29 June 2010

OahuÃ¢â¬â¢s island oasis is the best bet for your Destination I Do backdrop

It’s the perfect wedding setting for the adventurous Town and Country couple looking for the best of both worlds

Written and Photographed by Karen Loftus

If you can’t decide between urban or beach chic for your far-flung I Do’s, choose Hawaii's Oahu as you will get the best of both.

When asking locals how to distinguish one Hawaiian island from another, every one is quick to tell you that Oahu, Hawaii’s most populated island with 75% of the state’s population, is the most urban and fashion forward island, yet fully delivers on the island vibe. It's hard to argue.

Once home to Obama, it’s remains a presidential playground today. This lush, tropical setting, fit for any royal or laid back couple is the closest you will get to an exotic far-flung locale without breaking the bank or stamping your passport.

So, whether it’s based on financial, political or spiritual reasons, your first big decision together is sure to deeply please both of your palettes.

It’s easy to say I Do to Oahu. If you do, here is a sneak peak at what that romantic rendezvous, post the I DO can look like for the two of you…

Town & Country
The big buzz around the island is Town and Country with Town being Waikiki, the island’s epicenter. Start your romantic Town tour at The Hilton Hawaiian Village.

The 22-acre oceanfront property is the best and most expansive beach in all of Waikiki. The water is crisp, clear and so seductive. There are several elaborate pools on property, but their beach is one of the best in the world. So, dip in.

Take advantage of your breathtaking view by checking in to an oceanfront room at the luxe Ali’I Tower. There are seven towers and nearly 3,000 rooms on property. So, if planning a big destination wedding, there are plenty of places to set up family and friends.

Then the two of you can grab a romantic dinner on site at Bali Steak house. The open-air beachfront restaurant with fireworks on Friday is sure to heat up the romance. Sip on a coconut Cosmo before the decadent Kahuku Sweet Corn & Maui Onion Soup and a juicy 8 oz filet. A moonlit walk on the beach is the perfect dessert.

Saturday morning pop by KCC’s Farmers Market, where local chefs shop to deliver farm to fork cuisine in Oahu. Grab Hawaiian coffee and salts to spice up life married life back home, then head for the North Shore for the country lure.

Schedule stand up paddle lessons in Haleiwa with C4 Waterman, the go to aquatics trainers for Hollywood movie’s shot in Hawaii. You’ll capture a great adventure and it’s a blissful way to take in the sea and scenery.

For Hawaiian comfort food head to the Side Street Inn, a local fave and the recent setting of an Anthony Bourdain episode on the Travel Channel. Go family style for dinner and indulge in the Big Island Smoked Pork, Pocho Clams and fresh succulent oysters to heighten the senses.

You can toast your future by sipping seaside at the Halekulani Hotel, which originally opened its doors in 1917. This sophisticated spot serves great Australian wines by the glass and the best cocktails on the island. The Strawberry Basil is a must.

If interested in retro romance, continue on by slipping in to nearby Moana Surfrider Resort and the iconic Royal Hawaiian Hotel, similar in style to LA’s Beverly Hills Hotel. They were two of the first oceanfront hotels on Waikiki in the early 20th century.

They’ve both recently been restored and are currently museum worthy. As you walk through their doors, it reeks of romance. Grab high tea, a highball or simply reflect on the porch. It’s so alluring.

Kick off the next day’s adventure an hour away by getting Lost on Kualoa Ranch, the setting for many of the TV show’s episodes.

You can relive love that was lost and found on the series or hop on an ATV and hightail it through the sumptuous, lush setting with your spouse. The off road ride is sure to give your romance a rush of adrenaline.

Cool off back at that gorgeous beach of yours. Then indulge in a couples massage at Mandara Spa at The Hilton. The full service salon and spa can cater to full wedding parties or just the two of you.

Take your limber hips and limbs to The Royal Hawaiian Center for a unisex Hula lesson. Directions are as simple as feel the music and go with the flow. It’s a fun cultural hit and a great aperitif for a sensual evening.

Finish off your Waikiki window with a hike to the top of Diamond Head to catch the Hawaiian sunrise, a nice warm up for your morning surf lesson with Hawaiian Firemen on nearby Kalaeloa Beach.

The team makes it seem so simple. You’re sure to catch a wave while they capture it on film. It’s the pitch perfect Hawaiian wedding souvenir.

Savor your last supper in Town at Doraku Sushi with chef Hide Yoshimoto’s explosive yet seamless flavor combinations paired flawlessly with sake flights. The rich and creamy unfiltered sake was a table fave. Be sure to try with his Double Happiness, a truly blissful bite. It’s a true culinary experience and the perfect end to your epic Waikiki wedding adventure.

Northern Exposure
Leave Waikiki and in less than an hour you’ll be at Oahu’s northern most point and at the gate of the Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii’s famed North Shore, the center of Hawaii’s surf community.

This luxury resort has hosted many discreet celebs and has played home to the cast of Lost before they settled in to island life and homes of their own.

Hottie Hardaway has said that one of Turtle Bay’s beaches, as there are many, was his favorite skinny dipping beach. Feel free to dip in. as you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself in the 880-acre picturesque beachfront property.

Arrive at Turtle Bay by sunset to capture the dramatic colors and the magic of the resort before dining at 21 Degrees North, their fine dining restaurant. The rustic chic ambiance is the perfect setting for a romantic beach evening.

Sip on a handcrafted lavender cocktail with your Kahuku Shrimp, Avocado and Hearts of Palm starter before nipping in to a Lake County Cabernet, the perfect pair to their surf and turf of Lobster and New Zealand Filet.

The property is incredibly seductive at any hour of the day. A slow evening walk on the sandy beach can only be topped by a leisurely hang in your hammock at your beach cottage. The sound of the waves, the subtle sea breeze and the piercing moon almost seem cinematic. Order champagnefor your room, as they’re the best bubbles for your sunken tub.

You can pass your days at Hans Hedemann’s surf school on site or try your luck at the world famous Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay or Sunset Beach a mere four miles away from turtle Bay.

For the golfing couple, you can get your game on at one of their championship golf courses or hit the 12-mile beachfront trail for hiking, biking or hop on a horse named Feather for a romantic ride, a favored move amongst honeymooners. Picnics can be packed for the beach and a midday dip in, skinny or otherwise or simply indulge in a couple’s massage in the thatched beachfront cabana.

After a few days in, you’ll find it’s easy to commit to coming back to Turtle Bay and Oahu to renew vows, rekindle romance or simply relive the magic. Mahalo!

To Stay:
Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki - www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com # 808 949 4321
Turtle Bay Resort in Kahuku (North Shore) - www.turtlebayresort.com #808 293 6000

To Play:
C4 Waterman in Honolulu - www.C4WATERMAN.com #808 739 2837
Kualoa Ranch in Kaaawa - www.Kualoa.com # 808 237 7321
Hawaiian Fire Surf School in Honolulu - www.HawaiianFire.com #888 955 7873

To Wine & Dine -
The Side Street Inn in Honolulu - www.sidestreetinn.com #808 591 0253
Doraku Sushi in Honolulu - www.sushidoraku.com # 808 922 3323
Halekulani in Honolulu - www.halekulanis.com 808 923 2311

Written and photographed by Karen Loftus - karenlofty@gmail.com

To follow Karen on Twitter: @LAKarenLoftus