It’s the perfect setting for the Town and Country lesbian couple looking for the best of both worlds
If you and your girl can’t decide between urban or beach chic for a far-flung romantic rendezvous, choose Oahu as you will get the best of both. When asking locals how you distinguish one Hawaiian island from another, every one is quick to tell that Oahu, Hawaii’s most populated island with 75 percent of the state’s population, is the most urban and fashion forward island, yet fully delivers on the island vibe as well.
It’s a presidential playground and once home to Bema. This lush, tropical setting fit for any royal or laid back lesbian couple is the closest you will get to an exotic far-flung locale without breaking the bank or stamping your passport. So, whether it’s based on financial, political or spiritual reasons, this romantic travel decision together is sure to deeply please both palettes.
Town & Country
The big buzz around the island is Town and Country with Town being Waikiki, the island’s epicenter. Start your romantic Town tour at The Hilton Hawaiian Village. The 22-acre oceanfront property is the best beach in all of Waikiki. The water is crisp, clear and so seductive. There are several pools on property, but their beach is one of the best in the world. So, dip in.
Check in to an oceanfront suite at the luxe Ali’I Tower, once home to both Elvis and Michael Jackson. The two of you can grab a romantic dinner on site at Bali Steak house. The open-air beachfront restaurant with fireworks on Friday is sure to heat up your romance. Sip on a coconut Cosmo before the decadent Kahuku Sweet Corn & Maui Onion Soup and 8 oz filet. A moonlit beach walk is your best bet for dessert.
Saturday morning pop by KCC’s Farmers Market for a foodie fix. It’s where all the local chefs shop to deliver their farm to fork cuisine. Grab some Hawaiian coffee and salts to spice up your life back home, then head for the North Shore for the country lure.
Schedule stand up paddle lessons in Haleiwa with C4 Waterman and women, the go to aquatics trainers for Hollywood movie’s shot in Hawaii. As the star of your own seaside, cinematic romance, you’ll have a great adventure and it’s a blissful way to take in the sea and scenery. Post paddle, grab the garlic shrimp in the North Shore and the famed shave ice before heading back to town.
Complete your island eats with Hawaiian comfort food at the Side Street Inn, a local fave and the recent setting of an Anthony Bourdain episode on the Travel Channel. It’s that good. Indulge in the Big Island Smoked Pork and Pocho Clams. Then toast your good fortune and future by sipping seaside at the Halekulani Hotel, an idyllic setting for romance and reflection. This sophisticated sexy spot serves great Australian wines by the glass the best cocktails on the island.
Kick off the next day’s adventure by getting Lost on Kualoa Ranch, the setting for many Lost episodes. Hop on an ATV and hightail it through this sumptuous setting with your hottie. The valley, hills and ocean views together with your wild off road ride is sure to give you a romantic adrenaline rush.
Once through with being Lost, find your way back to The Hilton and cool off at the expansive beach before indulge in a couples massage at Mandara Spa on site. Take your limber limbs to The Royal Hawaiian Center for a Hula lesson. Directions led by a stunning Hawaiian goddess are as simple as feel the music and go with the flow. It’s a great aperitif for an evening of romance.
Finish off your Waikiki window with an early morning romantic hike to the top of Diamond Head to catch the Hawaiian sunrise, a nice warm up for your morning surf lesson with Hawaiian Firemen on nearby Kalaeloa Beach. The team of kicks firemen and women makes it seem so simple. You’re sure to catch a wave while they capture it all on film. It’s the pitch perfect Hawaiian souvenir.
Savor your last supper in Town at Doraku Sushi with chef Hide Yoshimoto’s explosive yet seamless flavor combinations paired flawlessly with sake flights. Be sure to try his Double Happiness, a truly blissful bite. It’s a true culinary experience and the perfect end to your epic adventure.
Northern Exposure
Leave Waikiki and in less than an hour you’ll be at Oahu’s northern most point and at the gate of the Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii’s famed North Shore, the center of Hawaii’s surf community.
This luxury resort has hosted many discreet celebs and has played home to the cast of Lost before they settled in to homes of their own. Hottie Hardaway has said that one of Turtle Bay’s beaches, as there are many, was his favorite skinny dipping beach. Feel free to dip in, as you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself in the 880-acre picturesque beachfront property.
Arrive by sunset to capture the dramatic colors and the magic of Turtle Bay before dining at 21 Degrees North, their fine dining restaurant. The rustic chic ambiance is the perfect setting for any romantic beach evening.
Sip on a lavender cocktail with your Kahuku Shrimp, Avocado and Hearts of Palm starter before nipping in to a Lake County Cabernet, the perfect pair to their surf and turf of Lobster and New Zealand Filet.
The property is incredibly seductive at every hour of the day. A slow evening walk on the sandy beach can only be topped by a leisurely hang in your hammock at your beach cottage. The sound of the waves, the subtle sea breeze and the piercing moon seem cinematic. Order champagne in your room, as they’re the best bubbles for your seductive sunken tub.
You can pass your days at Hans Hedemann’s surf school on site or try your luck at the world famous Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach a mere four miles away. For the golfing couple, get your game on at their championship golf course or hit the 12-mile beachfront trail for hiking, biking or hop on a horse for a romantic ride, a favored move amongst couples. Picnics can be packed for the beach and a dip in, skinny or otherwise or simply indulge in a couple’s massage in a thatched beachfront cabana.
After a few days in, you’ll see that it’s easy to commit to coming back to Turtle Bay and Oahu to rekindle romance, renew commitments or simply relive the magic. Maalox!
To Stay:
Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki – www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com # 808 949 4321
Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku – www.turtlebayresort.com #808 293 6000
To Play:
C4 Waterman in Honolulu – www.C4WATERMAN.com #808 739 2837
Kualoa Ranch in Kaaawa – www.Kualoa.com # 808 237 7321
Hawaiian Fire Surf School in Honolulu – www.HawaiianFire.com #888 955 7873
To Wine & Dine
The Side Street Inn in Honolulu – www.sidestreetinn.com #808 591 0253
Doraku Sushi in Honolulu – www.sushidoraku.com # 808 922 3323