If you like Pina Coladas…and smooching in the rain, Hawaii has some of the best date activities for locals and tourists! If you’re looking to spice up your dating life with your partner or seeking the perfect holiday destination for you and yours, we’ve highlighted some of the best activities you can do in tandem.
For The Hiking Enthusiasts
Awa’awapuhi Trail & Waimea Canyon on Kauai: Welcome to the jungle! If you’re a fan of the film Jurassic Park, your mind is going to be blown as you make your way through the Waimea Canyon and Awa’awapuhi trail. If you and your partner love a good hiking trail with a view, Awa’awapuhi is the perfect hike for you! This trail is nearly 11km long with a decent amount of downhill walking through the trees, until you come to the edge of the cliffs where you overlook the napali coastline – the perfect spot for an A+ Instagram shot! This hike is more rugged than some, so it’s important to take precaution and research the trail’s conditions prior to heading out.
Diamond Head Honolulu: One of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks, Diamond Head is a must see in Hawaii. The hike is situated among a saucer shaped crater that was formed over 300,000 years ago. For 360 degree views of the city and ocean scapes, this trail is a little more curated than the jungle hike mentioned above. With a gift shop, food concession and picnic tables, this hike is perfect for a lunch date.
Haleakala National Park Maui: This volcanic hike makes you feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet. With it’s summit district looking like a scene on Mars, to it’s Kipahulu district filled with waterfalls and ocean vistas, this National park has a little bit of everything! For those couples who want to tap into their spirituality and experience the natural resources, cultural artifacts and structures, this park is for you!
For The Foodies
Poke on the beach: If you don’t get poke in Hawaii, you have not lived! I repeat, you have not lived! The best poke in Hawaii can be found at Ishihara Market in the small town of Waimea on the island of Kauai. Don’t let the grocery store exterior fool you, this hidden gem has the most variety (over 15 options) of poke and some of the freshest fish with prices that are totally reasonable.Get your hands on a couple different half pounds of poke and head to Pakala beach to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Feast on a pig roast at a Luau: A luau is a traditional Hawaiian party and feast that features entertainment, and tons of mouth watering dishes like poi kalua pua’a (pork roast), poke, and lomi-lomi salmon. Although these types of parties attract the tourists, it’s still a really fun date night for a special occasion. Because there are tons of options for luaus, it can be tricky to find the right one for you and your partner! To make things a little easier for you two, here are some of the more highly acclaimed luaus – Old Lahaina Luau in Maui, Smith Family Garden in Kauai, and Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay on the big island.
Sneeki Tiki Happy Hours: Lava Lava Beach Club in Kapa’a on the island of Kauai offers a great happy hour for you and yours that isn’t filled with rowdy party-goers. If you’re looking for a bar scene that’s more low pressure, laid back and care-free, this is your spot! It also just so happens to have delicious (and boozy) Mai Tais that won’t make a dent in your wallet. If you’re on The Big Island of Hawaii, Lava Lava has a second location that you can check out here.
For the Ocean Lovers and Adventurers
Rent Kayaks and Paddleboards: There is no shortage of areas to kayak in Hawaii, but one of the better spots is located in the sleepy town of Kailua outside of Waikiki. Kailua is known for its world-renowned beaches – take a trip across the bay to explore and snorkel with a guided tour!
Sunset Catamaran cruise: I’m not quite sure if there is anything more romantic than a sunset boat cruise overlooking the cliffs of the Napali coastline sipping on Blue Hawaiians.This is the perfect date night for a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday or proposal (wink wink nudge nudge). Top this special night off with free fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki.
Catch a wave on the big surf: Noted as one of the most spectacular surf breaks in the world, Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park, is where you’re going to find the big waves. I wouldn’t recommend this spot if you’re a beginner, but if you and your partner are aspiring surfers, this is a great spot to watch some of the professionals excel at their craft.
Hawaii may be one of the best destinations for dating activities but we challenge you to list out your favorite cities or share one that tops Hawaii’s list of fun things to do with your partner! We’re all ears…comment below.
