Whether you are on your honeymoon or taking a special trip with your significant other, Kauai is a top place for romance. The warm beaches, luxurious dining, and smaller size of Kauai make it an ideal place for a couple looking for an intimate getaway. Add some or all of the following top spots for couples on Kauai to your romantic itinerary for an unforgettable vacation:
Polihale Beach
If you want a beach where you can enjoy time with your significant other and without the crowds, head to the quietest beach on Kauai, Polihale Beach. This beach is part of Polihale State Park and allows picnicking and overnight camping. Plus, you cannot get a better view of the sunset on Kauai than from Polihale Beach.
If you visit this state park any time of the year outside of summer, leave your swimsuit at home. While this beach has calm waters for swimming in the summer, it does not have a lifeguard on duty. At other times of the year, rough currents and heavy seas make swimming dangerous. Walking along the beach, fishing, and seashell hunting are ideal for couples wanting to spend time together along one of Kauai’s most beautiful beaches.
The trip to get to the park requires travel over an unpaved road. Check with your car rental agreement about driving on such roadways before making the trip. However, once you arrive at the beach, the 17-mile stretch of white sand with dunes up to 100 feet tall makes the drive worthwhile.
Waimea Canyon State Park
You don’t have to only visit beaches for romantic activities around Kauai. Waimea Canyon is one of the most beautiful places to visit inland. Called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon features 10 miles of verdant views. Several lookouts in the area provide you with perfect picture opportunities.
When you visit, the drive-up will reward you with jaw-dropping views around almost every corner. The best time to go to the canyon is early in the day before the heavy mists veil the valleys. Plus, arriving at the canyon early increases your chances of finding a spot in the paid parking lots.
Take plenty of water with you to stay hydrated on your trip because the park does not have potable water available. Non-residents must pay for entrance and parking to this state park. However, both fees cover Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park. Take advantage of this by visiting both parks on the same day. Kokee is a few miles north of Waimea Canyon and also has stunning views and hiking trails.
If a romantic getaway for you includes time in nature with your significant other, add Waimea Canyon State Park to your list of things to do in Kauai.
Tunnels Beach
Explore marine life and underwater lava tubes while snorkeling at Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach. This beach does not have a lifeguard, restrooms, or other amenities. Park at nearby Haena Beach, half a mile away, for these amenities and a larger parking area.
The beach has a lush backdrop of dark forests and golden sands over the beaches. Tunnels created by lava tubes form underwater places to explore and give the beach its name. Visitors snorkel and scuba dive to explore the tunnels during the summer. However, in winter, heavy surf makes swimming dangerous. At this time of year, surfing for experienced athletes becomes the preferred sport at this beach.
No matter what time of year you visit, stick around for the sunset from this location for a beautiful view of the ocean and setting sun and a romantic finish to an exciting day at Tunnels Beach.
Jo Two Natural Cuisine
For some couples, an ocean view is not the most important aspect of a romantic restaurant because they prefer quality food that captures their senses. Jo Two Natural Cuisine offers the exceptional meals that food-loving couples crave. It has a simple dining setting that allows you to focus on the artfully presented, flavorful fusion cuisine that combines the best of Japanese and Hawaiian cooking and ingredients.
Popular menu items served include the crispy duck confit salad, sashimi, and green beans tempura. Menu options may change based on ingredient availability. Arrive early for dinner to take advantage of the prix fixe menu that includes three courses – a small plate, a large plate, and a dessert.
For a memorable meal with exceptionally fresh food and stellar service, make reservations for Jo Two Natural Cuisine.
The Beach House
The Beach House is such a romantic spot that it frequently hosts weddings and receptions. Couples, too, make reservations at this restaurant for ocean-view dining with spectacular sunset views. An open area between the beach and the restaurant creates an ideal setting for taking pictures to remember your meal at The Beach House.
A seasonal menu changes based on the freshest local ingredients the kitchen can get. Some outstanding dishes previously served at The Beach House include fish and lobster pasta, watermelon salad, and filet mignon.
Whether you visit for outstanding food, sunset dinners, or romantic ocean-view dining, you’ll have all your expectations met at The Beach House.
Red Salt at Koa Kea Resort
Have a romantic, upscale meal with delicious food for breakfast or dinner at Red Salt at the Koa Kea resort.
Inside, the tables have fantastic views of the ocean through a large expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows. The food uses local ingredients with flavorful, creative modern cuisine preparations. The seasonal menu may include dishes such as coconut curry bisque, lobster risotto, and cauliflower fried rice. Plus, many of the menu offerings are vegetarian or gluten-free.
While the restaurant itself offers excellent food and service and intimate dining, for an even more special meal, book a private, oceanside cabana dinner. This meal includes a six-course dinner with views of Poipu Beach and the sunset in a private cabana.
Whether you dine inside the restaurant or choose a private cabana dinner, your meal at Red Salt will come with a magnificent view, a comfortable atmosphere, and tasty food. Even a simple romantic dinner elevates into a special occasion when you dine at Red Salt.
Enjoy a romantic getaway when you visit any or all of the above couples’ destinations throughout Kauai.
