Sail on double hulled canoe Kamoauli off the coast of Waikīkī
Sail on double hulled canoe Kamoauli off the coast of Waikīkī

6 special ways to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary or milestone birthday in Hawai‘i

From sunset sails and scenic helicopter flights to couples’ massages and beachfront lū‘au, Hawai‘i offers myriad ways to celebrate life’s special moments.

1. Make memories aboard a traditional Polynesian canoe

For a celebration with a distinctly Hawaiian flavour, Kamoauli offers a memorable way to take to O‘ahu’s waters aboard a traditional Polynesian sailing canoe. Book a romantic sunset sailing for your anniversary or honeymoon, complete with island music, storytelling and stunning coastal views. For milestone birthdays or family reunions, charter the whole vessel and enjoy an exclusive, personalised experience together, surrounded by the beauty and culture of Hawai‘i.

Fly over Waikīkī during a Blue Hawaiian Helicopters scenic tour on O‘ahu
Fly over Waikīkī during a Blue Hawaiian Helicopters scenic tour on O‘ahu

2. Splurge on a scenic helicopter flight

The spectacular scenery of the Hawaiian Islands is like nowhere else on Earth, so if you’re celebrating a special occasion, what better time to splash out on a scenic helicopter flight? Blue Hawaiian Helicopters offers a bird’s-eye view of the islands, from the clear turquoise waters of world-famous Waikīkī Beach and the dramatic slopes of Lē‘ahi (Diamond Head National Monument), to the rippled cliffs of the Nāpali Coast and the incredible volcanic landscapes of the island of Hawai‘i. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of an active lava flow.

Enjoy a couples massage at Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach
Enjoy a couples massage at Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikīkī Beach

3. Indulge in a couples massage

Few things feel more romantic than sharing a couples massage in Hawai‘i, where relaxation comes with an unmistakable sense of place. Sink into side-by-side treatments featuring traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, with rhythmic forearm strokes inspired by the ocean’s rolling waves and nourishing kukui nut oil. Some island spas add Hawaiian salt and native herbal baths, tropical body polishes or hot lava stones.

Ferraro's Bar and Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maui where The White Lotus was filmed
Ferraro's Bar and Restaurant at Four Seasons Resort Maui where The White Lotus was filmed

4. Savour a romantic dinner

Imagine sitting across from your loved one as the sun sinks over the ocean, the gentle strum of a ‘ukulele playing in the background, as you sip a Mai Tai cocktail and savour authentic island cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or significant birthday, Hawai‘i sets the scene for unforgettable romantic dining like nowhere else on the planet.

A lū‘au at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa on island of Hawai‘i
A lū‘au at OUTRIGGER Kona Resort and Spa on island of Hawai‘i

5. Immerse yourself in the spirit of aloha at a beachfront lū‘au

A lū‘au is a quintessential Hawaiian celebration of food, music, dance and culture, making it a wonderful way to mark a special occasion in paradise. Expect a delicious feast featuring local favourites, live Hawaiian music, captivating hula and Polynesian performances, and the warmth of aloha. Often held at sunset, a lū‘au creates an unforgettable evening filled with storytelling, tradition and celebration – a must-do experience on any special Hawai‘i holiday.

A family watching the sunrise over Haleakala Crater Image Hawaii Tourism Authority Tor Johnson
A family watching the sunrise over Haleakala Crater © Hawai‘i Tourism Authority-Tor Johnson

6. Take in the sunrise at Haleakalā on Maui

Rising 3,000 metres above Maui, the summit of Haleakalā volcano offers panoramic views above the clouds as the sky glows over the crater. Haleakalā means “house of the sun”, and Hawaiian moʻolelo tells of how the demigod Māui snared the sun here, slowing its journey across the sky. Watching the sun rise from her is a truly special way to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary, or mark a significant birthday with loved ones.

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Each of the Hawaiian Islands has its own distinct personality