Everywhere you look on Oʻahu, there’s beautiful scenery, from the windswept beaches in Kailua to the majestic pali (cliffs) of the Koʻolau Mountains. These images are all over social media—and we figure you probably want to know where these spots are.

While some places—like the top of Haʻikū Stairs—are off-limits and others—like the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe—aren’t allowed anymore, Oʻahu has a ton of gorgeous backdrops for vacation photos sure to make your coworkers jealous.

Here are 13 easily accessible ones.

1. Makai Research Pier, Waimānalo

Makai Research Pier in Waimānalo.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This working research pier off Kalanianaʻole Highway in Waimānalo on Oʻahu’s windward side is a popular stop for photographers. This view (above) is what everyone wants to capture—but the beach itself is stunning, especially with Mānana and Kāohikaipu islets offshore.

2. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Makapuʻu

At the top of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The easy 2-mile (round trip) hike up to the summit of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail offers breathtaking views from every part of the trail: the rugged and wild Kaiwi Coastline, the dramatic panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the historic red-roofed lighthouse and the sleepy town of Waimānalo. During winter months this is a great place to see migrating North Pacific humpback whales.

3. Byodo-In Temple, Kāneʻoha

Byodo-In Temple in Kāneʻohe.
Photo: David Croxford

It’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo at the Byodo-In Temple, located at the base of the lush Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu windward side. This temple is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. (It’s a United Nations World Heritage Site.) The grounds are gorgeously landscaped and home to wild peacocks, Japanese koi (carp) and swan.

4. Kualoa Regional Park, Kualoa

Sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This sprawling beach park on the island’s eastern coastline boasts calm waters and great views of the Koʻolau Mountains and Mokoliʻi (aka Chinaman’s Hat), a 12.5-acre offshore islet.

5. Murals of wings, The Honolulu Zoo and Oʻahu’s North Shore

Wings at The Honolulu Zoo and on the North Shore.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

Wings are a thing! There’s a pair of butterfly wing murals at The Honolulu Zoo in Waikīkī (left) and angel wings outside Anahulu’s Shave Ice (66-620 Kamehameha Highway) in Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The latter is part of the Global Angel Wings Project that started in Los Angeles in 2012 to remind people we are all angels on Earth. This is the only one of these interactive art displays in Hawaiʻi.

6. Lanikai Beach, Kailua

Lanikai Beach, Kailua.
Photo: Getty Images/Wirestock

It’s hard to find a more picturesque beach on Oʻahu than Lanikai Beach in Kailua. With the Nā Mokulua islands offshore and clear aquamarine waters, this beach is easily one of the most photographed on the island.

7. Sunflower field, Waimānalo

Sunflowers in Waimānalo.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Right now, through mid-November, Waimānalo Country Farms opens its sunflower fields for visits—and it’s spectacular. The family-run farm is nestled against the Koʻolau Mountains with views of the ocean, and the sunflowers are shockingly beautiful against the green mountains. It also sells farm-fresh food, including corn on the cob, freshly squeezed lemonade and even sunflower heads, grilled and slathered with butter and garlic. You can even book private picnics in the fields.

8. Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikīkī

Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikīkī.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku on Kalākaua Avenue is a must-stop in Waikīkī. Often draped or holding lei, this status honors Hawaiʻi’s first Olympian and the father of modern surfing. Kahanamoku grew up swimming and surfing in Waikīkī. He later went on to win Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the relay in 1912. He also won two gold medals in 1920 and won a silver medal at age 34 in the 1924 Olympics.

9. Hanauma Bay, East Honolulu

Hanauma Bay in East Honolulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

As you make your way down the road to Hanauma Bay, the protected marine sanctuary in East Honolulu, stop and snap a photo. The vantage from here is everything.

10. Royal Hawaiian, Waikīkī

The Royal Hawaiian in Waikīkī.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

There are so many gorgeous hotels on Oʻahu, from the historic Moana Surfrider to the retro-cool décor of the revamped Kaimana Beach Hotel, both in Waikīkī. But nothing compares to The Pink Palace of the Pacific. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort is one of the most iconic hotels in Hawaiʻi. Its distinctive architecture and rosy color have made this a popular—and beautiful—backdrop for vacation photos.

11. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Kāneʻohe

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

You see it all over Instagram: the tree-lined road from the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden toward the Koʻolau Mountains. Pulling over to snap photos isn’t allowed, but there are so many other spots in this 400-acre city-run garden to photograph. Take the trek to the top of Kilonani Mauka for a nearly 360-degree view of the mountains and Kāneʻohe Bay. Or head to the overlook of Loko Waimaluhia, for a view of the garden’s 32-acre lake built in 1982.

12. Leonard’s Bakery, Kapahulu

Leonard’s Bakery, Kapahulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Hawaiʻi boasts some of the most Instagrammable vacation foods—the kind of food pics that make you want to lick your screen. Malasadas are hot—figuratively and literally—and the most iconic shot is at Leonard’s Bakery. This family-run bakery opened in 1953 and started serving these Portuguese doughnuts. Today, it’s a must-try when visiting the Islands—and a must-photograph outside the landmark bakery on Kapahulu Avenue.

