If you’re expecting a baby, you might be thinking about going on a babymoon before your little one arrives. If you don’t know what a babymoon is, a babymoon is the last trip/getaway to enjoy your partner and your relationship before you become a family of three (or more). I am a big fan of babymoons and I highly recommend all couples go somewhere to celebrate this time together. Never again will it just be the two of you so creating a special memory before your little bundle of joy comes is such a wonderful way to enter into this exciting new time. Whether it’s a stay-cation or a vacation, plan something where you both can relax and enjoy one another.
I actually got married (4th of July weekend) in Maui and I am more in love with the island than ever before.
The first time I was there I was 8 years old, then I was there for a second time a little over three years ago, and now I just got back from Maui for the third time from our honeymoon just over a week ago. Maui is truly magical. While I was there, I was thinking just how wonderful this island would be to visit for a babymoon. Now that I have been there a few times and I have spoken with other visitors and locals, I wanted to share with you my list of things that you should do if you decide to go to Maui for your babymoon.
Babymoon in Maui
1. Haleakala
To be completely honest with you, I haven’t had the opportunity to go to Mt. Haleakala, which I’m completely bummed about. From all of the pictures I’ve seen and all of the people that I’ve talked to about it, it truly sounds breathtaking and something you cannot miss. So don’t make the same mistake I did!
Mt. Haleakala stands 10,023 feet above the island of Maui and is one of the most popular attractions in all of Hawaii. The most popular activities to be experienced at Haleakala include enjoying sunrise and sunset (which I hear watching the sunrise at the summit is the absolute best), ranger guided tours, hiking, drive-up camping, and backcountry camping on Maui.
On a babymoon, I definitely recommend doing the drive up to watch the sunrise. I will warn you though that the temperature drops dramatically when you reach the summit so you want to be sure to wear pants, closed toe shoes, a sweater and/or jacket to stay warm. (It can get below 40 degrees up there.) Yes, you’ll have to wake up early. Really early. But watching the sunrise over a sea of clouds is, from what I’ve heard and can tell, unforgettable. I can’t think of a better way to start a day.
2. Road to Hana
There are many ways to experience the Road to Hana and the town of Hana. Visitors can go by group and private tours, or venture on their own by renting a vehicle. My husband and I had our own rented car so a few days after our wedding we drove with his best man and his girlfriend down the road to Hana. Wow, is it windy! There are 620 curves and 59 bridges throughout the drive which makes it one of the most scenic drives in the world. And one of the most nauseating, which I can speak from experience. If you suffer from major motion sickness or are experiencing morning/all-day sickness, I do not recommend this option. But if you don’t have these issues and are up for a beautiful drive and a fun trip, I say go for it! You won’t regret it!
When traveling to Hana, be sure to research areas and attractions ahead of time so that you can spend a good amount of time at each location. We actually downloaded the app ‘Gypsy Guide’, which was our pocket tour guide. I thought it was great because it provided us information all throughout the drive and it gave us recommendations at points to stop. Instead of stopping at every bridge and lookout point for a photo op, I suggest that you seek out two to three main destinations so that you can maximize your adventure to Hana. A few of the most popular areas to see on the Road to Hana are Twin Falls (which we loved), the Garden of Eden, the Bamboo Forest, Waianapanapa State Park and Black Sand Beach, Hana Bay, and the Seven Sacred Pools.
3. LAHAINA’S BANYAN TREE
Lahaina’s Banyan Tree is over 137 years old, and spreads across an almost complete 1-acre of downtown Lahaina. This species is the largest of its kind in the United States.
In 1873, Sheriff William Owen Smith planted this Banyan Tree to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Protestant missionaries in Lahaina. The once single trunk, has now expanded into over 16 trunks due to this species aerial roots. The Banyan Tree in Lahaina is a historical landmark, and a jaw-dropping sight. It’s definitely a spot you and your honey should visit.
