How to Have an Unforgettable Maui Couple's Getaway
Jennifer writes for I Go Maui, sharing vacation planning tips, travel insights, and property highlights to help guests make the most of their time on the island.
Planning the perfect couple’s trip to Maui should be fun and exciting, but if you’ve never been before, it can seem a bit overwhelming at first. How do you make sure you see everything you want while also enjoying a relaxing island vacation?
Well, that’s exactly what we’re here to help with. As locals, we have some ideas for the perfect things to do in Maui for couples, and we’ve broken them out based on the kind of trip you actually want to have. Check out the recommendations below, choose your vibe, and get ready for an unforgettable Maui couple’s getaway you’ll remember forever.
In This Article:
- What Kind of Maui Couple’s Trip is Right for You
- Know Before You Go Tips
- Where Should You Stay on Maui?
- FAQs
What Kind of Maui Couple’s Trip is Right for You?
Some couples want to lazily lounge by their resort’s pool or float in the ocean all day. Some are determined to pack in as much adventure as possible. And some prefer to focus on hyper-local experiences, like finding the best restaurants or the most unique craft-beverage experiences. Check out the custom recommendations below for each type of traveler and get the top picks for what to do while you’re here.
Beach Bum Couple
If your idea of a perfect couple's vacation in Maui is lounging on our golden shores, soaking in the sun, snorkeling, and maybe learning to surf, then these are your must-dos:
Spend a Day on Sugar Beach
After waking up in your I Go Maui oceanfront vacation rental and enjoying a fresh cup of Hawaiian coffee on the lanai, make your way to Maui’s Sugar Beach—the longest beach on the island. With miles of shoreline, it’s easy to find a place that feels totally your own.
Pack your bag with snorkel gear, a good book, and some cold drinks, and settle in for an utterly relaxing day. PS, don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen. You don’t want to burn on your first day.
Try Surf School
Taking a surfing lesson is a quintessential part of a Maui vacation, and with semi-private lessons, it’s a great couple’s activity. At Maui Wave Riders, you’ll get 2 hours of personalized time where the instructor will teach you how to balance, pop up, and master the proper stance. Then, you’ll make your way to the water where they’ll help you ride your first wave!
After your lesson, consider a board rental for the day so you can continue practicing at your own pace.
Maui Wave Riders Surf Lessons:
- Semi-Private Price: $105
- Location: Across from Kalama Park in Kihei
- Duration: 2 hours with 15 minutes of on-land instruction
Other top beach activities to add to your days:
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Snorkeling with sea turtles at Molokini Crater
- Free diving just offshore
- Taking a sunset stroll
Best Beaches for Couples in South Maui
Don’t limit yourself to just one beach during your vacation. Different areas offer unique views, amenities, and opportunities to see more of the island’s natural beauty. Here are our South Maui favorites beyond Sugar Beach:
- Kamaole Beach Parks 1, 2, and 3: Lifeguards, public restrooms, outdoor showers, grill areas, and ample parking
- Makena Beach: One of the largest and most undeveloped beaches on the island
- Wailea Beach: Often crowded because of nearby resorts, but consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world
- Keawakapu Beach: Mile-long stretch of sand between Kihei and Wailea. Fewer crowds. Excellent sunset views.
- Cove Park: Consistent, gentle waves make it a great beach for beginner-surfers. Amenities across the street include bathrooms, showers, and other necessities that make it easy to spend the entire day.
Let the beach-bum tradition continue after the sun goes down with evenings spent at your resort pool or posted up at a nearby watering hole like the Maui Brewing Co. As Hawaii’s largest brewery, you’ll find more than enough events and activities to keep you entertained.
Trivia night is the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 PM. Happy Hour is daily from 3 PM – 5 PM, offering discounts on food and drinks.
Foodie Couple
Speaking of food, experiencing unique regional dishes is an incredible way to get to know a place. For foodie couples who want to try the best restaurants, most creative ingredients, hidden holes-in-the-wall, and craziest gastro-feats, be sure to visit some of these spots.
Breakfast:
Start the day with delicious chicken and waffles, served with organic chicken, applewood-smoked bacon, brown butter-sage maple syrup, and a fresh cup of coffee. At Nalu’s South Shore, they know what makes for good eats—filling portions, exceptional ingredients, and service that makes you feel like family.
- Address: 1280 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
- Hours: Open daily, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Menu
Other Top Breakfast Spots in Maui
Lunch:
808 Deli
You don’t win “Best Local Sandwich” on the island every year for more than a decade without being worthy of the hype. If you’re looking for an unpretentious lunch that over-delivers on taste, 808 Deli is it.
You’ll find everything from paninis and salads to gourmet hotdogs (yes, that’s a thing) and famous specialty sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with a hot pastrami or the toasted wasabi (roast beef, tomatoes, onions, and a wasabi aioli).
- Open daily 8 AM – 5 PM
- Address: 2439 S. Kihei Rd #107A
- Menu
More Lunch Options:
Dinner:
Lineage
Upscale Asian American fusion focused on traditional Maui ingredients and cooking techniques. Winner of Most Innovative Menu from the Maui ‘Aipono Awards.
Offerings span local-caught fish, Upcountry farm salads, noodle dishes, and island-inspired desserts like pandan bread pudding and miso ice cream.
