Ultimate Hawaii Destination Wedding Guide

Kukio Overlook

Kukio Overlook is one of our favorite wedding locations on the Big Island of Hawaii

Why Hawaii?

If you're planning a destination wedding these days, there are seemingly endless possibilities. But there are some distinct advantages to choosing a classic location like Hawaii, even if you want a truly unique experience for your ceremony. The most obvious advantage to Hawaii as a wedding destination is that it features exquisite beaches and majestic views, but there are unexpected benefits as well. Ideal for outdoor weddings, Hawaii sports warm weather year round without even needing a passport to get here. The temperate climate and sunny days complement the crystal blue water to create a spectacular ceremony without needing the expensive accoutrements necessary for a memorable wedding in another, more mediocre location.

While Hawaii can at times feel like a world of its own, it is part of the United States so weddings there are legal in the US without any extra paperwork to transfer. The geography of Hawaii is unmatched and features a diverse array of iconic topography such as its green sand beach, valleys only reachable by helicopter, and the spectacular black cliffs of Mauna Kea.

Though a Hawaii wedding can be seen as an extravagance, there's a wedding for every budget on the Big Island. And when considering the cost of a wedding in the continental US, a Hawaii wedding actually tends to cost less. Weddings in Hawaii are intimate events for small parties, so it enables you to bring those who are most important to you without breaking the bank.

Top 3 Best Beaches for Weddings in Hawaii:

  • Kikaua Point Beach Park
  • Kukio Beach & Kukio Overlook
  • Kohana Iki Beach

Choosing the Best Wedding Locations in Hawaii

Beach Weddings in Hawaii

As far as majestic beaches go, Hawaii is second to none. And there are so many different kinds to choose from! Some come to Hawaii for the classic lava rock formations jutting from the white sandy beach with palms hanging overhead like Kikaua Point Beach Park while others are attracted to the striking, rare black sand at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach . Another popular choice is Kukio Overlook, where a black lava cliff rises above a beautiful white sand beach that sea turtles often visit to enjoy a little sunshine. The sunset views from the top of the cliff make for beautiful, romantic photos.

For those couples who want both a beach wedding and an adventurous element, Hawaii's stunning Green Sand Beach provides both. This remote beach is only accessible by four wheel drive vehicles, and there are no paved roads leading to this location. The sweeping sunrise views and one-of-a-kind landscape make this location worth the trip if you're looking for a beach wedding with an off-the-beaten path vibe.

Secret Waterfall wedding location in Hawaii

Our Secret Waterfall wedding location is only accessible by helicopter

Going for Extremes and Unforgettable Adventures

The beaches of Hawaii are classic, but there is so much more geography to explore if you're planning a Hawaiian wedding that is truly unexpected. One venue offered at Beach Glass Weddings is a secret waterfall in a remote valley with astonishing 1200 ft tall cliffs. This location is only accessible by helicopter, so you'll enjoy incredible aerial views on the way to and from your ceremony.

Those who yearn for ease of access and pampering may be interested in Mauna Kea Golf Course which is situated on a black lava field that features picturesque views of the ocean. For a large wedding, we recommend the Ohana Retreat - a former plantation where the whole family can stay together and experience a variety of activities on the property, including picking your own tropical fruits, playing tennis and swimming in the pool.

For a complete guide to our favorite wedding locations in Hawaii, visit our Wedding Locations page.

Important Factors to Consider for a Beach Wedding in Hawaii

When planning a beach wedding, some important factors to consider are:

  • Size of wedding party: Public beaches in Hawaii permit up to 20 guests for weddings

  • What to ship ahead of time: Consider shipping smaller, bulk items to Hawaii ahead of time, such as party favors or bridal party gifts. Some brides choose to ship their dresses ahead of time as well, especially if they're working with a wedding planner who can receive the dress and keep it secure until the wedding. Pro tip: if you decide to travel with your wedding dress, you will likely want to bring it with you in a carry on.

  • Where to eat afterwards: Beach Glass Weddings loves to make dinner recommendations that best fit your party's taste. One of our favorite locations is a private table with your own chef at the Four Seasons. There are many great choices at one of the beautiful resorts along the Kona Coast. Or we can make suggestion for a catered dinner at your residence.