13. Liljestrand House, Tantalus

The Liljestrand House, Tantalus.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

There are few Hawai‘i architects whose work is as recognizable as that of Vladimir Ossipoff, with his distinctly mid-century modern aesthetic. One of the most outstanding examples of his work—and one that you can tour—is the Liljestrand House on the slopes of Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa (Mount Tantalus) in Honolulu. The 6,700-square-foot, two-story home is perched above Honolulu, with views of the city and ocean beyond. You can book private tours of the residence; the best is to get a group of 10 friends to book the private sunset tour ($800 for 2 hours), where you can bring your own bottles of wine and pūpū (appetizers) and enjoy the sunset.

1.    “Ke Kali Nei Au” (The Hawaiian Wedding Song) It just wouldn’t be a Hawaiian wedding without a performance of this song, composed in 1925 by Charles E. King.

2.    “To You Sweetheart Aloha” For decades, this song—written by Harry Owens—was the last song played at any Hawaii dance or nightclub.

3.    “I’ll Weave a Lei of Stars for You” One of R. Alex Anderson’s and Jack Owens’s greatest tunes. Singer Emma Veary says, “The lyrics are just breathtakingly romantic.”

4.    “I’ll Remember You” If you want to hear the real Don Ho, forget “Tiny Bubbles” and listen to him sing this classic penned by Kui Lee.

5.    “Night Bird” This composition by the late Mackey Feary was a huge hit for his group Kalapana in the mid-1970s. It captures young love at its most intense.

6.    “Kawaipunahele” This haunting ballad about longing for a former love was Kealii Reichel’s first big hit. A decade and change later, it remains one of his most-requested songs.

7.    “About You” Cecilio Rodrigues never got the girl he wrote this song for. But it was a massive hit from Cecilio & Kapono’s “Elua” album in 1975.

8.    “Better Together” Jack Johnson’s charming, heart-on-sleeve simple love song for his wife has in a few short years become a wedding staple, both in Hawaii and on the Mainland.

9.     “Kiss You in the Morning” by Kalaeloa is about as sappy as a romantic love song can get, but it still incredibly moving throughout.

10.     “Love and Honesty” is truly a love song’s love song. Crooning about a never-ending love, Hawaiian Style Band promises you love and honesty, and they surely do deliver with this local classic.

11.     “Guava Jelly” is not your typical love ballad. However, its message and wonderfully crooned lyrics are those of love and romance … and guava jelly.

12.     “Pretty Face / Jealousy”, a slow, sorrowful tune about someone in love, is about romance as much as it is about yearning. A classic by The Brothers Cazimero, this song is best enjoyed with your beloved at your side, watching the sun set or gazing out on the night sky.

Well, you’ve gone and done it, you’ve said “yes” to your person, and now there’s a wedding to plan, along with the best part of the wedding—your honeymoon. Naturally, the warm breezes and sandy beaches of Hawai‘i are appealing to most newlywed couples—who wouldn’t want to kiss under a waterfall or watch a volcano erupt with their new spouse? While lei and mai tais are an important part of the romance, so is planning ahead to ensure that only the best memories are made. Here are a few tips on how to plan your Hawai‘i honeymoon.

Which Is The Best Hawaiian Island For Our Honeymoon? 

The Hawaiian Islands are as diverse as the people (and couples) who visit them. The best island to spend your honeymoon really depends on what type of honeymoon you are looking for—do you want to have memorable outdoor adventures? Relax at a beachside hotel with an indulgent spa? Or maybe you want to eat and drink your way through your honeymoon? In some cases you can do all of those and more, depending on the island you choose.

READ MORE: Best Hawai‘i Honeymoon Resorts in 2023

Honeymooning on O‘ahu

A couple by the bar.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

O‘ahu offers experiences that appeal to those who like more urban adventures including world-class dining and shopping options, as well as gorgeous beaches, cultural activities and incredible museums. Adventure can be found with tours to Kualoa Ranch and Pearl Harbor or hikes along a variety of gorgeous jungle trails. A foodie adventure to the North Shore is also a great option, and you can indulge in area’s world-famous shrimp trucks and a stop along the way at some of the most postcard perfect beaches you’ve yet to see, like Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay. If nightlife is an important part of your stay, Oʻahu is your best bet, especially districts like Downtown Honolulu, Waikīkī and Kakaʻako, which are home to a number of clubs, karaoke bars and more. 

READ MORE: The Best Hotels in Oʻahu, According to our Editors

Your Maui Honeymoon

A couple at Haleakalā.
Photo: Courtesy of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

For a romantic Hawai‘i honeymoon punctuated by picturesque waterfalls, diverse beaches and unforgettable sunrises, Maui is an island best for nature lovers. Both the newer, upscale resort area of Wailea and the country, beach-filled shores of Pāʻia are filled with classic Hawaiian vibes and offer romance paired with stunning views. Both areas offer easy access to various shopping and dining options, giving couples the choice of ditching the rental car and cruise around the area.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Maui, According to our Editors

A Honeymoon on Hawai‘i Island

A couple on the Big Island.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / John Hook

Hawai‘i Island offers adventure around every corner with manta ray diving tours, caves to explore, excursions to the top of Mauna Kea and hikes to see one of the world’s most active volcanoes (which may or may not be erupting during your honeymoon visit). Add to that a burgeoning food scene, beautiful drives across constantly changing landscapes and both green and black sand beaches, and you’ve got a trip to remember.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Hawaiʻi Island, According to our Editors

Honeymooning on Kaua‘i

A couple on a Napali Coast boat tour.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono

