Perhaps the Most Romantic Place on Earth

It is that time again…in the dead of winter there is that one holiday that cheers us all. It is the holiday that makes us contemplate romance, possibilities, futures, and romantic vacations.

That holiday is February 14, Valentine’s Day, and it is a perfect time to consider the most romantic places to vacation. Naturally, the Hawaiian Islands come to mind and the best place to discover the romantic possibilities in Hawaii is Hawaii.com.

Many people go to Hawaii to celebrate romance. They know that Hawaii is great place to get married, honeymoon or celebrate a wedding anniversary. So if you have any of those events coming up or you’re looking for ways to rekindle the flame with your partner, here are some top ideas for romantic things to do in Hawaii. After all, Hawaii truly exudes romance.

Here is our list of romantic experiences in Hawaii. Be sure to check them out on Hawaii.com.

Take in a beautiful sunset. There’s really nothing much more romantic than sitting beside each other to watch the sun sink into the ocean. Make watching sunset even more memorable with a sunset cruise/sail or a picnic at a beach. Some hotels can prepare a picnic basket for you. Alternatively, it’s easy to pick up picnic supplies at one of the local grocery stores.

When you live in a landlocked state, sunsets are not normally very dramatic. In Hawaii, you not only watch the sun sink into the ocean, but you also get to enjoy all the hues of the sky just after sunset. The colors of passion, such as pinks, purples, and reds fill the sky.

(If you are on Maui, consider going to the top of Haleakala Mountain to watch sunrise. There is something very special about watching sunrise when you are snuggling up to your sweetheart under a blanket.)

Discover the islands from the air. If you ever watch those “searching for love” reality shows like “The Bachelor,” you’ll notice at some point in the show the couple will go on a helicopter tour. There’s a buzz that you get from seeing a place from a different perspective. Tours are offering on every major island. Do some research online before you book with Hawaii.com.

Indulge in an ocean-side couples massage. Imagine the bliss of side-by-side massages on a beach while you listen to the waves crash on the shore. Hawaii has some of the top spas in the country, but be aware the prices are considerably higher here. But, hey, it is worth it. Do your research in advance and book your appointments online so you are not disappointed.

Go stargazing. Hawaii has very little “light pollution” which allows you to see an amazing star-filled sky. On a moonless night, Hawaii’s skies sparkle with an incredible array of stars. To stargaze, you can either find a secluded spot with limited surrounding light or take a guided tour. For details, go to Hawaii.com.

Enjoy the atmosphere: Tiki torches Everyone knows that the soft glow and flickering flame of a candle creates a romantic atmosphere. Tiki torches do the same, but on a larger scale. Every resort in Hawaii lights tiki torches at sunset. Usually there will be two torches crossed together. This would seem to symbolize two lovers. It’s beautiful and just thinking about it right now will make anyone love sick for Hawaii.

Yes, Golf can be romantic Golfers know how incredibly romantic golf can be. Riding in a cart together, sharing fantastic views and extraordinary golf holes. Men and women who play golf together understand absolutely how intoxicating this can be. There are many extraordinary courses in Hawaii, but Lanai still offers some of the most personal golf experiences with its two courses and two wonderful resorts. Click here.

Experience the summit of Mauna Kea http://www.hawaii.com/hawaiian-information/big- island/attractions/uniquetothebigisland/articles/521/stand_on_the_summit_of_mauna_ke a.php It's not possible to stand on the summit of Mauna Kea on the Big Island without contemplating life on another planet. It's an otherworldly experience, like none other available in Hawaii. A guided tour of the summit is the safest and most educational way to go. Several companies conduct tours, which can last seven or eight hours. Click here.

Go nightclubbing together on Oahu Every romantic trip needs some nightlife and Oahu has the most offerings in Chinatown. Whether you’re looking for a wine bar or a jazz club, Chinatown’s underground venues reward the adventurous bar-hopper. On Hotel Street between Smith and Nuuanu you’ll find DJs spinning and live music playing at Next Door, Bar 35, and thirtyninehotel just up the stairs. This cluster of cool brings a splash of New York style to Honolulu.

