What to eat and things to do for a relaxing Hawaii Babymoon! If you’re pregnant and heading to Oahu for a babymoon, this travel guide is for you!
Where to start besides that Hawaii was the right call for our babymoon! O’ahu was such a great babymoon destination for us. We spent a week in Waikiki, Curtis and I both wanted a destination where we could relax, but have lots of activities to do.
Why O’ahu for a babymoon? It’s a diverse island, from busy Waikiki to the beautiful North Shore and East Coast. It’s super important to slow down and enjoy these last months with an escape just the two of us. And where better to relax than spending your babymoon in Hawaii? It doesn’t get any better!
What is a babymoon?
A babymoon is a vacation taken during pregnancy to relax and enjoy quality time with your partner before the baby arrives. Popular babymoon destinations include tropical beaches, historical gems, or local getaways.
O’ahu would be our home for 7 days and we couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. Any of the islands would make for an incredible babymoon in Hawaii. However, we found that O’ahu was the most affordable at the time of booking the trip. But there are plenty of great things to do in Maui and Kauai, so those would be great options depending on your vibe, budget, and interests.
If you’re considering Oahu for your babymoon, keep reading for everything you need to know to have the best babymoon in Hawaii!
When to go on a babymoon in Hawaii
Hawaii is perfect year-round. Sure, it’s a little warmer during the summer, but it’s gorgeous any time of the year. We found January temperatures just perfect! The water was warm, the air wasn’t too humid, it was the perfect temperature.
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 check if the time you plan to go is safe. Everyone has different pregnancy journeys and will have different recommendations from their OB-GYNs or Midwives.
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 out on the sand, or walking around town. The swelling can be real later on in pregnancy!
How to get around during an O’ahu babymoon
You’ll be flying into the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport when going to O’ahu. To get from the airport to your hotel is easy as Uber and Lyft are plentiful on the island.
However, I highly recommend that you rent a car instead, or for at least part of the trip. We decided to rent a car for three days of the week since we wanted to spend a couple of days exploring the other sides of the island, and a few days lounging around at the pool and the beach near our hotel.
The public transportation on the island does exist but it takes a very long time according to locals and we had some friends mention they waited forever for a bus before grabbing an Uber. I recommend having a car so you can explore at your own pace, it was reasonably price-wise and the freedom to go and come was great. Just be aware parking in Waikiki can be expensive.
Where to stay during a babymoon in O’ahu
There are three main areas of the island that you will likely consider staying on O’ahu.
Waikiki
By far the most popular spot on the island to stay, and where the majority of hotels are located, is Waikiki. Waikiki Beach is a great spot to stay for a babymoon in Hawaii. This way you have access to a variety 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!
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.
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.
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 there is Disney’s Aulani Resort, so you can stop by to see Mickey and friends and get some Dole Whip of course!
North Shore
The third area to stay in is the North Shore. It’s a more relaxed area, with small towns where many locals live. Even if you don’t stay here (Turtle Bay Resort and vacation rentals), you must visit for a day-trip to enjoy this amazing North part of the island. Enjoy the beaches, watch the surfers, spot turtles, and enjoy some of the best local food.
What to do during a babymoon in O’ahu
There are a ton of great things to do on O’ahu, but here are some suggestions for what to do on a babymoon in Hawaii.
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.
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 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! Just an FYI, there are no public washrooms, food stands or other amenities, so be prepared when going.
Pool
You will want to relax at the pool. Hopefully, you’re staying somewhere with an amazing one, 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, and watch the turtles nesting on the sand and surfers catching the waves. We stumbled onto a surf competition at Banzai Pipeline, what a sight to see!
Hiking
There’s tons of great hiking on the island but most pregnant women probably don’t think of hiking on their babymoon. You probably can’t handle the strenuous hikes you used to go on pre-pregnancy, but there are still some you can manage. Diamond Head is a great option for most pregnant women!
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 for your tropical getaway. The views from the catamaran were amazing, they sell drinks on board, and the sunset is unreal.
Spa
If you can, enjoy a spa day! You’re working hard to grow a human, don’t forget to pamper yourself on this trip! Book a massage or facial (or both!) and spend the day relaxing.
Visit Cultural Centres
There is no shortage of cultural spots to visit on O’ahu. From the Iolani Palace to the Bishop Museum to the Polynesian Cultural Centre, you can find one to check out. The Polynesian Cultural Centre is not near Waikiki FYI, but I hear if you visit, you are spending a few hours exploring and maybe even taking in a Luau!
Snorkeling
This is a popular activity to do when visiting. While there are a few spots to go to, the most popular is Hanauma Bay, but you have to have a reservation and show up right when they open, and hope for the best.
Watch a Surf Competition
Look up to see if any surf competitions are happening when you go. We lucked out and found one on the North Shore to watch. Truly interesting to watch in person, plus the beach is nice to lay on full of puka shells!
Wahiawā Botanical Garden
Admission is free to this 27-acre garden and forested ravine. The self-guided tour throughout the Wahiawa Botanical Garden can last as long as you want to explore. I read online that it should take 30 minutes, but we spent nearly 2 hours exploring the tropical rainforest.
