Aloha, Love: Romantic Hawaii Guide
The definitive guide to romantic getaways across the Hawaiian Islands
Written by a Local Expert
Jade KawanuiThe Big Island of Hawai'i is a land of creation, a place of raw, elemental power where new earth is born from volcanic fire and the cosmos feels impossibly close. For couples, it offers a different kind of romance—one that is adventurous, awe-inspiring, and deeply connected to nature's primal forces. This is where you don't just see Hawaii's beauty; you feel its pulse.
Where to Stay: Rainforest Retreats & Coastal Resorts
Kohala Coast Luxury
For couples who want a classic, sun-drenched resort experience, the Kohala Coast on the island's west side is the perfect base. The Fairmont Orchid offers elegant luxury with a protected swimming lagoon. The Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is another top-tier choice, praised for its stunning grounds, beautiful white sand beach, and incredible sunset views.
Volcano Village Charm (Locally-Owned Focus)
To fully immerse yourselves in the island's volcanic heart, a stay in the misty, fern-filled rainforest of Volcano Village is a must. This area is rich with charming, family-run bed and breakfasts. The Volcano Village Lodge places you in a lush rainforest setting just minutes from the national park entrance.
Volcano Village Estates features cozy cottages, some with fireplaces, perfect for warming up after a day of exploring the cool, high-altitude climate. Kilauea House receives exceptional reviews for its thoughtful hosts who stock the rooms with snacks and breakfast items, providing a welcoming, home-like feel.
The Heart of Creation: Volcanoes & Stargazing
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is not merely a park; it is a living, breathing landscape where you can witness the earth in motion. A visit here is a journey through diverse and dramatic scenery. Take an easy hike along the Halemaʻumaʻu Trail for stunning views into the vast Kilauea crater. Then, take the scenic drive down the 19-mile Chain of Craters Road, which descends 4,000 feet to the coast. At the end, a short walk leads to a viewpoint of the Holei Sea Arch, a massive lava rock formation carved by the ocean's relentless power. When the volcano is active, returning to the park after dark to see the mesmerizing glow of the lava lake is an unforgettable experience.
Cosmic Romance at Mauna Kea
For a date night that is truly out of this world, a journey up Mauna Kea is an essential Big Island experience. The romance here is multi-faceted. First, the adventure of ascending the sacred mountain to over 9,000 feet is a shared thrill. Second, watching the sunset from above a sea of clouds is a surreal and deeply moving spectacle. Finally, the stargazing itself connects your personal love story to the vastness of the universe. In one of the world's premier dark-sky preserves, the sheer number of visible stars is breathtaking, evoking a sense of wonder and perspective that is powerful to share. Tour companies like VolcanoTours.com offer guided experiences that include hotel pickup, warm parkas and gloves, a picnic dinner, cultural storytelling from a knowledgeable guide, and the chance to peer into deep space through a high-powered 11" Celestron telescope.
🏝️ Other Islands
🌋 Big Island Highlights
- Mauna Kea stargazing
- Volcanoes National Park
- Black sand beaches
- Farm-to-table dining
- Traditional Lomi Lomi
🔥 Volcanic Romance
Active volcano viewing
4,000 ft scenic descent
Underground adventures
When volcano is active
Primal Landscapes & Intimate Hikes
Dramatic Black Sand Beaches
The Big Island's volcanic activity has created some of the world's most famous black sand beaches. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is the most iconic, known for its jet-black shores and the high probability of spotting honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) basking on the warm sand. For a more secluded and adventurous experience, head to the northern tip of the island to hike down into Pololu Valley. The trail is steep but rewarding, leading to a wild and stunning black sand beach framed by dramatic cliffs.
Romantic Hikes
The easy, 0.5-mile paved loop at Akaka Falls State Park is an effortlessly romantic walk. The trail meanders through a lush rainforest filled with wild orchids, towering bamboo groves, and banyan trees before arriving at the lookout for the breathtaking 442-foot Akaka Falls. It is a stunning backdrop for a quiet moment together.
Authentic Island Flavors & Healing
Traditional Hawaiian Healing
Connect with ancient healing practices by experiencing an authentic Lomi Lomi massage. In Kona, Island Spirit Spa offers traditional Lomi Lomi, explaining its spiritual components, which include pule (prayer) and ha (breath), making it a holistic mind-body experience.
Ohana Bali Spa, also in Kona, is another highly-rated option that specializes in Lomi Lomi and offers excellent couples massages, treating you like 'ohana (family).
Farm-to-Table Dining
A meal at Merriman's in Waimea is a pilgrimage for food lovers. Chef Peter Merriman is a pioneer of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his restaurant's menu is a testament to the island's rich agricultural bounty, with at least 90% of ingredients sourced locally. For a more hands-on experience, foodie couples can take a daytime tour of a local farm, such as OK Farms near Hilo, which grows a variety of tropical fruits, or a Kona coffee farm like Greenwell Farms.