Nearby on Nuuanu Avenue, martinis are the drink of choice at Indigo restaurant. Head down Nuuanu towards the water and you’ll discover Murphy’s Bar & Grill, a classic Irish watering hole with a great view of Honolulu Harbor, right across the street. To experience the best of Chinatown nightlife, visit during the First Friday art celebration. You’ll see why the downtown streets literally buzz with activity on the first Friday of every month.

Savor an entire island: The Big Island On an island of such epic scale, you’ll find it’s the little things that you’ll long to relive again and again. A snapshot together by a waterfall along the flourishing Hamakua coast.. The sea of stars in the ink-black sky above Mauna Kea. A glass of wine during sunset on the Gold Coast of Kohala. Stroll hand in hand down the black sand beach of Panaluu.. See the island’s amazing assortment of orchids in Hilo. You’ll discover an abundance of romantic settings of every scope and size on Hawaii’s Big Island. Click here. Enjoy seclusion

It isn’t all that easy to find a private place in Hawaii. But if you cherish seclusion and privacy, then Lanai should be your choice. Through its landscape and legends, Lanai is imbued with romance. Next to Hulopoe Bayis stunning Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock. The legend of Puu Pehe tells of the death of Pehe, the wife of a Lanai warrior. The heartbroken husband buried his wife at the top of Puu Pehe then jumped from the 80- foot summit, unable to shoulder his sorrow.

The solitary mystique of Lanai makes every treasured moment you spend with your loved one just a little more romantic. Here you can stroll on a sandy beach where the only other person you can see is the one walking beside you. The beauty of all the islands lend themselves to a romantic escape, but it’s Lanai’s seclusion and tranquility that makes it the stuff of waking dreams.

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Hawaii.com is the Internet's all-inclusive website for travel to, from and around the islands of Hawaii. It offers visitors unmatched ease in booking the perfect dream vacation: from airline tickets to lodging, car rentals to tee times, dining to snorkeling, leis to aloha shirts, anything to everything. If it's in Hawaii, it's on Hawaii.com!

Hawaii.com is owned by Gannett Co., publishers of USA Today, and Stephens Interactive, is a registered seller of travel in the State of Hawaii (No. 5832), and is an accredited International Air Transport Association accredited travel agency.

Gannett Co., Inc. (www.gannett.com) is a leading international news and information company. In the United States, the company publishes 85 daily newspapers, including USA Today, and nearly 900 non-daily publications. Along with each of its daily newspapers, the company operates Internet sites offering news and advertising that is customized for the market served and integrated with its publishing operations. USA TODAY.com is one of the most popular news sites on the Web. The company is the largest newspaper publisher in the United States. Newspaper publishing operations in the United Kingdom, operating as Newsquest, include 17 paid-for daily newspapers, approximately 300 weekly newspapers, magazines and trade publications, locally integrated Web sites and classified business Web sites with national reach. Newsquest is the second largest regional newspaper publisher in the U.K. In broadcasting, the company operates 23 television stations in the U.S. with a market reach of more than 20 million households. Each of these stations also operates locally oriented Internet sites offering news, entertainment and advertising content, in text and video format. Through its Captivate subsidiary, the broadcasting group delivers news and advertising to a highly desirable audience demographic through its video screens located in elevators of office towers and select hotels across North America. Gannett's total Online U.S. Internet Audience in January 2008 was 25.8 million unique visitors, reaching about 15.9% of the Internet audience, as measured by Nielsen//NetRatings. Stephens Interactive (www.stephensmedia.com) owns 26 newspapers across the country including West Hawaii Today, Hawaii Tribune Herald, and the Las Vegas Review Journal, and are also partners in LA.com and LasVegas.com travel Web sites.

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Note: Hawaii.com has retained Allison & Taylor as its public relations representatives. The company's principal is Heidi Allison Shane, a 25-year veteran of the public relations and travel industries. Allison & Taylor will be sending relevant press releases on the benefits of using Hawaii.com on a periodic basis to the travel media. Please consult the new Press Room on Hawaii.com for updates.

Media contact: Heidi Allison Shane [email protected] (248) 628-3505 Associate member, Society of American Travel Writers (SATW)