Finding a romantic spot in Hawaii is far from a challenge. Beaches. Resorts. Oceanfront restaurants. They can all induce affection. And considering the Island’s all-around dreamy landscape, even an activity as ordinary as standing in line for shave ice might be considered an act of love. But hear me out: I visited the Islands about once a month during the five years I worked for a travel magazine, and I’ve discovered several notable places where cuddling up with your loved on can be especially memorable. Since different people find different qualities of the Islands romantic, my choices span seven categories and five islands. Add any of them to your next journey, but don’t neglect to follow your own romantic muse and discover your own special places.

SUNSET SPOT

Hanalei Beach, Kauai
The craggy cliffs of the Na Pali range make for an unparalleled backdrop when the day draws to an end on the north shore of Kauai. Usually a few silver clouds hover over the horizon just to add another dimension to the already surreal sunset. In a setting as exotic as this, you’ll wonder whether you landed in Bora Bora or Hawaii. It doesn’t matter in the end, because you’ll soon be swooning in your partner’s eyes.

Runner Up:
Wailea Beach
On the right, you have the glitzy, upscale resorts like the Four Seasons and the Grand Wailea, and on the left, you’ve got the sun declining into a sea of color. From December through April, migrating whales splash along the horizon in silhouette.

ROMANTIC PLACE TO STAY

Four Seasons Hualalai, Hawaii’s Big Island
Is it the outdoor lava rock shower, or your own private lanai and garden in some of the rooms that qualify this as the most romantic hotel? Perhaps it’s the bungalow-style guestrooms furnished with understated Polynesian elegance that evoke romance. Or maybe it’s the lovely infinity pool, where unobtrusive and obliging staff regularly offer you an Evian spritz for cooling off, whether or not you’re a celebrity. Whichever feature you choose, it’s part and parcel of the whole experience here that renders this low-rise resort, designed to blend right into its surrounding seascape, a hands-down winner.
www.fourseasons.com/hualalai, (808) 325-8000

Runner Up:
Lodge at Koele, Lanai
Sitting outside on your lanai wearing a plush white bathrobe, indulging in scones and preserves alongside your honey, as peacocks roam the meticulous green grounds is one of life’s most memorable moments. Strolling hand in hand through the property’s quiet Japanese gardens is another.
www.lodgeatkoele.com, (800) 256-4280

BEACHES

Halawa Beach, Molokai
On the far eastern point of Molokai, literally at the end of the road, lies a half-moon strip of sand and a grassy knoll filled with Java plum, kukui, and guava trees, as well as wild orchids and Ekaha ferns. Two mountains – Lamaloa and Hawala Iki – rise behind the secluded beach. One or two other people may be around, but you might have it all to yourself.

On a different island try…
Kailua Beach, Oahu
On Oahu’s eastern shore, rest under lilting palm fronds and grass ideal for stretching out for a nap.

FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER

La Mer, Oahu
One of Hawaii’s most notable restaurants also happens to be one of the most romantic. Located within the venerable Halekulani Hotel, the restaurant is world-renown for its delectable French fare. As you taste course after amazing course of menu items like Bouillabaisse La Mer style in a puff pastry, take a moment to absorb your surroundings: the murals on the walls, the soft lighting, the Polynesian style elegant furnishings, and the sounds of the waves lapping up just below your feet. (In fact, make a reservation for a balcony table for the best views.) This meal, you won’t soon forget.
www.halekulani.com, (808) 923-2311

Café Hanalei, Kauai
If the drop-dead views of Hanalei Bay and the Na Molokama cliffs from Café Hanalei’s terrace don’t ignite romance, then the restaurant’s Oysters "Martini" – served with tomato essence, dragon fire relish, and a splash of pepper vodka – definitely will.
www.princeville.com/stay/pvdining.html, (800) 826-4400

FOR A ROMANTIC VIEW

Manoa Falls, Oahu
Hidden away in Honolulu’s residential Manoa Valley is one of the island’s most scenic waterfalls. Through a rainforest, following a gushing creek, surrounded by indigenous plants and flowers and bamboo groves, the muddy trail takes you high and low. Instead of rushing to get to the Falls, which you can hear from half a mile away, take a moment to survey your environs, even if a brief tropical rain wets your face: It’s the perfect moment for a kiss. Once you arrive at your destination, Manoa Falls, find a rock to sit on with your partner, peel off your socks and shoes, and dangle your feet in the cold splashing pool, as you get sprayed by the Fall. Or better yet, take a little dip.

On a different island, try…
Pololu Valley Lookout, Big Island
At the end of Highway 270, rugged cliffs give way to one of Hawaii’s famed black sand beaches.

FOR A ROMANTIC TROPICAL DRINK

Four Seasons Resort Maui’s pool
Under the privacy of your double cabana’s shade, you can gaze into each other’s eyes, pulling away only to order and receive your drink brought to you by the pool attendants. Take a dip in the Fountain Pool, or lose yourself in the bubbles of one of the Jacuzzis at each end of the pool. To further dissolve into your surroundings, ask for a reflexology massage for you and your love as you sip on your Mai Tai.
www.fourseasons.com/maui, (808) 874-8000

House Without a Key, Oahu
If a four-course French meal upstairs at La Mer is not on the agenda, then by far a drink under the ancient Kiawe tree at this open-air lounge should be. A hula dancer sways her hips to the slack key guitar player’s tunes, and all you have left to do is surrender to the romance of the setting.
www.halekulani.com, (808) 923-2311

ROMANCE ON A BUDGET

Romance can be found in the most unlikely places. In Hawaii, especially, those places sprout up in any number of oddball spots, like these:

- Matsumoto Shave Ice stand in Haleiwa. After a long day of driving to Oahu’s North Shore, nothing beats sitting on the bench outside this island institution and sharing a cone of colored ice with your honey.
- The double hammocks at any of the beachfront resorts. Hanging around in this state of repose with the bright blue Pacific just beyond induces a state of bliss.
- Free outdoor movie. Every Saturday and Sunday night, locals and visitors converge at Waikiki Beach and settle in under a 30-foot screen to watch the movie of the week. Join the crowds under the stars for a classic Hawaiian treat.
www.sunsetonthebeach.net