5 Natural Wonders On Big Island 5 Natural Wonders On Big Island

5 Natural Wonders On Big Island

View Map

There’s no place in Hawaii like Big Island. Not only is it massive (you could theoretically fit every Hawaiian island on it), it’s massively varied, with 11 different climatic zones. Big Island has snow-peaked volcanoes, thermal springs, tropical flowers, rain forests, and black sand beaches. You can immerse yourself in dozens of unique landscapes without throngs of tourists ruining your romantic moments.

  • Waimanu Falls

    Waimanu Valley, Hawaii County, HI, United States
    View Map

    Nothing gets girls “oohing” and “ahhing” like a good waterfall. Waterfalls are solid romance material, and Big Island has the mother lode of fairytale falls. There are tons of stunners here, but the best one is Waimanu Falls, which you can’t even get to on foot (well, you technically could, Bear Grylls style), Waimanu, the 12th-largest waterfall in the world at 2,600 feet, can be seen from an aerial perspective aboard a hovering, couples-friendly helicopter. Award-winning Blue Hawaiian offers exceptional tours.

    romantic | helicopter ride

  • Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

    Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
    View Map

    Lava might not scream romance, but the scenery here does. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a dramatic landscape of black, rocky terrain, blue sky, and pools of lava. This is probably the only place in the U.S. where you can see this type of scene (other than as the background image on your computer screen). It’s so romantic that couples get married here all the time, never mind honeymooning. Spend a day exploring this natural wonder but definitely don’t do it in flip flops.

    rocky terrain | blue sky | seductive

  • Mauna Kea

    Mauna Kea
    View Map

    Due to low light pollution and high elevation, Big Island has some of the best skies for stargazing. There are a few apps that will tell you what constellations you’re looking at when you face your phone’s screen towards the night sky. Start learning the difference between Hercules and Orion fast, because from Mauna Kea you’ll see the constellations so clearly you’ll feel like you can reach out and graze them with your fingers. This observatory is the largest in the world, and, at 14,000 feet above sea level, offers some (literally) out of this world views. There’s no better way to impress your wife than by naming the constellations while you stargaze. Just remember to bring a blanket. It gets cold up this high (another good reason to cuddle up).

    stargazing | largest observatory

  • Kua Bay

    Kua Bay
    View Map

    Here’s the thing. There are tons of beaches in Big Island. Remember, the island is huge. But don’t waste any time trying to find out which one is the most romantic because the answer is hands-down Kua Bay. Located on the already scenic Kona Kohala coast, it’s serious postcard material. Imagine aqua blue waters, pearl white sand, and perfect crashing waves. Bring a picnic basket, feed her grapes, play guitar, rub her down with suntan oil, do crossword puzzles, chug a flask, whatever you want… just make sure you pack enough to keep you busy because you’ll definitely want to spend the entire day here.

    postcard material | aqua blue waters | pearl white sand

  • Place of Refuge (or Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park)

    Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
    View Map

    Place of Refuge isn’t your typical make out spot, but couples come in droves because it’s quiet, off the beaten path, and you can learn a thing or two (it’s one of the most historic places in Big Island). This place used to be the stomping ground of Hawaiian royalty, which is why it’s so well preserved. The 180-acre historical site feels like a timeless movie set, with swaying palms, beautiful lava rock coves and centuries-old artifacts. There’s also a very low-key local’s beach here, so you’ll definitely want to make it an afternoon.

    off the beaten path | historical site