White, sandy beaches… Sweeping views of the mountains and coastline… Endless blue beaches… Hawaii is one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. and the perfect spot for your breathtaking, adventurous, and intentional elopement. 

There’s a reason why so many people call Hawaii heaven on earth. Hawaii has no shortage of magic nestled from island to island. Plus, from Hawaii, you can island-hop to multiple different islands in Hawaii and further south for your honeymoon. If you’re planning your perfect Hawaii elopement, look no further than this comprehensive guide.

Upcoming Travel

I’ll be in Hawaii in December 2021 and have multiple days open for your elopement. Since I’ll already be there, I’m booking at my local West Coast rates. Full-day elopements start at $3,800. Learn more here.

Table of Contents

Where to Elope in Hawaii by Island 

Hawaii is made up of eight major islands and numerous smaller islets in the Pacific Ocean, all surrounded by deep blue waters. How do you know which places to elope in Hawaii? I have you covered. 

Where to Elope in Kauai

Kauai, one of Hawaii’s eight major islands, is nicknamed the “Garden Isle” because of the tropical rainforest covering most of the island. The island has dramatic cliffs and pinnacles on the Na Pali Coast (which you’ve probably seen in movies!) and a long, winding canyon with plenty of mountaintop destinations. Adventure lovers will fall in LOVE with Kauai! 

Here are some of my favorite spots in Kauai: 

  • Waimea Canyon: this state park is known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific for its dramatic views and reddish rocks. If you want to take it to the next level, check out this Doors Off helicopter tour over the canyon – I can’t recommend it enough! 
  • Ha’ena State Park: Located on the northwestern side of Kauai, this state park has views of restored taro fields and ancient sea caves, as well as the gorgeous Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park.
  • Kalalau Beach: This beach is on a section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, at the base of the Kalalau Valley. If you’re up to hiking the Kalalau Trail, one of the most difficult trails in Hawaii, this is where it lets out. 
  • Ha-ula Beach: Located on the southeast coast of Kauai, this beach consists of a large cove with a low rock shelf by the beach. Behind the beach, you can find high sand dunes. 
  • Tunnels Beach: This stunning, stretched out beach is a perfect spot for snorkelers and scuba divers. Palm trees line the bay and golden sand beaches lead way to a lush jungle backdrop. In addition to snorkeling, you can enjoy surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing. THis spot has so many underwater adventures, but above ground, it makes for a beautiful and serene elopement spot, especially at sunset. 
  • Kokee State Park: Nestled away in the northwestern shore of Kauai, this beach has a beautiful mountain backdrop with lots of bird life and lush jungle forests. 

Where to Elope in Oahu

rocks on a hawaii beach as the sun sets with purples and pinks in the sky

This small island in the Central Pacific is home to the capital of Oahu, Honolulu. Oahu has a bustling dining scene, beach area, and nightlife. You can check out some of the beautiful beaches, plus the historic Chinatown, and the Punchbowl, a crater-turned-cemetery. 

  • Waimea Bay: Located on the famous North Shore of Oahu, this beach lies at the mouth of the Waimea River, with a valley extending behind the beach. 
  • Kahana Bay: This bay, located adjacent to Ahupua’a O Kahana State Park, is known for its serenity and remote location. 
  • Kaʻena Point State Park: A remote and wild coastline park, Ka’ena Point State Park wraps around the northwest corner of Oahu. A large, sandy beach offers plenty of beautiful views with surfing opportunities. 
  • Kaneohe Sandbar: You’ve never seen a spot as stunning as this. At low tide, this sandbar strip off the coast of Oahu offers isolated beauty with lots of snorkeling, swimming, and turtle spotting. 
  • Waimanalo Beach: A small windward community on the eastern side of the island. Expect white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and all-around tropical vibes. 
  • Makapuʻu Lookout: This popular scenic lookout may be a bit crowded at times, but the views of Oahu can’t be beat. The day hike looks over crystal clear beaches and long stretches of shoreline. 

Where to Elope in Maui 

Maui has more than 30 miles of beaches on its coastlines, including the golden-crescent Kapalua, with lava-rock promontories off the coast. The island’s highest peak is the stunning volcanic Haleakala, but you’ll love exploring the pools and waterfalls of Ohe’o Gulch, too. There’s lots to love in Maui! 

  • Haleakala National Park: This gorgeous National Park has both jarring volcanic landscapes and a sub-tropical rain forest, with plenty of jaw-dropping hikes. 
  • Honokalani (Black Sand Beach): This stunning black sand beach in Waianapanapa State Park makes for a magical and unique spot in Maui – and such a beautiful spot for your elopement. 
  • Kaihalulu Beach (Red Sand Beach): This secluded spot, tucked away on the coast of Maui, involves a bit of a hike to reach. The reward is a private beach with unique red sand, a lovely spot to say your vows. 
  • Hana Forest Preserve: This forest preserve offers lush landscapes and hidden waterfalls with plenty of hiking trails.  
  • Wai’anapanapa State Park: This remote and wild section of the Maui coastline is the perfect escape from society – and a breathtaking place to tie the knot. The area has plenty of hiking, camping, lodging, and fishing options as well as sea stacks off the coast, blow holes, and a small black sand beach. 

