There are so many alluring vacation spots in Hawaii, but depending on what you’re looking for, some will be better than others. The islands offer something for just about every type of couple, whether you’re the type of couple who wants to be in the thick of all the action with plenty to do or you’re seeking seclusion and privacy or something in between. These top destinations in Hawaii are practically guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.
Hanalei - North Shore, Kauai
Hanalei lies along the crescent-shaped bay with the same name on the North Shore. Incredibly scenic, it has lots to offer couples in addition to stunning beaches like Tunnels Beach, famously featured in the 1958 film “South Pacific.” There are soaring mountains with trails that lead to enchanting waterfalls, art galleries and lots of unique shops too. Enjoy the jaw-dropping views while strolling the iconic Hanalei Pier hand-in-hand, and visit vibrant gardens like Limahuli Garden and Preserve which is spread across 17 acres framed by the ocean with Makana Mountain providing a magnificent backdrop.
Princeville - North Shore, Kauai
Also on the North Shore close to Hanalei, Princeville offers some of the most luxurious accommodation on the island, complete with cliffside views overlooking the Pacific. It’s home to one of the best golf courses on Kauai too, the Makai Golf Club, and offers a wealth of activities from biking, diving and snorkeling to kayaking, whale watching and helicopter tours. There are secluded beaches with soft sands where you can relax in tranquility with the one you love
Kaanapali Beach, West Maui
Located on the west side of Maui about three miles north of Lahaina town, Kaanapali Beach is regularly voted as one of the top white sand beaches in the United States. The soft, silky sands and crystal-clear water are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. When the weather cooperates, you’ll be able to see the islands of Lanai and Molokai. The area around it is a popular place to stay, complete with the island’s stunning scenery, lots of luxury hotels with immaculate grounds and elaborate swimming pools. There is a wide range of restaurants, shops and beach activities that can be enjoyed, all within relatively easy walking distance.
Wailea, Maui
Located along the South Shore, Wailea is home to lots of luxurious condos and hotels, but unlike Kaanapali, they’re spread out a bit more providing a more tranquil atmosphere without the convenience of being able to easily walk to shops and restaurants. It’s an ideal place to base your stay if you’re planning to go golfing or enjoy other outdoor activities, as it tends to be the sunniest and calmest part of the island, shielded from the brunt of the trade winds at the base of Mount Haleakala. It offers miles and miles of powdery sands, including the famously beautiful beaches in Makena Beach State Park.
Waikoloa, Big Island
Waikoloa is ideal for a laid-back couples’ vacation, home to many high-end resorts. While there isn’t much when it comes to nightlife, couples can enjoy lavish spa treatments and romantic dinners on resort grounds along with beach-side cocktails in Kona. Anaehoomalu Beach, one of the island’s beautiful beaches is just down the road, and there are plenty of activities available like stand-up paddleboarding, sunset cruises and whale watching tours in the winter, leaving from Anaehoomalu Bay.
Kailua-Kona, Big Island
Kailua-Kona on the west side of the Big Island enjoys a sunnier, drier climate and makes a good base for exploring many different sights, from beaches to historical attractions as well as being close to activities like snorkeling and swimming with the spinner dolphins. Just south of Kona, Kealakekua Bay offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. There are big tourist resorts here along with plenty of surfer shops, restaurants and bars – and, if you want to get away from the resort areas, you’ll be less than 90 minutes from lush Waipio Valley and its famously stunning overlook.
North Shore Oahu
The North Shore of Oahu is the place to go for tranquility on the island, far from the tourist crowds in Waikiki, yet just an hour’s drive away. The north coast is famous for its winter waves that draw surfers from across the globe, and in the summer, the water is calm enough for swimming, snorkeling and diving. You’ll find small-town charms with local boutiques, art galleries, delicious eats and some luxurious resorts. The beaches are gorgeous, and if you drive around the shoreline you’re likely to find a stretch to enjoy all to yourselves.
Waikiki Beach, Oahu
If you want to be in the center of all the action, Waikiki Beach is the hub of activity on Oahu, the busiest spot on all the islands. It’s filled with top-rated luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops along with museums, historic and cultural sites – just about everything you could ever need or want, and probably some things you don’t, like traffic and crowds. The beach is one of the most popular in the world, offering great surfing and swimming, as well as hosting hula dancing, outdoor music events and canoe races.
Molokai
Just nine miles from the popular resorts on West Maui, Molokai feels as if its world’s away. One of the less-visited of the Hawaiian islands, there’s virtually no nightlife or crowds here, but there is a good chance that you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular beach all to yourself. Papohaku, better known as Three-Mile beach, is one of Hawaii’s longest stretches of white sands. On a clear day, you’ll even be able to see Oahu. Despite the lack of commercial and tourist development, there’s plenty to do here other than lounge on the sand. Witness the tallest sea cliffs on the planet, visit archaeological sites, experience authentic native Hawaiian culture and snorkel among coral reefs.
Lanai
The tiny island of Lanai offers plenty of privacy and seclusion. It’s ideal for couples who want total solitude without worries about traffic or even renting a car. The Four Seasons is the only option here and it’s ultra-luxe, offering horseback rides along forested trails, fun ATV rides, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, pools to relax by and sunset catamaran cruises. You can also explore a unique Hawaiian landscape called the Garden of the Gods. An impressive red rock desert, it features hundreds of round red rock towers that were arranged there centuries ago.
