Things to do / Travel Guide
Finding romance in Hawaii is like finding sand on the beach. No problem…it's everywhere! The island of Oahu has long been seen as a place where couples can find enchanting scenery, romantic lodging, the world-famous Waikiki Beach, and plenty of places to go and visit that enhance the whole vacation experience. With all that the island has to offer, where do you start?
Romantic Accommodations in Oahu
Easy enough. Let's start with your choice of accommodations. There's really something here for every budget, so it's not entirely necessary to spend big money in order to find a nice, well-appointed resort that provides a romantic setting. While there are other hotels around Oahu, the primary venue is Waikiki, with its omnipresent companion, Diamond Head. A perfect example of this type of lodging is the Halekulani. This legendary resort has been welcoming honeymooners and others seeking romance for almost 100 years. And nowadays, too, it's one of the top hotels in Oahu.
Romance blossoms at the Outrigger Waikiki, as well. Located squarely on Waikiki Beach, this property gives its guests what they are looking for. Guests are treated to beautiful surroundings, replete with icons of the Hawaiian culture, including an authentic 100-year-old Koa outrigger canoe, lush foliage, and views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean. You can also luxuriate with the all-new Plantation spa. How about a massage for two? The finishing touch? Outstanding service, Hawaiian style.
The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa is another great place for romance in Oahu. With its awesome oceanfront location, fantastic golf course, and top-notch food, Marriott has turned this gem into a vacation paradise. The Ihilani is rare, in that you can have a relaxing retreat, with the feeling of a remote resort, but it just happens to be within easy distance of the great nightlife of Honolulu with its great dance clubs, shopping, beaches, and world-class people watching!
One last suggestion for romantic lodging, tucked away in solitude, is Hawaii's Hidden Hideaway. This is considered one of the best B&Bs on Oahu. It's only a 30 minute drive from Honolulu to Kailua, but it seems to be in another world altogether. Pristine beaches and a spectacular sunset are at your beckon call. Great suites, great service, and a full breakfast - what else is there, besides each other?
Romantic Dining in Oahu
Dining out at a romantic restaurant in Oahu is just as important as the lodging you choose. Honolulu has a well-earned reputation for being a hotbed of innovative cuisine. Bali by the Sea is a perfect example of this. Located at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Chef Adam Hightower's creations make up one of the best menus in the entire state of Hawaii. Hawaii Regional Cuisine is the fare, and fresh seafood and other dishes are the result. The wine list is also world-class, so get the sommelier to suggest something special for your romantic evening. We won't give away the secret here, but trust us when we tell you you'll love the chocolate “Diamond Head” volcano dessert when it comes to your table. Surrounded by tropical beauty, you will be pampered and spoiled during a romantic evening you'll never forget.
La Mer, at the Halekulani is another fantastic choice for a romantic dining experience. Beginning in 1983, La Mer has arguably been king of the hill as Honolulu's best French restaurant. Chef Yves Garnier, who took over the kitchen in 1995, uses only fresh local ingredients such as Nalo greens, moi, ahi, and other fresh fish. However, bucking the Hawaiian Regional Cuisine trend, these dishes are pure French. Garnier really pushes the French style with his wine list as well, with longtime sommelier Randy Ching offering phenomenal service tableside. A tasteful, romantic setting only enhances the dining experience, which is of course top-notch.
Romantic Excursions in Oahu
Now that you're stuffed, it's time to hit the town for a little romance Hawaii style! Try exploring the beautiful, romantic spots on Oahu with a scenic drive around the island - note the transformation from bustling Honolulu to the more serene North Shore. A great place to catch a panoramic view is the lookout on Mt. Tantalus (it's proudly known as a legendary kissing spot). Visitors get spectacular views of Honolulu and Diamond Head from its peak. Another idea is to take a romantic stroll though a moonlit Waimea Valley Audubon Park. Along the path, you'll see beautiful plant life, including fragrant and native nocturnal blooms.
The traditional Hawaiian luau is a terrific way to spend time with your significant other, have a great time, eat the traditional Hawaiian fare and learn a bit about the local culture. Paradise Cove is a good choice for a luau. They have a gorgeous location at the west end of the island, and know how to do it right. The Polynesian Cultural Center also has en excellent luau, with an emphasis on accurately portraying Hawaiian history. Germaine's luau is yet another good option. Germaine's is on a private beach about 40 minutes outside of Honolulu and has a local favorite for a long time.
Oahu has a few more treats up its sleeve in the way of very romantic and sensual spas. Traditional treatments meld with local Hawaiian specialties like a chocolate macadamia nut exfoliation scrub, to make for a relaxing, fun, and romantic activity. Might we suggest trying Kahala Mandarin Oriental Spa, Spa Halekulani at the Halekulani, Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, or Spa Olakina Salon at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa? You really can't go wrong with any of these.
Ok, now that you're relaxed and refreshed, it's time to cut a rug! There are some really nice (and yes, romantic) dance clubs in this region. Special treats usually await those newlyweds who visit them, so make sure to let the chosen establishment know. Wonder Lounge at the W Honolulu and Lewer's Lounge at the Halekulani Hotel are great choices. Also try Esprit Night Club at the Sheraton Waikiki, or, for a nice cocktail, catch the sunset at Aaron's, at the top of the Ala Moana Hotel or the Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian.
If you really want to impress your special companion, this should do the trick: try renting a movie theater and having a private showing of the romantic classics of your choice. You can actually do this at the Movie Museum. Play it again Sam!
Top it all off with a stroll on the beach. There are certainly plenty to choose from on Oahu, but to save you the trouble of finding the good ones, try Lanikai or Hanamua Bay.
Romance can also be a walk down bustling Kealakekua Avenue in Waikiki during the evening hours. Busy with tourists looking for that special trinket, you'll blend in anonymously, holding hands and enjoying the scenery.
As you can see, Oahu is well-equipped to deliver a romantic vacation to you and your sweetie. The hard part is deciding what you want to do! It's all up to you now. Aloha and Mahalo!
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu, Hawaii
Romantic-Vacations-Getaways
Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Spa Suites at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii
Spa Luana at the Turtle Bay Resort
Waimea Bay Beach Park - Oahu, Hawaii
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