Kauai, considered Hawaii's Garden Isle, is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. An extraordinarily beautiful tropical paradise gently embraces you and your beloved with a breathtaking rainbow spectrum of awe-inspiring beauty: pristine beaches, spectacular, towering cliffs descending to lush, green valleys, impressive canyons, panoramic views, stunning waterfalls and meandering rivers. You'll discover a quiet island, secluded from time as we know it, an enchanting sense of ancient Hawaii whispering softly in the fragrant breeze. The North shore is endowed with an old-world charm found in precious few other places in Hawaii, perfect for you and your love to enjoy together. We'll get you started with a list we've compiled of 9 of the best romantic spots on Kauai's North shore:
Hanalei Bay
Hanalei Bay is a gorgeous, crescent-shaped bay lined with long, white, sandy beaches, ideal for strolling hand-in-hand along the shoreline with your loved one. Other notable beaches you'll enjoy exploring with your sweetie include Kauapea (Secret Beach), Anini Beach Park, Kee Beach Park and Lumahai Beach. You won't want to miss any of these idyllic spots.
Princeville Resort & Spa
Treat yourself to a luxurious spa experience at one of the marvelous North shore resorts that offer spa services to their registered guests. What could be more romantic than checking into a lavish resort in Paradise to enjoy relaxing and rejuvenating together, with tandem massages (even on the beach), body treatments, wraps, scrubs, facial massages, hot stone treatments, aromatherapy, and hot tubs beneath the stars? Halele'a Spa is at the St. Regis Princeville (808) 826-9644 www.princeville.com/the-resort/spa The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas also feature a deluxe spa. (808) 827-8747 www.stregisprinceville.com
Limahuli Garden & Preserve
Re-enter ancient Hawaii with your sweetheart at this 1000-acre, living Garden of Eden. You'll feel like you've returned in time as you explore the flourishing tropical paradise filled with beautiful exotic fauna and cared for by loving stewards of this sacred land. If you can, visit Na Aina Kai Gardens, a 240-acre preserve nearby.
Tandem Zipline at Princeville Ranch Zip 'n Dip
Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime as you ride on a 12-passenger ATV to the trailhead where you'll embark on an exciting hike through a spectacular rainforest and a series of ziplines that will take you flying through the trees, eventually reaching a waterfall and swimming hole. You and your sweetie can even fly together on the King Kong zipline, a 1200-foot glide you can ride tandem on! (877) 678-7333 toll-free or (808) 876-7777.
Kilauea Lighthouse
The Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Lighthouse stands at the northernmost tip of Kauai and offers a picturesque view for you to enjoy a sunset with your beloved. You might even spot a whale if it's wintertime, when they migrate to Hawaii. The lighthouse is also home to Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, a seabird sanctuary.
Tahiti Nui Luau
Attending a luau is a must-have experience on the islands. A traditional Hawaiian celebration, luaus include plenty of food, music and dancing. Tahiti Nui in Hanalei offers a luau they've been hosting as a family for over 50 years. It starts at 5:00pm on Wednesdays, when they serve complimentary Mai Tais until 6, and includes an imu pit (essentially a Polynesian barbeque), a traditional Hawaiian fare buffet and the entertainment of hula dancers, live musicians, and fire dancing. Call ahead for reservations, as space is limited. (808) 482-4829 Another luau location is at The Mediterranean Gourmet, also in Hanalei. (808) 826-9875
Kalalau Trail & Na Pali Coast
One of the greatest wonders of Hawaii, the pristine Na Pali Coast is a breathtaking beauty to behold. Enter the 11-mile Kalalau Trail at Kee Beach and hike through verdant green valleys filled with rare, exotic foliage, cascading waterfalls, imposing cliffs, and stunning views. Most people either camp overnight or hike only the first two miles until they reach Hanakapiai Beach, since the trail is a challenging one. You and your sweetie can also travel to the Kalalau Valley on a boat, or view the entire gorgeous coastline from a bird's eye view in a helicopter.
Tandem Kayak Hanalei Bay
Kayak Hanalei offers kayak rental, along with lessons from one of their instructors, if you wish. Kayaking the gentle waters of Hanalei Bay on a clear day promises to be a remarkable dream-made-real experience for you and your honey. You can also rent stand-up paddle boards or surfboards together, with instruction upon request. (808) 826-1881
The Blue Room
Just before you reach the end of the road along Kauai's North shore, a rare jewel awaits you and your beloved. The Blue Room is an exquisite geographic wonder, a gorgeous wet cave containing a pool with cool, clear water that shimmers with an otherworldly blue light from filtered sunlight above. You and your partner are sure to feel a profound sense of peace within this tranquil cocoon of Grandmother Kauai.
