Home : 50 Ways to Love Oahu : Romantic Rendezvous

Relax and rejuvenate together with a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage, make a memory learning to catch a wave in famous Waikiki, have fun exploring Hawaii’s hidden local eateries or make an adventure of the day by kayaking to islands on the horizon. Oahu is the perfect place for a perfectly relaxing or exhilarating day together.

ACTIVITIES

Lomi lomi is a Hawaiian massage offered at most spas on Oahu. The technique is meant to open the heart and let the mana - one’s life energies – flow evenly through the body. Lomi lomi can be a true healing experience and realign a person’s body, mind, and soul. Kukui nut oil, is often used in massage and skin treatments. Ancient Hawaiians knew of its healing powers and have used it for centuries to stimulate the body to heal. The old saying goes, “Ola Mai Iliko Mai,” which means “health comes from within.” Enjoy this distinctly Hawaiian technique or for a romantic twist, visit the Mandara Spa at the Hilton Hawaiian Village for their signature Exploration in Chocolate created especially for couples.

There is no better place to learn to surf than at its birthplace. Along the calm waters of Waikiki, take part in a tradition that stretches back through Hawaiian history as a sport of royalty. Hawaii beckons to surfers around the world. Surfing can be an exciting, exhilarating, awe-inspiring, spiritual experience. Whether you are longing to learn and catch a wave for the first time or you are already a surfer who wants the ultimate surfing destination, Oahu has waves for all riders. Learn with a pro at Hans Hedemann’s Surf School. What better place to discover the art and sport of surfing than Oahu.

Kayaking to Moku Lua Islands – Just offshore from the powdery white sand beaches of Kailua and Lanikai Beach are the Moku Lua Islands. Kayak along the gentle waters of Kailua to the "Twin Islands" - larger Moku Nui and tiny Moku Iki; bird sanctuaries and a great destination for kayaking adventures. Guides will share the pristine beauty of these waters and as you paddle along, you may even see honu (green sea turtles) swimming through the crystal clear waters. www.twogoodkayaks.com After your kayaking adventure, enjoy the many great restaurants in Kailua town from sweet crepes creations, local diners, to an open-air wine and dine bar.

Experience O‘ahu dining from an insider’s perspective with food writer, restaurant reviewer, and professional chef Matthew Gray of Hawai‘i Food Tours. The Hole-In-The-Wall Tour visits exotic restaurants that contribute to Honolulu’s delicious melting pot and includes a behind-the-scenes walking and tasting tour of Chinatown. The Hawaiian Feast in Paradise is a multiple restaurant adventure that showcases contemporary and ancient Hawaiian foods. The Gourmet Trilogy Tour for Food & Wine Lovers features a progressive multi course wine dinner with a different course served at three award winning restaurants. Explore Oahu’s dining scene and have fun discovering the flavors of aloha together. www.hawaiifoodtours.com

DINING:

For a special romantic evening, choose one of Hawaii’s James Beard Award winners:

ROY’S – 3 locations for island-wide access to the culinary creations of Hawaii’s first ever James Beard Award Winner (1993). Local legend, Roy Yamaguchi has restaurants in Ko olina, Hawaii Kai, and Waikiki. Menu sneak peak: Roasted Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi Mahi with Lobster Cognac Butter Sauce www.roysrestaurant.com

ALAN WONG’S (1996) 2 great locations, the more casual Pineapple Room at Ala Moana Center and the original fine dining restaurant along South King Street. Year after year, Alan Wong’s restaurant wins kudos from residents in local restaurant awards. Come see what all the fuss is about. Menu sneak peak: Macadamia Nut-Coconut Crusted Lamb Chops www.alanwongs.com

CHEF MAVRO’S (2003) – The only Hawaii restaurant listed in the Gayot Top 40 Restaurants in the U.S. Known for the excellence and quality of his fresh ingredients and passion, this celebrity chef is just as well-known for his charm. Menu sneak peak: kurobuta pork “a la malais”, roasted rack, crispy shank, sweet and sour watermelon, ginger dressing, caramelized pork jus www.chefmavro.com

ORCHIDS at HALEKULANI – Halekulani's casually elegant oceanfront restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in this peaceful idyllic setting. Specialties include ahi-seared sashimi with Cajun spices, island-raised moi with hearts of palm, and oriental style steamed onaga. Orchids' Sunday brunch is legendary and is called "Oahu's Best Brunch," by Honolulu Magazine.

For a night of amazing island fusion cuisine AND legendary music, make your way to the Aloha Tower Marketplace and make a dinner reservation for Chai's Island Bistro.
From the Brother's Cazimero to Jerry Santos to Melveen Leed to Raiatea Helms, the music goes hand-in-hand with Chef Chai's Thai-inspired Island Fusion Cuisine. Let your senses go wild! www.chaisislandbistro.com

SHOPPING:

Waikīkī Beach Walk is an impressive new shopping, dining, hotel, and entertainment destination. This dramatic complex offers an abundance of fine stores, many selling authentic Hawai‘i made items. You’ll find Hawaiian arts and crafts along with classes in ‘ukulele, hula, lomi lomi massage, and lauhala weaving at Mana Hawai‘i; locally crafted quilts at Hawaiian Quilt Collection; art, woodwork, and gifts at Under The Koa Tree; and exquisite jewelry at Maui Divers Jewelry and Na Hoku. Shop for friends and family or for each other and bring home uniquely Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs everyone will love. www.waikikibeachwalk.com

Go on an aloha attire treasure hunt together at Bailey’s Antique’s in Kapahulu. Have fun together browsing the huge collection of over 15,000 used, new, vintage and specialty aloha attire and make a memory choosing the perfect piece for your better half. For a beautiful souvenir to remember your Oahu getaway, discover exquisite and unique Hawaiian jewelry designs at Na Hoku, conveniently located at Ala Moana, the Hilton Hawaiian Village and Waikiki Beach Walk. Discover gold bracelets with delicate Hawaiian patterns, beautiful pearls and tropical island-inspired rings and necklaces.