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It's luxurious. It's tropical. It's oh, so pink. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, a k a "The Pink Palace of the Pacific," is just one of my favorite romantic getaways in that most romantic of places, Hawaii.

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Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai features refurbished former sugar-plantation houses.
Michael Goulding/Orange County Register/KRT
The view of the beach is one advantage of staying away from the crowds at Mama’s Beachfront Cottages on Maui.
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With all that natural beauty and aloha spirit around, you can even find romance in a condo three blocks in from Waikiki. But if you are looking for that special in-the-mood ambience, here's my very short, very personal list of spots close to my heart.

It's a small collection of places for after your Male'ana (wedding), to celebrate your Ho'omana'o (anniversary), or just a place to say "Aloha Au Ia'oe" (I love you) to that special someone.

Waimea Plantation Cottages, Kauai: Let's play house, Hawaiian style. This collection of refurbished former sugar-plantation houses is my favorite spot in the islands. About four dozen early-20th-century Craftsman-bungalow-style plantation houses are arrayed around a coconut tree grove next to a black sand beach (great for strolling, lousy for swimming). There's a microbrewery on the premises, but the most fun is stocking up at the local market and hiding away for a few days. They also rent a large plantation house and a small plantation cottage on the beautiful beach at Hanalei on the island's north shore.

Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Oahu: OK, guys, be prepared. Everything here is pink. Pink walls. Pink wallpaper. Pink towels. But the Royal Hawaiian has been a romantic favorite since 1927. The rest of Waikiki has grown up around it, but the hotel remains a quiet oasis within the tumult. Take a stroll down the beach to the Moana Surfrider Hotel, which dates to 1908. With its wedding-cake architecture, it's a favorite for Japanese couples tying the knot. You'll see young brides in full Western-style wedding gowns nearly every day.

Manoa Valley Inn, Oahu: I like hideaways off the beaten path, and this is the closest thing you will find in Honolulu. This tropical-theme Craftsman bungalow is near the University of Hawaii, far from the action at Waikiki. The nearest beach is quite a long drive, but if you are looking for a relaxed, traditional setting amid lush grounds, this eight-room B&B will put you in the mood.

Old Wailuku Inn at Ulupono, Maui: In the capital of Maui, this bed and breakfast offers great aloha spirit. It's also very friendly to your budget. The seven rooms in two plantation-style buildings are decorated with and named after tropical flowers. If you can put up with a bit of a drive to get to the beach, this inn is a great place to start and end the day.

Mama's Beachfront Cottages, Maui: The small collection of condo-style accommodations here are simple. But the best thing is it puts you right next door to Mama's Fish House, the most romantic restaurant in Maui. And you're within walking distance back to the room after a couple of powerful mai tais. The funky town of Paia is nearby, and so is the road up to Haleakula and the winding drive to Hana. You're away from the action in Kihei and Kaanapali. To me, not a bad thing.

Hotel Hana-Maui, Maui: The legendary inn at the end of one of the most beautiful but grueling drives in America has rebounded after several years on the decline. Now run as a swanky but rustic getaway by the same folks that operate Big Sur's Post Ranch Inn, it's a long way from anything. But nearby Hamoa Beach is one of the islands' best, and make sure to stop and splash in the waterfalls and pools along the drive to Hana.

Kona Village Resort, Big Island: If the Polynesian Cultural Center were turned into a hotel, it would look a lot like this. Unlike at the overblown resorts on the sunny side of the Big Island, you'll never forget you are in Hawaii here. Guests sleep in hales, which look like large versions of South Pacific island huts. Inside, everything is modern, though there are no televisions or other electronic gizmos. Each hale reflects one of seven Pacific cultures. My favorite touch: If you don't want to be disturbed, put a coconut by the front door.

IF YOU GO:

WAIMEA PLANTATION COTTAGES: 9400 Kaumualii Highway, Waimea; 808-338-1625. Units from $260 (Dec. 24-Mar. 31, June 11-Aug. 15), or $210 (April 1-April 10, April 18-June 8, Aug. 21-Nov. 19, Nov. 27-Dec. 21).

ROYAL HAWAIIAN HOTEL: 2259 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Oahu; 808-923-7311. Rooms from $420

MANOA VALLEY INN: 2001 Vancouver Drive, Honolulu, Oahu; (808) 947-6019. Rooms from $99-$150 (April, May, September, October Low season). $110-$160 (high season)

OLD WAILUKU INN AT ULUPONO: 2199 Kahookele Street, Wailuku, Maui; 800-305-4899. Rates from $140

MAMA'S BEACHFRONT COTTAGES: 799 Poho Place, Maui; (808) 579-9764. Units from $175

HOTEL HANA-MAUI: P.O. Box 9, Hana, Maui; 800-321-4262. Rooms $425 to $495 for bay cottages, $575-1,425 for sea-ranch cottages; a plantation guesthouse goes for $3,500 (Jan. 6-Dec. 21).

KONA VILLAGE RESORT: P.O. Box 1299, Kailua-Kona, HI; 800-367-5290. Units from $890 (standard) to $1,300 (royal) for two people. Includes meals.