Romantic Honolulu, Oahu

1. Tantalus Lookout, Puu Ulakaa State Park

A romantic scenic hike through a beautiful tropical forested area will bring you to the Tantalus Lookout, Puu Ulakaa State Park . Regardless of what time of day you visit, the views from this lookout point are well worth the hike. You will access sweeping views out over southern Oahu, which stretch from Diamond Head, all the way to Pearl Harbor. There is a pleasant picnic area where you can relax and admire one of the best hill-top views you will find anywhere on the island. Please remember to bring water and sunscreen as there are no concessions at the view point.

Tantalus Lookout, Puu Ulakaa State Park, 2760 Round Top Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822

2. The Queen Emma Summer Palace

Once the seasonal retreat for Queen Emma and her family, this historic Hawaiian estate is now a museum open to the public for tours. Built in the mid-1800’s for the Hawaiian Royal Family, the home has since been refurbished and is beautifully maintained. Guests are able to experience the home as it would have appeared during the Royal family’s 19th century residency.

The palace’s décor presents a unique array of historical pieces, ranging from traditional Hawaiian craft to English pieces shipped overseas as gifts from the British monarchy. In addition to admiring the striking décor, visitors can meander through the property’s extensive gardens, peruse authentic artifacts that belonged to the royal family, and view a number of historically significant portraits.

The Queen Emma Summer Palace , 2913 Pali Hwy, 808-595-3167

3. Dolphins and You

The Dolphins and You tour provides guests with the unique experience of swimming among dolphin pods and sea life in the peaceful waters just off the O’ahu coast. If you are looking for romantic things to do in Honolulu, this is a great idea for couples. Beginning in the Waianea Boat Harbor, visitors are introduced to the crew before participating in a native E’ Hoi Mai Ceremony. In this ceremony, participants sing a song and offer flowers to the ocean as a prayer for a safe trip and to give thanks to the dolphins. Guests then journey by boat out into the water before donning a mask and snorkel and submerging themselves in the clear water. Aside from dolphins, swimmers have the chance to get up close to a range of diverse marine life including sea turtles and vibrant, tropical fish.

307 Lewers St #401, 808-696-4414

4. Hawaii Food Tours

Designed for food lovers, Hawaii Food Tours offers two options for visitors who want a taste of authentic, local cuisine. Designed by Matthew Gray, a former Celebrity Chef and local food expert, the tours are specifically crafted to showcase modern foods native to Hawaii. The tour goes beyond traditional Hawaiian cuisine and introduces visitors to a globally exotic range of tastes and flavors that exist on the island.

The Hole in the Wall Tour visits a variety of Honolulu based establishments, and some of the special treats you can try include Portuguese donuts and Korean BBQ. The North Shore Food Tour takes visitors away from urban Honolulu and into the heart of Oahu for an experience that includes both high-end eateries and unique roadside stands (808-926-3663).

5. O'ahu Photography Tours

Inspired to share the beauty of his home and his passion for photography, local photographer Alex Wilson founded O'ahu Photography Tours and began providing island tours fused with photography lessons, offering a completely new experience to both locals and visitors. Eight diverse options are offered by O’ahu Photography Tours. Ranging from sunrise to moonscapes, the tours are spread out across the island of O’ahu.

Participants can choose an appropriate tour based on their desired environment, subject, and photography skill level. Photographers can expect to gain a unique perspective on Hawaii while receiving instruction on the technicalities and subtleties of photography, allowing participants to improve their photo taking skills (808-679-1938)

6. Chef Chai

Located in downtown Honolulu, Chef Chai offers his guests a vibrant dinner menu. Named for the resident legendary chef, the restaurant is known for its Hawaiian fusion centered cuisine. Thai born, Chef Chai utilizes local produce and farm fresh ingredients, many of which are purchased from Honolulu’s Chinatown, in every meal. Chef Chai manages to balance an upscale ambiance with a down to earth attitude.

A modern vibe permeates the restaurant, which allows its guests to enjoy a decidedly contemporary fine dining experience. The restaurant offers several location options for guests, including a private dining room, a full bar, and an outside patio complete with fire tower surrounds.

1009 Kapiolani Blvd, 808-585-0011

7. Honolulu Museum of Art

Located right in the heart of Honolulu, the Honolulu Museum of Art invites all art lovers to come and spend an hour or two feasting your eyes on their wonderful collection of visual arts. The museum was originally established to offer the multicultural community of Oahu the opportunity to admire the arts and crafts of their original homelands without having to travel away from Hawaii. Over the decades the museum’s modest collection of 875 pieces has grown by leaps and bounds, and today totals well over 50,000 pieces, spanning an amazing 5000 years. Regular exhibitions are held and the museum also offers art classes and guided tours.

Honolulu Museum of Art, 900 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96814, 808 532 8700

8. Buho Cantina

With an emphasis on using fresh ingredients and high quality products, Buho Cantina serves O’ahu and modern Mexican cuisine. Located in Waikiki, Bohu Cantina serves lunch, dinner, and late night fare. The menu features several Mexican classics fused with bold Hawaiian ingredients and flavors. The result is an authentic Mexican restaurant whose chefs take fresh and modern approach to traditional meals.

Buho Cantina prioritizes the use of farm fresh produce, locally grown right on the island. The casual eatery welcomes guests into a trendy and upbeat atmosphere. The rooftop location allows for both indoor and outdoor seating, and a live cantina band performs regularly for guests’ entertainment.

2250 Kalakaua Ave, Suite 525, 808-922-BUHO

9. The Lyon Arboretum

The Lyon Arboretum is a pristine 200-acre botanical garden just five miles outside of Honolulu. The Lyon Arboretum is a lush and tropical location where visitors can immerse themselves in a truly scenic environment. Lyon Arboretum offers seven miles of trails, ranging from simple and pleasant strolls through the rain forest to hikes in higher elevations.

With twelve gardens to choose from, visitors have the opportunity to experience over 5,000 types of tropical plant species. Included in this selection is a Native Hawaiian Garden, which showcases a collection of indigenous and endemic Hawaiian plants, the Herb and Spice Garden, and the Children’s Garden, an interactive learning site.

3860 Manoa Rd, 808-988-0456