Hawaii’s year-round sunny weather and sparkling seas set the stage for dreamy pastimes such as snorkeling hand-in-hand, swimming under a waterfall and sharing mai tais at sunset.
But it's the little — and not-so-little — extras that have helped the following hotels earn nods among romance travelers.
Four Seasons Resort Hawaii at Hualalai (Hawaii Island)
An adults-only pool, outdoor spa hale (huts) and dinners on the beach are a few of the many reasons couples love this Kohala Coast resort. They can snuggle in poolside cabanas or bond during activities such as cooking classes and snorkeling in a brackish pond with thousands of tropical fish. A two-story bungalow configuration ensures intimacy, and all ground-level accommodations feature outdoor showers made from lava rock.
www.fourseasons.com/hualalai
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa (Kauai)
This oceanfront resort is home to the idyllic Tidepools restaurant, where open-air dining huts seem to float over koi ponds. While swimming along the manmade lazy river, couples can duck into coves behind small waterfalls to sneak a kiss. Rounding out the romance offerings is a pool for grownups, his-and-her spa treatments, a private lanai in each guestroom and two-person hammocks where duos can share dreams.
www.grandhyattkauai.com
Halekulani (Oahu)
Steps away from Waikiki’s action, this historic retreat quietly stokes passions. Casual elegance is the theme, from serene courtyards to the silky swimming pool water heated to perfection. Afternoon tea inspires tete-a-tetes, Diamond Head provides a backdrop for sunset cocktails and hula and guestroom lanais encourage candlelight dinners. The spa’s tandem suites provide an ideal setting for island-style rejuvenation.
www.halekulani.com
Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort (Oahu)
With its pink decor and Spanish-Moorish stylings, this 1927 landmark evokes an old-Hawaii graciousness while providing ultra-current services. Couples can sip mai tais — hailed as the original recipe — right next to Waikiki Beach. Guests who reserve a spot at the Royal Beach Club get a private seaside cabana and attendants for all their needs, from gourmet snacks and Evian spritzes to starlit dinners.
www.royal-hawaiian.com
Travaasa Hana (Maui)
Far removed from Hawaii’s typically crowded resort areas, this east-Maui classic woos pairs with unplugged accommodations so they can focus on the natural setting — and on each other. Travaasa Hana’s best digs for couples are the Sea Ranch cottages, with hot tubs on the lanai. Coastal horseback rides, waterfall hikes, spa treatments and dips in the infinity pool help make this one of Hawaii’s most romantic resorts.
www.travaasa.com/hana