to end the day watching the sunset and enjoying the views and breeze on the Catamaran!
- Go for a dolphin watch tour: Again, if you don't have major ocean sickness, you can go for a dolphin watch tour where you can see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won't forget, you get to swim in safe areas (with floats) guided by the experienced tour guides, and see turtles and watch the beautiful island landscapes. My experience with this tour has been amazing. I've done quite a few tours in Oahu and this one was by far my favorite, that would be safe and fun for couples to do for a babymoon.
- Attend a luau: Experience the Hawaiian culture and traditions at a traditional luau. Enjoy delicious food, music and dance performances with fire and hula dance. Paradise Cove Luau is one of the most highly rated Luau on the island of Oahu and offers transportation from Waikiki beach to the Paradise Cove (Koolina resort area). If you want a decent Luau right in Waikiki beach, Luau at Marriott Resort & Spa (Paina Waikiki Luau) is also a great option.
- Relax at Waikiki beach: Although crowded, waikiki beach is really long, and is shallow and very safe for anyone to enjoy the warm water and white sandy beach. Especially if you are not planning on renting a car, hanging out at Waikiki beach for few hours is an experience you will have to plan for!
- Snorkel in beginner friendly beaches in Oahu such as Hanauma bay or Koolina beach. Make sure to bring full face snorkeling gear, which is a game changer for beginner snorkelers. When I was on my Hawaii babymoon, I also brought a swim belt to help me float better while pregnant!
- Go shopping: Honolulu offers a variety of shopping options, from high-end boutiques to local markets. Treat yourself and your baby bump to some new clothes or souvenirs.
My favorite babymoon activities in Hawaii are Dolphin Tours (pictured above) and Luau. Click here to book your favorite bump friendly activities.
What I would avoid doing:
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- Dole Plantation Tour: While the Dole Plantation may be a popular tourist spot in Hawaii, it's not exactly the most relaxing or romantic activity for a babymoon. And, it was quite dissappointing for me when I did the tour, making me feel like I wasted my time there. It wasn't anything special other than learning about the history and how pineapples grow in Hawaii. But having said that, pineapples are a MUST eat in Hawaii. They are just so much more sweet and juicier and tastier in Hawaii than any other place I've tried it! Just grab one at a grocery store and eat them in your resort!
Oahu Babymoon Itinerary
Other than Honolulu, here are few places you might want to try visiting while you are in the island of Oahu.
a. Best beaches to visit during your babymoon
Kailua beach is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike, offering calm waters for swimming and snorkeling, as well as stunning views of the nearby Mokulua Islands. This beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea or a leisurely walk along its white sand.
My favorite part is Lanikai beach, however, access to this beach requires you to find street parking, which could be challenging and there are no bathrooms on the Lanikai beach side. For pregnant women, we all know how important bathrooms are, so I would say stay closer to Kailua beach side where public bathrooms are located!
If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak and kayak to the Mokulua Islands and let your husband do most of the rowing, while you soak in the beautiful scenery. You can see quite a few turtles on your way to the islands for sure!
Hanauma bay is known as the number one spot for snorkeling in Hawaii. It's a protected marine life conservation area, which means that the fish and coral are thriving and abundant. If you enjoy snorkeling, this area is very safe for pregnant women who wants to see fish in a safe, clear, and protected area. I've snorkeled on my babymoon and brought
Recently, to protect the area, reservations are required to enter the area only from Wednesdays to Sundays and you can make reservations two days in advance only. So be sure to plan ahead and make a reservation and check out Viator's website to make an easier reservation with a fee. The best time to go is the first thing in the morning, when it's less busy (no overlapping crowd). You will be required to watch a video that educates the crowd on how to preserve the coral reef and marine life that live in the area, before being able to walk down to the beach and start snorkeling.
Koolina Beach Resort, has four white sand lagoons, perfect for lounging, swimming, or taking romantic walks with your partner. These tranquil waters are also safe for pregnant women to swim in, making it an ideal choice for a babymoon destination. The four lagoons are man made lagoons for the resort community, and if you are looking to stay at a quieter resorts on the island of Oahu, I would highly recommend staying at one of the resorts located in this area.
