Picture you and your significant other on a long walk on the beach at sunset before enjoying a glass of wine from your Suite’s terrace, toasting your anniversary. If this sounds like a dream getaway, add Oahu, Hawaii, to your travel bucket list and plan a romantic trip for two.
Oahu is undoubtedly a romantic location. From stunning natural beauty to fine dining, it’s easy to see why Honolulu is among the most popular honeymoon destinations. So whether you’re newlyweds, celebrating an anniversary, enjoying a babymoon or traveling just because — it’s important to take time to relax and reconnect with your sweetheart.
While you figure out what to add to your itinerary, Hilton Grand Vacations has your Hawaii accommodations covered. Let The Modern, a Hilton Vacation Club serve be the backdrop to your next romantic getaway. Immerse yourself in the resort’s award-winning design — combining modern and contemporary elements like teak window screens and terrazzo countertops — that will elevate the elegance of any stay. Enjoy on-site amenities like the sparkling pool and access to Waikiki Beach, known for its powdery white sands.
Here are 32 things to do with your significant other while in Honolulu.
Go Shopping Together
Hit the shops, whether you’re looking for an anniversary gift, souvenir or just window shopping.
- Shop at Luxury Row for high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci and Dior.
- Kalakaua Avenue is parallel to Waikiki Beach and within walking distance of The Modern. This area comes to life in the evening as people head to restaurants and bustling bars for a fun night out.
- Ala Moana Center is an outdoor mall and one of the largest collections of luxury retailers worldwide. Swing by to find locally made goods for awesome souvenirs.
- Head to Aloha Stadium Swap Meet & Marketplace for great deals and handmade souvenirs. Take advantage of the nearby food trucks for a quick and delicious lunch.
Make A Splash
What’s a vacation in Hawaii without some quality ocean time? Luckily, Honolulu offers a variety of water-based activities for two.
- Hope on a whale watching tour to ride the waves with humpback whales and catch sight of dolphins and turtles.
- Book a sunset cocktail cruise.
- Snorkel at Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve home to hundreds of species of fish and coral.
- View marine wildlife on a glass-bottom boat if snorkeling isn’t your thing.
Learn About Hawaiian History
The Hawaiian Islands have a rich history, from ancient cultures to royal palaces. Make time in your itinerary to learn more about Oahu’s heritage.
- Iolani Palace is the only royal palace in the United States and a National Historic Landmark in downtown Honolulu.
- Stroll the Honolulu Museum of Art. Or attend HOMA nights on Fridays and Saturdays to explore the galleries, enjoy live music and sip on cocktails.
- The Bishop Museum has an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, including Hawaiian royal family heirlooms.
- Learn about Islamic art worldwide at the Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design.
Explore The Outdoors
Get your body moving and enjoy Hawaii’s distinct landscapes and mild temperatures at the same time.
- Swim beneath Manoa Falls for a romantic getaway.
- Hike Tantalus Lookout at Puu Ualakaa State Park for panoramic views of Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Or join strollers and picnickers at Kapiolani Park.
- Find fantastic flora at Foster Botanical Garden and Lyon Arboretum. Expect a fair bit of walking and plenty of picturesque photos.
- Try a sunset horseback ride.
Take A Tour
Self-guided adventures are great, but sometimes, letting an expert take the reins is relaxing.
- Tour the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory and Manoa Chocolate and sample local chocolate.
- Learn about how Ko Hana Distillers makes rum.
- See Oahu from the skies with Magnum Helicopters. The views may leave you breathless.
- Visit Kuloa Ranch for a Hollywood Movie Sites Tour. Prepare beforehand by watching films like “Jurassic Park,” “Pearl Harbor,” and “50 First Dates.”
Share A Romantic Meal
Nothing says “romantic” quite like dinner in an elegant restaurant. Thankfully, Oahu has a robust roster of restaurants to choose from.
- La Mer serves up award-winning French cuisine, elegant ambiance and unparalleled views.
- Don’t let MW Restaurant's eclectic exterior fool you. This hidden gem — located next to a car dealership in a high rise — boasts delicious, fusion-style food and plenty of vegan options.
- Cozy up in Chinatown at The Pig and the Lady and chow down on tasty Vietnamese fare like banh mi and pho.
- Orchids offers ocean-side, open-air dining, specializing in fresh seafood, Mediterranean meals and brunch.
Try Something New
Take a hands-on approach to vacation and develop a new skill along with unforgettable memories.
- Hawaiian Style Cooking Classes has everything you need to learn how to cook, from experienced instructors to a fully stocked venue. Choose from cuisine options like Asian fusion, Greek, Thai and Italian. The most popular class teaches students how to make local Hawaiian favorites like poke, coconut-crusted shrimp and butter mochi.
- Grab a board and catch some waves during surf lessons.
- Still & Moving Center and Hawaii Hula Company lead hula dance lessons.
- Yoga on the beach lets you practice meditative movement in a relaxing, sun-filled environment rather than a typical studio.
Adventure After-Hours
The fun doesn’t have to end once the sun sets, especially when you add an adults-only excursion to the evening.
- Stargaze on the beach and share a glass of wine. Or head to Diamond Head State Monument for some of the best starry views near Honolulu.
- Experience the Waikiki Starlight Luau at Hilton Hawaiian Village for dinner and dancing with an authentic Hawaiian flair. Attend Friday night to enjoy a fireworks finale.
- Stop by Blue Note Hawaii for nightly jazz performances and cold craft cocktails.
- Enjoy a show at Hawaii Theatre Center, or book tickets for the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.
Read “5 Ways Hilton Grand Vacations Helps You Vacation Better Together” and see how timeshare can help you get away with your loved ones.