Top 10 Romantic Destinations in Kauai

Hawaii ranks among the most romantic places on earth for good reason. It has everything—stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, mesmerizing waves, exotic flowers, and gorgeous sunsets—that make it an ideal destination for couples planning a wedding or honeymoon. Each of the five major Hawaiian islands features numerous romantic spots for picnics, photo ops, or even “I do’s.” Here are ten of the most romantic places on Kauai.

01. Kalalau Lookout

When driving Highway 50 west from Hanapepe to Waimea Canyon, don’t miss a chance to stop at this scenic overlook (turn right on Waimea Canyon Drive at mile marker #23 and drive to the end near mile marker #18). Your reward is a vast panorama of the dagger-like green cliffs and deep gorges of the Kalalau Valley, the largest on the Na Pali Coast. Set at 4,000 feet elevation, the lookout is a perfect spot to snap breathtaking souvenir photos.

02. Tunnels Beach

One of the best spots to snorkel on Kauai is Tunnels Beach. Here, you will find clear, fish-filled water in the lagoon, alongside splendid views of the island’s signature peak, Mount Makana (aka Bali Hai). It’s easiest to enter from the wide sandy beach and snorkel the inner reef, but keep an eye on the surf. Winter brings huge waves that create dangerous rip currents; if so, simply enjoy the incredible Bali Hai view.

03. Waioli Hui’ia Church

Dating back to 1912, the charming, green-shingled Waioli Hui’ia Church was established by Christian missionaries and is located in the picturesque hamlet of Hanalei on the North Shore of Kauai. It features a distinctive look and lovely stained-glass windows. Designed in the American Gothic style, its belfry houses a Mission Bell that dates back to 1843. This venue is perfect for marriages or vow renewals inside the church.

04. Hanalei Pier

When visiting Hanalei, grab some take-out sandwiches and head onto Hanalei Pier for a panoramic view of Hanalei Bay and the dramatic ridges of the Na Pali Coast. Built in 1922 of concrete to replace an 1892 wooden version, it is a gathering spot for locals and was the principal filming location for the beach scenes in the 1957 film South Pacific.

05. Poipu Beach

This series of golden-sand beaches stretches along one mile of coastline on the sunny South Shore of Kauai and is home to several of the island’s top resorts, including the sprawling Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa and the boutique Ko’a Kea Hotel and Resort. Certain areas are great for swimming and snorkeling, while others cater to surfing and boogie boarding. The entire stretch is ideal for romantic sunset strolls.

06. The Na Pali Coast

If you’re adventurous, consider hiking Kauai’s legendary Na Pali Coast along the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach, which stretches along the island’s Northwest coast. However, the most romantic way to admire its majestic, rippled green geology is by sailing past it on a catamaran at sunset, champagne in hand. Numerous companies, including Captain Andy’s, offer sunset dinner cruises.

07. Limahuli Garden and Preserve

Backed by iconic Mount Makana (aka “Bali Hai”) on Kauai’s verdant North Shore, Limahuli Garden​ and Preserve is a natural botanical garden set in a postcard-perfect valley. Its terraced gardens boast native plant species as well as taro and other crops significant to early Hawaiians. Enjoy a self-guided, hand-in-hand tour on a ¾-mile loop, available from Tuesday to Saturday.

08. Waimea Canyon Lookout

There’s no better spot to enjoy the spectacular view of Kauai’s Waimea Canyon, nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” than from the main lookout in Waimea Canyon State Park. Open during daylight hours, visiting early in the morning allows you to avoid tour buses, or time your visit to an hour or so before sunset on a clear day, when the canyon’s ever-changing red, orange, and green cliffs are at their most dramatic.

09. Kilauea Lighthouse

Set on 31 acres at the tip of rolling green Kilauea Point on the North Shore of Kauai, this historic white-and-red light station dates to 1913. It served as a vital navigation aid for ships sailing on an Orient run. The lighthouse is part of the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, home to thousands of migratory seabirds, such as red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, and albatross. Bring a picnic basket and a pair of binoculars to enjoy the stunning view.

10. The Coconut Coast at Sunrise

Kauai’s palm-tree-studded Eastern shore, aptly nicknamed the Coconut Coast, is the best place to witness a breathtaking sunrise. Several resorts and condominium developments line this stretch, from Kapa’a to Lihue, providing a wonderful base for early-rising couples who want a dramatic backdrop for their morning run or walk.