  • Best months to visit Hawaii: Due to Hawaii's mild tropical climate, any month is good for a visit. If you want to escape the cold winter in your hometown, the winter months might be the perfect time to travel. If you have kids in school and want to combine your wedding with a vacation, the summer months might be a good choice. Pro Tip: The world championship Ironman triathlon is held every year in October in Kona. This event attracts thousands of visitors from around the world, which means that it is one of the busiest times of the year on the island. Most hotels will be fully booked for months in advance, and other reservations like car rentals and plane tickets will be difficult to come by.

  • Time of day for beach wedding: Heat and rain are variable depending on time of day, the best time tends to just before sunset once it's beginning to cool from the day's heat

  • Getting a beach permit

  • Crowds on the beaches

  • Distance from hotel

  • Driving on Big Island: Expect to be driving about two hours if you're going from one end of the island to another

  • Which side of the island you'll be on and weather: There tends to be more rain on the east side, the best weather tends to be on the west side of the island and north of the airport

Choosing the Best Hotel or Resort for Wedding Guests in Hawaii

Mother and two daughters in Hawaii hotel room

There's something for everyone at Hawaii's beautiful hotels and resorts

Should I Reserve a Wedding Block?

From one end of the island to the other, it can take up to 2 hours driving- the Big Island is called that for a reason! So when thinking about accommodations for your dream Hawaii wedding, it is always a great idea to consider booking a block of rooms all at the same hotel. This way, everyone is already together so it is easier for your big day to go off without a hitch.

Recommended Accommodations

Much like the geography, the hospitality in Hawaii has something for everyone. Below are some of our favorite hotels and resorts on Hawaii's Big Island:

  • For families with young children to teenagers, Hilton Waikoloa Village is a fantastic option. This sprawling resort features an incredible swimming lagoon and a gorgeous swimming pool complete with water slides that kids of all ages can enjoy.

  • For something higher end, the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai is our favorite option at Beach Glass Weddings. If planning an intimate dinner after your wedding ceremony, a private dining area with a dedicated chef awaits you at this luxurious resort.

  • On the more cost effective side, Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa is right on the beach and is located on the island's coveted west side.

  • For those searching for private luxury, Mauna Lani Point is unparalleled on the Big Island. This exclusive resort is located on The Kohala Coast and offers private bungalows as well as splendid balcony views in every one of its guest rooms.

Logistics Tips for Your Hawaii Destination Wedding

Flights and Airports

Flights to and from Hawaii range from 5-6 hours on the West Coast, 7-9 hours from the Midwest, and 10+ hours from the East Coast. There are only 2 airports on the Big Island that support major air traffic: Kona International Airport (KOA) at Keahole which is located seven miles northwest of Kailua-Kona and Hilo International Airport (ITO) which is two miles east of Hilo on the east side of the island.

Do I Need a Passport?

International guests will need a valid passport to enter the state of Hawaii. US citizens will not need a passport to enter Hawaii, but adults will need a valid government issued ID for the flight to the island.

Dealing with Jetlag

Hawaii does not observe Daylight Savings Time, so the amount of time difference and severity of jet lag you will experience depends on the time of year. From the continental United States, you can expect Hawaii's time to be 2-3 hours behind PST, 4-5 hours behind CST, and 5-6 hours behind EST. Generally, it's more difficult to adjust from jet lag once you reach your destination as opposed to going home so here are some tips to mitigate the symptoms of jet lag:

  • Prepare for the time change before you arrive. You can set your watch or smartphone to the local time so that your body begins adjusting during the journey.

  • Stay hydrated during your flight. A portion of jet lag is dehydration, and it's important to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water both during the days leading up to your flight and while you're in the air.

  • Don't take a nap on your first day. Most flights arrive in the afternoon so do your best to stay awake and active til bedtime that night.

  • Use sleep remedies. If you're struggling with not feeling tired when it's time to sleep, natural remedies such as melatonin can help you regulate your sleep schedule.

One special benefit of traveling to Hawaii is that jet lag might actually be in your favor. Hawaiians tend to get up early with sunrise and go to bed early. Restaurants also tend to end dinner service before 9PM. When you arrive, you'll be able to sleep soon after sunset and then rise with the sun the next day.

