Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by Tori’s VA
Congratulations on the little bundle of joy that you are expecting! This is an exciting time for so many reasons. But, it’s super important to slow down and enjoy these last months as a family of two. And where better to relax than spending your babymoon in Hawaii. It doesn’t get better!
A babymoon is the perfect opportunity for quality time with your significant other before this baby comes into the picture. And I must admit, my babymoon was one of the first things I started planning for once we found out we were expecting. I mean, I’m a travel blogger so can you blame me?!
We had been to Hawaii before and we had always talked about going back again for our babymoon, so it was finally happening! We decided to spend the entire trip on one island to allow for a super relaxing time, instead of the added stress of island hopping.
So Oahu would be our home for 7 nights and we couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. Any of the islands would make for an incredible babymoon in Hawaii. But we find that Oahu is the least expensive island and has the most to do on it. But there’s plenty of great things to do in Maui, so that would be a great option as well! If you’re considering Oahu for your babymoon, keep reading for everything you need to know to have the best babymoon in Hawaii!
This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!
When to go on a babymoon in Hawaii
Let’s be honest. Hawaii is basically perfect year-round. Sure, it’s a little warmer in the summer months, but it’s gorgeous any time of the year.
The more important thing to consider when planning a babymoon in Hawaii is when in your pregnancy you should go. First and foremost, consult your doctor to make sure the time you go is safe. Everyone has different pregnancy journeys and will have different recommendations from their doctors.
I personally was allowed to travel up to 36 weeks. However, I knew I didn’t want to cut it that close, and I didn’t want to be that large when we went.
We went when I was 26 weeks pregnant and it was honestly perfect. I feel like anytime between 22 and 28 weeks would be ideal. Any time after that, you will likely start feeling body pains from the added weight and won’t be as comfortable on a plane, laying on the sand, or walking around town.
I also wanted to go when I was showing because we got maternity photos done. More on that incredible experience below!! Now, I had a VERY large pregnant belly compared to most and also showed super early. So most women aren’t quite this large at 26 weeks, but I was happy with it because I thought the photos turned out amazing!
What to pack for a Hawaiian Babymoon
What to wear for a Babymoon in Hawaii
A super important part of this trip for me was to find the right clothing to pack for our babymoon in Hawaii. I wanted clothes that were comfortable and still flattering with this big belly. Here’s some of my favorite pieces I’ve found!
This super comfy swimsuit was perfect for our trip. However if you have a large chest it is a little small. This swimsuit has awesome coverage and it super comfortable. I love the coverage and fabric on this one!
This skirt was my go-to throughout my whole pregnancy. It’s so versatile and while on our babymoon in Hawaii I paired it with tropical crop tops like this.
A few great dress options:
Tropical cotton maxi dress
Bright and groovy floral maxi dress
Simple bodycon maternity dress
Short and flowy maternity dress
Other than clothes, here’s a few other things you’ll need:
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My favorite items for long flights to Hawaii
Neck Pillow
Airplane footrest
Inflatable pillow
Eye mask
Items for the beach
By far the most important item to pack (other than a swimsuit I guess) is a Teema Towel. They’re the best quality Turkish towels. They’re super soft, absorbent and fold up super small. I use mine at the beach and the pool, as a blanket on the plane and as a picnic blanket or anything else I come up with along my travels. It’s the best thing for traveling.
A large beach bag
Snorkel gear
Sunglasses
Waterproof phone pouch (for getting pictures of the turtles and fish you spot!)
Super comfy flip flops (feet are even more sore when pregnant!)
Sun hat
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (the sun is STRONG there year-round…don’t get burnt on the first day like I did…)
My favorite luggage:
Checked suitcase
Carry-on suitcase
Duffle bag
How to get around during a Hawaiian Babymoon
You’ll be flying into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport when going to Oahu. To get from there to your hotel is easy as Uber and Lyft are plentiful on the island.
However, I highly recommend you rent a car instead, or for at least part of the vacation. This trip, we decided to rent the car for half of the week, since we wanted to spend a few days exploring the island, and a few days lounging around at the pool and the beach near our hotel.
This worked out perfectly! We enjoyed having a mix of exciting and relaxing during this trip.
The public transportation on the island does exist but it takes a very long time. I recommend having a car so you can explore at your own pace.
Our view from the Sheraton Waikiki!
Where to stay during a babymoon in Hawaii
There’s three main areas of the island that you will likely consider staying on Oahu.
Waikiki
By far the most popular spot on the island to stay, and where the majority of the hotels are located, is Waikiki. Waikiki Beach is a great spot to stay for a babymoon in Hawaii. This way you have access to loads of restaurants, shops and activities within walking distance. And when you get that craving for some ice cream or shave ice, it’s right around the corner. There’s SO much to do in Waikiki!
