For the ultimate romantic getaway, consider celebrating Valentine’s Day in the Hawaiian Islands.
Even if you’ve been to Hawaii before, you’ll find that Valentine’s Day is the ideal time to visit. By February, many travelers are eager to beat the winter blues by planning a vacation in a warm climate. The islands offer no shortage of romantic things to do – and as a bonus, the whale- watching season will be in full swing around Valentine’s Day.
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When you’re ready to start planning your romantic vacation, consider booking a tour with us. Our carefully crafted tours will show you a side of Hawaii that many visitors never get the opportunity to see.
Check out our website to discover our incredible excursions, and start planning your dream Valentine’s Day vacation in Hawaii with us today!
How To Fall In Love With Valentine’s Day In Hawaii
With so many fun activities and exotic excursions to choose from, you might be feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of a Hawaii Valentine’s Day. Fear not – this is supposed to be a fun and relaxing trip, so just breathe and let us help you explore the possibilities. Check out our list of 9 romantic things to do in Hawaii for Valentine’s Day!
Romantic Ideas And Activities In Oahu For Valentine’s Day
1) Embark On A Sunset Sail Or Daytime Watersports
A romantic sunset cruise – is there any better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? If there is, we sure haven’t found it yet.
Set sail as the sinking sun is dyeing the surrounding sky orange and pink, transforming the entire landscape into a psychedelic canvas. Enjoy a cocktail or non-stimulating beverage and watch your cares drift away on the darkening waves.
Would you prefer to take in the glory of the Pacific Ocean during daylight hours? No problem – there are numerous daytime excursions available as well. To make the most of your time on the water, try adding one of the following activities to your Valentine’s Day trip on Waikiki Beach:
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Parasailing
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Snorkeling
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Kayaking
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Stand-up Paddleboarding
2) Take A Swim With The Turtles
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles in the warm turquoise waters of Hawaii. Valentine’s Day Oahu activities don’t get much more special than this!
Also known as honu, the Hawaiian green sea turtle is native to the islands. It’s also the largest hard-shelled sea turtle in the world, capable of growing up to four feet long and tipping the scales at over 300 pounds. While there are seven types of sea turtles, the honu are the ones you’re most likely to find in the Pacific Ocean off Oahu.
We should point out that the summer months offer better underwater visibility for swimming with sea turtles. However, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy this activity on Valentine’s Day, as long as you’re careful to maintain a safe distance from the animals at all times.
Here are a few of the best places to encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles on Oahu:
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Laniakea Beach – Head to the North Shore and find out why this stretch of shoreline has been nicknamed “Turtle Beach”!
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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – A gorgeous locale for snorkeling enthusiasts, this marine sanctuary offers the opportunity to view these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
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Makapu’u Beach – You won’t have to travel far from Waikiki to find this stunning beach, distinguished by its clear waters and photogenic views.
3) Explore Oahu On A Romantic Hike
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Oahu for Valentine’s Day – assuming you’re reasonably active. It can be tough to drag yourself off the beach, but you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views and an unbeatable sense of accomplishment once you’re through.
We would recommend trekking to the historic lighthouse at Makapu’u Point. While you won’t be able to enter the lighthouse itself, the view from the point is unforgettable. Bring a pair of binoculars so you can check out the native birds that make their homes on the neighboring islets. If it’s an especially clear day, you might even be able to make out the outlines of Lanai and Molokai in the distance.
The Diamond Head Crater is another must-see for anyone who’s lucky enough to spend time on Oahu. Where else will you have the opportunity to explore a gigantic crater while taking in panoramic ocean views? This is a popular trail, so be sure to set out early in order to avoid the crowds, as well as the heat of midday.
Touring The Big Island On Valentine’s Day
4) Enjoy An Evening Of Resort-Hopping
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Hawaii – affectionately known as the “Big Island” – by stopping off at a few of the top-notch resorts. You don’t have to drop a ton of cash on one of their high-end rooms – just stop by for drinks. Check out the restaurant menus in advance so you can choose which one would be best for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.
