Maui’s vibrant sunsets, breathtaking ocean and outer island views, warm sea breezes, and golden sandy beaches make it the ideal romantic destination to celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are plenty of excellent local restaurants that offer dinner specials for the occasion. However, if you did not make dinner reservations months in advance, or don’t feel like paying for an over-priced pre-fix menu, or simply don’t want to deal with the Valentine’s Day crowds, then here are five ideas that will create a memorable and unique Valentine’s Day experience for you, your partner or friends that you’ll be celebrating with on Maui.
1. Dinner Al Fresco
Maui has unlimited locations for a romantic picnic back drop. Maui Luxe Picnics offers a variety of Picnic Packages at some of Maui’s most scenic locations, in addition to serving private properties. They can set up bohemian, chic picnic settings with romantic lighting, blankets, pillow cushions, low picnic tables and fresh flowers at the Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, Maui Tea Farms, Punakea Palms and The Wailea Beach Villas. A romantic picnic for 2 starts at $595 and includes sweet and savory grazing platters that feature a variety of crackers, cheese, meats, seasonal fruits, veggies and dip, olives, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate and sparkling water. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are available. They include delivery, set-up, and use of everything for up to 2 hours. When you’re done, they pack and clean everything up. Simply arrive and enjoy!
A romantic picnic for two by Maui Luxe Picnics. Photography by Taylor Stuck
2. Bring the Private Culinary Experience To You
Hire a private chef that will provide a unique dinner experience for you in the comfort of your own home or vacation rental. Chef Hirum of Honu Cuisine creates an all-inclusive experience that includes flowers and a nice bottle of wine. He uses fresh seasonal and local ingredients to create customized meals that are healthy and delicious. He sources his food from local farms and uses a combination of spices, sweets and clean animal products. I see Chef Hirum at the Upcountry Farmer’s Market Saturday mornings gathering ingredients for his seasonal menu offerings. I’ve also had the pleasure of eating Chef Hirum’s food at yoga retreats and weddings. His braised fresh catch, homemade pastas and ahi and avocado appetizer are a few of my favorites. Be sure to indulge in his dessert! His homemade organic ice creams coupled with his mac nut and brown butter cake will top off the private dining experience.
Honu Cuisine’s fresh catch
3. Sunset Views from Above
One of the most breathtaking moments I have ever had on Maui was at the top of the Haleakala Crater watching the sunset. In fact, that’s where my fiancé proposed to me. The process of watching the sun set over the water and the ocean’s sparkle transfer to twinkling stars is absolutely magical. Be sure to bundle up with multiple layers and wear socks and closed-toe shoes. At 10,000 feet above sea level, temperatures can drop down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and it gets windy. We bring our snowboard clothes, gloves, hats and boots. Bring beach chairs, a bottle of wine or whiskey, cheese, nuts, chocolates, and your camera and be ready to enjoy epic sunset views. You do not need to make reservations (yet) to enter the Haleakala National Park for sunset, but I would plan on it taking around 1.5 to 2 hours to drive up to the top and to get situated before the sunsets. And don’t be in a rush to leave right after because the stars really turn on once it is dark.
4. Romantic Sunset Dinner Cruise
Take advantage of being on Maui during prime whale watching season and take a romantic sunset cruise in a catamaran. Kai Kanani offers a Valentine’s Day sunset cruise for $249 per person from 4:30pm – 7:30pm. They board at 4pm out of Maluaka beach, in front of the Makena Beach & Golf Resort aka “Turtle Town.” The cruise includes a chef-designed tasting menu and wine pairings from MauiWine, Ulupalakua’s local winery. Take in the views of South Maui while listening to live music, enjoy premium cocktails, beer and wine from an open bar, and indulge in chocolate covered strawberries. Celebrate the occasion with a sunset toast with local sparkling Rose. Space is limited to 24 people.
Alii Nui Maui offers a similar Valentine’s Day Royal Sunset Dinner Sail that boards from the Ma’alaea Harbor at 4:45pm. The sunset cruise is from 5:15pm – 7:45pm. It’s an adults only sailing trip that costs $249 per person.
5. Sunset Chocolate & Cheese Tour
Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory in Lahaina is doing a special Valentine’s Day guided tour from 5:30pm – 7pm. After touring the 20+ acre cacao estate, enjoy a charcuterie board and chocolate during sunset. The cost is $95 per person. The interactive event is BYOB but glassware is provided.
Want to Know More?
Contact me for more local recommendations on Maui. I am happy to share some of the most unique experiences I have had over the last 13 years I have called this island home.
