When Size Matters: Top 5 Romantic Things to Do on Hawaii’s Big Island

There is always that first moment. That first moment when you walk off the plane hand-in-hand, the tropical heat warming your flip-flopped toes and tank-topped shoulders, and in this moment, romance isn’t some far away thing on the to-do list–it’s a lifestyle.

Now that you’ve walked into the tropical heat, it’s time to heat up your relationship. Here are the very best couple things to do when visiting the famed Big Island:

Big Eruptions

The Big Island’s top attraction is a fantastic starting point for couples. The Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is home to volcanic craters, rainforests, walk-in lava lubes, burnt forests, and two active volcanos. Consider renting a jeep and driving up Kilauea Volcano, which began erupting in 1983 and continues to spit up smoke and lava today. Working your way down, the mid-section of the park hosts steam vents, where sulphuric puffs shoot up to tickle your outstretched hands.

If you’re looking to stretch your legs instead, head down to the craters and jungle for a long, winding hike through the logs and vines. The shoreline of the park actually changes through the decades, as it’s made up of fresh land. As new lava trickles down the side of the hills, the ocean cools and hardens the matter, creating a black, rocky mass visitors can explore. It’s a park you and your partner won’t want to miss. After all, romantic vacations are always better with little eruptions, whether back at the hotel or by the volcano down the street.

On the Rocks

Soft sand and stiff drinks make a day along the Kohala Coast a must for couples. This stretch of shoreline is dotted with some of the top resorts on the Big Island and offers impeccable dining when you’re ready for lunch and some Sex on the Beach cocktails.

If you’re looking to get your tan on, head over to the Hapuna Beach State Park, which is one of the island’s largest white sand beaches. Get out those beach towels and sunscreen, as lying under the glistering sun in skimpy clothes is the name of the game in this spot of town. For sunset, you may want to hop on a champagne tour. Enjoy first-class drinks as you watch the golden sun dip beneath the ocean’s horizon. Keep the boat rocking long into the night, as you look up at the clear, starry night beaming down on the waves.

Tall, Wet, and Skinny

Along a lonely road, past misty fields, is a gem tucked in the mountainside of Hawaiʻi. Akaka Falls State Park is beautiful site if you’re a couple looking to add some adventure in your relationship. The park features two cascading waterfalls, Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls, as well as an uphill hike that will take you past wild orchids, jungle vines, and overgrown bamboo clusters. Remember your camera as Akaka Falls is one of the most famous spots on the Big Island for couple pics. Sometimes love is a slow trickle and sometimes it’s a crashing rush, but a trip to Hawaii always wets the whistle of romance.

What Goes Up

Love can be a whirlwind with its ups and downs, but it’s better to be on the rise. Book a couples helicopter tour of Hawaii for the best view of the mainland and all of its secrets. Most tours fly past the active volcanos on the island, and provide the ideal viewpoint of watching the blood orange lava drip into the sea. Some tours also whiz past waterfalls and circle around the thicket of rainforest on the island. Surprise your partner with trip on the up and up that has nothing to do with the bedroom.

With short shorts and erupting mountains, find extra bumps and booms in your relationship on Hawaii’s Big Island.

 What island surprise are you planning for your sweetie?