Romantic Notions in Oahu
 

OAHU – The Hawaii that people dream of is filled with romance from natural beauty and adventure to sophisticated resorts, shopping and nightlife. Romance is found throughout the island of Oahu, known affectionately as “the heart of Hawaii.”

One with Nature

Natural beauty inspires dreams and love. A tropical island in the middle of the beautiful Pacific Ocean is the perfect setting for a romantic interlude.

Stroll along hand-in-hand on any one of the 139 white-sand beaches surrounding the island of Oahu and share in the quiet and beauty.
Watch as the ocean turns the diamond-like reflections from the sun into a silver pathway to stars.

Be wooed by a beachfront candlelight dinner to the sounds of palm trees rustling in the cool sea breeze keep tune with the ocean lapping on the shore.

Paddle out to sea on a kayak adventure together with a break for a picnic on the secluded beach of Mokulua Island, just off shore of from Lanikai Beach on the windward side of Oahu.

* Explore the allure of Oahu with a scenic drive around the island where the bustling city life of Waikiki transforms into the serene countryside of Oahu’s North Shore.

* Discover the romantic places to kiss from the panoramic lookout on Mount Tantalus to the breath-taking views of Diamond Head with the sparkle of Honolulu city lights to dazzle.

* Lay down for a nap with trees towering above in the lush Foster Botanical Garden, a living museum of tropical plants, which has been collected over a period of 140 years.

* Watch the power and beauty of Mother Nature at the Halona Blowhole lookout Oahu’s south shore.

* Walk under the moonlight for a romantic view of Waimea Valley Audubon Park enticed by the fragrant aroma of native flowers that only blossom at night.

Especially for Two

Being pampered is good for the heart and soul. Sharing in that pampering crosses into romance. Many spas on Oahu now offer treatments and massage for couples with professionally trained masseuses who incorporate Hawaiian, Asian, Western, and Polynesian beauty and relaxation concepts into truly extraordinary pampering experience.

* Kahala Mandarin Oriental Spa Suites
* SpaHalekulani at the Halekulani
* Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
* Spa Olakina Salon at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa

Some spas on Oahu have also taken a creative approach to spa treatments, combining the sense of taste with that of smell and touch that are perfect for celebrating romance.

* Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers for couples, “An Exploration in Chocolate” treatment, which starts with side-by-side massages in a twin spa suite, followed by applications of chocolate macadamia nut exfoliation scrub, and ending with an aromatic bath.
* JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa offers the Ultimate Champagne and Caviar Treatment.

When Three is Not a Crowd

The more the merrier when celebrating a special occasion. The nightlife on Oahu celebrates love with romantic music, dancing and special acknowledgement of wedding and honeymoon couples. Celebrate and revel in the joy of being an official newlywed at any one of the dance clubs below:

* Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani Hotel
* Esprit Night Club at the Sheraton Waikiki
* Wonder Lounge at the W Honolulu
* Aaron’s Atop the Ala Moana HotelFor a romantic drink at sunset, the beachfront hotels in Waikiki offer spectacular views sure to make lovers swoon.
* Banyan Tree Veranda at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider
* Mai Tai Bar at The Royal Hawaiian
* House Without a Key at Halekulani Hotel
* Tiki’s Grill and Bar at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel

For that thoughtful and unique romantic evening, how about a movie for two at the Movie Museum, where the intimate 18-seat movie theater can be rented exclusively for a private showing for two with private screenings of all of your own favorite romantic classics.

Romantic Dining

Fabulous food, great ambiance and excellent service are the ingredients to cook up romance. The variety of cuisine and settings abound on the island of Oahu.

* Dining at the exquisite oceanfront La Mer combines the elegance of France with the romanticism of Oahu. The sounds of “la mer,” or the sea of Waikiki, sets the mood for an elegant meal for two.  

* Sit window-side and enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean at Hoku’s Restaurant. Watch as food is prepared and served straight from the Hoku’s open kitchen to your plate as you and your partner enjoy the old charm of the Kahala Mandarin Oriental. For an intimate dinner served under the stars in a cabana setting, the Cabanas Seaside Grill has been home to many marriage proposals.

* Love fills the air at Bali by the Sea at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort and Spa, which offers a dramatic oceanfront setting, a relaxed atmosphere, and 350 selection of fine wines. A weekly fireworks show on Friday nights makes this dinner spectacular.

* Watch all of Waikiki beneath your feet as a glass elevator zips you 30 stories up to The Hanohano Room at Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner for two, with spectacular views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor.

* Experience romantic dining where east meets west at Indigo Restaurant located in downtown Honolulu. Enjoy an elegant dinner amidst waterfalls, lush green gardens, and a dining room set with dark rattan chairs, ceiling fans, and bamboo blinds along the sides of the patio.
 

Some other fabulous restaurants that inspire romance include:

* Chef Mavro’s
* L’Uraku
* Alan Wong’s
* Haleiwa Joe’s in Haiku
* Nick’s Fishmarket
* Star of Honolulu 5-Star Dinner Cruise
* Diamond Head Grill at the W Honolulu
* Hau Tree at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
* Sarentos at the top of the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel
* Ocean House at Outrigger Reef
* Banyan Tree Veranda at the Sheraton Moana Surfrider
* Surf Room at The Royal Hawaiian
* Ciao Mein or the Terrace Grill at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki
* Tiki’s Grill and Bar at the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel
 

Romantic Ideas

Oahu offers such variety that finding that unique and special souvenir is easy to do.

* Take home memories of your newfound love on Oahu with a Hanai a Bear. Hanai, in Hawaiian is to adopt, or raise as your own. Delight in choosing your very own cuddly teddy bear, and take home your bear with fond memories of the love you shared on the island of Oahu.

* Take home permanent memories of visiting Oahu together with Hawaiian tattoos. Professionally trained artists can create a pair of Hawaiian bands around the ring finger, or matching his and her Hawaiiana tattoos.

* Express your love to each other and to the world with matching his and her aloha wear. Local designer Michelle Henry will custom-make coordinating muumuu and aloha shirts. Choose your own fabrics, create your own style, or even design your own Hawaiian wedding dress.