How to elope in Hawaii

Planning a Hawaii elopement? Hawaii is a literal paradise on earth and I love it with my whole heart. What better place to elope with the love of your life than in the most beautiful place ever?! But, for those who haven’t been to Hawaii, I know that it can be confusing and stressful to know the difference between each island, which is best for your Hawaii elopement, and what each island has to offer. So let’s dive into my Hawaii Elopement Guide to walk you through it!

Which island in Hawaii should I elope on?

Oahu (where I call home!)

This is the most populated island with both Honolulu and Waikiki, making it the busiest and most developed. However, don’t let this discourage you! There are still so many beautiful and untouched places on Oahu that wherever you decide to elope, it’ll be an unforgettable experience. The awesome hiking trails and beautiful beaches are definitely a plus.

Kauai

Smaller and definitely the least developed of the islands, you’ll feel completely immersed in Hawaii’s natural beauty in Kauai. This garden-like island has amazing natural landmarks like Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Park! Both make awesome backdrops for a rad elopement. The end of this Hawaii elopement guide contains info on permits, which you’ll need for either of those (and most Hawaii)  locations. So stick with me!

Big Island

Because of its size, Big Island can feel very remote and requires long drives to get from place to place. But it’s totally worth it. With lush green mountains on the Northeast side of the island, breathtaking black sand beaches and cliff sides in South Point, and vast stretches of black volcanic rock as far as the eye can see in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island is worth a trip.

Maui

Well known as the honeymooner’s island, Maui is the second busiest island. This island has lots of resorts but also a great balance of natural beauty with the Haleakala National Park and iconic Road to Hana.

Places to elope in Hawaii

Kualoa Regional Park in Oahu

With epic mountain views, palm trees, and a beautiful beach on East Oahu, you’ll be completely enamored by this little island. Coupled with Kualoa Ranch across the street where the horses may be out for a photo op, AND one of my favorite hikes being right down the road, it’s a great location for diverse backdrops!

Iao Valley in Maui

This state monument is a lush valley carved out of a mountain from millions of years of erosion from running water and has got to be one of the coolest land formations you’ll ever see. Abundant in Hawaii’s tropic flora, this location’s hiking trails are an absolute dream for an elopement in Hawaii.

Koke’e State Park in Kauai

This park has thousands of acres of rainforest and several incredible locations that would make for a rad Hawaii elopement. The Pu’u o Kila Lookout has jaw-dropping panoramic views of the valley and out to the ocean, you’ll want to stay and soak in all its beauty forever.

Waipio Valley Beach on Big Island

On the edge of Waipio Valley’s deep green forests, these iconic black sand beaches can feel otherworldly. Make sure to pack your good hiking shoes (or hop on a 4×4) to hike through the rolling valley so you can experience all of its beauty, including several waterfalls, winding streams and panoramic views.

Hawaii wedding vendors

Videographers in Hawaii

• No Ka Oi Films in Maui is all about capturing your wedding day naturally on film. Caleb makes it his priority to keep your wedding day as stress-free as possible! So he makes for an incredible elopement videographer on Maui.

• The Arroyos in Big Island love to use all sorts of videography methods including film, digital, super 8, VHS, instax and more to make art out of your love. Their trendy vintage style is too rad to pass up.

• Aya Productions in Kauai has a cinematic style that is sure to give you all the feels every time you rewatch your wedding video in the years to come.

• Sav & Cam in Oahu use a vintage flair to spice up their documentary style approach using Super 8 and 16 mm film.

Florists in Hawaii

• Uhiuhi Flower House in Big Island do everything from weddings to Leis and custom Lei Po’o inspired by the happy, laid-back vibe Hawaii is loved for.

• Floralette in Maui loves to have a good time, and it totally reflects in their work. Whether your style is vibrant and tropical or muted and bohemian, you’ll be wowed by this duo’s work.

• Bella De Jour Floral brings a touch of French romance to the islands, specializing in weddings and events, and is your one-stop shop for custom arrangements, installations, and more.

