Romantic Activities in Hawaii

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.