10 Romantic Locations in Hawaii

These romantic spots span the Hawaiian Islands, and granted, they are subjective - but they are all gorgeous and romantic in their own way. Some spots are easy to access, and others require a little more effort. They all offer a perfect setting for a special moment with your sweetheart.

These romantic Hawaiian spots are not listed in order of preference, so no matter which island you are on, preferably in your amazing Exotic Estates Hawaiian vacation villa, you'll be able to visit one. Note that you should always double check access rules to each of the more remote locations, as laws do change for safety reasons - and safety trumps romance!

So, grab your sweetheart, and let's explore Hawaii's most enchanting locales!

1. Oahu - Eternity Beach

There is a famous scene in the movie From Here to Eternity starring Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr when they kiss on a beach and get swept up in the waves. Well, that scene was shot at the so-called "Eternity Beach" on the Windward Coast of Oahu.

It's proper name is Halona Cove. It's easy to miss, but it's just past Hanauma Bay before you reach Sandy Beach Park. It is a known spot, and it can get busy, but nobody will mind if you reenact the famous kiss! You can stay in a Honolulu vacation villa and have easy access to this spot.

Safety & Respectful Visiting

• Swim with caution. There’s no lifeguard watching over Hālona Cove, and the surf can shift from gentle to powerful without warning. If you’re unsure about the water, it’s best to enjoy the view from shore.

• Watch your step on the descent. The path down from the lookout is steep and uneven, with loose rock underfoot. Move slowly, wear sturdy shoes, and keep both hands free for balance.

• Leave no trace of your visit. Pack out all trash, avoid touching coral or wildlife, and let the cove’s natural sounds take center stage, this small pocket of coastline thrives when visitors keep it peaceful and clean.

• Plan for limited space. Hālona is compact and fills up quickly on sunny days. Arrive early to find parking and enjoy a quieter moment before the midday crowd arrives.

2. Oahu - Goat Island (Malaekahana State Rec. Area)

This spot does not sound very romantic, but it tends to be a uniquely quiet place on tourist-happy Oahu. Located on the Windward Coast, Goat Island takes a little fortitude to get to, as you need to wait for tides to wade your way out unless you're on surfboards or boogie boards (be very careful as the ocean can be hazardous). If you do walk, make sure you wear reef shoes or old sneakers.

But once there, the payoff is a charming beach that is great for swimming, and because it takes a bit of work to get there, it tends to be quiet. It's a perfect place to spend a lazy beach day with your sweetheart. The ocean side is a bird sanctuary and can get rough. Not far from here are lots of great Kailua vacation homes.

3. Maui - Haleakala Summit

Most have heard of Haleakala, the immense crater on Maui. It's very common to hear of people going to the summit to watch the sunrise and it is beautiful of course. However, our team says that sundown is a little less crowded so it has a more romantic ambiance. Something to consider and you don't need to wake up before dawn! Not a bad place to "pop the question!"

However, if you want the sunrise experience there are some important things to keep in mind.

Reservation & Access for Haleakala Sunrise Trips

• A reservation is required for each vehicle entering the park’s Summit District between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. (HST). 

• These reservations are made through National Park Service / Recreation.gov. 

• Reservations open up to 60 days in advance of your desired date. 

• A portion of slots are released 48 hours (2 days) in advance. 

• The fee for the sunrise reservation is $1 per vehicle (non-refundable) and does not include the standard park entrance fee. 

• The reservation is per vehicle, not per person. The driver (reservation holder) must present the confirmation email and a photo ID matching the name on the reservation. 

• You may only have one sunrise reservation every three days per customer/account. 

Park Entrance & Other Details

• In addition to the sunrise reservation (if arriving between 3:00–7:00 a.m.), you must pay the regular park entrance fee or present a valid pass.

• If you drive into the park after 7:00 a.m., a sunrise reservation is not required. 

• Arriving before 3:00 a.m. may allow you to enter without that specific sunrise reservation (though it can be logistically challenging). 

4. Oahu – Honolulu City Lights from Mt. Tantalus

Tantalus is a lookout point on a ridge behind Honolulu above the neighborhood of Makiki Heights. Because it's so easy to get to, it can get crowded. But, if you plan it right, you just might be one of the few people enjoying the sparkling city lights of Honolulu and Waikiki from the lookout.

It's especially dramatic on full moon nights, with the silhouette of Diamond Head as a dramatic backdrop. Stay close by at this amazing Honolulu vacation home.

