Best Hawaiian Island for Couples: Pros and Cons with Rankings

Are you planning to visit Hawaii and want to know which island is the best for couples? Well, you came to the right place. In this post, I cover the four most visited islands (Oahu, Hawaii -The Big Island, Maui, and Kauai) and reveal the pros and cons of visiting each island as a couple and their rankings.

#1 Kauai: The Garden Isle

Kauai is your best option if you can only visit one of the Hawaiian Islands as a couple. 

Here’s Why…

Kauai is the best island for a romantic getaway. It is laid back, remote, and private. It is the quintessential couples’ paradise, from lush valleys to beautiful mountain landscapes, and its beautiful beaches are sure to fan the flame of any romance.

Pros and Cons of Kauai for Couples:

Pros:

• Offers the most privacy
• Less crowded beaches and lots of hikes for exploring
• Slower-paced than Oahu or Maui

Cons:

• Fewer tourist attractions (not always a bad thing)
• Traffic in Kapaa

Romantic Excursions in Kauai

• Snorkel Anini Beach
• Explore Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific)
• Best Shave Ice on the islands with natural flavors
• Napali Coast Boat & Dinner Tour

Here are my picks for The 12 Best Things to Do in Kauai

Top Rated Resorts in Kauai

• Sheraton Kaui Coconut Beach Resort
• Marriot’s Kauai Beach Club
• The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

#2 Maui: Hawaii’s Valley Isle

Maui is faster-paced than Kauai but still offers lush landscapes and beautiful beaches. It’s a good mix of all the islands, offering beauty, adventure, and dining.

Pros and Cons of Maui for Couples

Pros:

• It has a good mix of activities (beaches, restaurants, activities, etc.)
• Beautiful beaches and scenery
• Lots of attractions
• Great for exploring

Cons:

• Faster paced than Kauai
• Portions of the west side of the island are closed due to the devastating Lahaina wildfires.
• Ka’anapali Beach re-opens in phases on October 8^th, 2023

1. The Road to Hana
2. Sunrise and Biking Tour at Haleakala
3. Turtle Cove Snorkeling
4. Mama’s Fish House
5. Whale Watching

Best Couples Resorts in Maui

1. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
2. Marriot’s Wailea Beach Resort

#3 The Big Island: Hawaii’s Most Underrated Island

The “Big Island” of Hawaii is highly underrated. It is the largest and most diverse of the islands. It’s like visiting a tropical rainforest and a desolate moon all at the same time. It is the biggest of the islands, so it can feel very private and laid back.

Pros and Cons of Kauai for Couples

Pros:

• It is slower-paced than Oahu or Maui
• Lots of places to explore together
• Great place if you want to stay at the resort

Cons:

• Fewer dining options. There are fewer places to eat outside the resorts, so your options may be limited.
• Tourist attractions are more spread out, but there is very little traffic.

Unforgettable Couples Activities to Do on the Big Island

1. Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
2. Mauna Kea Stargazing Tour
3. Attend a Luau
4. Take a Helicopter Tour
5. Swim with Manta Rays at Night

Ideal Resorts on the Big Island

1. Hilton Waikoloa Village
2. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

#4 Oahu: The Heart of Hawaii

Oahu is the heart of the islands. This is the first island I have ever visited as a couple, and I must tell you it delivers with its five-star restaurants and luxurious resorts. There are lots of places to see, eat, and enjoy.

The big drawback of Oahu, which is why it lands in last place, is how crowded it feels compared to the other islands. We were so busy sightseeing we didn’t really take the time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. I felt like we rarely had a chance to be together alone. Oahu was fun but did not necessarily feel like the most romantic of the islands.

Pros and Cons of Oahu for Couples

Pros:

• More flights with lots of luxurious resorts which makes it ideal for quicker getaways
• Plenty of attractions to keep you busy.
• Lots of dining options

Cons:

• Most crowded and fast-paced
• More traffic

Top Couples Activities in Oahu

1. Visit Pearl Harbor and the Battleship USS Missouri
2. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center for The Best Luau on the Islands
3. Hike Diamond Head (great for kids and adults of any age)
4. Check out the North Shore
5. Restaurants & Dining

Recommended Couples Resorts in Oahu

1. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
2. Westin at Waikiki Beach
3. Turtle Bay at Northshore

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hawaiian Island as a Couple

• How much privacy do you want?
• What kind of activities do you plan to enjoy?
• Are you into sightseeing, adventure activities, and water sports, or do you want to hang out on the beaches and relax in the resort’s amenities?

Whatever island you visit, you’re going to have an amazing time. Although I had to give Kauai the #1 spot for the best Hawaiian Island to visit for Couples, each one of these islands has a special place in my heart. You really can’t go wrong, as all four of these islands have so many things to offer.

To read more about The 12 Best Things to Do in Kauai, click HERE.