It's much more quiet than waikiki, and each resorts are perfect for babymooners, while having very easy access to shallow waters in each of the lagoon. If you are looking to snorkel, these lagoons are also a great and safe place for pregnant women to safely snorkel and enjoy seeing the fish.
Few of my favorite resort options in Koolina Resort area are:
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- Marriot Koolina Beach Club - This is probably my favorite one, located near the 4th lagoon. This resort has spacious rooms and suites with breathtaking views of the beach. The resort also has 3 outdoor pools in tropical setting, you will not be disappointed.
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- Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina - With a higher price (rooms priced over $1500 per night) this luxurious resort offers access to a golf course and expansive ocean view pools. There are four outdoor pools and the view from the resort is just stunning. Located in the 1st lagoon, the resort is right next to Aulani (Disney Resort & Spa) so expect to see more families at the beach.
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- North Shore - head to North Shore where you can watch professional surfers tackle huge waves in iconic spots like Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay. Just be sure to stay on the shore and avoid swimming if you're not an experienced surfer. You can watch turtles sunbathe in Laniakea Beach, stop by at the famous food truck area and eat at Giovani's Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa, and finish with a dessert at Matsumoto Shaved Ice.
Maui Babymoon
Maui, often considered the 'heart' of the Hawaiian islands, is renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, the world-famous Road to Hana, and tranquil beaches like Kaanapali.
Less busy than Oahu, Maui is filled with beautiful resorts and air bnb options right in front of the water. Wherever you stay, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of Maui, its slow pace culture, and lots of beaches to relax.
Recent fire at Lahaina has made it very very sad for me, as the Lahaina town was the place we visited while we were on our babymoon, and also for my friends wedding. Knowing reconstruction of the Lahaina will take some time, I will be excluding places in Lahaina.
However, even if you don't end up visiting and vacationing in Lahaina, there are still other parts of Maui that are amazingly beautiful and fun for babymooners.
Things To Do in Maui While Pregnant
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- Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner cruise, where you can witness the breathtaking beauty of Maui's shores while savoring a delicious meal.
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- Visit the tranquil Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm and wander around 13.5 acres of lavender, olive trees, hydrangea, and succulents. The soothing aroma of lavender can be quite relaxing for an expectant mother.
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- Stroll the beautiful sands of Wailea Beach. It's an easy walk, and the view of the Pacific is stunning. Remember to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
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- Explore the road to Hana. This scenic drive is full of incredible views, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Limit the trip to a comfortable duration to avoid fatigue.
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- Attend a luau and enjoy the traditional dance, music, and food of Hawaii. Luau at Wailea Beach Marriott Resort is the one to go to if you want to experience an amazing view with good food and entertainment.
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- Go whale watching between December and May, when humpback whales migrate to Maui's waters to give birth. Witnessing these magnificent creatures up close is an unforgettable experience.
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- Visit Maui Ocean Center. This aquarium offers an up-close view of Hawaiian marine life - a wonderful, low-impact activity.
a. Best beaches to visit during your babymoon
Kapalua Beach : This secluded beach is perfect for a peaceful day of lounging in the sun. The calm waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. It's right next to Montage Kapalua Resort, and strolling along the walkway near the beach makes it feel like you are truly in Hawaii paradise.
Kaanapali Beach: One of Maui's most popular beaches, Kaanapali has plenty of facilities and activities for a fun day out. Rent a cabana or try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding, if you are up for some activities. It's right next to Marriott and Westin resort. Although this beach is relatively close to Lahaina, it has not been affected by the fire and the hotels around it are open and in operation.
Wailea Beach: With its soft white sands and crystal clear waters, Wailea Beach is a perfect place to relax. It's situated at the foot of Grand Wailea Resort, so you can enjoy a luxurious stay while being steps away from this beautiful beach. There is a reason why so many amazing resorts are just right next to this beach. You have a variety of resorts to choose from, as Marriott and Four Seasons are all next to this beautiful beach. I've stayed in Andaz for my babymoon, and loved all the amenities, proximity to the beaches, and its modern aesthetics.
