Images of the Hawaiian island sunsets, hula dancers and sandy beaches make it easy to get inspired to plan a romantic vacation to Hawaii. Perfect for beach enthusiasts, Maui is home to white sandy beaches and resorts offering activities ranging from championship golf and luxury spas to an array or water sports and ocean-based activities. In the winter, take a romantic sunset cruise and watch whales jumping in the ocean (Video). Oahu offers vacationers many things to do, from the famous Waikiki to secluded beaches on the north shore. There is also great art, music and cultural attractions in Honolulu. In the summer, the ocean has the best visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Wild Side Specialty Tours, Oahu
Wild Side is an award-winning tour company based on Oahu that offers a range of wildlife tours, adventures and experiences, such as Whale-Watching Tours, Swimming with Wild Dolphins Experience, and Guided Snorkeling with Turtles and Reef Fish. Wild Side Specialty Tours is owned and operated by Tori and Armin Cullins, who get together with various wildlife research and non-profit organizations to lead open-ocean excursions. Two of their fantastic experiences include ‘The Best of the West’, a three-and-a-half hour tour that includes swimming with wild dolphins, whale-watching and a guided snorkeling tour, and ‘Meteor Showers’, an overnight sailing cruise that showcases the breath-taking beauty of Hawaii’s famed meteor showers by night. ‘The Best of the West’ is conducted on a 34-foot catamaran with comfortable amenities. Guests are given a talk on the local marine life and what they can expect to see, pre-encounter briefingsby an expert crew of wildlife marine biologists before heading out to sea. All snorkeling gear is provided, as well as lunch and a variety of drinks and snacks on board. During the ‘Meteor Showers’ tour, visitors get to experience the breathtaking beauty of nature’s night sky on an overnight sailing cruise that displays Hawaii’s amazing meteor showers. This tour takes place on board a 42-foot catamaran which will sail out to sea to escape the light of the city’s artificial lights to expose the incredible naturally lit sky. The tour then cruises along the Waianae Coast to offer spectacular twinkling vistas.
Beach Activities for Couples
Hawaii is a great honeymoon vacation destination where couples can try new activities together like getting a scuba diving license. The Big Island has several great resorts, including the Mauna Lani, Hualalai and Mauna Kea, where you can rent snorkels and explore colorful coral reefs. Paddleboarding has really taken off and there are many outfitters offering lessons. Mauna Lani has some of the best beaches and reefs for snorkeling. The Fairmont Orchid and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel are the two hotels at the Mauna Lani resort. The main pool at the Fairmont Orchid is surrounded by tropical plants and just steps from the resort's relaxing spa. Halekulani Hotel in Waikiki offers luxury rooms and suites overlooking the ocean. The Royal Hawaiian hotel has rooms with sunset in the historic wing and the newer tower.
Honolulu - The ARTS at Marks Garage
The ARTS at Marks Garage is a community-focused arts center with new exhibits every month, unique performances, workshops and lectures. Get to know Hawaiian artists as they exhibit their paintings and perform at the theater. Check the Calendar of Events for upcoming exhibits and events.
Aloha Festivals
Aloha Festivals date back to 1946 when the event was a week-long cultural celebration of the Hawaiian islands. Today, Aloha Festivals attract over 100,000 visitors who get a chance to know the Hawaiian culture through parades, dance and music. Oahu events include the Opening Ceremony, Waikiki Ho`olaule`a (September 19, 2015) and the spectacular Floral Parade in Waikiki (September 26, 2015). The Royal Court Investiture re-enacts a historic event with a conch shell blower who announces the coming of the court, and participants who wear historically-accurate costumes. Visitors get to see Hawaiian princesses with their riders on horseback, floats and music bands. During the Floral Parade, the participants wear flower leis and beautiful costumes. For those interested in the Hawaiian culture, the festival is a must-see. Many hotels on Oahu participate in the festival and you can get all the information when you check in. You can also visit the Aloha Festivals web site to plan your visit.
Renew Your Wedding Vows
The Outrigger Waikiki offers their guests a complimentary vow renewal ceremony Hawaiian-style. The event takes place in front of the Outrigger Reef hotel. The ceremony begins with a welcoming Hawaiian chant by the kahu (priest). The couple is lead to the ocean's edge and honored with a traditional hula and song. The couple is blessed by a sprinkling of sea water before they recite their vows in Hawaiian. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple is presented with a commemorative certificate.
A Sunset Cruise
There are few more romantic activities than setting sail along the beautiful coastline of Hawaii to enjoy the sunset with your partner. If this is the kind of experience you would like to try while on vacation in Hawaii you are in luck. There are several outfitters offering different types of sunset cruises, most of which include cocktails and snacks.
