Getaway With dramatic landscapes, spectacular sunsets and plenty of indulgence, the Hawaiian Islands are perfect for a couple’s holiday where adventure meets romance.
MAU I
Go natural
▶ Take in the stunning beauty of lush rainforests on a gentle hike through Iao Valley State Park. Home to the Iao Needle, a sky-piercing green outcrop, the historically significant valley also offers spectacular views. End the day with dinner at The Mill House (millhousemaui. com), a charming eatery nestled in a tropical plantation. The restaurant focuses on local cuisine and honours native culture with dishes that express a sense of story as much as flavour – think pork musubi with pickled vegetables and bonito aioli. Arrive before sunset to enjoy the spectacle as the Waikapū Valley reveals itself in pink and purple. O‘AH U
Taste some tipples
▶ Head 35 minutes west of Honolulu for a spirited visit to Ko Hana Distillers (kohanarum. com), Hawai‘i’s first and only producer of agricole, a Frenchinspired style of rum. While traditional rum is distilled from molasses, this liquor uses the juice of fresh pressed cane. Their daily 30-minute tours end in a tasting of the goods under the shadows of O‘ahu’s photogenic Wai‘anae Mountain Range. Don’t forget to take a bottle home.
K AUA‘ I
Shoot the breeze
▶ Much of the spectacular coastline of Kaua‘i can only be reached by water, so a sailing excursion is a great way to see the island and to access your own private beach for the day. With Capt Andy’s Sailing Adventures (napali.com), you can go by yacht, catamaran or raft along the Nāpali Coast to snorkel with tropical fish and turtles amidst colourful reefs. Or opt for a raft whale-watching trip and witness humpbacks, dolphins and even seals frolic in their natural habitat. Romantic sunset dinner cruises are also available.
