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Oahu Spotlight

Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony

Luana Maitland, Director of Cultural Experiences, Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort & Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Imagine Waikiki Beach nearly deserted early on a weekday morning. The soft white sands are kissed by the turquoise waves as the sun shines. Iconic Diamond Head in the background completes the romantic setting. A few couples gather around a Hawaiian kahu (Hawaiian priest) in an area set off by spears placed upright in the sand as one would do for ancient Hawaiian chiefs. You are witnessing the beginnings of Hoi Hou Ke Aloha. Fall In Love All Over Again, the Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony offered at both Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort & Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. This oceanfront non-denominational ceremony offered on a complimentary basis exclusively to resort guests is a touching and moving celebration that incorporates ancient Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions.

"The kahu begins the ceremony with an oli or chant and beckons the couples to walk forward and position themselves in a crescent shape facing the ocean," explains Luana Maitland, who is in charge of cultural programs at both Outrigger properties. "The ceremony then continues with the pikai as the kahu sprinkles water over the couples' held hands."

The next step of the ceremony is the lei makana when couples exchange lei or other gifts they have for one another. 

"The couples now participate in the Hawaiian kiss known as the ka honihoni," continues Luana. "The couples lean in, touch each other's foreheads, and exchange inner breaths. It's considered the most intimate component in expressing total emotion."

The couples then exchange a Hawaiian vow called the kahoohiki that's been translated into English. To end the vow renewal ceremony, couples walk back along the sands between the spears accompanied by mele aloha, a song of love performed by a hula dancer and ukulele player. The kahu, couples, and their guests then sign a ka palapala oiaio or vow renewal certificate that serves as a wonderful souvenir of the day.

"We've done 17,000 vow renewals over the past 17 years," says Luana. "They are all so special and unique. Every couple has their own reason and purpose for taking part in the vow renewal ceremony. It's Outrigger's love and support for the Hawaiian culture that makes these ceremonies possible. It's all about aloha or love."

The Details:

• The complimentary Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony is offered at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort Tues & Fri and at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort Mon & Thurs. 7:45 Check In, 8 am Ceremony Begins.
• Sign up here online before or during your vacation.

Photographers will take pictures throughout the ceremony. Pay only for photos you want. Videographers must be arranged beforehand and cost extra

Urban Romance:

In Town Adventures

From live music to private beach time, a themed art party, and sunset drinks, there's no shortage of urban romance in The Heart of Hawaii.

Private Waikiki Beach Experience
Even in urban Oahu, beach fun is never far. Take a surf or stand up paddle lesson for two with Waikiki Beach Services, one of the many fine outfitters along the resort shoreline. For the ultimate in service, hire your own Waikiki Beachboy Valet and enjoy a 3.5 hours of private surfing, stand up paddle boarding, catamaran sailing, canoeing, or body boarding while your personal guide shares stories of Old Hawaii.

Live Music at Blue Note Hawaii
What's more romantic than an evening of live music? Located inside the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Blue Note Hawaii offers a year-round line up of musical entertainment, from local talent to international stars. And with its recent multi-million-dollar renovation, Blue Note Hawaii is an even better venue for listening to everyone from Hawaiian phenomenon Willie K., a virtuoso in acoustic Hawaiian music, jazz, reggae, and rock, to popular acts like Spyro Gyra and Andy McKee.

Art Party at the Honolulu Museum of Art
ARTafterDARK is the Honolulu Museum of Art's (HoMA) monthly themed art party organized by a dynamic group of young volunteers dedicated to exploring the arts. Held the last Friday of every month, January through October, from 6 to 9 pm on the Museum grounds, the themed events are a unique way to experience HoMA's incredible collections with great food, music, and entertainment. Upcoming ARTafterDARK parties include HoMA Murder Mystery (6/28), Summer of Love (7/26), Immortal Mountain (8/30), Artoberfest (9/27), and Dia de los Muertos (10/25).

Vintage Photo Exhibit and Cocktails at The Royal Hawaiian
How about a vintage photo exhibit and then drinks at The Royal Hawaiian, the historic Waikiki hotel known as “The Pink Palace of the Pacific?” Matson Navigation Company, which inspired generations of travel to Hawaii, is sharing rare treasures from its archives in a new exhibit, Fashion Aboard Matson's S.S. Lurline and The Royal Hawaiian – a collection of fashion from 1920s-1960s at the hotel's Coronet Lounge (through 12/19). Enjoy a vintage fashion program, 55 fashion photos and illustrations featuring inspired bathing suits, cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and Hawaiian holoku (one-piece gown) with a long, elegant train. After the exhibit, head over to the hotel's legendary oceanfront Mai Tai Bar, where that famed cocktail was created.  

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Outdoor Adventure:

Land and Water Activities

What could be more romantic than outdoor activities that showcase Oahu's beauty and provide one-of-a-kind, and maybe even once-in-a-lifetime thrills?

