Romance in Hawaii: Say Aloha to the Big Island, Maui and Lanai

Terracotta Travel
Terracotta Travel
Published in
7 min readJun 11, 2020

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This luxurious getaway to the Hawaiian archipelago promises fiery encounters with the Big Island’s oldest volcanoes, intimate picnic lunches on Lanai’s tucked-away beaches, and romantic sunset sailing trips from Maui. Say aloha to a perfect honeymoon, anniversary celebration, or spontaneous adventure with your loved one.

Kona side of the Big Island

Trip Highlights

  • Swim beneath sparkling, secluded waterfalls on the Big Island
  • Sail into the sunset on a private catamaran and snorkel with magnificent manta rays
  • Meet the Hawaiian fire goddess Pele at the continuously erupting Kilauea volcano
  • Travel down the famed Road to Hana with a driver-guide
  • Encounter Samoan fire knife dancers at an authentic Maui luau, or feast
  • Relax aboard your private yacht, sailing to the secluded island of Lanai
  • Share a romantic lunch for two on a hidden beach in Lanai
  • Cultivate your culinary skills and learn to make sushi at the exclusive Nobu restaurant

Itinerary Summary

Couples will relish this romantic escape to the enchanted Hawaiian Islands, a North Pacific paradise of lush forests, fiery volcanoes, and intimate beaches. Custom-built to your tastes, this 10-day getaway combines immersive cultural experiences, unique natural encounters, and stunning sunset dinners that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. On the Big Island, take a breathtaking helicopter ride over an active volcano and swim with majestic manta rays, before heading to the tropical paradise of Maui to stroll on black sand beaches, dip into misty plunge pools, and attend an authentic Hawaiian feast. Finally, hop aboard a private yacht to spend two indulgent days on the idyllic island of Lanai, stopping en route to swim with wild dolphins. At every step of the way, rest your blissed-out body at the most luxurious and intimate accommodation that connects you deeply with Hawaii’s vibrant culture.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Big Island / Arrive on Hawaii’s Big Island and settle into your luxurious private bungalow
Day 2: Big Island / Waterfall helicopter tour and manta ray night snorkel
Day 3: Big Island / Helicopter adventure above Kīlauea Volcano
Day 4: Maui / Ultimate relaxation in Maui
Day 5: Maui / Travel down the legendary Road to Hana
Day 6: Maui / Relish in delicious cuisine and traditional hula dances at an authentic Maui luau
Day 7: Lanai / Private sailing trip to Lanai and swimming with wild dolphins
Day 8: Lanai / Lanai immersive island tour
Day 9: Lanai / Sushi-making tutorial from world-class chefs
Day 10: Goodbye Lanai, Goodbye Hawaii

Trip Length

10 Days

When to go

All year round (Although April, May, September and October are optimal months)

Enjoy views of Hawaii’s scintillating Rainbow Falls from your Bell 407 helicopter

Day 1: Arrive on Hawaii’s Big Island and settle into your luxurious private bungalow

After arriving on the Big Island, take a private transfer to your stunning hotel in Waimea. Relax with a dip in the turquoise waters of the Pacific ocean, or lounge by the hotel’s palm-fringed swimming pools.

Mauna Lani Auberge’s gorgeous private bungalows include their own swimming pools and jacuzzis, classic Hawaiian style architecture, and private access to the beach. Awash with ancient fishponds and secluded beaches, this spiritual haven is your home away from home.

Day 2: Waterfall helicopter tour and manta ray night snorkel

Start the day with an exclusive Bell 407 helicopter ride to discover the Big Island’s landscape from above, gazing down at lush valleys and cascading waterfalls.

Upon touching down on the north shore, meet your expert hiking guide for a two-mile (three-kilometer) trek through rocky terrain and fertile forest, and learn about the island’s unique history at an ancient Hawaiian archaeology site. At the end of the trail take a well-earned dip in an idyllic plunge pool and enjoy a delicious picnic. Soar over Kona’s remote beaches and dramatic cliffs on the way back to your hotel.

In the evening, board your own private catamaran and set sail just in time to catch the sunset over the Kona Coast, one of the best places in the world to encounter wild manta rays, which feed on glowing plankton just below the surface. Dive into Kona’s inviting waters and come face to face with these gentle sea giants in a truly unforgettable moment.

Fiery lava meets cool, Pacific sea on the Big Island

Day 3: Helicopter adventure above Kilauea volcano

Depart from Hilo on a doorless helicopter for the majestic Kilauea Volcano, which continuously erupted for 30 years. Bask in the majesty of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes, as you watch the flowing lava carve red rivers through the mountainside. Be sure to open the vents as your pilot narrows in on this geological marvel — even from 500 feet (150 meters) above, you’ll feel the hot air rolling off the lava flows in testament to Mother Nature’s incredible power.