With its dramatic landscapes and quiet beauty, it’s no wonder couples can lose themselves against the backdrop of this gorgeous island. Whether you’re taking in the views at Waimea Canyon or testing your mettle hiking along the Nāpali Coast, there are so many spectacular things to see and do on Kaua‘i. If a hike isn’t on the agenda, you can hop on a helicopter or boat to explore the cliffs and caves of the Napali Coast on the island’s northern shoreline. For a truly memorable experience, float on a tube through caves, canals and chutes at an old sugar plantation with Kauaʻi Backcountry Adventures.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Kauaʻi, According to our Editors

Your Lānaʻi Honeymoon

For the chance to really get lost together, Lāna‘i can’t be beat—but it’s not necessarily in everyone’s budget. The small island only has two hotels, and accommodations can eat up a lot of your budget. However, it’s the ultimate destination for shutting most of the world out and focusing on one another. Both hotels offer incredible dining options, memorable spa experiences and all of the pampering you need. A day trip from Maui is also an option, as the only ferry in Hawaiʻi runs between the two islands.

READ MORE: Which Hawaiian Island is Perfect for You?

How Much Should We Budget For A Honeymoon in Hawai‘i?

If you’re planning a Hawaiʻi honeymoon, it’s important to understand that this will not be an inexpensive trip. Items you want to make sure to budget for after you’ve locked in the plane ticket and your travel dates include:

• Accommodations: Hotels across the state average $375 per night, more affordable options as well as more luxurious choices in the mix. Be sure to keep an eye out for resort fees, too—if you have to pay them, make sure you take advantage of what they offer. Be sure to check out our editors’ picks for best hotels on Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu, Maui and Kaua‘i.
• Rental car and gas: Depending on where you’re staying and what kind of vacation you want to have, you might be able to skip a rental; but most self-directed adventures require your own set of wheels, and gas in Hawai‘i is some of the most expensive in the nation.
• Parking: Parking prices at hotels can add a significant amount to the bill when you check out; be sure you know your hotel’s rental policies and prices (and don’t forget to tip valets).
• Tips: Speaking of tips, be sure to plan for them for cleaning staff, hospitality staff, valets and excursion leaders.
• Food: Whether you’re dining out at five star restaurants, grabbing a poke bowl for the beach or making your own tuna sandwiches, you’ve got to eat , so be sure to budget appropriately.
• Excursions: Whether you want to hop on a boat or be guided through a jungle on a hike, excursions can add up quickly; be sure to book ahead so that you don’t miss out on the things you really want to do.
• Shopping and souvenirs: Shopping in Hawai‘i can be a lot of fun, plus you’ll want to charm that new mother-in-law with something beautiful from your trip; be sure to set some aside for some of the incredible local goods that Hawai‘i has to offer.

How Much Time Should We Spend in Hawai‘i For Our Honeymoon? 

A panoramic Maui view.
Photo: Getty Images

Figuring out how long to stay while planning your Hawaiʻi honeymoon depends on a few factors including budget, available time and whether you want to try out multiple hotels and islands. We recommend a week at minimum. It’s important to remember that travel time to Hawai‘i can cut into a lot of your vacation time. For those traveling long distances, you may also need to factor in time to adjust to the new time zone—we recommend snuggling in bed and ordering room service to help ease the transition. 

No matter which island you choose for your Hawai‘i honeymoon destination, there will be plenty to do, with each day being different from the next. And, of course, you’ll want to make sure to leave plenty of time to focus on your new spouse and your new status as a married couple. Be careful not to overbook your days and leave plenty of time for sipping mai tais poolside and digging your toes into the sand while watching the sunset. 

If your trip includes a visit to one or more islands, be sure to extend the time accordingly. Maui and Lānaʻi are the easiest islands to visit together, as there is a small ferry (for people only, no cars) between the two. It’s easy to extend a stay at one of Lānaʻi luxury resorts or just go visit for the day to check out the Lāna’i Cat Sanctuary and the newly reopened Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Centre.

READ MORE: The Best Hotels on Maui, According to our Editors

To island-hop between the other islands you’ll have to book a flight, which can certainly add to the cost of your trip (keep an eye out for sales—when one airline offers a sale, the others usually follow suit). It’s certainly worth it, though, to add on a quick trip and see one of the other islands. Flights are short and sweet and Southwest Airlines doesn’t charge bag fees, which helps for quicker excursions.

What Are the Best Months to Honeymoon in Hawaiʻi?

Though Hawai‘i is located in the tropics, temperatures drop a bit in winter months. If your plans mostly include swimming, you’ll find the water a bit colder—albeit still very comfortable—on all coastlines, however there are still plenty of warm days from November to January. And the winter season does offer some unbeatable memories, including whale watching and the opportunity to see snow on top of dormant volcanoes. Whale watching season in Hawai‘i runs from November to May.

The summer, however, sees throngs of visitors enjoying their vacations from school and work. The sheer number of people can be a bit overwhelming and not necessarily conducive to romantic relaxation. This leaves a handful of months that sit right in that sweet spot of great temperatures, smaller crowds, and memorable activities that won’t get rained out. The best months to visit for your Hawai‘i honeymoon, when there aren’t a lot of other visitors and the weather is great, are March and April in the spring and September, October and November—before Thanksgiving in the fall.

READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why Summer Is the Best Time to Travel to Hawaiʻi

No matter where you choose to visit, your budget, or your length of stay, your Hawai‘i honeymoon will be even more memorable if you and your spouse spend some time giving back together. Check out the new Mālama Hawai‘i program for volunteer opportunities, and you may even save some money on your hotel.

READ MORE: 11 Date Ideas for Romance in Hawaiʻi

There are some restaurants that, for whatever reason, you keep coming back to.

Sometimes it’s nostalgia. Sometimes it’s convenience. And almost always it’s because there’s something there that you love: atmosphere, service, sizzling steak bites with onions.

That’s how it’s been for me with Tiffany’s Bar & Grill in Wailuku, a family-run neighborhood sports bar that’s been around for nearly two decades. Its cavernous dining room packed in the mostly local clientele, here for the local classics this restaurant was known for.

But the Orite family who owned Tiffany’s decided to call it quits. That’s when a loyal customer—who just so happens to be a “Top Chef” alum and James Beard-nominated chef—stepped in.

Sheldon Simeon and his wife, Janice, who have owned other restaurants on Maui, took over this one—now called Tiffany’s Maui—last year. The couple refreshed the 3,600-square-foot space, which includes a 12-seat bar with murals and lyrics from some of their favorite songs on the walls.

Inside the 3,600-square-foot restaurant in Wailuku.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

What people may remember about Tiffany’s is its extensive menu, with more than 150 items. Simeon pared that down to about 50, keeping some of the most popular dishes, like honey-walnut shrimp, sizzling steak bites with onion, and kim chee fried rice. But he’s added his own touch, with more Filipino-inspired fare and an upscale approach to local comfort food.

(Left) Hamachi sashimi and Ovaltine champorado from Tiffany’s Maui.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

One of the most popular dishes right now is the hamachi (Japanese amberjack) sashimi, served with a ponzu finadene sauce and Maui onions. The fish is fresh and firm, and the sauce is puckery good. (Order a side of white rice with it. Trust us.)

The desserts are just as creative, with a rotating lineup that includes a kiawe bean blondie, black sesame mousse cake, and vanilla bean ice cream topped with hurricane popcorn and furikake. We tried the warm Ovaltine champorado, an innovative take on a Filipino dessert consisting of a chocolate-flavored rice porridge made with sticky rice and tablea. Simeon swapped chocolate with malt-y Ovaltine and added mochi, puffed rice, evaporated milk and Nutella ice cream.

The daily specials take advantage of seasonal, locally grown ingredients, like these ʻahi cakes.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The menu may be elevated, but there are still a lot of homey, local-style dishes that lure the regulars: loco moco, miso butterfish, garlicky mochiko chicken. But this is where Simeon is a master—creating a new experience eating something so familiar. Take, for example, the Wailuku saimin. It has everything you would expect from a deluxe bowl of saimin—pork belly, won ton, egg, kamaboko, choy sum—but the noodles, specially made for him by Honolulu-based Sun Noodles, is a mix of dry mein and chewy saimin noodles. It’s subtle, but I got it.

Or his version of the beloved oxtail soup. Instead of oxtail, he uses slow-roasted brisket, served with shiitake mushrooms, peanuts, onions and cilantro.

The vibe is relaxed and lively, the cocktails on point, and the menu one you’ll want to come back for again and again.

We know we do.

1424 Lower Main St., Wailuku, tiffanysmaui.com; @tiffanysmaui 

Is there a more perfect meal than brunch?

It combines the sweet offerings of breakfast—think crispy-edged pancakes and stuffed French toast—with the savory bites of lunch. And everything is topped with an egg!

Oʻahu has no shortage of breakfast and brunch spots, from staples like Zippy’s Restaurants (where you can order breakfast all day in the restaurant) to new spots like the upscale Podmore in Chinatown, one of the only places on the island that serves a classic English breakfast. In fact, we wrote about 13 brunch spots—some have closed, though—that we love on Oʻahu.

Here are eight more brunch spots to check out the next time you’re on Oʻahu.

1. Heavenly Island Lifestyle, Waikīkī

New brunch dishes at Heavenly Island Lifestyle in Waikīkī.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Tucked away on Seaside Avenue in Waikīkī, Heavenly Island Lifestyle prides itself on using local ingredients—organic whenever possible. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, with local twists on brunch classics, like kālua pig eggs Benedict and French toast made with Big Island honey.

What to Order: Heavenly’s signature dish—and its most popular—is the loco moco with organic beans and veggies. Yes, veggies! The beef is sourced locally, too. Another must-try is the new Coco Bowl, an açaí bowl with pineapple, papaya, corn flakes (for crunch) and coconut granola, all topped with a honey-coconut whip and shredded coconut lime. It’s a fun twist on an açaí bowl.

2. Hau Tree, Waikīkī

Hau Tree at the Kaimana Beach Hotel revamped its brunch menu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The Hau Tree restaurant at the recently refreshed Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī has long been a favorite among residents and visitors. Its location—right on Kaimana Beach with perfect sunset views—is unmatched. Chef John Taube IV has revamped the menu at this oceanfront restaurant, adding dishes like hamachi (amberjack or yellowtail) lomi lomi with cured lemongrass and local tomatoes, and squid ink campanelle with black truffle fonduta. Hau Tree’s brunch menu combines the restaurant’s old signatures—eggs Benedicts and lemon ricotta pancakes—with new items, including shakshuka with sourdough toast, a sesame-crusted fish sandwich, a local ʻahi niçoise Brunch is super popular and reservations are strongly recommended.

