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Posted on: Sunday, June 26, 2005 Love is in the air Lucky you live Hawai'i, because all you have to do is watch the movies to know that the perfect setting has everything to do with romance. If you've got the romantic setting, you've got romance, baby. No need for heart-shaped beds and hot tubs that look like champagne glasses here. With some of Mother Nature's most impressive examples of natural beauty, Hawai'i's majestic mountains, forever views of the Pacific, secluded beaches, enchanting sunsets and exotic flora can turn even the most clumsy date into a magical evening.
Whether you're looking for a great place for a first date, searching for a memorable spot to "pop the question," or toasting a special occasion, the Island is full of Hot Spots that will make your declaration of love simply lyrical. Normally when someone ponders a perfect time and place to get down on one knee, they are thinking of moonlight and roses. But few venues provide a more inspiring backdrop than the top of Diamond Head with its 360-degree views. Even better than the Eiffel Tower promising your undying love atop Diamond Head is certain to leave your sweetheart walking on clouds. Admission is $1 and while the hike is easy enough for most anyone in good health, you should bring your own water. Looking for something more traditional? Then no one knows romance better than Hollywood cinema. Heart throbbing, tear-jerking ... Think "Sleepless in Seattle's" Annie (Meg Ryan) bawling her eyes out over "An Affair to Remember." Combine that with a blazing sunset and a great meal under the stars and you've found the perfect spot for true-blue, legendary, sentimental love. Waikiki's "Sunset on the Beach" sets the stage for a stars-in-her-eyes romantic event. But be forewarned, you have to exercise some discretion by picking the right movie to set the right mood. Guys, no matter how much you like to see The Rock or Vin Diesel kicking some okole, for a romantic evening, pick something more along the lines of "When Harry Met Sally" or "Singin' in the Rain." Movie listings for Sunset on the Beach are available online at www4.co.honolulu.hi.us/webcalendar/month.asp?calendar_id=2. O'ahu's leading restaurants set up booths selling food and popcorn, and with admission and a pre-show concert being free, you can't beat the price. Don't miss the Italian Ice at the Paradise WaterIce Company.
Don't know your chardonnay from your cabernet? Don't worry. Sometimes women just prefer chocolate. If your honey has a sweet tooth, Sam Choy's Chocoholic Dessert Bar is sure to make you weak in the knees. The chocolate buffet with a rich, four-tier chocolate fountain from which to dip strawberries, brownies, marshmallows and cookies has been known to bring out the passion in those who are tempted. Featuring a different chocolate every week, the exquisite spread is only available on Friday and Saturday at the Kapahulu restaurant. Reservations are recommended. Friday night fireworks in Waikiki can make a romantic walk on the beach spectacularly romantic. Sand between the toes, hand in hand, and it's free. The stunning beachfront fireworks display from the Hilton Hawaiian Village lights up the sky and Waikiki Beach every Friday night around 7:30 p.m. (October to March) and around 8 p.m. (April to September). Not into the Waikiki scene? Try the "From Here to Eternity" beach over by Blow hole and frolic where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr shot the famous scene embracing amidst the crashing surf. Ah, Romance. It's all around the Island. Find a trail and explore, or get his-and-her massages at one of the many spas. What's great about Hawai'i is romance doesn't have to involve fancy limos, expensive diamonds (although diamonds are always good) or cost you an arm and a leg. You should be able to handle it from there. And once you do find the perfect setting, make it a tradition and go back again next year. |
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