Trident Adventures
Over at Ko Olina Resort on Oahu's Leeward (West) Coast, experience the beauty and marine wildlife of Pacific waters with Trident Adventures, owned and operated by veteran Navy SEALS who have translated their old lives into fun and safe activities. Discover Oahu's breathtaking surroundings with professionals whose main concern is your safety. On the Helicopter Jump and Dive, enjoy scenic views as the doors-off helicopter flies over the West Side mountains and valleys. Then, jump out of the helicopter straight into the water from a height that is most comfortable for you (average if 15 feet above the water). After the jump, the Trident Adventures pros will outfit you with scuba gear for your dive. Opt for Sky Diving which involves tandem jumping with an instructor up at Dillingham Field on the North Shore. Trident Adventures also offers Tactical Shooting at a private gun range. Combine all three into the Exclusive Navy Seal for the Day adventure. You can also choose from scuba diving and snorkeling adventures in the ocean or the protected waters of the Ko Olina lagoons. 

Horseback Riding on the North Shore
Who hasn't dreamed of riding a horse along deserted sandy shores? Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore is the ideal spot for such an adventure. You can enjoy 12 miles of oceanfront trails and seaside pathways on the resort's well trained and friendly horses. Experience the beautiful North Beaches, the sounds of birds and the breezes through the Ironwood trees, the crashing surf, and the swaying palms. You can even visit Turtle Bay's famous banyan tree which was showcased in Lost and Pirates of the Caribbean. While there are several choices, nothing beats the one-hour Romantic Private Sunset Ride for couples.

Oahu Photography Tours
Consider a day that takes you and your special someone to some of Oahu's most glorious sites and then provides you with professional photographs in these incredible settings. Oahu Photography Tours, which specializes in intimate, small group photo tours of the island, also offers Portrait Sessions for couples in gorgeous Oahu spots like Sandy Beach and Kaiwi Cliffs. Your photographer will get to know you before the photo session so he can really capture the two of you, bring out your natural sides, and make you feel as comfortable as possible. The result? You'll have 20 professionally edited photos to treasure forever and a way to remember your Oahu getaway.

Hawaiian Ocean Adventures
Experience the navigational prowess of the ancient Polynesians and the beauty of Oahu's waters on an outrigger sailing canoe tour with Hawaiian Ocean Adventures. You'll enjoy an adventure aboard an authentic handcrafted Hawaiian sailing canoe built by the company owner Nainoa Prejean and learn how Polynesians journeyed across the Pacific steering by the stars, winds, and waves. Hawaiian Ocean Adventures is a Hawaiian owned and operated company dedicated to perpetuating island culture and history while sharing Oahu's coastline and marine life through intimate adventures with a maximum of eight passengers. For a truly intimate and romantic experience, book Hawaiian Ocean Adventures for your proposal. Tours are available on the Windward (East) Coast or the Leeward (West) Coast at Aulani Resort.

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Table for Two:

Romantic Spots for Dinner and Drinks

Romance is always on the menu in Oahu with chefs serving up a diverse array of cuisines prepared with island-sourced ingredients and settings that range from oceanfront to high rise panoramas to intimate hideaways. 

Stripsteak Waikiki
Stripsteak Waikiki at International Marketplace in the heart of the resort area is chef/restaurateur Michael Mina's modern and elegant twist on the classic American steakhouse designed to reflect the local culture and sensibilities. Enjoy an ever-evolving menu featuring the freshest foods, local ingredients, and global flavors; a curated wine list with boutique offerings from Bordeaux, Spain, Napa, and Australia; handcrafted cocktails; plus Scottish and Japanese whiskeys.

Vein at Kakaako
Located at Salt at our Kakaako, the hub of this trendsetting Honolulu neighborhood, Vein at Kakaako opened just last year and became a popular spot known for Mediterranean-Fusion cuisine. Dine on delicious specialties prepared with Asian and Hawaiian ingredients and locally sourced produce, seafood, and meat at this stylish eatery.

Hoku's
With its idyllic location at the luxury Kahala Hotel & Resort, award winning Hoku's is made for romance. You'll find uninterrupted Pacific views, elevated Hawaiian cuisine from Chef Eric Oto featuring time honored Pacific ingredients, plus a curated wine list, and the personal attention of Master Sommelier-in-Residence Roberto Viernes. 
 
Hy's Steakhouse
Classics never fade and Hy's Steakhouse has been a Waikiki legend for over 40 years serving up American, European, Hawaiian, and Pacific cuisine. Enjoy an elegant and tranquil ambiance, top notch service, excellent steaks prepared over Hawaiian Kiawe wood, and table side preparations of classics like Caesar salad, warm spinach salad, and bananas foster.

Michel's at the Colony Surf
Another Oahu classic, Michel's at the Colony Surf boasts a quiet and secluded location away from the main resorts at Waikiki just below Diamond Head. Here you'll experience Hawaiian hospitality, European cuisine prepared with local and seasonal ingredients, plus the live sounds of Hawaiian slack key guitar.