Helpful Things to Know Before You Visit

• The drive itself is part of the adventure. Winding through lush forest along Round Top and Tantalus Drives, the route offers shaded turns and the occasional glimpse of Honolulu far below. On clear days, the reward at the top is a stunning panorama stretching from downtown to Waikīkī and Diamond Head.

• Easy access, incredible view. Once you reach the park, there’s no strenuous hike involved, just park your car and take a short stroll to the lookout for an unforgettable perspective of the island.

• Mind the park hours. Gates generally open at 7:00 a.m. and close around 7:45 p.m. in summer (6:45 p.m. in winter). If you’re chasing that golden sunset glow, plan to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before closing.

• Parking is limited. There’s no fee to park, but the small lot fills up quickly, especially around sunset. Arriving earlier in the day or visiting on a weekday helps you snag a spot with less competition.

5. Oahu - Kahana Bay

This quiet cove on the Windward Coast is a great place to spend a romantic afternoon. It is tucked in among the green and soaring Ko'olau Mountains. This is another easy spot to find; you seldom find large parties there. The beach is rimmed with pines and has a tranquil quality.

Safety & Respectful Visiting

• Swim smart. There’s no lifeguard on duty at Kahana Bay, so it’s best to treat the water with caution. Check the surf and currents before wading in, and keep to the shallows if conditions seem rough or unclear.

• Care for the bay. Pack out everything you bring, keep noise to a minimum, and avoid taking shells or touching marine life. The quiet beauty of Kahana Bay depends on visitors leaving it just as they found it.

• Honor its history. The Kahana Valley was once an active fishing and taro-growing community for Native Hawaiians, and its spirit remains. Move with respect for the land and its story.

• Know the rules for staying overnight. Camping is allowed only with proper permits, so make arrangements ahead of time if you plan to sleep under the stars.

6. Oahu – Kaneohe Bay

Kaneohe Bay is a gorgeous sandy reef area between Kailua and Kaneohe on the Windward Coast of Oahu. The ocean is an endless sweep of light blue, and it is sandy, so one can walk in waist-deep water and enjoy the sensation of being out in the ocean. 

The towering Ko'olaus make for a striking backdrop, like a giant green, rippling wall. You can spend a leisurely day in the bay with a chartered excursion or an organized tour. It's a very romantic place to enjoy an afternoon of snorkeling and playing in the calm waters. Kailua is close to both Kanaeohe Bay and Kahana Bay.

7. Kauai – Na Pali Coast

The dramatic Na Pali Coast is one of Hawaii's most photographed natural wonders. Located on the Western Coast of Kauai, its cliffs and peaks seem to flutter like vast green curtains. One can almost imagine the awe these mountains must have inspired the first explorers who saw them. Because of the coastline's majesty and remoteness, it is a very romantic place. There are many ways to enjoy the Na Pali Coast.

You can travel by boat on one of the many companies that offer day-long excursions, complete with lunch and drinks. However, if you are an adventurous type, an incredible and more personal way to enjoy the Coast with someone you love is to plan a hike or kayak tour.

There are several day hikes that you can take, and one of my favorites is the Hanakapiai Trail, which leads you to the majestic Hanakapiai Falls. The only way to visit the Na Pali Coast is to stay on Kauai!

What to Expect

• A challenging but unforgettable trek. The journey to Hanakāpīʻai Falls starts at Hāʻena State Park and stretches about eight miles round-trip—four miles each way through lush jungle and along a dramatic stretch of Kauaʻi’s famed Nāpali Coast. The payoff is a towering 300-foot waterfall cascading into a cool, clear pool surrounded by rainforest.

• A trail of two halves. The first portion follows the legendary Kalalau Trail, hugging sea cliffs with sweeping views of the Pacific. After reaching Hanakāpīʻai Beach and crossing the stream, the path veers inland, trading ocean vistas for dense greenery and the sound of rushing water.

• The deeper you go, the tougher it gets. Once you leave the coast, the path narrows, mud thickens, and footing can be tricky. Expect slippery rocks, several stream crossings, and uneven terrain—but also some of the most beautiful scenery on Kauaʻi.

Safety & Respectful Visiting

• Enjoy the view, not the surf. Hanakāpīʻai Beach may look inviting, but its strong currents and unpredictable waves have made it one of Kauaʻi’s most dangerous swimming spots. Admire it from shore and save your dip for the falls’ calmer pool upstream.

• Permits are required beyond the falls. If your adventure continues past Hanakāpīʻai toward Kalalau Valley, secure an official overnight permit in advance—access beyond that point is strictly regulated to protect both visitors and the fragile ecosystem.

• Tread lightly. Stick to marked trails, resist the temptation to carve new paths, and pack out every bit of trash. The valley’s beauty depends on visitors leaving no trace behind.

