Romantic Destinations in Hawaii
With those sun-kissed beaches, seductive sunsets and alluring volcanic landscapes, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is one of the planet’s hottest honeymoon destinations. Here’s where romance, relaxation and adventure come together in perfect Hawaiian harmony that’s sure to set even the hardest of hearts aflutter. So grab your partner’s hand and take a dive into our guide to the most romantic destinations in Hawaii.
Hawaii’s Most Romantic Resorts
You want romance? You won’t get it from just any old run-of-the-mill four-star hotel. But fear not: if there’s one thing the Hawaiian islands ain’t short of it’s bells-and-whistles luxury accommodation. Take Turtle Bay Resort, for example. Perched on Oahu’s beloved north shore, it’s in pole position for taking advantage of those swoonsome tropical sunrises and sunsets. Couples are in clover here, where ocean club bungalows have private balconies and access to an adults only infinity pool, and the next mai tai or coconut pohaku warm stone massage is only a footstep away.
Then there’s the Four Seasons Resort Maui at the southern end of Wailea Beach. If you can prise yourself away from the widescreen ocean views here, a whole world of romance awaits you. We’re talking private poolside cabanas, romantic sunset dining on the sand, and couples’ snorkeling experiences.
Over on Kauai, the opulent Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa promises golden sands, azure waters and mountain views that are guaranteed to melt your heart. Having the biggest spa on the island (45,000 square feet, no less) doesn’t hurt either. Book yourself in for uber-indulgent treatments for two in the private garden bungalows.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, you could do worse than the Sheraton Waikiki, where views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach from the Edge infinity pool and lively RumFire bar-restaurant are easily among the most romantic in town.
Romantic Things to do in Hawaii
There are oodles of romantic things you can do with your other half on Hawaii’s enchanting islands: strolling hand-in-hand across sunkissed sands, gazing into each other’s eyes over starlit lobster dinners, declaring your undying love after that third rum-laced Blue Hawaiian.
But if you really want to set your heart racing (both literally and figuratively), Hawaii’s epic natural wonders are where its at. Turn up the heat with hikes to stunning volcanic peaks, come over all existential on night-time stargazing excursions, or grab that essential souvenir selfie (ussie?) at Nakalele Blowhole. Read on for our pick of Hawaii’s most heart-meltingly romantic destinations…
Volcanic Views
Is there anything more romantic than cuddling up to your loved one on a mountaintop? Hawaii’s many volcanic peaks provide ample opportunity for enjoying those swoonworthy Pacific sunrises and sunsets together, blanket wrapped around your shoulders as the sky rolls through its technicolor display of flamingo pinks, bruised purples and fiery reds. Hit up the Jaggar Museum Overlook on the Big Island for some of the very best. You’ll also enjoy the unique experience of observing one of the world’s most active volcanoes up close. Snuggle up close as the sun goes down and Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu Crater glows red and orange in the twilight. Want more? Hop over to Maui for sensational sunrises up top of Haleakalā Crater, from where the whole of the Big Island comes slowly into view in the gathering morning light. Magical.
Starry Starry Nights
Gazing into volcanoes and pondering the meaning of life only just scratches the surface of Hawaii’s mountaintop activities. You can also take guided hikes of most crater rims, or spend an evening staring at the sky's rich tapestry of stars with local experts as they wax lyrical about our spectacular solar system. The Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, located about halfway up Mauna Kea on the Big Island, is excellent, and offers free nightly stargazing programs, though this is as far up the mountain as you’ll get in a normal car. Want to continue all the way to its 14,000-foot peak? Take a 4x4 and an expert guide, and be sure to spend a few hours at the center first, to acclimatize to the high elevation. Those who make the pilgrimage (and don’t succumb to altitude sickness) are rewarded with unparalleled views of galaxies, constellations, nebulae and more.
Nakalele Blowhole
There are several spectacular blowholes across Hawaii’s islands, each with a powerful geyser, and there’s a good chance you’ll want to see at least one of them on your vacation. Oahu’s Hālona Blowhole is the most popular. But does it come with a perfect heart-shaped hole in the rock formations next to it? No, dear reader, it does not. For that particular treat you’ll have to head for one of the most romantic destinations in Hawaii: Maui’s Nakalele Point. However, please be warned that this intoxicating beauty spot may result in you dropping to one knee and spontaneously proposing to your partner before you can stop yourself…
Waimea Canyon
Hiking hand-in-hand through Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park on the island of Kauaʻi is just about as romantic as going for a walk can get. Think great rugged crags, deep gorges and more Insta-perfect red rock vistas than you can shake a very large stick at. There are plenty of trails to suit everyone from the casual rambler to the lycra-clad climber, or you can opt to take the scenic route by car if aching calves and glutes ain’t your idea of romance. Don’t miss the expansive views from the Waimea Canyon Lookout (mile marker 10) and follow the Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe trail if you’re in the market for a cooling couples’ dip in the pool at Waip’o Falls.
Romantic Activities in Hawaii
An attractions pass from Go City can save you money on romantic activities on Oahu and beyond. Think Hawaiian lei-making on Sunset Beach, traditional fire-dancing workshops, catamaran sailing and turtle-spotting excursions, guided hikes of the spectacular North Shore, entry to the epic Waimea Valley botanical gardens and waterfall, and much more. Click here to find out more about the types of pass available.