However, because it’s the main tourist area, there’s not much peace and quiet. The city is always hopping and you might even be able to hear some city noise from your hotel room. It also doesn’t feel like that authentic Hawaii lifestyle in Waikiki. But that’s why you have to drive away from the city to explore the island during your trip.
For our babymoon we stayed in Waikiki because it was convenient, and offered the best rates for hotel rooms. If we could get cheaper prices in other areas of the island we definitely would have considered that.
We stayed at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and loved it. It’s towards the end of the strip which means a little bit of a walk to some of the best restaurants, but it’s not bad. I’m talking 10-15 minutes. But the plus side is that there’s a little more space on the beach and it’s a little quieter. The pools are nice, and we spent a LOT of time lounging by them!
On our first trip to Oahu, we stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki and it was incredible. We managed to get a free upgrade to this room with the most outstanding view over Diamond Head and Waikiki. And they have the BEST adult pool; an infinity pool that hangs right out over the ocean. It’s a dream. Plus the hotel is right in the action and is just steps from most of the best restaurants in Waikiki.
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There’s plenty of other great places to stay in Waikiki, here’s a few others to consider:
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach
The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
Queen Kapiolani Hotel
Ko Olina
The second resort area on the island is Ko Olina which is located on the west side of the island. It’s a much smaller area and the hotels are very large and resort-style. They also typically have higher price tags.
The area is known for its man-made lagoons that protect swimmers from the waves, making for calm waters and a relaxing beach day. They’re known for being perfect for kids, so if this is your second pregnancy (or third, or fourth…) and plan to bring the other kiddos with you then this would be especially perfect!
There’s also a great walking/bike path along the coast, an incredible golf course and plenty of water activities. Plus, one of the resorts is Disney’s Aulani Resort, so you can stop by to see Mickey and friends and get some Dole Whip of course!!
Here’s some of the resorts and vacation rentals to stay at in Ko Olina.
Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Sixth Floor Villa with Sunrise View
3BR Luxury Condo with Stunning Ocean View
Disney’s Aulani Resort
North Shore
The third main area to stay is the North Shore. It’s by far the most authentic Hawaiian experience as it’s a small tropical town where many locals live. Even if you don’t stay here, you must visit for a day trip to enjoy this amazing area of the island. Enjoy the beaches, watch the surfers, spot turtles and enjoy some of the best local food.
There aren’t many hotels, but there are some vacation rentals here too. Here’s a few options to choose from.
Turtle Bay Resort
Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore
Ocean Villas at Turtle Bay
Beach Side Studio by Shark’s Cove
What to do during a babymoon in Hawaii
There’s tons of great things to do on Oahu, and but here are some suggestions specifically for what to do on a babymoon in Hawaii.
Maternity Photos
If you do one thing while on your babymoon in Hawaii let it be a maternity photo shoot. This is such a special time in your life, and should be captured with beautiful photos. You’ll look back on these forever!
I highly recommend booking the incredible Emily Rohman Photography for your photoshoot! Her work is amazing, she is so easy to work with and she has great pricing compared to others on the island.
Beach
The most obvious thing you’ll want to do during your babymoon is go to the beach! But there are many beaches to choose from. You’ll likely spend some time at the beach near wherever you’re staying. If that’s Waikiki or Ko Olina, they’ll likely be packed. It’s still fun, just be prepared for the crowds.
Our favorite beach is Lanikai Beach, located on the eastern side of the island. It is quite possibly the most photographed beach, you’ll recognize it by the islands that sit just off the shore. The beach is gorgeous, but is also mostly frequented by locals and not tourists, which is a huge plus! It’s one of the best clear water beaches in the world!
Pool
The second most obvious thing you’ll probably want to do during your Hawaiian babymoon is relax at the pool. Hopefully you’re staying somewhere with amazing pools, but if not you can get a resort pass at one of the hotels nearby! This way you can spend the whole day at the amazing pools for much less money than if you had stayed at the hotel.
North Shore
A visit to the North Shore will give you a taste of local Hawaiian living. It’s relaxing and fun and full of locals. Explore this area as much as you can. Hike to waterfalls. Walk through the town of Haleiwa, watch turtles nesting on the sand and surfers catching the waves.
Hiking
There’s obviously tons of great hiking on the island but most pregnant women probably didn’t think of hiking on their babymoon. But I encourage you to do so! You probably can’t handle the strenuous hikes you used to pre-pregnancy, but there’s definitely still some you can manage. We chose to hike Diamond Head, and I think that’s a great option for most pregnant women!
Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail would be another great option. Otherwise, try Waimea Valley Trail if you want a lot less elevation gain. You should also consider doing these Oahu hikes at sunrise. You get extra epic views as the sun rises over the ocean! No matter which hike you choose, be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes or sneakers, watch where you step, and be extra careful!
Kualoa Ranch
One of the most touristy things to do on the island during your babymoon in Hawaii is to visit Kualoa Ranch. And for good reason; it’s the filming site for numerous tv shows and movies you’ve probably seen, including Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Hawaii Five-0, LOST and so many more!