• Hike with care. The route can be slick and uneven, especially after rain. Take your time on the rocks and stream crossings, and avoid venturing off-trail—it’s easy to get injured or lost in this remote terrain.

8. Maui – “Secret Beach”

Paako Cove, or Secret Beach, is located in Southwest Maui. To get to it, you must find the narrow opening in a lava-rock wall in an upscale neighborhood. 

This is the public beach access path. It's easy to miss if one doesn't know it's there. The sandy cove is quite small, and because many weddings are held here, you must be lucky to have it all for yourself. The lava rocks on the beach create a lovely scenery for picture-taking. Secret Cove isn't a great beach for swimming and you won't find any facilities. 

Most people come here for the beautiful scenery and lovely views. The two islands on the horizon are Kahoolawe and Molokini. If you want to stay in South Maui, we've got some nice options!

9. Kauai- Wailua River & Uluwehi Waterfall

Kauai is known as the Garden Isle, and it's aptly named. The island is green and lush, a true tropical paradise. For active couples, a great way to experience the verdant beauty of the island is to take a tandem kayak trip up the Wailue River, which winds through the interior.

It's a beautiful ride, and you can make your way through the taro fields and mountains to Uluwehi Waterfall, one of the most beautiful in Hawaii and only accessible via the river!

Getting There & What to Expect

• A journey that blends paddling and hiking. Most visitors reach Uluwehi Falls—often called Secret Falls—by kayaking or canoeing up the tranquil Wailua River, a route that winds about one and a half to two and a half miles through lush, emerald scenery. The gentle current and towering palms make this paddle one of Kauaʻi’s most peaceful adventures.

• The hike begins where the river ends. After pulling your kayak onto shore, a short but adventurous trail leads you through dense rainforest, with shallow stream crossings and occasional muddy patches that add to the sense of exploration. The path is shaded, fragrant, and alive with birdsong.

• A waterfall worth the effort. At the trail’s end, you’ll step into a clearing where Uluwehi Falls tumbles roughly 100 feet into a broad pool framed by ferns and moss-covered rock. Many visitors take a refreshing dip here, but always gauge safety first—the power of the falls shifts with rainfall and season.

Safety & Etiquette

• Stay with your kayak or paddle craft until you’ve landed safely; floating away or drifting downstream is a risk.

• During the hike portion: watch your footing, use the trail boardwalks where provided, and avoid shortcuts that may damage the environment.

• Swimming is optional but use caution—rocks can be slippery, currents may be stronger than they appear, and the plunge-pool may hide hazards.

• Respect the land: pack out every piece of trash, stay on marked trails, and follow any posted instructions from local guides.

• The river and valley have cultural significance to native Hawaiians—approach the place with gratitude and care rather than just as a photo-stop.

10. Big Island - Waipio Valley

This scenic Valley on the Northeastern Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii has an isolated beauty that is perfect for a romantic excursion. Let a guide take you into the Valley, which is rich in Hawaiian history. There are dramatic waterfalls and swimming holes to enjoy. Big Island villas are some of the most gorgeous in Hawaii.

Access & Entry Facts

• The scenic lookout (Waipiʻo Valley Lookout) is open to the public and reachable by standard vehicles via Highway 240. 

• The valley floor and road down (Waipiʻo Valley Road) are limited in access. Most rental cars specifically forbid driving down.

• At present, visiting the valley floor is allowed generally only via approved tour operators or by residents/local land-access permission. 

• The road is extremely steep: parts of the road drop ~800 ft in just 0.6 miles; average grade ~25 %, peaks higher. 

Caution & Respectful Visiting

• Be mindful of ocean conditions. The stream that empties into the sea near the black-sand beach can turn into a powerful current, making swimming risky on many days.

• Avoid driving down unless properly equipped. The access road is among the steepest in Hawaiʻi, with a punishing grade and sharp turns that challenge even experienced drivers. Many incidents have occurred when brakes overheated or vehicles lost traction.

• Honor the valley’s cultural importance. Waipiʻo, often called the “Valley of the Kings,” remains home to local families and sacred sites. Visitors are welcome to appreciate its beauty, but always do so with sensitivity and respect for the community and land.

• Check for updated access information. Sections of the road and trails may close temporarily because of erosion or safety concerns. Confirm current rules before setting out, especially if you plan to hike or explore beyond the lookout.

Wherever you go in Hawaii, you may find a private romantic spot that has your name on it - that's the beauty of visiting the Hawaiian Islands; there is something gorgeous around every bend, and all you have to do is slow down and enjoy.