There’s a reason Oahu is one of the most popular places on the planet for proposals, betrothals, weddings, anniversaries, and vow renewals. The island is about as romantic as it gets. However, when people perform an online search for the most romantic places on Oahu they are inundated with Top 5 lists of restaurants, resorts, and pre-arranged tours. Forget all of that. Instead, let Mother Nature be your guide. The island is loaded with natural nooks and crannies that will get the butterflies fluttering in the bellies of you and your beloved. Let’s review.
5 Naturally Romantic Destinations to Visit with Your Beloved on Oahu
From Here to Eternity Beach
Halona Cove may be best known by its utopian nickname – From Here to Eternity Beach. It earned this epithet from being showcased in a 1953 Hollywood film of the same title. The film’s defining scene featured a kiss between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, which occurred where the sand meets the sea at this iconic beach. Couples can find a quiet corner to sunbathe, while daring duos may climb along the ledge and take a refreshing plunge into the churning saltwater. Adventurous lovers can enter the lava tube which runs from the back edge of the cove through the underbelly of Kalaniana’ole Highway. View more about From Here to Eternity Beach.
Heart Coral Cove
Heart Coral Cove is located between From Here to Eternity Beach (above) and Sandy Beach Park. This makes for an ideal two-for-one deal on the most romantic places to visit on Oahu. It gets its name from the large collection of heart-shaped coral pieces that are placed on the volcanic shelves that line this stretch of the windward coast. The phenomenon began decades ago, as couples and lovelorn singles alike began placing heart-shaped chunks of coral that they collected from the Sandy Beach area on to the natural rock formations.
After visiting From Here to Eternity Beach, walk down with your beloved to this quaint little cove and beachcomb until you find a cordiform coral. Once you do, place it with the rest, and let your future together unfold with this fond memory to guide the way.
Sunset Beach
Home to heavy surf and the world’s most famous crooked palm tree, Sunset Beach on the North Shore is a big draw for all. Couples in particular flock to its sloping sands for golden hour, as there is no better place to watch the sun disappear into than sea at day’s end. Book a nearby bungalow here so that you don’t have to drive back to town at night’s end.
Lanikai Beach (and Moku Nui)
Oahu’s Kailua Beach is one of the world’s most famous beaches. It’s beautiful, but not somewhere to go as a couple in search of uninterrupted peace. It’s packed with families and their rambunctious tots, along with a slightly obnoxious college crowd. But further east, you’ll find the uncrowded contrast of Lanikai.
At Lanikai Beach, you can walk with your companion along its powdery sands in tranquility. Wade into the water and watch it transform from aquamarine to a deeper blue by the reef. Beyond the dark coral, you will spy an alluring duo known as the Mokulua Islands. If you’re venturesome, rent a tandem kayak and paddle out to Moku Nui (on the left). Moku Nui is an isolated islet with a small sandy beach and tide pools that are big enough for two to bathe in, and more (ahem). Here is a guide for everything you need to know about kayaking to Moku Nui from Lanikai Beach.
Magic Island Lagoon
Lastly, we direct your attention to the most convenient of all romantic places to visit on Oahu. Magic Island Lagoon is located across the road from Hawaii’s largest shopping mall, and yet it can feel as remote as other destinations on this lovers’ list. A black rock jetty protects the peninsula from the incoming Pacific, while the opposing side is shaded by tall palms and monkeypod trees. There is a winding path for the two of you to stroll, bike, blade, or skate along at sunset. You may also pause to feed the feral kittens that call this special place home. There is a lot of magic to be found here, which is why it’s also a popular place for beach weddings.
Do you have any questions about the most romantic places on Oahu? Ask cupid by leaving a comment below and we’ll get right back to you!