10 Ways to Relish the Month of Love, Island-Style The romance of Maui is widely known—so much so it’s one of the leading honeymoon destinations on the planet.
And is it any wonder? From opulent resorts that easily inspire intimacy to fine-sanded beaches ideal for all things amorous, the Valley Isle epitomizes passion and beauty.
But it isn’t just couples who savor in its splendor during the month of love—or throughout the year. The second most populated and popular island in Hawaii is also a superb choice for families, friends, and singletons, particularly in February, when the crowds are smaller, the weather is cooler, and the whales are frolicking in the fruits of their own labors. Whether you’re solo or betrothed, here are 10 wonderful ways to spend Valentine’s month on Maui:
- Indulge in a Massage
Nothing puts you in the mood for love—however that might end up manifesting—like a massage. Spas across the Valley Isle know this well, employing the most skilled hands—and compassionate spirits—in the islands. Couples can get their bliss on at Maui’s Best Massage just up the hill from taking a barefoot, post-rubdown walk on the ultra-gorgeous Wailea Boardwalk.
- Hover in the Clouds
Much of Maui can be explored by foot, from its spectacular ‘Iao Valley in Wailuku to its blonde-sanded beaches in Makena. But certain pockets of the island are accessible only by air, including the inner sanctums of the verdant West Maui Mountains. See them and more with Maui Helicopters; expert guides will take you to Maui’s remotest spots while narrating the island’s geology and history. February holds special appeal for those who choose to get a bird’s eye view of the island: Humpback whales might be spotted as you glide above the coastline.
- Eat Like a King
In 2006, Jeff Scheer began captivating residents and visitors alike when he founded a small catering company that was big on ingenuity and flavor. That popularity was hammered home in 2016, when the Maui Culinary Academy alum was crowned Maui’s Chef of the Year in the annual—and much-lauded—‘Aipono awards. He shares his prodigious talent with patrons at The Mill House, an uber-romantic bar and restaurant in the center of Waikapu Valley’s Maui Tropical Plantation. Here, Scheer and his energetic team create beautiful plates worthy of Instagramming, from pork chops paired with leeks, cilantro, and citrus to pumpkin cheesecake capped with persimmons. Lunch, Happy Hour, and Dinner are offered daily, but to truly fall in love with Maui’s bounty, consider booking an evening at Maui Chef’s Table, where Scheer and/or his crew put together a multi-course meal in an open kitchen—the perfect way for you to talk story with some pros and ask serious (or light) culinary questions.
- Delight in Hawaiian Music
Maui born-and-bred singer and songwriter Keali’i Reichel is perhaps best known for “E O Mai” and “I Will Be Here”—love songs, or mele aloha, that celebrate the islands and the bonds they inspire. One of the most acclaimed musicians from Hawaii, with followers from Okinawa to Seattle, the multiple-Na Hoku Hanohano award winner will be putting on a special performance this February at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, where his hula troop, Hālau Ke‘Alaokamaile, will help him regale visitors and kama’aina with live demonstrations of the Hawaiian culture.
- See a Surf Contest in Action
Between January 13 and March 31, 2018, Honolua Surf Co. will be hosting “Legends of the Bay”—an annual event, which started over a decade ago, that highlights Maui’s top surfing talent. Held at Honolua Bay on the island’s hypnotizing West Side, the competition spans heats from Open Longboard to Women’s. Given that the contest relies upon the waves, stay tuned for dates (it’s called two days in advance). If you’re not on Maui when it does transpire, take a trip to Honolua Bay regardless. The glittering ocean, rolling swells, and Molokai views are sure to remind you that love is, well, boundless.
- Explore One of the World’s Most Impressive Volcanoes
Sunrises at Haleakala—the enormous shield volcano that comprises the eastern half of the island—are a serious matter, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors annually and now requiring advanced registration with the National Park Service. While the volcano’s grandeur can certainly be enjoyed on an independent adventure, Haleakaka Tours simplifies and yet enhances the whole endeavor. Drawing on twenty-five years of experience in sustainable tourism, knowledge of the island, and awareness of cultural practices, Haleakala Eco Tours offers eco-friendly tours that dig deep into Haleakala’s history, geology, and native Hawaiian significance.
- Get to Know Maui’s Small Town Magic
Maui may be expanding at an incredible rate—the county grew faster than any other county in the islands over a two-year period, Pacific Business News reports, while Hawaii itself is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.—but that doesn’t mean the Valley Isle is lacking in small town mystique. Makawao represents this truism. The paniolo village abounds with relics from its cowboy past, while its main drag is filled with undoubtedly-modern boutiques and restaurants but an overall vibe of community and closeness. It’s a great day to play any day of the week, but Makawao’s Third Fridays Town Party is possibly its most festive. Taking place on February 16, 2018, this homey event—part of an initiative created by the Maui County Office of Economic Development “to showcase our island’s historic towns and celebrate the unique nature of their business communities”—includes live entertainment, ono food prepped by Makawao’s restaurants, and special deals from local vendors.
- Trek Across Maui’s Freshest Lava
Witnessing a Maui sunset from a secluded, sun-warmed beach might just be the most brilliant way to start or rekindle romance—no matter if that love affair happens to be with the island itself. Discover the chance to do so—as well as tide pools teeming with curious wonders, fascinating lava formations, and utter, delicious quiet—on the Hoapili Trail. Located in La Perouse on the island’s south side, this 5.5 mile path takes hikers across Haleakala’s most recent eruption—an alienesque, oceanfront landscape that haunts and beguiles.
- Help Save a Whale
Known as “kohola” in Hawaiian, Humpback whales journey from southeastern Alaska to Hawaii’s magnificent waters every year, where more than 10,000 of the gentle giants breed, birth, and calve. Few events honor whales like the annual Whale Festival. Now in its 38th year, the beloved event—which will be held on February 18, 2018 in Maalaea Harbor—presents a full day of whale-centric fun, including educational demonstrations, a Made on Maui marketplace, keiki activities, and live music by the likes of Eric Gilliom, the Haiku Hillbillys, The Banana Slug String Band, and more. Come with an appetite: Food will be on sale from Three’s Bar and Grill, Brekkie Bowls, and Sumo Dogs Maui and Hawaiian Shave Ice.
- Get Lost (in the Best Possible Way)
One of the beauties of vacationing—whether you’re holidaying solo or on that honeymoon—is that you don’t need much to find genuine delight: The island has natural beauty and outdoor adventures in spades. Possibly the best way to experience both is on the Road to Hana, which delivers stunning waterfalls, epic trails, tranquil parks, and black-sand beaches. Set out in Paia with a “chilly bin” packed with refreshments and meander the route at your own pace. Our favorite spots are Wai‘anapanapa State Park—where you’ll find 122 acres brimming with marvels (sea caves and a blowhole among them)—Pipiwai Trail, and Wailua Falls. But let your heart be your guide, and you’ll learn why Maui is so often called no ka oi.