There’s many different activities to choose from at Kualoa Ranch, but many I probably wouldn’t recommend doing while pregnant. I would avoid the UTVs, horseback riding, zip lining or the ebikes. Instead pick the movie sites tour for a safer option.
Sunset Cruise
This was possibly the best thing we did on our babymoon in Hawaii. I recommend booking the sunset cruise for your first night there as it sets the mood and gets you ready for your tropical getaway.
If your partner likes to drink then you might want to book one of the open bar cruises. We love Mai Tai Catamaran! Otherwise pick one without it, since you can’t drink alcohol for a bit longer.
Either way, they are relaxing. You’ll listen to island music, look out over Waikiki and Diamond Head and watch the sunset over the water.
Spa
Last but definitely not least is to enjoy a spa day! You’re working hard to grow a human, so be sure to pamper yourself on this trip! Book a massage or facial (or both!) and spend the day relaxing.
What to eat during a babymoon in Hawaii
What not to eat
There’s a few major things that are not recommended to eat during your pregnancy, one of which is a Hawaiiain staple. Raw fish. Of course I am not a doctor, so please consult yours before making any decisions during pregnancy. But most do say you should avoid raw fish for these nine months!
This means poke is out the window and so are most of the sushi rolls. It’s sad to have to say no to these delicacies while on the island, but so worth it for that little bundle in your belly. Here’s a few things you can eat instead!
Fresh made cooked sushi
Most would say that any cooked sushi is fine. This would typically include crab or shrimp rolls and any vegetarian rolls. However, I also made sure to only eat it if it was freshly rolled to be extra safe.
Vegetarian Poke
While not the traditional Hawaiian way, you still can get poke bowls without any fish at all. And honestly that’s the way I like mine at home where the fish isn’t fresh! So if you really want to enjoy poke on this trip then have it loaded with veggies instead.
Acai Bowls
There’s no issue here, eat all the acai bowls you possibly can! They’re one of Hawaii’s specialties, filled with the freshest fruits. A few of my favorite acai bowl places are listed in the next section!
Fresh seafood
Sitting right in the middle of the ocean, of course, Hawaii has some of the freshest seafood! As long as it’s cooked, enjoy it! But be sure to be cautious of seafood high in mercury like tuna and shark, as that’s not recommended during pregnancy.
Hula Pie
Hula Pie is the best sweet treat on the island (sorry shave ice!!). It’s basically ice cream cake loaded with hot fudge and macadamia nuts. It’s what dessert dreams are made of.
You’ll find it at one of the island’s small chain of restaurants. On Oahu those include Duke’s and Hula Grill. Either make dinner reservations at one of these spots, or pick up Hula Pie to go from their carryout window and take it back to the room with you. We actually prefer it a tiny bit melted, so taking it to the room is an awesome option.
Shave Ice
A very popular thing to have on the islands is Shave Ice. You’ll find it at shops all over Oahu, some better than others. It’s definitely better than shaved ice that you’ll find on the mainland. But still, Hawaiian shave ice just isn’t my thing. I prefer chocolate desserts so this just isn’t my favorite. But some people absolutely love it!
Where to eat during a babymoon in Hawaii
Koko Head Cafe – An incredible breakfast spot owned by a Top Chef Star Lee Anne Wong.
Doraku Sushi – Located in busy Waikiki, this sushi spot does not let you down.
Duke’s or Hula Grill – Upscale dining right on the beach, both of these restaurants have similar menus and are worthy of your fancy night out. Sure, you came for the Hula Pie, but the entrees are incredible as well. And be sure to get a reservation just before sunset because the views are outstanding.
Marugame Udon – You’ll wait in line around the block for this spot and it will be worth it. Plus, the line moves quickly. There’s a line for a reason! The food is awesome and super authentic.
Sunrise Shack – The original shack is on the North Shore but there’s a location in Waikiki too. Either spot is a good choice for fresh made acai bowls.
Leonard’s Bakery – The famous malasadas! Get here as early as possible because the line gets long and they do sell out!
Haleiwa Joe’s – A great spot for dinner if you’re still up on the North Shore, but they don’t take reservations.
North Shore Food Trucks – There’s some that are more famous than others (I’m looking at you Giovanni’s) but all are worth trying. Pick a food truck that catches your eye on the North Shore and enjoy some local cuisine.
Foodland – This is the hidden gem of poke bowls on Oahu. You might not be able to enjoy the raw fish but your spouse sure can. Get poke from the Foodland grocery store for the most authentic poke experience. And grab a fresh (and cooked) sushi roll for you too!
A babymoon is one of the MOST special vacations you can go on. You’re spending special one-on-one time with your partner before that new family member joins your crew. So plan the best and most memorable trip possible with a babymoon in Hawaii!
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