What to Order: New to the menu is a delicious (and healthy!) frittata with bits of Portuguese sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, cheddar and a salsa verde. The avocado toast is always a sure bet, with tomato jam, tomato relish and a soft-boiled egg. Also new is the ube cinnamon roll, a gorgeous—and huge—gooey cinnamon roll topped with bright purple ube cream cheese frosting and candied mac nuts.

3. Waiʻoli Kitchen & Bake Shop, Mānoa

Fresh scones are made daily at Waiʻoli Kitchen & Bake Shop in Mānoa.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

This Mānoa restaurant has a mission: to provide real-life vocational training for recovering substance abusers. Though the menu is small—when compared to other brunch spots—the dishes are delicious. The pastry offerings—fresh breads, scones and pies—are must-trys. Note: The restaurant adds a 3% training surcharge to every order, which helps offset some of the costs associated with vocational training. It’s also closed on Sundays and Mondays.

What to Order: If you want something hearty, try the short rib loco moco, which comes with hapa (white and brown) rice and two eggs. The açaí bowls is served in a fun coconut shell with fresh, seasonal fruits. And the banana-macadamia nut pancakes are topped with toasted mac nuts, shredded coconut and a housemade coconut syrup.

2950 Mānoa Road, Mānoa, (808) 744-1619, waiolikitchen.com

4. Smith & Kings, Downtown Honolulu

Chicken and waffles from Smith & Kings in Downtown Honolulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Smith & Kings, a gastropub in Downtown Honolulu, offers a weekend brunch with everything you could ever want: lobster deviled eggs, pork belly Benedicts, a brunch burger. There’s even poutine fries! (That’s hand-cut fries topped with cheddar cheese, brown gravy and bacon.)

What to Order: If you love mac ’n’ cheese, you’ll dig the one here, made with a five-cheese béchamel sauce. (There’s also a version with lobster and another with bits of fried chicken.) We’re addicted to the buttermilk chicken and Belgian waffles combo, with whipped butter and maple syrup. Splurge for the mimosas, too.

Smith & Kings, 69 N King St., Honolulu, thesmithandkings.com, @smithandkings

5. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman, Waikīkī

The Waikīkī location of Monkeypod Kitchen is the only one that serves breakfast.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

There’s only one Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman that serves breakfast—and it just opened in Waikīkī. Located right on the beach at the Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, this restaurant also serves lunch and dinner—and its happy hour is great, too. But the breakfast menu is new and exciting, with a blend of classics and unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.

What to Order: Try the Monkeypod mai tai flapjacks, topped with Kula rum butter syrup and the same honey-lilikoʻi foam that’s on the restaurant’s signature mai tai. Or the Hawaiian chilaquiles, with shredded kālua pork, housemade ancho chile salsa, jalapeño, white cheddar, avocado and more on tortilla chips. My favorite dish, though, was the The Cure, a hearty ramen dish with kālua pork, bok choy, mushrooms, poached egg, red onion, carrots and bean sprouts in a red chili chicken broth.

Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort, 2169 Kālia Road, Waikīkī, (808) 900-4226, monkeypodkitchen.com

6. Liliha Bakery, Various

Kimchi fried rice from Liliha Bakery.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

You can’t go wrong with breakfast at Liliha Bakery—and now it boasts five locations on Oʻahu, including one at the International Market Place in Waikīkī and another at Ala Moana Center. (The latest opened at the Pearl Highlands Center in Pearl City.) The menu is full of comfort-food staples like country-style omelets, loco mocos and fried rice.

What to Order: The hot cakes are one of the bakery’s best-sellers, and you can a chocolate chip version or one topped with berries and nuts. The Waffard—yes, weird name, we know—combines a waffle with custard, blueberries, strawberries, mixed nuts and whipped cream. Hungry? Order the smoked pork belly loco moco with strips of pork belly smoked in-house, eggs and gravy over fried rice.

7. Empty Elle Bagels, Kailua

The Lemon, with Big Island lemon butter and Maui Black Kula raspberry jam.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Two years ago Empty Elle Bagels opened in Kailua, bringing Montreal-style bagels to the island. (From what I understand, Montreal bagels, which tend to be denser and sweeter than New York ones, are boiled in water that has been sweetened with honey.) The menu here features a range of toppings, from the classic cream cheese with a dollop of Big Island lilikoʻi (passion fruit) jam to Oʻahu-grown beets and goat cheese. It even has a Dog Bagel with grain-free peanut butte, honey and organic, free-range eggs—for your dog!

What to Order: The Lemon features lemon butter from Hawaiʻi Island and black raspberry jam from Kula on Maui. If you like spicy, try the Spicy, with freshly made hummus and slices of spicy pickles on a toasted Everything bagel. For a hearty breakfast, get the Eggel, an egg bagel sandwich with cream cheese, two eggs, diced bacon and sharp cheddar cheese.

143 Hekili St. (inside Grace in Growlers), Kailua, Oʻahu, emptyellebagels.com, @emptyellebagels

8. Scratch Kitchen, Hawaiʻi Kai

 

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Scratch Kitchen has long been known for its brunch, but it recently opened a second location in Hawaiʻi Kai—on the way to Hanauma Bay!—with a slew of dishes that we haven’t seen on any other brunch menu. Like the teppan gandule rice with roasted cherry tomatoes, or the creole shrimp ’n’ sausage grits with white hominy and red-eye gravy.

