A rich Polynesian culture and an "Aloha" (welcome) spirit invite you to relax and explore. Six main islands, each with its own look and personality, beckon. You only have to decide which one to make your own. OAHU, includes Honolulu, the state capital, which was once the headquarters of warrior kings whose palaces still stand. This is the place for those who like sophisticated city pleasures blended with sprawling seaside resorts. See it first, then get out to the "Neighbor Islands" where the rolling countryside is lined with beautiful beaches. HAWAII, the "Big Island," is the largest in the chain and includes Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the Pacific. Drive from desert-dry Kona on the West to lush, tropical Hilo on the East and you'll find many of the state's most scenic sites along the way. MAUI is the most popular Neighbor Island. Sailors, snorkelers and golfers love all of Maui's great activities. KAUAI is known as the "Garden Isle" because of its lush green vegetation. Waterfalls and postcard beaches are scattered throughout and the lifestyle is laid back and relaxed. MOLOKAI is pastoral and pretty. Ancient Hawaiian traditions are kept alive in this place where the sensuous hula dance was born. LANAI is a tiny hideaway with only a handful of resorts and a barefoot atmosphere.
World class golf courses, whale watching, diving, snorkeling, surfing and other sports delight active couples. Those who just want to let the world go by as they let the sun warm their bodies can find plenty of intimate hideaways to be alone together. Let gentle waves and soft ukulele music set your romantic mood all day long.
WHERE TO STAY:
THE GRAND HYATT RESORT & SPA. 565 rooms. Every nook
and cranny is beautiful at this sprawling resort built into the cliffs.
There  is a tropical plantation look throughout. The grounds and
meandering pool are dramatically gardened to add to the romance.
There is no swimming at the beach but the pool is magnificent.Â
Tel: (808) 742 1234. www.kauai.hyatt.com.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT MAUI AT WAILEA. 305 rooms.
Understated luxury on Wailea, one of Maui’s best beaches. Your room
will have an awesome ocean view. Three elegant restaurants and an
excellent spa are among the many camera ready amenities.
Tel: (808)874 8000. www.fourseasons.com/maui.
MOANA SURFRIDER. 793 rooms. One of Hawaii’s first hotel is still a popular spot for honeymoons and destination weddings. Some suites have two lanais, one for watching the sunrise and another for the sunset. This historic property looks elegant but has a barefoot feel. Tel: (808) 922 3111. www.moana-surfrider.com.
KONA VILLAGE RESORT. 125 bungalows. This is for couples who
seek total tranquility far away from the crowds. No phones or in-room
television sets interrupt your reverie in this tropical paradise. Ponds,
gardens, pools and a beach provide plenty of private places to fall in
love all over again. Tel: (808)325 5555. www.konavillage.com.
MAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL & BUNGALOWS. 335 rooms. This is one of the prettiest resorts on the island. Most rooms have panoramic ocean views. Two golf courses, a spa, and a small collection of shops tempt you to take it easy and enjoy the beautiful   Kahala Coast. Tel: (808) 885 6622. www.maunalani.com.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT LODGE. Koele. 94 rooms. The look of
a luxurious estate, a peaceful ambience, and meandering gardens that
are perfect for romantic strolls give this resort a far away feel even
though it is within easy walking distance of Lanai City. A golf course
and a sporting clay range are popular choices for sportsloving couples.
Tel: (808) 565 4000. www.fourseasons.com/koele.
HOTEL MOLOKAI. 40 rooms. the joys of the simple life are here in
this centrally located, no frills hotel. Use it as headquarters for
exploring and enjoying plenty of local color. Tel: (808) 553 5347.
www.hotelmolokai.com.
HONEYMOON TRAVEL TIPS:
Average year round temperature: 80 degrees F
Area code: (808)
Hawaii has a very strict seat belt law. Front seat passengers must be sure to buckle up.
Set the mood for a happy honeymoon and arrange for a lei greeting for your loved upon arrival at the airport. To arrange the details call (800) 367 5183 or contact www.alohaleigreetings.com.
"Aloha" means hello, goodbye and love. Use the word often to get into the Hawaiian spirit.
DON’T MISS:
Try two of Hawaii’s most delicious delicacies: a cup of Kona coffee and a handful of tasty macadamia nuts.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK on HAWAII. Daring couples can walk out on the crater and make an offering to Pele, the Goddess of fire for good luck.
A typical HAWAIIAN LUAU (Feast) that puts Hawaiian culture and cuisine on display. Most feature hula and fire dancers along with traditional music.
Take a HELICOPTER TRIP into the rain forest at WAIMEA CANYON on KAUAI. Headset music reaches a dramatic crescendo just as you enter the water drenched forest. You’ll never forget it!!
Go WHALE WATCHING on MAUI, then surrender to a SUNSETÂ CRUISE and get up early to WATCH THE SUNRISE over HALEAKALA CRATER, the largest dormant volcano in the world.
PLAY GOLF on one of the world famous championship courses. Most have breathtaking ocean views.
See WAIKIKI on OAHU, the surfing beach that made Hawaii internationally famous.
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS:
There is no shortage of wonderful restaurants in Hawaii. Many are
located in hotels but are open to the public. Make reservations and
always ask for tables with the best view.
OAHU: MICHAEL’S AT THE COLONY SURF, HONOLULU. Dine to the sound of the waves at this waterside restaurant. French cuisine and wines star on the menu which has been delighting diners for 40 years. Reservations are a must. Tel: (808)923 6552.
OAHU: ALAN WONG’S, HONOLULU. Tucked away on the third floor of an office building, this fine restaurant serves up memorable meals created by a famous chef. Look out at the mountains and share your dreams as you dine. Tel: (808) 949 2526.
OAHU: THE WILLOWS, HONOLULU. Meals are buffet style but the setting is beautiful. A series of ponds surrounded by willow trees make the ambience ultra romantic. Tel: (808) 952 9200.
MAUI: SON’Z at SWAN COURT in the Hyatt Regency hotel in Ka’anapali. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous named it the most romantic restaurant in the world. Lush gardens, a lagoon, swans, waterfalls are the setting for innovative dishes. Tel: (808) 661-1234.
KAUAI: DONDERO’S. Great food, impeccable service, an elegant setting and a dramatic ocean view make this place in the Grand Hyatt Spa & Resort a winner. Tel: (808) 240 6456.
HAWAII: HUGGO’S ON THE ROCKS, KONA. Locals and visitors
alike enjoy this informal place that features live music and dancing on
on the sand after dinner. It’s a night you won’t forget! Tel: (808) 329
1493.
HAWAII: HARRINGTON’S, HILO. A sweeping view of a beautiful bay accompanies your delicious dinner. Be sure to take advantage of Happy Hour before you begin. Tel: (808) 961 4966.
MOLOKAI:Â HULA SHORES:Â Join the locals for a hearty meal and some live music. Tel: (808) 553 5347.
LANAI: THE DINING ROOM at the Four Seasons Resort Lodge. Linger over dinner in front of the fireplace at this elegant restaurant that looks like a manor house. Since this is considered as one of the state’s top restaurants, reservations are a must. Tel: (808) 565 4580.
DESTINATION WEDDINGS:
Coming Soon!