Chef Mavro
One of the original founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, the James Beard award-winning Chef George Mavrothalalassitis of elegant Chef Mavro continues to dazzle. Four-course, five-course, and Grand Tasting menus, all influenced by Chef Mavro's native Provence, feature lobster, wagyu beef, free range local chicken, Island fish, and upcountry vegetables all paired with exquisite wines.

Halekulani Spots
The elegant oceanfront Halekulani hotel is home to several romantic spots each with a special ambiance and peerless sea views. La Mer, the only restaurant in Hawaii to carry the Forbes Travel Guide five-star designation, provides superb cuisine, matchless wines, and an elevated dining experience. Orchid's, a casual dining spot serving up the flavors of the coastal Mediterranean regions, is now home to Cattleya Wine Bar, which offers Mediterranean influenced tapas style cuisine and global wine selections. House Without a Key is Halekulani's famed al fresco spot where live hula and music is enjoyed nightly along with their famous Mai Tai plus Hawaiian pupu (appetizers) by the more than century-old Kiawe tree.

53 by The Sea
Located right on the water with a wall of windows, 53 by The Sea serves up panoramic vistas of Waikiki and Diamond Head, a romantic sweeping staircase, plus a menu featuring the freshest ingredients from local farms. Start your evening with cocktails at T's at 53 Bar.

Azure at the Royal Hawaiian
The beachfront Azure restaurant is as dramatic as The Royal Hawaiian's Spanish-Moorish architecture. The scene for romance is set within the bejeweled oceanfront restaurant complete with intimate candles, plush banquettes, inviting pillows, and pristine table settings. Dine on exquisite fish and seafood purchased fresh every morning.

BeachHouse at the Moana Surfrider
Romance is in the air at the ocean view BeachHouse at the Moana, set amidst the classic Victorian architecture of the elegant Moana Surfrider. Order specialties like Kona lobster bisque and Tomahawk steaks while enjoying an award-winning wine list.  

Chef Chai
Internationally renowned for fusing fresh Hawaii ingredients with the exotic flavors of Asia, Chef Chai Chaowasaree's culinary style reflects the cultural diversity of Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands in a sleek and contemporary setting. At Chef Chai, enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes that reflect the chef's constant searches for new spices and ingredients at Oahu's farmers markets and in Honolulu's Chinatown.

The Signature Steak & Prime Seafood
With its 36th floor location at the Ala Moana Hotel, The Signature Steak & Prime Seafood is the spot for delicious meals and priceless views. Experience panoramic sunset ocean or mountain vistas, signature craft cocktails, and perfectly aged prime steaks at this Honolulu classic.

Sushi Sho
Sushi Sho at The Ritz-Carlton Residences is helmed by sushi expert Keiji Nakazawa, well known for his mastery of the techniques of the ancient Edo sushi masters. Nakazawa will impress you as he pairs varying temperatures of rice seasoning to over 40 different types of fresh fish to maximize flavor. Sushi Sho offers an exclusive experience featuring an omakase-style dinner with each course selected by the chef.

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Places to Pop the Question:

Inspiring Engagement Spots

Oahu abounds in breathtaking spots to ask one of life’s biggest questions.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Friday Night Fireworks
Every Friday night, the skies over Waikiki are set ablaze in color with the Hilton Hawaiian Village Fireworks which start at 7:45 or 8 pm, depending on the time of the year. Propose on the beach and you have the perfect setting for your intimate celebration. 

Diamond Head Crater Hike
What could be more memorable than a proposal while enjoying amazing 360-degree panoramas atop this iconic 300,000-year-old landmark? The round-trip trek takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Early morning is best before the crowds and the heat of the day. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and take water.

Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail
Oahu's Windward Coast is home to the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike on a paved pathway. The pathway steepens gently as it winds around, providing astounding island and ocean vistas and great spots to pop the question. At the top, you'll look down on an old lighthouse perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. 

Lyon Arboretum
Off the radar for most visitors, Lyon Arboretum is nestled in 200 acres of tropical rainforest in Manoa Valley not far from Waikiki. You can picnic on the Great Lawn, walk to Aihualama Falls, and check out the incredible view of the valley from Inspiration Point, all great spots for the big ask.

Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden
Located on the Windward Coast, Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden is a lush, verdant 400-acre oasis filled with plantings from tropical regions around the world. Emerald greenery and the Koolau Mountains surround you in this wonderland. If you go after it rains, you'll see waterfalls streaming down the mountain pali (cliffs). Propose by the lake or along one of the trails.

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Malama Oahu:

Voluntourism Opportunity

Volunteering is a wonderful way to give back, malama (care for) Oahu, and make a deeper connection on vacation. Nonprofit travel2change.org creates meaningful and impactful opportunities for travelers to make a difference while also having fun The River Adventure & Farm Restoration tour begins with a drive to Oahu's North Shore and Tsue's Family Farm where you'll learn all about the farm's history and then tend to the farm's well-being for up to two hours. Next up, it's time for kayaking or stand up paddle on the Anahulu River and then a plate lunch in the shade by the waterfall surrounded by turtles and ducks. The day also includes a tour of historic Haleiwa town and a visit to famed Dole Plantation before returning to Waikiki.

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