What to Order: Popular dishes include the milk ’n’ cereal pancakes topped with fresh fruit and the spicy southern-fried chicken and waffles with jalapeños and pickled onions. It also serves a brûlée’d French toast with shredded coconut and maple syrup and a fried pork chop pasta with a garlic-lemon sauce. The chilaquiles—shredded chicken, chipotle tomato salsa, sunny eggs, queso, crema, cilantro, avocado—hits the spot.

The sound of rushing water and singing lovebirds is all I can hear as my girlfriend, Kaila, and I pull up to Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux. A bellman takes our bags and directs us to the check-in desk, where we’re greeted with lei and two glasses of Champagne. Waiting for our room to be ready, Kaila and I walk the property and take it all in: the elegant pool deck, the inviting hammocks hung here and there and the long flowing river that descends throughout the 15-acre property. But it’s the quiet, and the solitude, that makes me believe this will be the ultimate getaway.

Located on Maui’s south shore, Hotel Wailea is tucked away from many of the other resorts and businesses in the area. It’s as luxurious as it is private, and is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, a hotel association of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants that meet strict admission standards and lean toward luxury. (There are 580 Relais & Châteaux members globally; Hotel Wailea is the only one in the state of Hawai‘i).

The pool at Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux

The Relais & Châteaux title is well earned at Hotel Wailea. Hotel staff whisks us from the lobby to our room in the nicest golf cart I’ve ever seen and the suite we’ve been set up with is impressive too. From the spacious deck, Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i—as well as Molokini Islet—are in plain view. The suite comes with plenty of comfy corners and nooks, great for spending an entire afternoon cozied up with your loved one, and the exquisite bathtub has more than enough room for two.

If you wanted to, you could spend your entire Valley Isle trip on Hotel Wailea’s luxurious grounds. It’s part of the place’s charm. Deciding to burn some calories before our dinner reservation, we took advantage of the resort’s expansive list of activities for couples—which includes driving vintage roadsters around Maui, mind-opening guided meditation sessions and tropical mixology classes—and booked an aerial silk session led by instructor Andrea Fors, who has been practicing aerial acrobatics since 1998 and helped open one of the first dedicated aerial dance studios in the country, Canopy Studio in Athens, Georgia.

Taking into account our fitness levels, Fors quickly tailored an experience best suited for us, teaching us the basics of aerial silks before moving us on to more advanced techniques. A mixture of laughter and motivational pep talks, the class was a great way for Kaila and me to burn some calories before our dinner reservation. Through decades of experience, Fors knows exactly how to make learning the basics of aerial silks a fun and interactive experience, and as I found my way into a few basic poses, it was easy to see how couples could book an entire trip’s worth of activities through Hotel Wailea’s curated catalogue.

Before heading to dinner, Kaila and I decide to drop in at The Birdcage Bar. One of the newer additions to the property, Hotel Wailea’s lobby transforms into a casual open-air bar around sunset, where you’re surrounded by lovebirds, hence the name. It’s a spectacular place to catch the setting sun, and the ambiance is just right. Tables, love seats, lounge chairs and more are scattered around the space, and waiters come and go looking out for whomever looks hungry or thirsty. There’s no reservation required—unless you’re in a party of nine or more—which is surprising as the drinks and pūpū (appetizers) are restaurant-grade first-class, and we take our time nibbling on a fresh plate of roasted Brussels sprouts and watching the sun dip below the horizon, before making our way next door.

The Treehouse restaurant.
Photo: Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux

The Restaurant at Hotel Wailea is a fine diner’s paradise. Here, Island flavors are delivered with a degree of artistry you might expect at a Michelin-starred establishment, and the place is full of colors, smells and tastes that just might surprise you—in a good way. Guests can create their own three-course meals and we were blown away by the unique mix of flavors and textures in our first course choice: the Parisian-style gnocchi. Think of a gnocchi with a softer, more chewy texture, and topped with shreds of succulent wagyu beef, accentuated by a sweet garlic crumble. The more filling delicacies are on the second course menu, which features a variety of mouthwatering options. Rich in flavor, the wagyu rib-eye stole my attention away from my dinner date, who was so enamored with her plate of fettuccine that she didn’t even notice.

Walking back to our suite, the silence of the property is captivating. It’s so unlike any resort or hotel I’ve stayed at—and I’ve been to quite a few. Kaila and I discuss what we’ll do tomorrow. Maybe a day at the beach or a trip to Wailea, but we both know that—if it comes down to it—we could always nest up in our suite and simply enjoy our time together at Hotel Wailea.

For more information on availability and bookings, visit hotelwailea.com.

Below, we’ve also included five hotels and resorts we think are perfect for lovebirds looking to nest in Hawaiʻi.

1. Hāna-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel, Maui

Photo: Courtesy of Hana-Maui Resort

Spread across 66 pristine acres, the Hāna-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel, offers all the luxury couples would want from an island abode. hyatt.com/hana.

2. The Surfjack, O‘ahu

For couples looking to enjoy shopping, bars and more, The Surfjack is a modern accommodation that places you in the center of Waikīkī. surfjack.com.

3. Four Seasons Resort Hualālai, Hawai‘i Island

Upscale accommodations will make it hard for couples to leave their rooms upon checking in at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai. fourseasons.com/hualalai.

