As the capital of Hawaii, Honolulu strives to live up to every expectation visitors have when visiting a tropical paradise. Located right on the Pacific coast on the island of Oahu, Honolulu combines white sand beaches, sweeping mountains and grand architecture to create the perfect destination for romantic getaways.
With so much to love, it’s no wonder Honolulu is popular with couples looking for a romantic vacation full of adventure and breathtaking scenery.
With this guide, you’ll discover some of the best date spots in Honolulu along with some unique activities that will create memories for a lifetime. Some activities are leisurely while others are more active, so you can find something to enjoy on any occasion.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles and Dolphins
• Honolulu, Waikiki
• Active excursion, scenic
Enjoy a romantic day with your partner on a large catamaran complete with a full-bar and snorkel with Hawaiian sea turtles, dolphins and more.
There are many tours available in the Waikiki district and elsewhere around Honolulu and they’re the perfect way to combine sightseeing and adventure. If you prefer not to snorkel, there are also glass-bottom boat tours to help you experience the ocean without swimming.
Reservations are recommended, but not required.
Nighttime Luau and Dinner
• Nighttime entertainment, dinner, cultural
Luaus are a cultural cornerstone in Hawaii and you can experience an authentic performance complete with hula dancing, singing and a huge meal featuring roasted meats, tropicals fruits and other local cuisine.
Some luau packages provide free transportation and have extra features like headband weaving tutorials and other hands-on experiences, while other packages may only feature the performance and dinner. Regardless of which type you choose, luaus are a great date-night event and are sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Sunset Cruise with Cocktails in Waikiki
• Relaxing, scenic, food and drink
There are few things more romantic than a sunset cruise in beautiful Waikiki and there are many options available that feature on-board cocktails, drinks and delectable appetizers.
Reservations are highly recommended, although you may be able to find a last-minute opening since the region is full of providers.
Tour the Historical Waikiki Neighborhood
• Waikiki
• Guided tour, sightseeing, daytime activity
Waikiki is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Honolulu and it’s an excellent place to explore and stroll around. From jaw-dropping beaches to historical architecture, boutique shops and tons of restaurants and bars, you could walk here for hours and never run out of new things to enjoy.
Of course, sometimes it’s nice to just relax and experience everything without walking. Tours like the Waikiki Trolley are a great way for you and your partner to visit new places and spend time together without breaking a sweat.
Some of the routes focus on the coast and nature, while others take you to culturally relevant sites plus shops and restaurants, which allows you to customize your experience based on your preferences.
Explore Lanikai Beach
• Active, leisurely, relaxing
While you’ll never find a bad beach in Honolulu, there are some places that are especially romantic and worth the short drive. Lanikai Beach is one of those places and it’s a great location to spend some time with your partner at any hour.
At Lanikai, the waves are calm and the sand is soft and white, making it a picture-perfect tropical paradise. Plus, there are views of nearby islands along with rolling foothills which creates a wonderfully scenic atmosphere.
Bring a picnic and lounge around, or get active with volleyball, swimming and other beach activities.
Some onsite rental options include:
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Windsailing
• Snorkeling
As an additional fun date idea, you can also book a professional photoshoot right on the beach.
Shark Cage Tour
• Active, thrilling
If you want an unforgettable, heart-pounding experience you and your partner will never forget, then dive into the ocean in a shark cage to see them up close and personal.
With these tours, you’ll be taken right into shark territory in a floating safety cage complete with metal bars and poly-glass windows. Since the cage floats near the surface of the water, you can simply snorkel instead of scuba diving like traditional cages require.
Some of the types you’ll see include Galapagos and Sandbar sharks and while you wouldn’t want to meet them without a cage, this is an overall safe experience despite the adrenaline you’ll feel when they come close.
Afterward, once your heart rate calms down, you can walk along the beach, grab a nice meal and talk about the amazing experience you just shared together.
Beachfront Dinner at Sunset
• Relaxing, romantic, evening event
Honolulu has a number of great dining options and enjoying an expertly prepared meal on the coast during sunset can make for a perfect romantic evening.
Some top Honolulu romantic spots with great food and incredible ocean views include:
• Bali Oceanfront, which serves seafood and steak.
• Michel’s at Colony Surf, which features seafood and meat dishes with French influences.
• Hoku’s, which blends international and local cuisines into exciting new dishes.
Reservations are highly recommended for these and similar restaurants.
Iolani Palace
• 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813
• Historical, classical, cultural
The Iolani Palace served as the home for Hawaii’s historic royal monarchs and it now stands as a gorgeous museum and preserved piece of history.
With a grand and classical design, you can find amazing photo opportunities throughout the grounds while also learning about Hawaii’s interesting history and culture.
With such a beautiful atmosphere, this palace is one of the best Honolulu date spots for people who love architecture and history.
Visit Honolulu’s Botanical Gardens
• Multiple locations; all free of charge
• Relaxing, scenic
Honolulu has five public botanical gardens that feature an incredible assortment of local plants, birds and other mesmerizing sights.
Each garden has its own unique layout, from flowing rivers to mountain views and even a garden right on the coastline.
The gardens include:
• Foster Botanical Garden
• Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
• Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden
• Koko Crater Botanical Garden
• Wahiawa Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Honolulu, visiting any one of these gardens will make for a great time and they’re all conveniently located near other attractions as well to help complete your day.
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