Hair and Makeup Artists in Hawaii

• Amelia Hair and Makeup in Maui is so unbelievably talented and can make any bride feel like the most beautiful woman in the world for her wedding day with her impressive hair and makeup skills.

• Indigo Grace Artistry in Big Island (and beyond) are highly trained and all about enhancing your unique beauty to feel the best you can for your wedding.

• The Artists Co in Kauai have made it their mission to keep the getting ready process for your wedding or elopement as stress free as possible, whether you’re going for full on clam or lowkey natural beauty.
  
  
• REVEAL Hair & Makeup is a mobile team that specializes in natural or glamorous hair and makeup for weddings, based in Oahu, but available on all Hawaiian islands.

Wedding Planners in Hawaii

• For The Good in Oahu can bring any vision to life, from a vibrant tropical vision or a down-to-earth bohemian hang out, they’ve got you covered.

• Sunshower Weddings in Big Island specialize in intimate and sustainable small weddings and elopements and live for the unconventional.

• Maui Love Weddings in Maui provide full service planning, coordination, and elopement planning services.

These are only a few of the MANY incredible vendors I could list in this Hawaii elopement guide. But honestly, you’d be reading for days to cover each island. However, I also have an Oahu-specific guide that goes more in-depth. And many of the Oahu vendors island hop to provide their services as well!

Places to stay in Hawaii

Oahu: The Laylow

If you’re anything like me, you’ll be totally obsessed with the tropical mid-century modern vibe of this place. It’s right next to Waikiki beach and only a short drive to the Diamond Head trailhead. This hotel has everything you could ask for!

Maui:  The Farm Cottage– At Olamana Organics

Complete with exotic fruit trees, flowers and a scenic sea view, this cozy cottage provides a basket of ripe fruits grown right on the property upon your arrival. You’ll find a perfect slice of paradise with chirping birds to greet you in the morning and dreamy sunsets to end your day.

Kauai: Nico Hale Airbnb

This Airbnb is a secluded cottage in the jungle of Kauai’s North Shore, and gives you the full Hawaii experience. Just a short drive from local beaches and hike trails in the Wainiha neighborhood, you’ll be in a real-life paradise with the love of your life.

Big Island: Kuono at Volcano Airbnb

Just five minutes from Volcano National Park, this award-winning Airbnb is immersed in the beautiful Ohia tree forest, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of local tourism. You’ll feel totally connected with nature and the vibrant spirit of Hawaii in this stunning cabin.

Permits for Hawaii Elopement

While it varies by location, you’ll likely need a permit to elope in one of Hawaii’s many stunning locations. This is honestly constantly changing in Hawaii, but your best resources would be Hawai’i Film Office and WIKI permits for beach weddings. But don’t worry, I can guide you through the entire permit process if I work with you as your photographer.

Seasons in Hawaii

One of the best things about Hawaii? It really doesn’t get all that cold or too hot. Because of the tropical climate, the weather rarely falls below 60F. Nor does it really rise above 90F at sea level. Furthermore, this also means that Hawaii really only has two seasons, the hot season (summer) and the rainy season (winter). The summer months last from May to October and this is when Hawaii is at its busiest. During the winter months (November through April), you’ll find lots and lots of rain but way fewer tourists. Regardless of when you decide to have your Hawaii elopement, Hawaii truly is a paradise.

Hawaii Elopement Packages

As a Hawaii elopement photographer, she is essentially my second home. With the amount of culture and history embedded in this incredible place, please do your research before visiting and of course, follow the Leave No Trace guidelines so it always stays this beautiful.

That’s it! You’ve made it through the Hawaii elopement guide. Now that we’re all clear on my love for this place and how to respect it, I’d love for you to check out my Hawaii elopement packages so we can capture some of your most unforgettable moments together, friend. Additionally, I have an all-inclusive elopement package option exclusive to Oahu! That way you don’t have to do a thing except enjoy your engagement season. Contact me for all the details!