Within a short walk from the Banyan Tree in Lahaina, you can find lots of shopping, dining, and activities to do along Front Street. The food and shops are great or if you prefer something different, you can take a paddleboarding lesson, lay on the beach, and/or enjoy one (or two) of their amazing shave ice. (Yes, they call it ‘shave ice’.) This was definitely one of my husband’s favorite things. During your next visit of the historic town of Lahaina, make sure to check out the Banyan Tree to learn more about Maui’s roots!
4. Old Lahaina Luau
The Old Lahaina Luau is hands down one of the most popular things to do for first-time Maui visitors. I went to this luau the last time I was there, three years ago, and it was a great way to spend an evening learning more about the Hawaiian culture as well as trying their cuisine. Though entry rates may seem steep, it’s worth the cost to see the award-winning dancing and music. While you admire the performers’ hula and fire dancing skills, you’ll dine on Hawaiian specialties such as kalua pua’a (pork roasted in an underground oven), fresh mahi-mahi and poi (mashed taro plant).
5. Molokini Snorkeling
There are plenty of great spots to snorkel around Maui, but I recommend Molokini.
Molokini is a world famous snorkeling and diving destination. It’s one of only three sheltered volcanic calderas in the world and it is blessed with crystal clear water and a wealth of sea life. Visibility at Molokini Crater is often in excess of 100 feet; which is amazing in the Hawaiian Islands where strong ocean currents and abundant beaches often limit the visibility at other locations. On your way out to the crater, you and your partner may see dolphins, whales and several sea turtles!
6. Explore by Helicopter
Many of the most beautiful spots on the island are inaccessible and the only way to see them is by helicopter. This is something that I highly recommend that you two do. It truly is gorgeous to see the whole island from the sky. You get to see so many waterfalls, you get to cruise along rugged volcanic coastline, and you enjoy the beauty of Haleakala above the clouds. Absolutely breathtaking. You can even hop across the channels to see the sea-cliff waterfalls of Molokai or the coast of Big Island.
7. Relax on the Beach
Relaxing and laying on the beach should definitely be on your babymoon agenda. My two favorite beaches that I’ve been to that I suggest that you check out are Ka’anapali beach and Wailea beach.
Kaʻanapali Beach is 1.5-mile-long and is a great place that is full of activity due to its location among Kaʻanapali Resort and the many other hotels that sit along the shore. Located in West Maui, Kaʻanapali Beach is a great place to take go snorkeling or paddle boarding.
Wailea’s beach is a fun area to visit too. It is near lots of restaurants and shops (which the Shops at Wailea are really nice and you should definitely try Monkey Pod for a meal) with restrooms and equipment rentals. Though it can be crowded with tourists, Wailea beach is really beautiful. It’s probably my favorite beach. Often you’ll find a local company offering stand-up paddle boards or chairs for rent.
8. Pamper Yourself
This is your babymoon so you should pamper yourself! Make time during your trip to schedule a prenatal massage and/or mani/pedi. If you have the budget, you can even schedule a massage with an ocean view. Wherever you decide to get a massage, make sure that your massage therapist is trained in prenatal massage and has experience working on pregnant women. I got a massage, mani and pedi at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and they were absolutely fabulous! I highly recommend them.
9. Enjoy the Resorts
You can stay in a beachside 5-star resort, an AirBnB, a condo, or rent a vrbo for a few nights and try your hand at living like the locals. If you really want to splurge, it’s hard to go wrong with the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. (The big resorts are the Four Seasons, the Ritz Carlton, Grand Wailea, The Fairmont, Andaz, etc.) This is where we stayed and got married and it truly was heaven on earth.
10. Photo Session
Cherish these moments forever and make sure to take lots of pictures. If you’re able to, hire a photographer to take your photos together. Having some nice, professional photos of your last trip as just the two of you will truly capture the love and how special this time is. If that’s not in your budget, bring a good camera with you and document as much as you can. Strangers are always willing to help take a picture. 🙂
Below is a moment my maid of honor caught while we were on the beach at sunset after our wedding ceremony. And this was on her iPhone! Imagine the pictures you can capture while you are there on your baby moon!
Tomorrow I am going to be sharing my top tips for planning out your babymoon. Do you have any particular places that you want me to do research on? Are there any tips that you would like to add and share? Please share in the comments below!