Booking Your Travel

In general, you should book your travel and accommodations about three months in advance. To make the most of the time change, many will choose an early morning departure so they can arrive earlier in the day and then fly home in evening. You should be able to find flights from Hawaiian Air, Delta, Southwest, United, and Alaska Airlines.

Pro Tip:
Car rentals can occasionally become fully booked since the number of cars on the islands is limited. If you can't find a car rental through an agency during the dates of your stay, try the Turo App - it's like Air BnB for cars!

If you are planning on traveling across the island, we recommend booking a rental car for ease of travel. The majority of visitors to the island rent cars so we encourage you to book well in advance so that you have the best rates and selection of cars. If you are a Costco member, you will likely find the lowest rates when booking through them. You will find the following car rentals at Kona International Airport:

  • Alamo

  • Avis

  • Budget

  • Dollar

  • Enterprise

  • Hertz

  • National

  • Thrifty

Wedding Licenses, Permits, Officiants and Other Legalities

In order to be married in Hawaii, hopeful couples must meet with an authorized agent in person to fill out an application for a marriage license before the ceremony can take place. Be sure to plan ahead and book your travel so that you arrive at least one day ahead of your wedding for this meeting to take place. Marriage licenses issued in the state of Hawaii are valid within the state for up to 30 days including the date it was issued.

All beaches in Hawaii are public beaches and require a permit for weddings. For most permits you need proof of a liability insurance for up to $1 million. At Beach Glass Weddings, we always secure the necessary permits on behalf of our clients, and many other local wedding planners provide this service as well.

A certified copy of civil union, marriage, or divorce certificate issued by the State of Hawaii may need to be officially authenticated by an apostille in order to be recognized and accepted by government officials of foreign countries.At Beach Glass Weddings, we assist with connecting you with the apostille.

For more information on licenses, permits and officiants, please visit our Hawaii Licenses page.

Wedding Planning in the Time of COVID-19

As we continue to adapt in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, it is still possible to plan a dream wedding in Hawaii. Events that include less than 10 people are permitted in the state of Hawaii at the current moment. As of October 15, incoming travelers may participate in the Safe Travels Hawai'i program as an alternative to the mandatory 14-day quarantine. In order to participate in the program, you must register on Hawaii's Safe Travels website beforehand. Then you must provide a negative COVID-19 test that is taken at any of Hawaii's Trusted Travel Partners 72 hours before. Once you arrive, you will undergo a post-arrival screening at the Kona airport which will entail a temperature check and a second rapid test for those with COVID-19 symptoms and/or a temperature above 100.4 degrees F or higher.

For more information on current restrictions due to COVID-19 AND how we may assist you in planning a memorable, meaningful wedding in the face of COVID-19, visit our previous post on the topic.

Kikaua Point Beach Park wedding

A beach wedding in Hawaii can be as casual or as formal as you like

Best Attire for a Hawaii Beach Wedding

A special benefit of being married on one of Hawaii's pristine beaches is that you have freedom when it comes to deciding the dress code, and you may forgo the formalities in favor of attire that will be appropriate for the landscape. Most couples like to be married barefoot, but you will still need footwear to get from parking to the site of your wedding since most walking paths are too rough for bare feet. If you are planning on wearing footwear during your ceremony, it's best to avoid heels as the white sand can be quite deep on the Big Island's beaches. For wedding dresses, choose a gown that is appropriate for the landscape and avoid long trains, lace or any fabric that won't do well in the heat.

Dining and Cuisine

Hawaii is home to a distinct and varied local cuisine that has evolved over time as the cultural landscape of the state has shifted. Hawaiian cuisine is a blend of four distinct types of food from Pacific Islanders who migrated to Hawaii around third century AD, the European colonizers who landed in the island around the 18th century, the long migration of those who came to work on Hawaii's plantations including Chinese, Japanese, and later Southeast Asians, and the fusion of all of these influences which is referred to on the island as "Local Food."

It's important to note that serving food will likely not be possible on the beach because most beaches close 30 minutes after sunset. For such weddings, you must plan a secondary location for your dinner after your ceremony. This can either be achieved by holding a catered dinner at your lodgings or reserving a table at one of the many fine dining options throughout the Big Island. At Beach Glass Weddings, we book dining for our couples as part of our wedding packages.

