Known worldwide as a romantic destination, Hawaii boasts some of the most beautiful and idyllic locales on the planet. Romantic hotels, dining, activities and destinations abound. Here is a list of some of what the folks at Hawaii.com consider to be the "best of the best" for a romantic vacation.
Where to Dine:
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La Mer (Oahu) – Widely known as the epitome of sophistication and romance, Le Mer's fine dining is an experience not to be missed. This AAA Five-Diamond restaurant is situated in the Halekulani Hotel, on a beach in Waikiki, facing the Pacific Ocean with Diamond Head in the background. The open-air atmosphere and neoclassic French cuisine are complemented by the attentive staff and award-winning wine list.
- The Beach-house at Manoa (Oahu) – Located in the Moana Surfrider Resort, this lovely steak and seafood restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner. It is decorated in shades of cream and blue, reflecting the ocean framed in the restaurant's surrounding windows. The tables, which are well spaced, allow for privacy and enjoyment of the freshest seafood and finest steaks. Specialties include Pennsylvania Amish-raised Angus beef and American Wagyu (kobe-style) beef.
Where to Stay:
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The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows (Big Island) – Ranked as the Most Romantic Resort in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com in 2009, this luxury eco-friendly resort is the perfect place for a honeymoon, destination wedding or romantic vacation. Watch whales jumping in the distance at sunset and sea turtles lounging on the lava along the beach. Mauna Lani Bay also features a top-ranked spa that specializes in healing energy treatments and two championship golf courses.
- Secret Beach Hideaway (Kauai) – Enjoy the natural beauty of undeveloped Kauai, with its canyons, mountain peaks and tropical splendor. These luxury accommodations include three secluded cottages and one home on stunning hillside acreage. Each unit boasts designer furnishings, private outdoor gardens with outdoor showers and gourmet kitchens. Nature loving couples can golf, hike, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, windsurf, horseback ride, fish or just explore the lushly landscaped 40-acre oceanfront property. An additional benefit: a private path from your accommodations down to the golden sands of the Hideaway's Secret Beach.
- Lodge at Koele (Lanai) – The 102-room Lodge at Koele is a luxurious hotel operated by Four Seasons. It has been named by Conde Nast Traveler magazine as one of the best places in the world to stay. It is located on Lanai's uplands in a secluded area among Cook and Banyan trees and has an atmosphere that will take your breath away. It features an outstanding golf course, fitness center, tennis courts, riding stables, archery and skeet ranges and offers beach access through its sister resort.
What to Do:
- Kapoho Tide Pools (Big Island) – Referred to as the island's best kept secret, Kapoho has geothermal-heated tidal lagoons that invite exploration. They are filled with a plethora of sea life and a colorful coral bed. The water is clear and calm and the tide pools are closely spaced, making for easy navigation, even for inexperienced swimmers and snorkelers. Nearby Champagne Pond, a natural inlet from the ocean, makes for an especially remarkable dive. This deep, naturally heated pool allows sea creatures like tropical fish and green sea turtles to come and go at will.
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Luana Spa Retreat (Maui) – Dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture, the Luana Spa Retreat is located in the heart of Hana town on Maui. It promotes serenity, health and wellness. Its "Lomi for Lovers" spa treatment teaches couples basic massage principles and techniques, and each person gives and receives a one hour massage. Luana Spa also has one rental unit, a yurt, used for overnight stays. It affords stunning views of Hana Bay.
- Kalalau Trail (Kauai) – This beautiful and dramatic coastal hike features a magnificent backdrop of tropical foliage, steep cliffs and wild birds and animals. Most hikers go in as far as the two-mile mark to Hanakapiai Beach, a recommended camping spot for nature lovers. The full hike, a strenuous 22-mile round trip, takes you to one of the world's most beautiful beaches, but is recommended only for the most avid hikers
- The Hawaii Romance Festival (Oahu) – Held in Honolulu, and next scheduled for 2010, this festival recently featured live performances, romantic dinners and a romantic movie screening. This event brings together legendary musical artists who perform some of the most romantic music ever written, along with prominent chefs and celebrity guests for days and nights of music, food and celebration.
- Yacht Sailing/Private Sunset Charter (Maui) – One of Maui's most captivating activities is a SailMaui Private Sunset Charter on the elegant 50-foot yacht Cinderella. This charter, with a six-guest maximum, is for the discriminating traveler. It includes appetizers (such as vegetable crudités, sushi and shrimp cocktail), a variety of drinks and cocktails during the evening voyage.
- Helicopter Tours (Maui/Molokai) – While helicopter tours are available throughout the islands for pre-planned and private charters, a West Maui/Molokai tour is unmatched for its stunning views of spectacular waterfalls, soaring sea cliffs and tropical rain-forests. Maui is 70 percent inaccessible by land, so an aerial tour offers a view into the mostly hidden treasures of the island. Soar above its unparalleled beauty with someone special for a once in a lifetime experience.
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