I lived in Hawaii for six years and I can say from first hand experience... Hawaii has a way of awakening something gentle inside you. With every breeze that carries the scent of plumeria, every wave that rolls in with ancient rhythm, and every golden sunset that settles quietly over the sea, this place invites you to fall in love...not just with your partner, but with the moment. Whether you're nestled in a private rainforest cottage, sipping coffee on a seaside lanai, or watching the stars rise over lava fields, these romantic getaways offer more than a change of scenery...they offer connection, restoration, and wonder.
Best Romantic Getaways in Hawaii:
Holualoa Inn
Holualoa Inn felt like a secret carved into the hillside. Nestled in the heart of Kona coffee country, the estate was all wraparound porches, ocean breezes, and the gentle rustle of palms. Every detail—from the hand-carved furnishings to the hibiscus tucked on the pillow—made us feel like honored guests in a dream. I remember thinking, “This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to breathe.”
What I Loved Most: Sipping fresh Kona coffee on the rooftop gazebo at sunrise, the coastline glowing in gold as the island slowly came alive beneath us.
My highlights? Breakfast at the inn: taro pancakes with lilikoi syrup, fresh papaya and mango, and warm banana bread. Every bite felt grown, gathered, and given with love.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Lush, luxurious, plantation-style romance
- Location: Holualoa, Big Island (Kona Coast)
- Best For: Couples seeking tranquility, nature, and authentic aloha spirit
- Amenities: Rooftop gazebo, hot tub, pool, walking paths, garden-to-table breakfasts
- Best Time to Visit: Spring or early fall for warm days and fewer crowds
- Cost: From $575 per night
- Address: 76-5932 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725
Waterfall whispers at The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls
Waking up to the sound of a waterfall just outside our window felt like something out of a movie. The Inn at Kulaniapia Falls sat perched above its namesake cascade, surrounded by bamboo groves and the hush of the rainforest. It was wild and peaceful all at once. I remember thinking, “This is where love goes when it wants to listen.”
What I Loved Most: Hiking down to the base of the falls in the morning mist, holding hands as the water roared beside us and the forest smelled like rain.
My highlights? A casual dinner in nearby Hilo at Pineapples Island Fresh Cuisine—I had the macadamia nut-crusted catch of the day with pineapple chutney and a lychee mojito. Simple, fresh, and totally local.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Secluded, jungle-lush, eco-romantic
- Location: Hilo, Big Island
- Best For: Nature lovers, adventurous couples, honeymooners
- Amenities: Waterfall access, bamboo trails, Asian-inspired suites, on-site chef dinners available
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; rain is part of the beauty
- Cost: From $325 per night
- Address: 100 Kulaniapia Dr, Hilo, HI 96720
Volcanic serenity at Volcano Rainforest Retreat
Stepping into our cedar cottage at Volcano Rainforest Retreat Bed & Breakfast felt like arriving in a sacred space. Surrounded by towering ferns and filtered light, the air was cool and hushed, and everything smelled of rain, earth, and possibility. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to disappear into something beautiful—together.”
What I Loved Most: Soaking in the private hot tub beneath a canopy of trees after hiking through lava fields earlier in the day. The contrast of fire and forest was unforgettable.
My highlights? Breakfast delivered to our door: tropical fruit, warm banana bread, fresh island yogurt, and locally roasted coffee. Eaten in robes, by candlelight, in silence.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Forested, mystical, deeply tranquil
- Location: Volcano Village, Big Island
- Best For: Couples seeking solitude, hot tub lovers, off-grid romantics
- Amenities: Private outdoor soaking tubs, in-room breakfast, fireplaces, forest immersion
- Best Time to Visit: Winter for cooler temps and fewer crowds
- Cost: From $295 per night
- Address: 11-3832 Twelfth St, Volcano, HI 96785
Cottage calm at Fern Grotto Inn
Our cottage at Fern Grotto Inn Kauai Cottages felt like a home we hadn’t known we missed. Tucked along the Wailua River on Kauai’s east side, it was quiet, airy, and filled with small, thoughtful details—plumeria on the table, a kitchen stocked for morning coffee, and breezes that carried birdsong. I remember thinking, “This is where you fall in love with the idea of everyday again.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting on the lanai in the late afternoon light, reading, sipping rosé, and knowing there was nowhere else we needed to be.
My highlights? A casual dinner at JO2 Natural Cuisine in Kapaa—ahi poke with avocado, taro chips, and ginger soy vinaigrette. Every bite was delicate and bursting with flavor.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Relaxed, local, riverside comfort
- Location: Wailua, Kauai
- Best For: Low-key couples, beach wanderers, extended stays
- Amenities: Standalone cottages, river access, kitchens, beach gear included
- Best Time to Visit: Summer for beach days, winter for waterfall hikes
- Cost: From $265 per night
- Address: 4561 Kuamoo Rd, Kapaa, HI 96746
Oceanfront escape at Paradise Bay Resort
Paradise Bay Resort sat tucked between the mountains and Kaneohe Bay like a well-kept secret. Our suite looked out over the water, framed by the Ko?olau cliffs rising behind us. Gentle breezes drifted through sheer curtains, and everything felt just far enough away. I remember thinking, “This is what it means to exhale.”
What I Loved Most: Morning yoga on the floating dock, followed by a paddle into the glassy bay. The stillness and light made time feel like a gift.
My highlights? A casual dinner in Kailua at Buzz’s Original Steakhouse—I had the grilled mahi mahi with lilikoi butter, and we watched the sky turn amber over the ocean.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Waterfront, tucked away, restorative
- Location: Kaneohe, Oahu
- Best For: Couples who love nature, water, and wellness
- Amenities: Bay access, floating yoga dock, kitchenettes, outdoor showers
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early fall for calm waters and quiet nights
- Cost: From $305 per night
- Address: 47-039 Lihikai Dr, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Volcano views at Volcano Forest Inn
Volcano Forest Inn felt like a refuge on the edge of something powerful. Just a short drive from Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, it offered stillness where the earth was anything but. Surrounded by rainforest, the inn was clean, quiet, and filled with the scent of rain. I remember thinking, “This is what it feels like to be held gently near something wild.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting on the lanai at night in the soft mist, hearing distant rumbles from the crater and wondering how something so vast could feel this close.
My highlights? Breakfast in Hilo the next morning at Café 100—a hearty loco moco with rich brown gravy, eggs, and rice. Classic, comforting, and just what we needed after a morning hike.
Plan your stay:
- Vibe: Clean, peaceful, gateway-to-adventure
- Location: Volcano, Big Island
- Best For: Couples exploring the national park, nature-focused travelers
- Amenities: Lanai, rainforest surroundings, proximity to park
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; especially powerful when lava is active
- Cost: From $195 per night
- Address: 19-4034 Old Volcano Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
Conclusion: Let the Islands Hold You
Romance in Hawaii isn’t grand gestures or flashy itineraries—it’s the small, sacred pauses. A morning spent wrapped in blankets and birdsong. A quiet hike through green-draped valleys. A late-night swim under a full moon. These places give you space to slow down, lean in, and rediscover each other in the rhythm of the islands. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply escaping together, let Hawaii hold you—with warmth, wonder, and just the right amount of magic.
Related Links