It’s no secret that Maui is one of the most romantic destinations in the world. Take the fact that for the last 17 consecutive years, Maui has topped Conde Nast’s list of ‘Best Islands in the U.S.’ Or that there’s a special phrase in Hawaiian—Maui no ka oi—which means: “Maui is the best.”

But what is it about Maui that makes it such a perfect place to celebrate love and ignite romance? We think it has a little bit to do with the Aloha Spirit—and a lot a bit to do with the island’s never-ending list of swoon-worthy activities. Raw natural beauty, picture-perfect beaches, luxury hotels, divine restaurants, off-the-beaten-track adventures…the list goes on and on. It’s the ideal setting to bond as a couple AND to be literally miles away from the stresses of the daily grind.

Since we were in Maui for a wedding, there was literally love everywhere—and we couldn’t get enough of it! But apart from that aspect of our trip, we still found Maui oozing with romantic charm around every corner. Whether you’re planning your honeymoon to Maui or simply ready for a romantic rendezvous, here are our top tips for a trip to remember:

Planning A Romantic Getaway In Maui

As noted, our favorite part about Maui is that you can plan a vacation as unique as you and your partner. We say mix-and-match the following components of what we think makes up the perfect couple’s vacation until you create the Maui holiday of your dreams.

Beaches

Because you’re in Maui, obviously. While we normally get bored lounging on the beach, for some reason that was all we really wanted to do in Hawaii. Kaanapali Beach is where most of the resorts are, and we were pleasantly surprised to find the gorgeous strip of sand in front of our hotel, Aston at the Whaler, largely empty. We also loved Honolua Bay, Keawakapu Beach and Ho’okipa Beach Park. Of course, all the locals have their own strong opinion on what is the actual best beach on the island. We think the best way to discover your own private sandy spot is to just go out and explore. But to get you started, here are 15 great beaches in Maui.

Sunrises and Sunsets

Maui has some truly extraordinary sunrises and sunsets, both of which set a truly special backdrop for any romantic occasion. If you’re up for the sunrise, the best place to see it is easily Mount Haleakala. Read our full post for everything you need to know about visiting Mount Haleakala for a sunrise to remember.

For the best sunsets, we suggest a memorable catamaran cruise. Most include a buffet dinner and open bar to complete the sensational views. We combined a sunset dinner cruise and Lahaina Luau from GetYourGuide, and had a wonderful two evenings of cocktails, Hawaiian food, and entertainment. While the luaus are undeniably touristy, we think they’re also a ton of fun—and certainly worth checking off your Maui bucket list.

Wine

Yep, that’s right—wine gets its very own category if you’re traveling with us! We love learning about local wines, enjoying the scenery and then taking a bottle (or two) home to savor while we reminisce about our favorite travel memories. But you don’t have to be a wine lover to appreciate the Maui Winery.

MauiWine is located in stunning Upcountry on the original Rose Ranch, in a historic building nicknamed “The King’s Cottage” for the last reigning King of Hawaii who came here to relax. The grounds date back 150 years, and offer fantastic views of Maui’s southern coast.

Sample a few complimentary wines in the tasting lounge, then stroll hand-in-hand along the beautiful winery grounds. You can take a full tour of the estate and vineyards, or simply relax over a private picnic. While you’re there, don’t miss a stop at the historic Ulupalakua Ranch Store across the street.

Adventure

Many say a trip to Maui isn’t complete without driving the Road to Hana. I wouldn’t know, because (admittedly) we ran out of time to do it! We’ll definitely be back to give the journey the proper time it deserves. But from what we can tell, if you like stunning road trips, waterfalls, beaches and nature trails (and you don’t get carsick easily), then a romantic road trip to Hana is an absolute must.

Of course, there’s also scenic helicopter rides, day trips to nearby islands, scuba diving, surfing, hiking and more! For a complete list of adventures for couples in Maui, check out this great guide.

Where To Stay

We’ve written extensively about our glamping experience in Upcountry. For the couple that wants to get away from it all, it doesn’t get any more romantic than here. Plus, the private hot tub and jungle views are absolutely serene.

But as mentioned above, we also tagged on a few additional nights at Aston at the Whaler. The beachfront location and resort property was absolutely sublime.

If it’s your first couple’s vacation to Maui and you have the time (and a rental car), then we definitely suggest splitting your time like we did so that you get the best of both worlds!

Unplug

Often the easiest way to reignite the romance is just to unplug and take in the beauty of the present moment. And in Maui, there are plenty of awe-inspiring moments to enjoy. So put down the iPhone and go enjoy a mai tai with your special someone. You won’t regret it :)

Have you ever experienced the magic of Maui? Would you take your special someone to this piece of paradise?

We were guests of Get Your Guide and Glamping Hub. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.