How To Elope To Hawaii

Eloping in Hawaii

I’m so stoked that you have decided to elope in Hawaii. I’m sure you have a bunch of questions now on how to elope in Hawaii! But don’t worry. That’s where this blog and I come in!

My biggest piece of advice for you is to hire an elopement photographer (like me!) who will help you plan your elopement and can recommend locations based of what your dream day looks like.

Meet Your Hawaii Elopement Photographer

Hey I’m Marcus, an elopement photographer whose been exploring the world and capturing love stories since 2019. I’ve been to Hawaii multiple times and know some of the best locations to explore. One of my favorite things is bringing couples to EPIC locations and seeing their reactions.

Hawaii is one of my favorite places in the world. The islands have so much beauty and so much to offer. I’ll help you plan a fun and exciting adventure if you decide to elope in Hawaii.

How To Plan Your Elopement in Hawaii

Deciding on Which Island For Your Elopement

You can choose from 4 main islands to elope in Hawaii.

• Kauai: this is my personal favorite as it’s quieter, has tons of beautiful beaches, EPIC mountain views along the Na Pali Coast, and incredible hikes to enjoy.

• Oahu: this is my second favorite island. It’s a bit busier but you can find quiet areas if you head to the North Shore and the Western Shore. The mountains are incredible here and if you love hiking, it has some of the best hikes you’ll find in Hawaii.

• Maui: one of the most popular islands in Hawaii. It has some beautiful beaches, Haleakala National Park, and the iconic Road to Hana. Haleakala has some of the most unique views that you’ll find and the sunsets are amazing. The Road to Hana is a fun adventure with some incredible beaches, waterfalls, and hikes along the way.

• The Big Island: the Big Island is more rural and quieter. It is known for its waterfalls and volcanic landscapes that make it a very unique island.

Best Places to Elope in Hawaii: Kauai

Kauai is fairly restrictive on where we can legally elope for your wedding. Even with those restrictions there are still some breathtaking locations for your elopement and plenty of activities that we can plan to do on your elopement day.

1. Tunnels (Makua) Beach: this is arguably the most beautiful beach on the entire island. The mountain views as you can see in the photo above will make the perfect backdrop for you as you exchange your vows. It’s also a popular spot to see sea turtles and right next to Ha’ena State Park if you want to go to Ke’e Beach or hike along the Napali Coast.
2. Waimea Canyon: if you’re looking for a more rugged vibe then this is it. Waimea Canyon is described as the Grand Canyon of Hawaii. With beautiful red rocks mixed with green vegetation and red dirt, this is a unique location with tons of places to explore.
3. Hanalei Bay: this is a popular beach location so unfortunately you won’t find a lot of privacy here, but the views are unbelievable! The bay is completely surrounded by mountain views and has a long pier that stretches in the ocean. It’s a breathtaking spot to get married if you don’t mind people being around.
4. The Na Pali Coast: the most iconic feature of the island of Kauai. This rugged and untouched coastline is the main attraction for anyone that comes to Kauai. It’s only accessible by long hikes from Haena State Park or Koke’e State Park. You can take a helicopter tour or a catamaran cruise as well. Say your vows on a boat with the Na Pali coast as your backdrop. Then explore its many locations after you say your “I do’s.”

Activities To Do On Kauai

1. Hiking
2. Explore waterfalls
3. Catamaran sunset cruise along the Na Pali Coast
4. Helicopter flight along the Na Pali Coast
5. Snorkeling
6. Horseback riding
7. Golfing
8. Go surfing

Best Places To Elope in Hawaii: Oahu

Even though Oahu is a popular island, I highly suggest considering it for your elopement. There’s some incredible mountain locations that will leave you speechless. I also know parts of the island where it’s easy to escape the crowds and have the privacy you’re looking for.

1. Crouching Lion: if you look at the photo above, you will quickly see why this is one of my favorite locations on the island. Wake up early and hike to the top for sunrise. You will most likely have it all to yourself. There’s plenty of places for photos at the top and chances for rainbows in the backdrop over the mountains. This is a moderate hike that will take 45 minutes to reach the top.
2. Makua Beach: this is a lesser known location on the west side with white sand and a mountain backdrop. Hidden away from the crowds, you are more likely to have privacy as you exchange your vows.
3. Kualoa Ranch: although this is definitely more of a wedding venue, it’s a great option if you’re hoping for breathtaking mountain views and wanting an intimate wedding with family and friends. You will most likely recognize these mountains as its the filming location for popular movies and tv shows like Jurassic Park, Lost, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, and many more.
4. Kualoa Regional Park: if you want those iconic mountain peaks but don’t want to have a wedding at Kualoa Ranch, you can go across the road to this beautiful park. It’s a popular location but if you plan for a sunrise wedding during the weekday, there’s a good chance you’ll have a more private ceremony.
5. Olamana Trail: if you’re the more adventurous couple and want to hike out to one of the most beautiful views in all of Oahu, then this is it. It’s a more moderate to difficult hike but if you are an experienced hiker you will have no problem. The views of the three peaks are incredible and you will have mountains as far as you can see.

Things To Do In Oahu

1. Go hiking
2. Explore waterfalls
3. Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour
4. Horseback riding
5. Go surfing
6. Go golfing
7. Ziplining
8. Go whale watching
9. Dive with sharks

Best Places to Elope in Hawaii: Maui

Maui’s locations are definitely more limited but the ones you can elope at are so incredible. If you’re looking for a black beach or rugged volcanic landscape then Maui might be for you.