My favorite affordable resort to stay (south of Lahaina) is Marriot near Wailea Beach. Click here to book!
Kauai Hawaii Babymoon
Out of the 3 Hawiian islands, I would say Kauai has the most rural feel. You will encounter wild chickens roaming around everywhere you go, and beaches are a lot more quieter on this island. I do feel like you can easily see lots of fish while you snorkel here as well, with wild life less damaged, with less tourists than the two islands. I've stayed at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, and would recommend to any babymoon couples. the views from the beach are stunning, has a great pool, and you can access the beach very easily.
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- Take a leisurely stroll along the sun-kissed beaches of Kauai, experiencing the tranquil beauty of the island together.
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- If you don't get motion sickness, book a private sunset dinner cruise, reveling in the breathtaking Kauai sunset and the beauty of the island.
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- Luau shows are a must for any Hawaiian trip, especially if you have never been to one. This Luau is located in Lihue, which is close to the airport and few resorts and air bnbs. If you don't plan on renting a car, then check if hotel pickups are available prior to booking!
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- If you want a more adventurous babymoon, take a helicopter tour of the island, giving you a bird's eye view of Kauai's stunning landscape.
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- Walk around small towns in Princeville, Poipu, Kapa'a beach park, Shopping is also a must in Kauai, with small local shops offering unique souvenirs and handmade items that make for perfect keepsakes.
a. Best beaches to visit during your babymoon
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- Poipu Beach: Located on the sunny south side of Kauai, Poipu beach boasts calm waters and pristine white sands - perfect for a leisurely swim or sunbathing session. It's also a popular spot for snorkeling, so you may even spot some colorful fish and sea turtles while you're there!
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- Hanalei Bay: Known for its beautiful crescent-shaped beach, Hanalei Bay is ideal for a romantic picnic or sunset stroll. You can also rent a kayak and go kayaking in this area. The calm waters are perfect for swimming and the surrounding scenery is simply breathtaking. Located in Princeville, you can either stay at one of the resorts in Princeville, like Westin or Princeville Resort, or stay on other parts of the island and drive there. Do note though, when you are driving on this island, check any road closures and plan ahead. We didn't realize that there were road closures when we drove from the airport side to Princeville and had to adjust our plan, based on when roads are closed/open.
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- Lydgate Beach Park: For a more family-friendly option, check out Lydgate Beach Park on the east side of Kauai. The protected swimming area is perfect for pregnant women who want to take a dip without worrying about strong currents or big waves. There's also a playground and bathrooms on-site, making it an ideal spot for families with young children. This beach has lots of fish you can just easily see and since it's protected, the waves are very calm and safe.
My favorite babymoon resort in Kauai is by far Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort. It's beauty cannot be beat, based on location, and proximity to the beach and its amazing pool amenities. Click here to book!
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FAQ For Babymoon in Hawaii
Yes, it is generally safe to travel to Hawaii while pregnant. Hawaii does not have Zika (see below), and as long as your Doctor clears you to travel via airplane, it’s perfectly safe to travel to Hawaii. However, it's important to consult with your doctor before traveling and take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activities, and staying water safe when you are at the beach or enjoying water activities.
When visiting Hawaii while pregnant, it's important to wear comfortable and breathable clothing since weather stays hot throughout the year and when you are pregnant, you temperature tends to stay hotter. Lightweight cotton or linen dresses, maternity swimsuits, and loose fitting tops and bottoms are all great options. Don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and reef safe sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun, as well as DEET free bug repellent spray. It's also a good idea to bring along some comfortable walking shoes for exploring the island. We have listed our favorites here.
The risk of getting Zika in Hawaii is very low. According to the CDC, there have been no known cases of Zika from local mosquitos and only a few travel-related cases while outside of Hawaii reported. However, it's always a good idea to take precautions against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent that's safe for pregnant people.
It is generally safe to snorkel while pregnant in Hawaii, especially if you stay close to the shore and visit family friendly beaches. But it's important to listen to your body and avoid any activities that may cause discomfort or fatigue. It's also important to take necessary safety precautions such as wearing a lifejacket (or swim belt) and staying close to shore. If you have any concerns, consult with your doctor before participating in water activities.