Some of the larger vessels take things a step further and offer sunset dinner cruises. There are even a couple of operators who combine a sunset cruise with a whale-watching experience. You can expect to spend around 90 minutes at sea for a regular sunset cruise or 2 -3 hours on a dinner cruise.
Hawaiian Luau
Your vacation in Hawaii cannot be considered complete if you have not attended at least one Luau. A Hawaiian Luau is a traditional Hawaiian Feast accompanied by colorful cultural performances and live music. Probably the most famous food you can expect to enjoy at a Luau is a Kalau Pig, which has been slow-roasted in an underground oven (imu) until it is mouth-wateringly tender. This may be accompanied by Poi, which is the starchy root of the taro plant. In some cases you may be served a traditional Hawaiian Poke bowl prepared with raw fish and other local ingredients. The food is delicious and the experience is memorable.
Hawaiian Luau, Hawaii
Health and Wellness
You can add an element of health and wellness to your romantic Hawaii getaway by choosing to spend some time at one of the island’s fabulous spas. Here you and your partner can enjoy sunset or sunrise yoga on the beach or enjoy a unique couples massage where age-old Hawaiian therapies are used to sooth and rejuvenate body and mind. Many of the products used in the spas contain traditional ingredients which are native to Hawaii and are believed to promote health and healing. You have several day spas and spa resorts to choose from – you can select and book your treatments online.
Stargazing in Hawaii
The stars have always played a pivotal role in the history of Hawaii – Hawaiian culture believes the galaxy to be the realm of the gods as well as the guiding lights for early mariners. This fascination with the stars has led to the establishment of the largest observatory in the world at Maunakea, where minimal light pollution offers near-perfect conditions for star gazing. Joining a guided star giving excursion could well be the romantic highlight of your Hawaii vacation. There is also a star gazing facility at the Imiloa Astronomy Center in Hilo, which offers daily planetarium shows.
Cheeseburger In Paradise, Waikiki
If you walk along Kalakaua Avenue between the Sheraton Moana Surfrider and Outrigger Waikiki, Cheeseburger In Paradise is easy to spot - just follow the sounds of Rock 'N Roll music. Cheeseburger In Paradise is open seven days a week and offers a full service bar serving tropical drinks and ice cold beer. Entrees include burgers, salads, fries, onion rings and sandwiches. Cheeseburger In Paradise dish includes a half pound Natural Angus Beef Patty topped with a special blend of Jack and Cheddar cheeses.
Outrigger Canoeing
Enjoy a ride in a Hawaiian outrigger canoe . Waikiki Beach Services at Outrigger Waikiki offers outrigger canoe rides. For more information, call 808-926-9889. Visit the Oahu Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association web site at www.ohcra.com for information about upcoming outrigger canoe races in Hawaii. Scuba diving on Oahu is also a great way to have fun in the water.
Boutique Shopping
In Waikiki on Oahu you can enjoy a shopping vacation combined with relaxing and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Go shopping along the section of Kalakaua Avenue that runs parallel to Waikiki Beach for a selection of beachwear, clothing and souvenirs. DFS Galleria Waikiki offers luxury brand items duty-free. Visit the 90 shops at Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort which sell items ranging from original art to jewelry and clothing. DFS Galleria Waikiki, located in Waikiki behind the Royal Hawaiian hotel, sells a number of luxury brand items duty-free. The shopping center is open daily (808-931-2655).
Surfing in Waikiki
Waikiki is the place to go if you want to enjoy a wide selection of restaurants, shopping and attractions. Home to numerous hotels, Waikiki attracts honeymooners as well as families. It's easy to take a surfing lesson , go shopping at the Ala Moana shopping center and visit the aquarium on the same day. The surf is under two feet in the winter, and around three feet in the summer. There are occasional four to six foot swells in the summer. Surfing lessons are available at Aloha Beach Services located next to the Sheraton Moana Surfrider.
Romantic Dinner on the Beach
Resorts are used to receiving romantic requests. Ask for a dinner under the stars overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This photo was taken at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel on the Big Island. When choosing the best resort, consider details like spa facilities, golf courses, programs for kids and accommodation options. Couples who want ocean views from their room should call ahead and book early, especially during peak holiday weeks. Beach resorts often offer Hawaii vacation packages and deals that include spa service, rounds of golf or a rental car.
Snorkeling and Scuba
The Hawaiian coastline is home to more than 1200 miles of coral reefs, which ensures that snorkeling and scuba diving is one of the most popular activities on the islands. One of the best dives sites can be found on the south shore of Molokai, where there is a stunning 28-mile reef which is teeming with marine life including rays, turtles and an abundance of reef fish. Other good dive sites include Shark’s Cove (north shore of Oahu) and the Molokini Crater off the shore of Maui. The islands are literally dotted with outfitters who are ready to take you to the best areas to dive or snorkel.
