With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, you don’t have to be a romance expert to predict that lovebirds traveling to beautiful locations this February may be faced with some important decisions to make.
For those looking to pop the question in the Aloha State, Travel Agent spoke to some of our closest Hawaii specialists and collected some picturesque suggestions for you.
After all, what good is a successful proposal if it doesn’t make for an envious Instagram post?
During Sunrise at Haleakala Crater on Maui
Katie Rahr Kapel, owner/president of Mode Travel, says clients cannot go wrong proposing during sunrise at the Haleakala Crater at the Haleakala National Park, often considered the most romantic spot in all of Maui.
“It’s very unique to do at sunrise instead of sunset,” she tells Travel Agent.
“Then you can celebrate the rest of the day with a picnic lunch and Tedeschi Winery Tasting.”
According to www.gohawaii.com, Hawaii’s official tourism website, getting to the Haleakala Crater requires a very early wake-up call, but is well worth it. Agents should note that depending where you get started from on Maui, it can take you up to two hours to drive the Haleakala Highway and then up the winding Haleakala Crater Road leading to the summit of Haleakala.
Potential proposers should also note that although there are restroom facilities here, there is no food or gas sold within the park. So fill up your tank and bring some food and drink for an early morning breakfast. Agents should also note that clients should bring pants, shoes, layers of clothing, and blankets as temperatures are at the Haleakala Crater often in the 40-degree range.
Visit www.gohawaii.com/maui/guidebook/topics/haleakala-sunrise/
During Sunset at Manele Bay on Lanai
Heather Christopher of Wanderlust Wedding Co. and owner at Heather Christopher Travel Consulting, LLC suggests popping the question on the trendy island of Lanai, which is owned by Oracle founder Larry Ellison and is expected to make a splash in 2017 with the recently re-opened Four Seasons Lanai.
“Ferry over to Lanai for the day or for one night (from Maui), snorkel at Manele Bay (there are facilities to change/store your stuff), pop the question at sunset,” says Christopher, “then celebrate over dinner at Nobu Lanai at the Four Seasons Lanai.”
Following a multimillion-dollar transformation, the Four Seasons Resort Lanai offers guests an escape on their own 90,000-acre secluded Hawaiian island located nine miles from Maui.
The Four Seasons Resort Lanai got even swankier last October with its new Speciality Suites offering, a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that include exclusive services and amenities.
Visit www.fourseasons.com/lanai
In a Treehouse at Hotel Wailea on Maui
Alex Scipione of Alex's Adventures suggests couples head to Hotel Wailea and get engaged at the hotel’s unique Treehouse restaurant.
As the name implies, guests at the Treehouse can dine within the canopy of mango and avocados in a treehouse setting complete with ocean views, a five-course private chef dinner and a sunset champagne toast.
“Hotel Wailea offers many picturesque locations to pop the question,” Scipione tells Travel Agent. “Their staff knows all about the details necessary to make the occasion special any where on their secluded property. Complete the occasion with dinner at the Treehouse or a sunset sail on the Ali’I Nui.”
Hotel Wailea, in fact, became Hawaii’s first Relais & Chateaux property back in January of 2015, following a $15 million makeover. Located 300 feet above sea level with ocean views, Hotel Wailea has a relaxed beach house design in all 72 one-bedroom suites, a newly finished pool with private residential-style cabanas and an orchard-to-glass apothecary bar.
Visit www.hotelwailea.com/relais-chateaux/
At the Beach at Kahala Resort in Honolulu During Sunrise
Phil Petrulli, executive vice president of Holiday Travel International - American Express, told Travel Agent the best sunrise to get engaged to in all of Hawaii is the one at the beach at the The Kahala Hotel & Resort in Honolulu.
“The Kahala offers a quiet, out-island experience away from the bustle and action of Waikiki,” he says.
Be forewarned though, potential proposers can have their thunder stolen as it’s very possible to see some A-list celebrities here. Since its opening in 1964, the Kahala has continuously hosted world leaders and Hollywood icons.
Visit www.kahalaresort.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Hawaii travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.