Here are a few of the select resorts you’ll find on the Kona side of the island:
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The Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
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Fairmont Orchid
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Royal Kona Resort
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Hilton Waikoloa Village
For a relaxing dinner with your special someone, we would recommend Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid. The sunset views are exceptional, as is the top-notch cuisine. Be sure to save room for the coconut panna cotta.
5) Immerse Yourselves In Hawaiian Culture
No doubt you’ll want to make time for fun in the sun during your Hawaii Valentine’s Day trip – this is supposed to be a romantic getaway, after all. But as long as you’re on the Big Island, try to spend a day taking in the Hawaiian culture that makes this destination a unique one.
At the Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, you can learn about the ancient traditions that shaped the islands and their people. Nearby, you’ll find the Kona Coffee Living History Farm. This is another fun destination, especially for coffee lovers. You can sample the world-renowned Kona brew and learn all about the history of coffee growing on the Big Island at the same time.
6) Indulge In A Spa Day
If you want to spend Valentine’s Day pampering yourselves in a soothing environment, pay a visit to the Mauna Lani Spa. This is a famous destination among spa enthusiasts, and from the moment you step inside, you’ll understand why.
The Mauna Lani is tucked along the Kohala Coast, just west of Waikoloa Village. At the spa, you and your loved one can indulge in a couples massage or a body scrub in a tranquil environment. When you’re through, have a soak in one of the hot tubs, spend some time soaking up the sun, or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Even if you’re not staying at the resort, you might want to think about staying for dinner. The food and service at the restaurants – especially Canoe House – are outstanding. Mauna Lani also hosts fun live entertainment on a regular basis; check their website for their Valentine’s Day offerings.
Taking A Valentine’s Day Spin Around Maui
7) Pack A Gourmet Picnic
Maui is one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you’re going to visit on Valentine’s Day, why not take advantage of all that natural beauty and spend the evening dining alfresco?
When you arrive on the island, contact Maui Luxe Picnics. They’ll set you up with the ultimate outdoor picnic, complete with blankets, cushions, flowers, and mood lighting. And then there’s the food, which includes tempting sweet and savory options. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menus available as well.
Be forewarned that the price tag for these offerings is pretty high. However, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. You won’t have to clean anything up afterward, either – the company takes care of all that.
8) Watch The Sunset From Haleakala Crater
The sunset from Haleakala is truly spectacular. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, it transforms the surface of the sea into a blanket of sparkling lights. Then, when the sky turns dark, the stars put on their own light show. We can’t think of a better way to spend Valentine’s Day – or the evening portion of the day, anyway.
You’ll need to bundle up if you want to take advantage of this fun romantic getaway. That might sound strange given Hawaii’s warm climate, but the crater is situated so high above sea level that temps can drop to around 30 degrees at night. Try to arrive early to catch the sunset, and don’t be in any hurry to leave – the view is just as stunning once the stars come out.
9) Go For A Stroll On The Beach
All right, so walks on the beach are the ultimate cliche when it comes to romantic things to do, especially on Valentine’s Day. But there’s a reason for that – they’re awesome. That’s true especially when the beaches are as lovely as the ones on Maui.
We would recommend Kaanapali Beach if you’re staying on the western side of the island. This is a busy tourist destination in its own right, but the swath of sand is large enough to allow for long strolls and heartfelt conversations. When you get back to the “main drag,” stroll through the shops, enjoy a cocktail or two at the bar, or start up a rousing game of beach volleyball.
Ready To Start Planning Your Valentine’s Day In Hawaii?
Your February doesn’t have to be cold and gloomy. Plan a nice dinner with your loved one and float the idea of a Hawaii Valentine’s Day. If it’s a romantic vacation you’re after, these glorious islands are tough to beat.
Don’t forget to check out our roster of guided tours. There’s no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by making memories that will stay with you forever. Click here to find out more!