Choosing Wedding Vendors on Hawaii

Choosing vendors anywhere can be a hassle, and if you are not well-versed in the local offerings of the Big Island, it can be near impossible to find the right vendors for your wedding. Our advice is to rely on a wedding planner who lives and works in the area to connect you with the vendors you will need to create a magical experience for you and your guests.

For a successful Hawaiian wedding, you will likely need some or all of the following vendors:

  • Photographer

  • Videographer

  • Caterer

  • Musicians

  • Florist

  • Officiant

Your local wedding planner should have ample resources to provide you with these vendors. For more information on the vendors that we know and trust, get to know Our Team.

Flowers and Leis (Garlands) for Weddings on Hawaii

bride and groom with Hawaiian lei and bouquet

Many couples incorporate tropical flowers into their beach wedding ceremonies

Bouquets

There are many enchanting tropical Hawaiian flowers that you can choose to incorporate into your bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets or boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen. Some popular bouquet options are purple orchids and anthurium as well as the magnificent white orchids that thrive in the tropical climate and are a popular choice in creating leis. Due to its stunning appearance and sturdiness, the native South African bloom bird of paradise is a popular addition to Hawaiian wedding bouquets.

Wedding Leis

In addition to bouquets and boutonnieres, leis are a popular addition to Hawaiian weddings. Traditional fresh flower leis are garlands typically made with orchids that are worn around the neck and are customary in Hawaiian weddings. Another beautiful addition to a bridal party's wedding wardrobe is the Haku lei which is a flower garland worn as a crown. Not to be left out, grooms may opt for a Maile Style Lei which is a lei that looks like a Maile lei made out of ti leaves. The Maile Lei is a vine that is harvested in the mountains and is sacred among those who work with the vine, and though it was traditionally reserved for royalty, it is now a popular option for special occasions.

Your local wedding planner should be able to advise you on which local florists will be ready and able to design you something singular for your special day. At Beach Glass Weddings, we work with our trusted team of vendors that we've known for many years to provide the most exquisite floral arrangements for your wedding day.

Hawaii Destination Wedding Costs

While there are significant travel costs to having a destination wedding in Hawaii, it is possible to have a magical wedding in Hawaii without breaking the bank. Having an intimate ceremony on the beach reduces costs significantly so that you have more budget for travel expenses. The average cost for a Hawaii wedding in 2019 was just under $33,000 which is actually about a thousand dollars less than the national average.

All-Inclusive vs. Customized Weddings

If you've gotten this far in our guide, it's likely you realize that there are a lot of moving parts at play when planning your dream Hawaii wedding. For those who want to take the stress out of wedding planning, all-inclusive packages and customized wedding packages are available options. While you adjust to the time change and enjoy some vacationing before your nuptials, your local wedding planner will be in control of bringing your wedding experience to life.

However the drawback to an all-inclusive package is that it limits the customization available to you in planning your wedding. They lock you into your accommodations and flight time, and you will not be able to adapt the package to fit your needs. At Beach Glass Weddings, we have a vast network of connections and extensive experience that make it possible to create a wedding all your own while still keeping budget in mind. Ready to start planning your dream wedding? Reach out to us for more information and we can determine the right fit for your ceremony.

Excursions in Hawaii

Couples planning to marry in Hawaii will likely also want to plan fun excursions for their family and friends who are joining them for their nuptials. There are many unique activities you can plan for your wedding party that fit any budget and energy level. On the Big Island, there are outdoor excursions to tour volcanoes and lava fields, snorkel with manta rays, or swim with dolphins. For active members of your wedding party, bike tours and snorkeling are also available.

Typically, it's best to plan one excursion for your wedding party each day other than the day of your wedding. Your local wedding planner should be able to recommend excursions to you, but be sure to do your own research as well.

Final Thoughts

There are infinite ways to plan a destination wedding that will delight your guests and create memories that will last forever. What really matters is what you want to bring to life with your ceremony. If you are thinking of a Hawaiian destination wedding, it is important to keep in mind that you will likely have an outdoor wedding that will include travel costs, specific legalities that are required by the state, party size restrictions on the public beaches, and many other moving parts that will need your attention as you approach your big day. With the right wedding planner, this fantasy can easily become a reality!

Still unsure what your dream Hawaiian wedding will look like? Contact us today, and we'll start planning with you.