1. Haleakala National Park: like most National Parks, Haleakala has limited areas within the park where you can legally get married at. Then after we can always explore around hiking to take more photos in its breathtaking landscape.
2. Wai’anapanapa State Park: this park is along the Road to Hana and has one of the most beautiful and rugged black beaches you’ll find. There’s some amazing cliffs to explore and be sure to go for a swim in the ocean.
3. Iao Valley State Park: this state park is in central Maui and where you’ll find the lush green mountains. You need to plan ahead to get passes to access the park for hiking as well.
4. Makena Cove (Secret Beach): although this is claimed to be a secret beach, that is far from the truth. The beach has limited parking and can be very busy especially around sunset I found. The best time to go here is for sunrise. My wife and I had it all to ourselves as I took landscape photos and photos of ourselves.
5. Forests: Maui has some of the most beautiful ancient forests and bamboo forests I’ve seen. I know a secret location that is magical for photos. However I won’t name its location to help keep its secret.

Things To Do in Maui

1. Go hiking
2. Go snorkeling
3. Go whale watching
4. Go golfing
5. Explore waterfalls
6. Go surfing
7. Drive the Road to Hana
8. Explore Haleakala National Park
9. Horseback riding

Best Places to Elope in Hawaii: The Big Island

The Big Island is different from all the other islands with the landscapes it has. You won’t find those grand mountains here. It has more lush green valleys, waterfalls, and volcanic features. It’s less developed as well which can be a bonus as you’re more likely to have privacy for your ceremony.

1. Kulaniapia Falls: a beautiful waterfall where you can legally get married at. After you can jump in for a swim or enjoy paddleboarding.
2. Volcanoes National Park: if you’re looking for that desolate landscape that feels like you’re on mars, then this is it. There’s many different hikes within the park depending on the adventure you’re looking for.
3. Waipi’o Valley: this is a lush green valley with some beautiful views and old history.

Thing To Do On The Big Island

1. Hiking
2. Explore waterfalls
3. Horesback riding
4. Go snorkeling
5. Explore Volcanoes National Park
6. Lava tubes

Permits and Leave No Trace

Hawaii’s land is very sacred to the local people. With that being said they are very restrictive on places we can photograph. Permits are required for almost everywhere on the island. So make sure to work with a photographer who can help get the proper permits to make everything legal.

Be very conscious as you are eloping to help protect and preserve the sacred beauty of Hawaii. Remember the 7 principles of Leave No Trace. We want to make sure there’s always places for elopements to happen in Hawaii. So we have to actively help to protect its beauty.

Places To Stay in Hawaii

Hawaii has a ton of options from resorts, hotels, or Airbnbs. I personally prefer Airbnbs unless you love the all-inclusive aspect of a resort. Airbnbs are also great places for your getting ready photos. There’s some fun unique places to stay so be sure to find something you love. Here’s some of my favorite spots to stay on each island.

Kauai:

1. Princeville: perfect spot along the North side of Kauai to explore many beautiful locations
2. Poipu: perfect if you want to stay close to Waimea Canyon on the south side of Kauai

Oahu:1.

1. North/East side: this will get you away from crowds and near tons of hiking trails, beaches, and tour options at Kualoa Ranch.
2. Honolulu: if you like to be near the city then stay in Honolulu for tons of options

Maui:

1. Hana: a quieter location near unique beaches and at the end to the Road to Hana
2. Lahaina: great location for access to beautiful beaches and places to snorkel. It’s a more developed area for a variety of things to do
3. Central Maui: great base location to explore Haleakala National Park

Big Island:

1. Depends on elopement: Big Island is the largest island so make sure to book a location near your elopement. There’s many beautiful places on Airbnb.

My biggest piece of advice is to book an Airbnb that is close to your ceremony location so we aren’t wasting time driving the islands. We can always explore out for sunset after.

When is the Best Time of the Year to Elope in Hawaii

First off let me say that there is no bad time of the year to elope in Hawaii. It’s stunning year round but there are some things to consider.

1. Rainy season: from October to May (fall-spring) is considered the rainy season for Hawaii. However rain happens almost daily in Hawaii to some degree. But with rain comes rainbows. So it isn’t all bad.
2. High tourism: is typically from summer to fall. So planning an elopement in the winter is a perfect getaway and it will be less croweded.

It’s completely up to you on when you want to elope in Hawaii. Just make sure to embrace the weather and make the most of your day. Even if it’s raining you’re photos and experience will be incredible if you just dance in the rain.

What to Pack for Your Hawaii Elopement

• Passport, driver’s license, and other ID you need
• Light puffy jacket, rain jacket, and lightweight layered clothing
• Hiking boots and plenty of socks
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Headlamp
• Sentimental items for your elopement
• Vow books
• Wedding rings
• Dress pants, suit jacket, belt, pocket square, and anything you want to wear
• Wedding dress, earrings, necklace, leggings for under dress
• Marriage license (if applicable)
• Bathing suits
• Light gloves/hand warmers (depending on location)

Ready For Your Hawaiian Elopement

I’m ready to help you make your dream Hawaii elopement adventure a reality. Make sure to reach out to me here so we can start planning your dream Hawaii elopement! As always we will make sure to Leave No Trace to respect the Hawaiian Islands.

Let me help you plan out all the details! Fill Out My Contact Form Below the photos or click here to send me an inquiry!