Romantic Travel Specials: Hawaii

Hawaii has the benefit of providing stimulating vacations for both singles and couples. And it really shines in romantic vacations for two – whether you are celebrating a special anniversary or planning a quick romantic getaway, Hawaii has something for everyone.

Things to do

Once you have arrived on your island of choice, finding a romantic activity is easy. On the island of Maui, join Hike Maui for a romantic waterfall hike ($75/person) – many a romantic groom-to-be has popped the question while hiking and swimming in a secluded waterfall pool. Also in Maui, join the Maui Flower Grower’s Association for a Farm Tour of a local Hawaiian flower company – visit orchids, lavender and other tropical botanicals. Tours start at $3/person.

How about a spa treatment, maybe something for two? Check out the Valentine’s Day red current aromatherapy massage (available through February) at the Kahala Spa in Honolulu (treatments start at $45/service). In Maui, the Westin Maui Resort and Spa offers specials on their chocolate massage (special price $100), sweet berry facial (special price $100), and other services, including the chocolate covered strawberry pedicure, Heavenly body wrap, couples massages and facials.

If taking to the air is your idea of romance, relax on a Blue Hawaiian air-tour, serving Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii (flights start at $140/person). Or how about a two-passenger piloted glider ride, from Honolulu Soaring, with beautiful aerial panoramas of ocean, mountains and Oahu’s North Shore (flights start at $128/couple).

In Oahu, try a stand-up paddleboard adventure through the Nancy Emerson School of Surfing, and enjoy the beautiful ocean around Oahu (lessons start at $95/two hour group lesson). In Honolulu, you and your honey can experience a sunset Segway tour through Kaka’ako Waterfront Park, Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island (sunset beach tours begin at $125/person).

During the winter months, whale watching is a great daytime adventure. And to finish off the evening, enjoy a romantic ocean cruise aboard the Atlantis Navatek or Star of Honolulu. Both feature beautiful views of the Honolulu city lights, along with dinner and live entertainment (buffet dinner cruise starts at $82/person). In Maui, join the Pacific Whale Foundation for a Valentine’s Day dinner at sea, with a three-course dinner, cocktails and live entertainment  ($85/person; discount available for booking online).

Romantic dining

Personally, nothing says romance more than sharing a shave ice while taking in the view of the harbor in Lahaina, Maui – check out Ululani’s Shave Ice on Front Street for the most ONO (delicious) island shave ice (small $4.25, large $5.25).

Just up the road in Napili Kai, experience an intimate, dream-come-true, romantic dinner for two, Na Hoku (“under the stars”), featuring a four-course, gourmet dinner in a private outdoor setting overlooking the ocean. Includes personal server and wine pairings ($225/person). In Lana’i, at the Four Seasons Resort Lana’i Manele Bay, experience private dining in the Resort’s exclusive hale (cabana), with a custom tailored menu just for you and your partner.

At the Maui Ocean Center, Valentine’s Day is the night for the annual Sea of Love Dinner – a four-course menu prepared and served in the Living Reef or Open Ocean aquarium exhibits ($99/person).

In Oahu, visit the Kualoa Ranch for a romantic gourmet dinner at sunset. After touring the impressive grounds with tropical flowers, fruit trees and gardens, experience the Ka’a’awa Valley, site of many Hollywood blockbusters. Guests are then treated to dinner overlooking the Kualoa beach and Mokoli’I Island, with live entertainment to round out the evening.

Many island hotels offer romantic dinner specials in February, including the Colony Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa (pre-fixe menu, $79/person); the Naupaka Terrace Restaurant at the Kauai Beach Resort and Spa offers a Valentine’s Sunrise Buffet and Valentine’s Day Dinner; and at the Moana Surfrider, on Oahu, guests enjoy the Taste of Romance Menu, a three-course tasting menu ($90) with wine pairings ($32).

Hotels and lodging

The best way to save on lodging in Hawaii is a short-term vacation rental through Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO) or Homeaway. Condominiums and time-shares are available starting at $150/night.

However, on a romantic weekend away, you might just want to be pampered at a grand hotel. Fortunately, many have outstanding specials through the month of February. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on the Big Island of Hawaii offers the Endless Escape rate, starting from $169. The Makena Beach & Golf Resort in Maui offers a four day romance package starting at $1,549/room, including a couples massage and daily breakfast buffet. At the new Waikiki EDITION, stay Valentine’s weekend and enjoy room upgrades and private “Breakfast in Bed” in your own poolside daybed ($445/night).

And luxury does not have to break the bank! Reserve a romantic beach cottage at the Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu. With the North Shore Romance Package, enjoy daily breakfast, chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne upon arrival, and a convertible rental car. Package prices from $379/night, with a two-night minimum.

For more information about events, activities and deals in the Hawaiian Islands, visit Go Hawaii, the Hawaii Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mahalo!