- Reservations Recommended
- Menu
- Open 5 PM – 9 PM |Closed Sunday and Monday
- Located in the Shops at Wailea
Other Notable Dinner Options in Maui:
- Monkeypod Kitchen
- Spago
- Mama’s Fish House – Reservations are a must and need to be made months in advance, but it is so, so worth it!
- Havens
Cocktails and Nightcaps:
Tikehau Lounge
Winner of Best Bar, Best Cocktail, and 2nd place for Best Poke from the 2025 ‘Aipono Awards, Tikehau Lounge is a Polynesian-inspired hideaway that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest spots on the island. Featuring both cocktails and zero-proof drinks as well as a to-die-for food menu, it’s perfect for dinner or a late-night stop on the way back to your vacation rental.
We recommend the Snoop PPOG: a gin cocktail with fresh pineapple, passion fruit, and orange. And if you’re feeling peckish, the smoked ahi dip is delish.
- Happy Hour: 2 PM – 5 PM every day
- Drink Menu | Food Menu
- Open daily 2 PM – 11 PM
- Address: 116 Wailea Ike Dr., Suite 2104, Kihei, HI
More Bars in South Maui:
Ready to getaway with your love? Book your oceanfront couple's oasis in Maui directly with I Go Maui and enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and the best rates compared to online travel agencies like Airbnb or Vrbo.
Oceanfront Villas in Maui
Nature Lovers
If you and your honey love the great outdoors and want to spend your Maui couple’s vacation seeing all the can’t-miss sites, we completely understand. The Valley Isle is home to towering waterfalls, deep bamboo forests, oceanside cliffs, and ancient volcanoes. Here’s what your itinerary should include and why:
Sunrise at Haleakala
You’ll need to leave early to reach the summit in time for sunrise, and reservations are required, but seeing the sun creep over the horizon as the island wakes up is one of the most romantic things to do in Maui for couples. Afterward, spend some time exploring nearby trails before heading back to the warmer temps on the beach.
Hike the Pipiwai Trail
If waterfalls and bamboo forests are on the agenda, sticking around Haleakala State Park for this popular hike will tick a lot of boxes. The Pipiwai Trail leads you through dense towering stalks of bamboo and rewards you with views of two incredible waterfalls: the 200-foot Makahiku Falls and the massive 400-foot Waimoku Falls.
- Length: 3.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 856 feet
- Trail Map
Discover Black Sand Beaches
As you’re leaving Haleakala State Park after your hike, travel back down the Road to Hana toward Paia and make a stop at the Waiʻānapanapa State Park, where you’ll find mesmerizing black sand beaches. Reservations are necessary, but it’s well worth the visit. Wear your swimsuit so you can take a dip to cool off after your hike at Pipiwai Trail.
Animal Experiences
Horseback riding and whale-watching tours are incredibly romantic options for outdoor fun. If you want a trail ride through the Upcountry, Triple Ranch goes above and beyond with a tour that packs in history, culture, and incredible views along the way. You can choose between the Open Range Ride or the all-inclusive Lunch Tour. Regardless of which one you select, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.
Trail Rides include refreshments (or a full lunch), all gear, and complimentary photos from your guide. All you need to bring are closed-toed shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, and possibly a light jacket.
If you’re visiting between November and April, the humpback whales will be migrating to Hawaii. Book a sunset whale-watching tour with PacWhale Eco-Adventures and let certified naturalists teach you all about these incredible mammals as they get you up-close and personal for a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Wellness-Focused Couples
Couple’s visiting Maui looking for a reset or reconnection should fill their time with intentional activities. This is a chance to do a digital detox. Turn the phones off and focus on each other.
We recommend booking in-house couple’s massages, doing yoga on the beach, trying stand-up paddleboarding, or even exploring unique experiences like sound baths or a farm tour to learn about native animals and plants.
Wellness can mean a lot of things, but we think some grounded moments with your love as you enjoy a sunset, cook a meal together, or share an evening catching up will leave you feeling closer than ever.
Know Before You Go Tips for Planning a Maui Couple’s Vacation
- Don’t over-plan your days
- Make reservations for popular restaurants or activities well in advance
- Play to each other’s strengths: one may be better at finding hidden gems, while the other is better at planning the logistics of each day
- Pack well – Hikes require good shoes. Haleakala means cold weather, so you need a jacket. Snorkeling or being in the water calls for reef-safe sunscreen.
- Keep it easy and relaxed — this is paradise after all
Where Should Couples Stay on Maui?
Featured Property: Nani Kai Hale 409: 1 Bedroom, Oceanview Condo
Couples visiting Maui often find the best home base on the south side near Kihei and Maalaea. This puts you close to some of the best beaches and top activities, and only a short drive from the airport, so you can arrive and be toes-in-sand in no time at all.
At I Go Maui, we have beautiful one-bedroom condos perfect for you and your partner. Choose from oceanfront stays or properties with a private lanai for an added layer of peace and seclusion, and don’t forget the most important thing: to book direct for the best price on your stay!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a rental car in Maui?
In most cases, yes. Even if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, a car makes it easier to get to restaurants, excursions, and upcountry areas.
What should we book in advance?
Reserve Mama’s Fish House, helicopter tours, whale watching (in season), and any in-villa services like massages ahead of time. Everything else can be more flexible.
Can we see sea turtles without booking a tour?
Yes. Sea turtles are often spotted along the shoreline, especially in the evenings. You don’t need a tour, but you should always keep a respectful distance.
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