Lunch at a North Shore food truck
Grabbing a bite to eat at a North Shore food truck is a must when visiting O’ahu! By far, the most popular spot is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.
Dole Plantation
It’s filled with tours, activities, and our favorite – Dole Soft Serve! Just like the Dole Whip you can get from Disney.
Discover O’ahu’s East Side
The east side of Oahu is called the windward coast. You’ll see jaw-dropping scenic views, lush valleys, and some of the most popular beaches the island has to offer. You might even luck out and spot whales!
Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
The Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout offers panoramic views of the sheer Koʻolau cliffs and lush Windward Coast. Note that the Pali Lookout is also known for its strong and howling winds.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
Admission is free to this 400-acre botanical garden. You can drive through for a quick look at tropical plants or park and hike around the many walking trails.
The Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is incredibly beautiful, even on a cloudy or rainy day! The Koʻolau Mountain Range in the background makes for a dramatic, quintessential Hawaiian photo op too.
Honolulu Museum of Art
We wanted to find something to do that was indoors and not near a ton of traffic. The Honolulu Museum of Art blew our minds and had us wishing we planned more time to wander in and out of the exhibitions.
Next time we plan to visit the Byodo-in Temple, snorkel in Hanauma Bay, take a tour at Kualoa Ranch, and drive up to Tantalus Lookout.
Where to Eat in O’ahu
Here are our stand-out favourite places to eat in Waikiki and the North Shore:
House Without a Key – A beautiful atmosphere in a very picturesque set located in the luxe Halekulani Hotel. When we went for dinner there was a band with a hula dancer and it was just lovely to have dinner while they performed.
Off the Hook Poke Market – The poke here is delicious and fresh. It’s worth checking out, it’s just a window on the street, and the rice is not to be missed. It’s a bit out of the way from Waikiki, but if you have a car or want to take an Uber, I recommend going.
Island Vintage Coffee – Got the iced Hawaiian latte, it might have been the best coffee I had in Honolulu. The menu has so many options, and if you have dietary restrictions, they’ve got you covered. We enjoyed a couple of quick meals, but beware the line-up can be long at times, you can sit at the restaurant next door and order the same menu.
Waikiki Food Hall – There are many places to dine in Waikiki however, the Waikiki Food Hall located in the Royal Hawaiian Center is a wonderful place to find a variety of food choices and nice entertainment on Friday evening. We found a variety of restaurants to select from at generally good prices & cheap beer for Curtis ($6 for a pint!).
Banan Hawaii – We wanted some shave ice after swimming around for a while and this shack was in a perfect location right next to the beach. We had banana soft serve and a rainbow shave ice and they were both absolutely delicious and so refreshing!
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 now. Either spot is a good choice for freshly 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! I love that they were made to order, none were left behind!
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 – Some 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.
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.
Foodland – This is the hidden gem of poke bowls on O’ahu. 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!
The Mai Tai Bar – The original Mai Tai was created by “Trader Vic” Bergeron in 1944 and introduced to Hawaii in 1953, where it was first served at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. You should try it at the legendary Mai Tai Bar in the iconic “Pink Palace” of Waikiki, as The Royal Hawaiian is also known. The bar sits just steps from Waikiki Beach, overlooking the ocean in a postcard-perfect setting. They do a great mocktail version of this that I enjoyed while watching the sunset!
What You Have to Eat in O’ahu
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, 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
It’s not like anyone needs an excuse to go to the iconic Duke’s Waikiki, which overlooks the famous beach, but its Hula Pie has become a favorite with locals and visitors. It’s made with macadamia nut ice cream piled high on a chocolate cookie crust and topped with chocolate fudge, whipped cream, and chopped macadamia nuts.
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. A refreshing bite to eat on a hot day!
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.
Poke
Like the soft, yielding bite of raw fish, most of the flavors of poke will be familiar to seasoned sushi eaters: the toasted nuttiness of sesame oil, the rich saltiness of fish roe, and spice in the fruity form of peppers or sinus-clearing heat of wasabi.
Spam Musubi
Spam musubi is the ultimate portable snack. It’s based on musubi (also known as onigiri), the Japanese snack of rice balls wrapped in seaweed and stuffed with powerfully flavored ingredients. But instead of pickled plums or salted fish roe, inside you’ll find a slab of grilled Spam, glazed with a little soy sauce and sugar.
Malasadas
These sugary, no-hole doughnuts have stayed pretty true to the original that arrived with immigrants from Portugal to Hawaii. Rich with eggs and butter, the best malasadas manage to be both light and chewy at the same time, served warm, with a fluffy, springy interior and a crisp outside.
Garlic Shrimp
Flat coastal land filled with freshwater shrimp farms and big wave surfers in search of cheap, filling, delicious food combine to create the perfect environment for a fleet of food trucks selling garlic-doused shrimp on Oahu’s North Shore.
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!
I hope these babymoon ideas help you when planning your vacation! Did you take a babymoon? If yes, leave a comment on where you traveled and what you did. If you’re heading on a babymoon to Hawaii, share what you have planned!