What To Do During Your Hawaii Elopement 

There is no shortage of things to do in Hawaii, no matter the island you pick! From open door helicopter tours to snorkeling with sea turtles to horseback riding on the beach, you can plan the most unforgettable elopement weekend in Hawaii and make lifelong memories. Here are some of the best things to do in Hawaii during your elopement: 

  • Helicopter tours
  • Snorkeling
  • Hiking
  • Chasing waterfalls
  • Sunset Boat Tour
  • Kayaking
  • Freediving with sharks
  • Surfing
  • Zipline through the rainforest 
  • Paddle Boarding 
  • Rent a Jeep to explore the island, and even go off-roading 
  • Horseback ride on the beach

Hawaii has SO much to offer! No matter what activities you pick, you won’t feel disappointed. 

The Best Time to Elope in Hawaii  

Hawaii may be a tropical destination, but it’s not always sunny in Hawaii. The islands have different sets of microclimates, depending on your island. That means that it might be raining on one part of the island, while it’s sunny on other parts of the island. 

From December to March, you can expect rainy days and colder weather. The weather can make for moody-looking photos with dramatic lighting effects, but in my opinion, there’s a lot of toss up in terms of weather. 

Starting in April until June, warmer weather will hit the islands with much more sun. Whale watching is in peak season and you can avoid some of the heavy summer tourism at this time of year. 

July to August marks peak season in Hawaii, and these are some of the hottest months on the islands. You’ll have more warm days, it’s true, but there will still be pockets of rain. 

At the end of the year, from September to November, you’ll get cooling weather (still warm, but not as hot) with much more rain. This chunk of time is probably the rainiest part of the year. 

Hawaii’s set of islands have fast-changing weather, so no matter when you decide to book your elopement, it’s important to remember – you can never fully control the weather. Embracing the changing weather and the different swings will help you truly enjoy your wedding day. No matter the weather, I can capture the most memorable and beautiful photos to commemorate your special day.  

You will need to bring a variety of shoes, different types of bags, rain equipment, and more. I’m going to help you plan it all out in the process, so don’t stress too much! 

How to Apply for a Marriage License in Hawaii 

There is one more thing you will have to think about when eloping in Hawaii: your marriage license. Getting a marriage license, and planning the essentials, can be an overwhelming part about your elopement. However, don’t worry, I’m here to make sure it all happens smoothly, without a hitch. 

When eloping in Hawaii, you have two options. If you prefer, you can get your marriage license in your hometown and get legally married while still at home. For many, this is a lower stress option so you can worry about your elopement ceremony without thinking about the legality. 

However, if you want to get legally married in Hawaii, the state has an easy process to make it happen. You can use Hawaii’s Electronic Marriage and Civil Union Registration System by clicking here. The system accepts credit cards, too. It’s the fastest and easiest way to apply for your marriage license. You can also fill out the paper version in Hawaii and bring them to your marriage license appointment. 

Your marriage license will expire 30 days from the date of issuance. 

Where to Stay During Your Hawaii Elopement

There is no shortage of amazing locations to stay in Hawaii. Whether you want floor-to-ceiling windows with ocean views or jungle bungalows, these are some of the best spots in Hawaii, separated by island. 

Kauai

Oahu 

Maui 

Permits for Your Hawaii Elopement

Your Hawaii elopement may need some additional permits, depending on the location. For some locations, you may need a permit from the Division of Land and Natural Resource. 

In addition, as a Leave No Trace certified photographer, we will make sure we follow Leave No Trace principles to ensure we leave the land better than when we found it. It also shows our respect to the people who call Hawaii home. 

How to Get to Hawaii

There are so many ways to get to Hawaii. The best option is to fly into the island where you plan to elope. Many airlines will fly into Honolulu International Airport from different parts of the U.S., too, so you can always go island hopping to wherever you plan to elope. 

If you’re coming from the west coast, or connecting through the west coast, there’s a good chance you can fly directly into Oahu, Kauai, or Maui. From there, I’d recommend renting a car to fully explore all Hawaii has to offer! 

Hawaii Elopement Packages

What’s included in each Hawaii elopement package:

  • Choose from 8, 12, 16 and 24 Hours of Photography Coverage
  • High-Resolution Digital Images
  • Full Printing Rights
  • Online Gallery to share, download and print from
  • All photographer travel fees included
  • Assistance Planning Your Perfect Elopement Day
  • Dream Big Questionaire
  • Custom Elopement Location Lookbook
  • Custom Elopement Location Timeline
  • 90+ Page Elopement Guide Exclusively for JayneMayAgnes Couples

Hawaii Elopement Packages start at $3,800

A Hawaii elopement can be an exotic and stunning spot to tie the knot in an intentional, intimate way. Hawaii is one of my favorite getaways, and I can’t wait to help you plan the perfect Hawaii elopement. If you’re looking to elope in Hawaii (or you want advice about other elopement options in Hawaii, or around the world), shoot me an email and we can talk about it! 

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