Guide to Hawaii's Romantic Nature
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Swaying palm trees. White-sand beaches. Rolling ocean swells. Mango-sweet sunsets. Aromatic plumeria blossoms. Tantalizing breezes. When it comes to romance, Hawaii looks like love, feels like love, smells like love, sounds like love and tastes like love. There is no question about it: Hawaii is sensuous.
With so much romance to offer, though, where do you start? OutriggerHawaii asked some people intimately familiar with the islands—and love—to share some of their favorite romantic spots, restaurants, spas and activities. Here’s what they had to say:
OAHU
C. Luana Maitland
Outrigger Reef on the Beach
Events & Activities Manager
“My job is to make sure our guests are enjoying more during their stay by providing complimentary activities and cultural programs.”
Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d recommend for an intimate dinner for two?
The Ocean House Restaurant has not only the best ocean view seating in Waikiki. It provides first class service with casual elegant dinning experience, with affordable prices.
And what if a couple was in the mood for spa treatments?
The Waikiki Plantation Spa features two of my favorite massages. The Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, a traditional massage technique used by ancient Hawaiian healers. Lomi is a connection of the spirit and body. And the Lava Stone massage, heated lava stone are used to enhance and promote relaxation and inner well being by stimulating the body’s energy centers.
How about that special outing or activity for two?
The Outrigger Catamaran has a wonderful sunset sail. The best part is the catamaran sits in front of the Outrigger Reef, making it easy for guests staying at both the Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef to board. They don’t have to drive anywhere.
Joanna Demeo
Outrigger Beachfront Hotels & Resorts
Public Relations
“I promote and share all of the wonderful things happening at the Outrigger Waikiki, Outrigger Reef and Keauhou Beach Resort.”
Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d recommend for an intimate dinner for two?
The Ocean House Restaurant is very romantic. It has a great beachfront location, incredible sunset views and delicious seafood. I also really like Michele’s beachfront location and excellent service.
How about that special outing or activity for two?
Drive up Tantalus and have a picnic dinner at Roundtop or stargaze on the north shore at Mokuleia beach.
MAUI
Kelii Brown
PR & Promotions Director
Maui Visitors Bureau
“I work with journalists and other media professionals to proudly share the very best of the Islands of Maui Nui -- Maui, Molokai and Lanai. I have the best job in Hawaii!”
Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d recommend for an intimate dinner for two?
One of my all-time favorite romantic Maui restaurants is Chez Paul in Olowalu. Not your "typical" Hawaii Regional Cuisine restaurant, and that is exactly why you should go. Don't get me wrong. Maui boasts some of Hawaii's finest HRC establishments in the state. However, please know that Chez Paul is the oldest French Restaurant in the Pacific, the service is top-notch and the food is "to die for" all the way from appetizers to dessert.
Chef Patrick Callarec is a culinary genius and his cuisine utilizes the freshest of local products. Unexpected chic ambiance, and again, excellent service. It is located “in the middle of nowhere” in Olowalu on the way from Kahului Airport to Lahaina. I'm a salad lover and his Petite Salade Du Volcan Aux Poires Et Fromage D’Espagne (volcano greens, shaved Spanish manchego cheese, poached Asian pears, raspberry mustard vinaigrette) is incredible. My favorite entree is the Coq Au Vin (chicken baked in a cast iron pot with red wine, mushrooms and bacon)....the ultimate in peasant food! Pick ANY dessert. You cannot go wrong. You can check things out at www.chezpaul.net.
And what if a couple was in the mood for spa treatments?
Maui has many wonderful resort spas, but if I were in a romantic mood, here is what I'd do. I would drive to Hana on the east side of Maui. I imagine one would suspect I'd suggest Honua Spa at the Hotel Hana-Maui. Well, because it is one of my top three favorite spas on the island, of course I would! However, there is a little known secret in Hana. It is the Luana Spa. Imagine having a "Lomilomi for Lovers" treatment in a secluded yurt in Hana!
Nancy Plenty, who owns Luana Spa, is a delightful woman with a gentle, inspirational and healing personality. Whenever I have a conversation with her (face-to-face or on the phone), my heart rate drops by at least 10 beats! A lovely Haole woman with a true Hawaiian heart, I think she, along with her Luana Spa, are TWO of Maui's best kept secrets! I respectfully and lovingly call her one of my "Albino Hawaiians"! She is so oluolu.
How about that special outing or activity for two?
One of my favorite romantic activities is the Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Adventures offered on Wailea Beach. Aboard the sailing canoe Hina, couples can engage in a true Native Hawaiian adventure that is not only authentic, but very romantic. Sage Spaulding comes from a Maui kamaaina family and his love for the ocean and his Hawaiian culture truly shines through.
The other truly unique activity is a visit to the Alii Kula Lavendar Farm. The farm is wonderful, the products are world class and the views are STUNNING from this upcountry establishment.
Barrett De Santos
Outrigger Aina Nalu Resort
General Manager
“I assure the employees are happy and the guests are more than satisfied, be it a leisure or corporate traveler.
Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d recommend for an intimate dinner for two?
Lahaina Grill is very opulent and friendly with the best food and service on the planet.
And what if a couple was in the mood for spa treatments?
There is no need for a spa when you have each other. Go and buy the salts for a foot massage, then a little shoulder rub will always seal the deal.
How about that special, romantic spot for two?
There are a few that I will not share BUT as you drive on the Westside of Maui, you should be able to find a spot and call it your own. Once place I take my wife to is at Wahikuli Beach Park on Maui between Lahaina and Kaanapali. A little wine and beer with local pupu's, a VD card and a little gift as the sun sets between Lanai and Molokai makes for a priceless event. Make sure you pick a flower to position on her ear to have that Maui - Hawaiian effect then whatever happens from then on will be forever in one's memories!
KAUAI
Kim Steutermann Rogers
Writer/Editor
OutriggerHawaii.com
"I might have to argue with Kelii Brown. I have the best job in Hawaii, because I get to travel around the state--touring and tasting paradise. After all, it helps to experience that which I write about."
Do you have a restaurant you'd recommend for an intimate dinner for two?
On the south shore, I'd have to go with Beach House restaurant. Make a reservation for 30 minutes before sunset and take your camera. The fresh fish is always delectable and prepared with a tantalizing twist. But save room for dessert; they are decadent, especially the signature Molten Chocolate Desire. Need I say more?
On the north shore, I like Postcards Cafe, situated in an refurbished plantation cottage in historic Hanalei, for its intimacy. Ingredients are usually local, organic and yummy. Plenty of tasty vegetarian options, too.
And what if a couple were in the mood for spa treatments?
You can't get anything more Hawaiian than a four-hands on lomilomi massage--preceded by a salt scrub and stream--at Angeline's Muolaulani in the home of Angeline Locey's in Anahola. In Old Hawaii, skills and knowledge were passed down from family member to family member. It’s the same here. Even though Angeline no longer gives massage, her son Michael and granddaughter Malia do.
How about that special, romantic outing or activity for two?
For a romantic sunset on the beach, Hanalei Bay is tops. Two-mile stretch of beach. Exquisite mountain backdrop. My husband and I also enjoy nature, so a visit to a garden or a wildlife refuge would be in order. For fun, however, try a hike along the Kalalau Trail or, for real thrills, go ziplining with Princeville Ranch Adventures. If you're hesitant to take a flying leap--and zip--across a valley, a few confidant words in your ear from a lover will give you all the courage you need.
BIG ISLAND
Jessica Ferracane
Irondog Communications, LLC
President
“I promote the Island of Hawaii and its many attributes.”
Do you have a favorite restaurant you’d recommend for an intimate dinner for two?
On the Kohala Coast, I love Brown’s Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid. It’s right on a beautiful knoll overlooking the Pacific and tranquil waters of Pauoa Bay. Even better if Nino is singing he sounds like Bruddah Iz and melts your heart. Time the dinner for sunset and you might just catch the famous green flash. I’ve only seen it once, and it’s been from Brown’s Beach House! There are also dozens of green sea turtles that haul up on the rocky shoreline to the north, so you can count turtles on your way to dinner. Splendid!
My other equally favorite spot for a romantic Valentines (or birthday or whatever occasion) dinner on the East Side is Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village. It’s not what most people picture for Hawaii – at 4500 feet, it’s kind of cold but there’s often a roaring fire in the huge hearth. The restaurant is a former YMCA and is festooned with all kinds of medallions from visiting boy scout groups, dignitaries, etc. Chef Albert specializes in European delicacies, I especially love his schnitzel, but he’s a pro with Hawaiian seafood too, and the wine list is impeccable. (Now offering Sunday brunch, too!)
What’s cool about Kilauea Lodge is that you can first start at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, take in the splendor of Pele, have dinner at the Lodge (spend the night too, they have adorable cottages), then after dinner, if your inspired, drive about 45 minutes and watch Pele pour herself into Neptune. There is nothing on this earth that is as stunning as watching molten lava enter the ocean.
And what if a couple was in the mood for spa treatments?
I think a couple’s oceanfront massage at the Spa Without Walls at Fairmont Orchid is one of the best times I’ve had with my husband. It was his first massage, and he wasn’t a bit nervous. Why get a couples’ massage in an air-conditioned room listening to Enya, when you have outdoor massage hales where you can feel the trade winds, smell the salty breeze and the waves lapping the shore? It doesn’t get better than this!
How about that special, romantic spot for two?
Watching the sun set from Maunakea is the most romantic thing I think I’ve ever done with my husband…to see that big “star” sink beneath the clouds and ignite Haleakala, Hualalai and Maunaloa into a rainbow of colors brought tears to my eyes! We also have a lot of bonfires here at our house in our fire pit.
Also strolling the remote beach parks of Coastal Puna, or even driving the road is very romantic and wild. It’s fun to fantasize about living along such a wild and lush shoreline.