4. Timbers Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i

Photo: Courtesy of Timbers Kauaʻi

At Timbers Kaua‘i, you and your lover can call a pristine townhouse on the eastern shoreline of Kaua‘i your own. timberskauai.com.

5. Prince Waikīkī, O‘ahu

The Prince Waikīkī Lobby. Photo: Courtesy of Prince Waikīkī

With cozy nooks and luxury accommodations perfect for couples, the Prince Waikīkī is an inviting escape from Honolulu’s busy streets. princewaikiki.com.

It’s summer, a time when eating outdoors in the Islands is practically mandatory.

The days are longer, the nights cooler and the weather just about perfect. So why dine in when you can eat out? Here are 13 of our favorite places to picnic in Hawaiʻi. (FYI: It’s illegal to drink alcohol in any public park or on any public beach.)

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Oʻahu

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe on Oʻahu.
Photo: Getty Images

The city runs five botanical gardens on Oʻahu, and Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden on the island’s Windward Side is the largest, sprawling over 400 lush acres. Open in 1982, this rainforest garden boasts plants and botanicals from all over the world, including Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Polynesia and the Philippines. There’s also a 32-acre lake, walking trails and campgrounds—plenty of room to find a spot to picnic. In the summer it hosts twilight concerts—from 5 to 6 p.m.—with live music.

Kailua Beach Park, Oʻahu

Kailua Beach in Hawaiʻi.
Photo: Getty Images

You can picnic at just about any beach on Oʻahu—Ala Moana Regional Beach Park, Sandy Beach, Yokohama Beach—and you won’t be disappointed. But we love Kailua Beach for a few reasons. For starters, it’s a huge beach, stretching more than 2.5 miles long. So there are a lot of places where you can lay out a beach mat or picnic blanket without being right next to someone else. The beach park also has a parking lot with restrooms, showers and lifeguards; you can also find street parking along Kalaheo Avenue and get to other parts of the beach via public access paths. It’s close to Kailua Town, with a variety of eateries and grocery stores—in case you need to grab some last-minute food or drinks. And finally, with its aquamarine waters and super-soft sand, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous beach on Oʻahu.

Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside, Oʻahu

Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside on Oʻahu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

About 5 miles from Waikīkī, Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Wayside is a quiet park at the top of Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa, or Mount Tantalus, with amazing panoramic views of southern Oʻahu, from Lēʻahi (aka Diamond Head) to Pearl Harbor. You have to take the winding Roundtrop Drive to get there, which is part of the experience. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. daily. There’s a nice grassy area, perfect for picnics, and a short trail—ʻUalakaʻa Loop Trail—starts here, too.

Lyon Arboretum, Oʻahu

Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The 200-acre Lyon Arboretum is tucked away in the back of lush Mānoa Valley, just 5 miles from Waikīkī. The park—which is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays only—features over 7 miles of hiking tails and more than 6,000 kinds of tropical and sub-tropical plants. There’s an area called Inspiration Point—it’s a short uphill walk there—with a large grassy area for picnicking and great views of the park. Admission is free, but you do have to make reservations online.

Kula Botanical Garden, Maui

Kula Botanical Garden.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Located on the slopes of Halakalā on Maui, the 8-acre Kula Botanical Garden is a privately owned garden that opened in 1971. Wander around the plants, waterfalls and aviary, and find a nice spot for a picnic lunch. There are restrooms and a snack shop, too. Admission is $10 for adults, $3 for kids 6 to 12. The garden is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Harold W. Rice Memorial Park, Maui

Also in Kula is the 3.8-acre Harold W. Rice Memorial Park, a popular hillside park for local families—and one of the best picnic spots with stellar views of the West Maui Mountains and the coastline. The park has nine picnic tables and a bathroom, and nearby Kula boasts charming bistros, delis and Pukalani Superette for all of your picnic needs. (Plus, Kula Country Farms, with its farm stand and fresh strawberry lemonade, is practically next door.)

Hoʻokipa Beach, Maui

Hoʻokipa Beach on Maui.
Photo: Getty Images

Want dinner (or lunch) with a show? Hoʻokipa Beach on Maui’s northern shore is one of the most popular beaches on island for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The park has three pavilions—perfect for picnics—and barbecue grills. Stop by nearby Pāʻia to pick up lunch and snacks, and enjoy the views.

Kepaniwai Park Heritage Gardens, Maui

In Wailuku, this public park, adjacent to the Wailuku Stream, opened in 1952 to celebrate the various cultures that contribute to modern Maui. It has eight picnic pavilions, with barbecue pits and grills, and two uncovered picnic tables alongside the stream.

Salt Pond Beach Park, Kauaʻi

Salt Pond Beach on Kauaʻi.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Near the charming town of Hanapēpē is Salt Pond Beach Park, a hidden gem of a beach that’s popular with locals. Find a quiet spot on the golden sands or grassy areas to picnic. (There are restrooms and showers, too.) It’s also a safe beach for kids, with lifeguards and shallow tide pools to explore.

Poʻipū Beach Park, Kauaʻi

Poʻipū Beach, Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images

One of the most popular beaches on Kauaʻi—and for good reason!—Poʻipū Beach on the island’s sunny south shore has everything you could want (and need) in a beach: expansive golden sands, crystal-clear water, lots of parking, restrooms, showers, lifeguards. There’s even a playground nearby. Find a spot on the beach or under a shady palm tree, or nab one of the picnic tables here, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. (You might even spot a Hawaiian monk seal.) Shops and eateries are within walking distance.

Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi

Hanalei Bay, Kauaʻi.
Photo: Getty Images

One of the most picturesque places on Kauaʻi, Hanalei Bay is composed of three different beaches: Waiʻoli Beach Park, Hanalei Beach Park and Black Pot Beach—all of which make for great picnic spots. The latter—Black Pot Beach—is next to the historic Hanalei Pier, a favorite gathering spot for locals. Because of its size—nearly 2 miles long—you can find a secluded spot anywhere along the crescent-shaped bay. Parking can be challenging, but the sweeping views of the ocean and the verdant mountains in the distance are worth it. Nearby Hanalei Town has shops, cafés, eateries and bakeries for your grab-and-go needs.

Queen Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens, Hawaiʻi Island

Queen Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens in Hilo.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Dedicated in 1917, the Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo is the largest authentic ornamental Japanese garden outside of Japan. It’s located along Banyan Drive, adjacent to a handful of hotels along Hilo Bay. There are so many places to picnic in this peaceful, 24.67-acre garden, a tribute to the first Japanese immigrants to the Islands. There are bridges over koi-filled fishponds, pagodas, rock gardens and a teahouse. Plus, the views of Hilo Bay, Mokuola (Coconut Island) and Mauna Kea (on a clear day) are incredible.

Hāpuna Beach Park, Hawaiʻi Island

Hāpuna Beach on Hawaiʻi Island.
Photo: Getty Images

Hāpuna Beach on Hawaiʻi Island—about 30 miles north of Kailua-Kona—is the biggest sandy beach on the island, stretching for half a mile. Though it’s a popular beach for residents and visitors alike, it never feels too crowded. The state park is open from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. daily, and it costs $5 for non-residents (free to Hawaiʻi residents) to enter. Parking is another $10 per car. There are food vendors, picnic areas, restrooms, showers and lifeguards.

Three Hawaiʻi beaches made the 2023 Top 10 Beach List—but, like last year, none topped it.

Oʻahu’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach moved up to No. 2 in the rankings by coastal coastal expert Stephen Leatherman—aka Dr. Beach—a professor at Florida International University. Wailea Beach on Maui and Poʻipū Beach on. Kauaʻi took the No. 7 and No. 9 spots, respectively.

Topping the list was Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

What’s surprising is Hāpuna Beach on Hawaiʻi Island—which topped the list last year—isn’t even in the Top 10 this year.

He uses 50 criteria to evaluate hundreds of public beaches in the United States. The criteria include beach width, sand softness, water temperature and color, wildlife and more.

The No. 2 beach for 2023, Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, is on the west end of the famed Waikiki Beach with fewer visitors than the more crowded stretches. Diamond Head volcano rises in the distance, making for an especially stunning setting, and the beach is good for families with children thanks to a protective offshore coral reef.

Wailea Beach in Maui and Poipu Beach in Kauai are the other Hawaii beaches in this year’s top 10.

St. George Island State Park in the Florida Panhandle earned the top spot, with Leatherman saying the 9-mile-long stretch of beach on the barrier island park has “some of the whitest, finest sand in the world.” (It was ranked No. 4 last year.)

Last year’s winner, Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, didn’t make the Top 10 this year.

Leatherman, who has been ranking America’s best beaches since 1991, uses 50 criteria to evaluate hundreds of public beaches in the U.S. The criteria include beach width, sand softness, wave action, water temperature and color, wildlife, crowding and more.

Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oʻahu is No. 2 on Dr. Beach’s list of best U.S. beaches for 2023.
Photo: Getty Images

Duke Kahanamoku Beach on Oʻahu, which ranked No. 2 on the list, was noted for its size and location in Waikīkī—farther away from the larger crowds elsewhere. The beach, which is named after famed Native Hawaiian Olympian and surfer Duke Kahanamoku, is protected by an offshore reef, making this a great beach for families with kids.“This is one of the most picturesque beaches in the USA with the iconic Diamond Head volcano in the distance,” Leatherman said on his site.

Maui’s Wailea Beach is popular among travelers and local families alike.  
Photo: Getty Images

At No. 7 is Wailea Beach on Maui. This crescent-shaped beach on the island’s south shore features golden sand and crystal-clear waters, great for swimming and snorkeling with the conditions are calm. “The swanky hotels are setback far from the beach, providing a beautiful-landscaped park, adorned with tropical vegetation and flowering bushes and trees,” Leatherman said on this site. (Wailea Beach was No. 8 last year.)

Sunset at Poiʻpū Beach.
Photo: Getty Images

Making the list this year at No. 9 is Poʻipū Beach on Kauaʻi’s sunny south shore—which, according to Leatherman, is really two beaches in one. A tombolo—a narrow spit that extends from shore to an island—splits the beach into two. The offshore island provides a barrier, blocking larger waves and creating a fun area for keiki to play. There’s a lot to do here, from surfing to snorkeling, and there’s lifeguards, parking, rental kiosks and a playground for kids. And sunsets here are spectacular.

Top 10 U.S. Beaches for 2023

1. St. George Island State Park, Florida
2. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, New York
4. Caladesi Island State Park, Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
5. Lighthouse Beach, Buxton, Outer Banks of North Carolina
6. Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
7. Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaiʻi
8. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
9. Poʻipū Beach, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
10. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

(Featured image: Photo by Edmund Garman, source)