Hawaii is a wonderful destination if you’re seeking a secluded getaway, and there are plenty of romantic things to do in Oahu. The state capital of Honolulu offers a multitude of exciting activities for couples to squeeze in some quality time. Hawaii’s white sands, gorgeous greenery, and vibrant blue waters provide a beautiful backdrop for a romantic outing on the island. Oahu hosts all sorts of activities from a relaxing day on the beach doing some snorkeling, to skydiving over the incredible mountainous coastline. Check out our list of romantic things to do in Oahu for local date ideas in Honolulu, and elsewhere on the island. You’ll soon be seasoned enough to impress your loved one during your Hawaiian escape.
Where Should You Stay?
You won’t have a hard time finding a vacation rental on Oahu. The only thing you need to decide is which part of the island suits you best. If the night life excites you, then you might want to stay close to Honolulu, where there are many bars and clubs. For those incredible Hawaiian sunsets you’ve always dreamed of, try Kapolei, which is on the south-west corner of the island. For a bit more privacy, a less populated area like Makaha might suit you best. Wherever you choose, you’ll be blown away by the stunning views and relaxed atmosphere the island has to offer. Now that you have all the info you need to pick your rental, let’s talk about all of the romantic things to do in Oahu.
Diamond Head State Monument
To get some of the best views of Honolulu, outdoorsy couples can hike from the base of the crater to the lookout point at the peak of Diamond Head. Gun emplacements, pillboxes, and foxholes were built on the ancient, extinct crater in the 1940s to defend Oahu. Many of those military installments remain on the crater rim.
Today, the entire mountain and undeveloped crater is known as the Diamond Head State Monument. The short 0.8 mile hike from the trailhead to the summit is slightly challenging, since parts of the trail are over uneven rock, plus there are 99 steep steps and a tunnel to navigate through, but the views at the top are incredibly worth it.
Pro Tip: No trip to Hawaii is complete without a stop in famous Waikiki. The valley is filled with incredible restaurants, beaches, and picturesque views. It’s definitely worth the stop after your hike up Diamond Head.
Lanikai Beach
Waikiki Beach is nice and all, but it can become crowded with Honolulu hotel residents, tourists, and their families. If you have the means to drive 40 minutes northwest for a more local experience, we highly encourage that you pack a few snacks and a couple refreshing drinks to take to Lanikai Beach on the opposite end of the island. Lanikai, which translates to “heavenly ocean,” is a gorgeous white sand beach with a serene view of the Mokulua Islands in the distance.
If you’re perfectly fine relaxing on Lanikai’s shore as many locals do, you’re more than welcome to find a comfortable spot to set up a romantic picnic for two. But if you and your boo are adventurous spirits, try opting for either a guided kayak excursion to the Mokolua Islands tide pools, or just rent kayaks and explore Mokolua on your own. Spend the entire day on this side of the island, then catch a sunset along Lanikai’s coastline.
Pro Tip: Just north of Lanikai beach there are a lot of great restaurants that are well worth a stop. Uahi Island Grill serves up a great menu of contemporary Hawaiian fare. Make sure to try the fried garlic Ahi belly, one of their staples.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch, also known as Jurassic Valley, is a private nature reserve that has served as a movie set for Hollywood films like Jurassic Park, Karate Kid II, Fifty First Dates, the most recent rework of Jumanji, and many more! This remarkable land mass on the edge of Oahu is a definite must-see, and the best part is, there are many ways you can explore.
Take an ATV Tour through the valley, or explore the area from the sky on a zipline adventure around the ranch. You also have the option to do a horseback walking tour, a deep jungle expedition, or a Hollywood movie site tour. It doesn’t really matter which type of tour you take, all that matters is that you check this place out! Plus, if you really love Kualoa Ranch, you can even book it as a wedding venue. Why not officiate your romantic relationship on this beautiful Hawaiian land?
Pro Tip: The outstandingly beautiful Ka’a’awa beach is just a short drive from Kualoa Ranch. There is a shallow reef just off the shore, which makes for incredible snorkeling when the ocean is calm.
Waimea Falls Park
Your list of romantic things to do in Oahu keeps on growing! An hour north of Honolulu, you’ll find Waimea Valley, which has a pleasant one-mile stroll through Waimea Falls Park, leading you to the bustling waters of Waimea Falls. The area was given the name Waimea, translating to “reddish water,” in reference to the underlying reddish volcanic soil throughout the land. As you make your way along the paved road to the waterfall, you’ll see oversized tropical plants and signs posted describing the grounds, as well as the history and plant life that inhabits the park. Swimming up to the waterfall is allowed, so be sure to bring a bathing suit!
Plus, if you plan to attend a luau on your Hawaiian getaway, you can check out the Toa Luau held at Waimea Falls on Mondays or Wednesdays. Luau reservations include a traditional feast, a cultural night show with fire dancers, and a same-day pass to Waimea Valley. Spots do fill up, so be sure to book your luau reservation ahead of time.
Pro Tip: If rock climbing is something that excites you, Waimea beach offers some incredible bouldering. Whether you’re an expert, or just going for your first climb, there you’ll have no problem finding a climb suited to your skill level. The sandy beach will catch you if you fall, so most find crash pads unnecessary.
Tradewind Charters
Trying to really impress your other half? Reserve a private adventure for two with Tradewind Charters! They offer three different sailing adventures that take the cake for a romantic sail on the Pacific Ocean. Early risers will love the Mimosa Sunrise Sail. This consists of a two-hour private cruise as you watch the sunrise over Diamond Head crater, accompanied by chilled mimosas. The private charter also has a great surround sound system, so you can throw together your own romantic playlist to set the mood.
If you prefer sunset over sunrise, you should book the Sunset & Moonlight Sail. Your reservation includes a private sunset dinner, with the option to customize bar options in advance. You might even get lucky and catch dolphins, turtles, or whales catching the sunset from the surface too! One final sailing option is the Fireworks Sail, only available on Friday nights. Catch a fireworks show out at sea while you have your loved one in your arms. It can’t get any more romantic than that!
Pro Tip: These cruises do fill up quickly during the busy tourism season, so make sure to book your adventure in advance if possible. If you forgot to book, you can always call in that day and see if there are any cancellations.
So Many Romantic Things to Do in Oahu
There’s no reason to put off your romantic Hawaiian getaway. There are endless options of romantic things to do in Oahu, so start planning your date in Honolulu today. With the lush hillsides and incredible pacific sunsets, you and your lover will be blown away by the Island’s magic. With this list of date ideas Oahu has to offer, your date can’t possibly be disappointed. Enjoy your incredible romantic stay in Oahu!