No wonder Hawaii is considered one of the most romantic places on earth. Stunning sunsets, secluded beaches, luxurious resorts and intimate restaurants that make you feel special – the islands provide the perfect backdrop for romance.
However, the rest is up to you.
1. Sunrise snuggling on Haleakalā, Maui
Sunrise over the clouds in Maui’s Halekalā National Park is unforgettable.
Photo: Getty Images
There’s nothing more romantic than watching the sun rise together, and it’s even more unforgettable in Maui’s Haleakalā National Park. The views from the top of the 10,023-foot dormant volcanic peak are spectacular, and temperatures can plummet to the low 40s, so snuggling is a must. (You must reserve online.)
2. Stroll on the secluded beach of Pāpōhaku, Molokaʻi
Pāpōhaku Beach on Molokaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images
Molokaʻi is only 38 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point and its natural beauty is virtually untouched. Here you can enjoy deserted beaches, empty hiking trails and quiet evenings. The island is also home to the state’s largest white-sand beach. Pāpōhaku Beach is wide and deserted – the perfect place to spend some alone time.
3. Dine in style in Waikīkī
Eat and drink your Valentine’s Day at Mugen in Waikīkī.
Photo: Courtesy of ESPACIO The Jewel of Wakīkī
There’s no shortage of romantic restaurants in Hawaii, from luxurious oceanfront restaurants to cozy bistros with great wine lists. But if you really want to impress your date, make a reservation at Mugen, the signature restaurant at the luxurious ESPACIO in Waikīkī. The exclusive boutique hotel – each suite spans 2,200 square meters – is the ultimate couple’s retreat, with a hot sauna, top-class cuisine and a balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean, complete with a private Jacuzzi for romantic relaxation . The French-Japanese-inspired restaurant is intimate, seating just 36, and offers a decadent nine-course tasting menu of dishes that are as delicious as they are gorgeous. It also boasts a rare collection of wines, many of which are exclusive to the restaurant.
4. Settle into an adults-only resort on Maui
Hotel Wailea is an adults-only resort on Maui — actually the only one in Hawaii. And yes, no children allowed! This Relais & Châteaux resort offers uninterrupted 180 degree ocean views, 15 acres of Zen-inspired landscaped gardens and poolside cabanas where you can sip handcrafted cocktails and relax. Couples can indulge in soothing massages, paddle a traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe, learn to surf with a private instructor, and dine in the ultra-private treehouse that floats among mango trees over the Wailea shoreline. Talk about romance!
5. Hike through an enchanted forest, Kauai
The Wai Koa Loop Trail is a beautiful walk on Kauai.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Even if you’re not a hiker, the Wai Koa Loop Trail on Kauai’s north shore feels more like a walk through an enchanted forest. You’ll hike along a well-defined trail on a working farm on 1,200 acres of private property and through the largest mahogany forest in the United States. At the end is the historic Kīlauea Stone Dam with a secluded swimming spot and picnic areas.
6. Sip wine on a ranch, Maui
The Vineyards of ‘Ulupalakua Ranch.
Photo: Courtesy of MauiWine
Most visitors – even locals – don’t know that Maui has a thriving vineyard and winery on the slopes of Haleakalā. Open since 1974, MauiWine is located in Kula and produces wines from grapes, pineapples and raspberries grown on site. Six grape varieties are grown on his farm, which thrive on the fertile volcanic soil and fresh mountain air. Make a reservation at the King’s Cottage and enjoy wine by the glass, wine flights, wine cocktails and small bites in the cottage built for King Kalākaua in the 1870s.
7. Gaze at the stars on a volcano on the island of Hawaii
View the Milky Way over the Halema’uma’u lava lake atop Kīlauea Volcano in the dark night sky.
Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service/Janice Wei
Watch an eruption under the stars at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park (open 24 hours a day) on the island of Hawai’i. Kīlauea started erupting again in January and the lava lake in Halemaʻumaʻu Crater is spectacular, especially at night.
8. Sunset Picnic at Hanalei Bay, Kauai
Hanalei Bay, Kauai.
Photo: Getty Images/HaizhanZheng
Pack a picnic and head to Hanalei Bay just before sunset. This popular Kauaʻi beach is almost 2 miles long and has lush mountains as a backdrop. There is plenty of room to find a secluded spot. Bring blankets and get cozy; it can get chilly after the sun goes down.
9. Dine on a sunset dinner cruise on the island of Hawaii
Body Glove Cruises offers a three-hour sunset dinner cruise to Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawaii that travels 12 miles along the Kona coast. Sip cocktails while listening to a guide share stories and the history of this area. Dine on board—a current menu included coffee-braised Kona short ribs and Thai coconut curry with Hāmākua sweet potatoes—and enjoy the sunset on the way back.
10. Get a massage together by the sea, island of Hawaii
The Fairmont Orchid on the Island of Hawaii features an award-winning spa with no walls. (It’s literally called the spa without walls.) That means many of its treatments, from facials to massages, are performed outdoors — next to a waterfall or at the ocean’s edge. Listen to the waves while enjoying a relaxing massage in one of the hotel’s outdoor areas healthy (huts). You’ll feel rejuvenated and restored – and ready for romance.
11. Walk through a lavender farm, Maui
Aliʻi Kula lavender farm in inland Maui.
Photo: David Croxford
The stunning 13.5-acre Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm in Upcountry Maui is the perfect date spot—you can walk hand-in-hand through the soothing scents of lavender. It is also a beautiful backdrop for photos.