Later, fly over Hilo’s lush greenery, Mauna Loa’s magma-covered vistas, and the plunging Wai’anuenue, or Rainbow Falls, whose spray paints a rainbow in the morning light.

Please note that tour routes may vary according to wind and weather conditions.

Day 4: Ultimate relaxation in Maui

Wave goodbye to the Big Island and say hello to Maui, a tropical paradise of white sand beaches and colorful coral reefs. Spend a day at leisure exploring Maui’s gourmet restaurants and coffee shops, or making a champagne toast to the gorgeous sunset on an open-air patio.

The intimate, adults-only enclave of Hotel Wailea is set within the most exclusive retreat community on Maui. Each of its luxurious suites open up to breathtaking views of the Pacific, which you can admire from your own private lanai (porch) with a glass of fine, locally-made Hawaiian wine.

The white-sandy beaches of picture-perfect Maui

Day 5: Travel down the legendary Road to Hana

Start your Maui adventure with a delicious breakfast at our favourite local haunt followed by a scenic drive along the spectacular Road to Hana, a coastal loop around the island’s central mountain. Stop at picturesque lookouts along the Ke’anae Peninsula to spot pretty waterfalls, pristine natural pools, and dramatic seascapes. Stroll hand-in-hand on the black sand beach at Waianapanapa, hike to scenic vistas for unparalleled views, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pool of a cascading waterfall.

Freshly-baked banana bread is the perfect snack to enjoy while soaking in views of Maui’s iconic coastline. For lunch, feast on a delicious al fresco meal at Travaasa Hana Hotel while admiring the picturesque views of iconic Hawaii.

Day 6: Relish in delicious cuisine and traditional hula dances at a West Maui Luau

Spend the day lounging on the beach and settling into a good book poolside, or — if you’re looking for more adventure — book a couples mixology class or a 1957 Porsche Speedster cruise around the island.

In the afternoon, head to West Maui for an authentic Hawaiian luau, a traditional feast accompanied by vibrant island music and a beautiful hula dance. You’ll be greeted with a fresh flower lei, a welcoming symbol of friendship, before indulging in a four-course meal inspired by Hawaiian and Polynesian culture. Each course represents a modern twist on traditional dishes such as poi (traditional taro root pudding), slow-cooked kalua pig, lomi salmon (salmon ceviche), and sweet haupia (a delightful coconut-milk dessert).

The highlight of a Maui luau is undoubtedly the Samoan fire knife dance, where you’ll watch brave performers achieve death-defying feats with a flaming knife — a thrilling send-off after your time in Maui.

The rocky and rigid yet beautifully romantic shores of Lanai

Day 7: Private sailing trip to Lanai and swimming with wild dolphins

Today, step aboard your private yacht for a four-hour cruise to the pristine isle of Lanai. En route, dive into the turquoise waters to swim with wild dolphins, reel in mahi-mahi, and sip champagne in celebration of your memorable morning. After arriving in Lanai, spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded white sand beaches of Lanai.

Four Seasons Lana’i at Manele Bay is an ultra-luxurious five-star resort featuring spacious and sophisticated Hawaiian-inspired suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame incredible views of Lanai’s shores. Enjoy a lovers stroll in the romantic botanical gardens, or opt for a relaxing hot stone massage at the spiritual Hawanawana Spa.

Day 8: Lanai immersive island tour

Explore the otherworldly landscape of Lanai on a private tour of its expansive rocky landscapes coated in rich, vermillion soil, then enjoy a gourmet tropical picnic prepared to your liking on a pretty secluded beach.

Later on, savor a delicious sushi meal of freshly-caught Lanai fish at Nobu at Four Seasons, with creations inspired by world-renowned chef, Nobu Matsuhisa.

Day 9: Day at leisure in Lanai

On your last day in Lanai, spend the morning soaking up the healing rays of the Pacific sun and snorkeling alongside pristine coral reefs at the resort’s edge.

If you haven’t already done so, book a full-body massage at the Four Seasons’ legendary Hawanawana spa. Having sampled the magnificent culinary creations at Nobu, you might also be ready to learn the art of sushi-making from the world-class resident chefs.

Day 10: Goodbye Lanai, Goodbye Hawaii

Depart Lanai to fly home through Honolulu with a heart full of shared memories that, like your love, will last a lifetime.

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Terracotta Travel
Terracotta Travel

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