Is there a better way to start your life together than holding hands and making plans with your toes in the sand? We think not. There could be no better location for this than Hawaii. Here are three properties we think are perfect for a romantic getaway.
Mauna Lani Resort
Local luxury travel company Auberge Resorts have just completed a multimillion dollar, two year renovation on this hotel. The design team at Meyer Davis, working in tandem with Auberge’s Chief Creative Officer Kemper Hyers, waved their magic wands and turned this iconic property into a hip, modern resort, featuring three Instagram-worthy pools, four restaurants, and gorgeous grounds. Book a table at the oceanfront CanoeHouse before sunset and take your time to savor the view as well as delicious meal, cooked by Chef Matt Raso, formerly of Nobu. And since you’re newlyweds, ask Yuka Hinoda Raso, the general manager, and Chef Matt’s wife, for some tips on how to work together and stay together. Book a poolside cabana for the day, and watch the world go by as you nap, dine and unwind. Or rent SUPS or head out with one of the veteran beach boys to explore the crystal clear blue waters of Makaiwa Bay.
Hotel Wailea
One of the unavoidable dangers of honeymooning in Hawaii is kids. From tyrannical toddlers to snarky teens, Hawaii seems to attract them by the thousands to a beach or restaurant near you. Hotel Wailea has taken this potential trip minefield and diffused it by being an adult-only resort. Considered a boutique hotel, with 72 one bedroom villas set on 15 acres, the property was recently named as one of the most romantic hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is one of the most popular dining spots for locals looking for a romantic meal, so make reservations to make sure you get a table in the garden. Set about a mile from the beach, the resort also offers luxuries like beach valets and Tesla Model X house vehicles.
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
Looking for a beach with a bit of a city vibe? The newest hotel in Waikiki is your spot. Located directly across from its sister property, the Halekulani, the Halepuna is nestled in the heart of Waikiki. It’s like the hip younger sister to the iconic hotel, designed for today’s traveler. Opt for one of the 284 guest rooms or four suites with pristine views of the Pacific Ocean. To add to the sweetness of your honeymoon, the new Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant, located adjacent to the hotel lobby, is a hit with locals and visitors in the know. Additional amenities include and eighth floor infinity pool, deck pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Since these are sister properties, guests have access to Spa Halekulani treatments such as the JetLag Recovery Scalp and foot treatment and the Zen Shiatsu pressure point massage. The House Without a Key restaurant is the best place in Waikiki to watch the sunset light up Diamond head.
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.
