The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect combination of tropical beach romance and adventure. Although there are eight major islands, only Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Molokai, and Lanai are open to tourism.

Each island has its own special characteristics, although they’re all full of lush forests, mountains, and beautiful beaches. There isn’t a more ideal spot to elope, honeymoon, and explore!

Travel

Flights to Hawaii are easy to find from many international airports, especially from Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix. If you’ll be staying for an extended period, consider “island hopping” too.

When to visit

Temperatures in Hawaii stay around 80 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, so there is only the rainy and tourist seasons to consider before booking.

The rainy season is between November and March, with the popular tourist season between December and April as well as June through August.

Legal requirements to marry in Hawaii

You can check here for all of Hawaii’s current laws about marriage. In general, legally eloping there is easy, as shown in this four-step video, and you can start the process at home by filling out the application for a marriage license online.

You’ll need a licensed agent to process your application, but once you pick up your marriage license (on a non-holiday weekday), you can get married anytime within 30 days. There is no waiting period, which is awesome!

Unlike in other states, family and friends are not allowed to officiate weddings in Hawaii. You’ll need to find a state-approved performer to marry you. I suggest narrowing down your search by location.

Which Hawaiian Island should you get married on?

When deciding which island to visit, consider which one best suits you and how you’d like to spend your time. If you start to feel overwhelmed, know that I always say there are never any bad choices when visiting Hawaii! Below are a few details of each island.

Oahu elopement

Oahu is a popular island and home to the Aulani Disney Resort. Since it’s more populated than other islands it’s easy to find good deals on flights here. Once there, you’ll enjoy the best nightlife of all the islands, world-famous hiking trails, great beaches, and good food.

Highlights include the North Shore, Lanikai Beach, hiking Diamond Head, and Pearl Harbor.

Kauai elopement

Personally, Kauai is my favorite island. I think of it as the most adventurous island and it’s known for its nature. It’s less developed than other islands but easily kept me entertained for nine days. Its main attractions include helicopter rides, boat tours, golfing, and world-famous hiking trails.

Highlights include the Nā Pali coast (accessible by helicopter, boat, or hike only), the Waimea Canyon, waterfalls, and shave ice (honestly worth the mention).

Read all about my experience on Kauai here.

Maui elopement

Maui is known as the honeymoon island and where I honeymooned myself! I love the diversity on this island. It has a great mix of towns, resorts, and touristy attractions (think zip-lining, pineapple plantation tours, Luau’s, and more) along with nature.

Highlights include Haleakalā National Park and the Road to Hana.

Hawaii “Big Island” elopement

Known for the recently active volcanoes, beautiful beaches, coffee farms, and gorgeous valleys. Here you’ll find incredible and unique activities, such as swimming with manta rays and stargazing at the world’s clearest skies with the telescope at Mauna Kea.

Highlights include the Hawai’i Volcano National Park, Waipi’o Valley, and the Punalu’u black sand beach.

Lanai elopement

Lanai is Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island, complete with luxury resorts and stunning natural beauty. It’s closest to Maui, and flying or ferrying between the islands is a great idea. While it only has 30 miles of paved road, it does have 400 miles of 4-wheel-drive trails, making it the perfect place to go off the grid.

Highlights include spotting spinner dolphins from Hulopo’e Beach, Keahiakawelo (Garden of the Gods), hiking, and golfing.

Molokai elopement

Molokai is another island close to Maui and is the least-visited island of them all. It’s probably the most authentic Hawaiian island, and you can expect empty beaches and friendly locals.

Highlights include some of Hawaii’s best snorkeling and diving and the Halawa Valley.

When and where to elope

Although eloping on a sandy beach is classic, Hawaii has so many other outdoor elopement locations to consider as well. There are beautiful coastlines, cliffs, lava rock tidal pools, tropical forests, mountains, and waterfalls too!

Ask your adventure elopement photographer for location recommendations that include your favorite types of scenery or consider stopping at multiple places for a variety of photos.

You’ll want to talk with your elopement photographer about when to elope too. Typically, the best lighting for incredible photos is around sunrise and sunset for golden hour. If you’ll be on the east side of the island, sunrise will likely make for the best experience, as will sunset if you’ll be on the west side.

What to pack

The most unexpected but necessary item to bring to any Hawaiian island would be a raincoat. Rain showers can happen suddenly. Sometimes the rain is on and off again throughout the day, other times it rains consistently throughout the day, or it pours and stops almost immediately. Since temperatures are always warm (unless you’re at higher elevations like Haleakala or Mauna Kea), you won’t have to worry about bringing a warm jacket, just a waterproof one.

I would also consider bringing good pair of boots or shoes essential as well. If you’ll be wandering anywhere that could be muddy on your wedding day, they’re necessary! If you’re planning on a hiking elopement, check out this hiking elopement gear list as well.

Apply for a permit

Special use permits are needed to get married in Hawaii’s state and national parks, as well as on the beaches. Your adventure elopement photographer can help you navigate what will be needed.

Sustainable elopement practices

Similar to visiting any wilderness spaces, you’ll need to practice leave no trace principles while eloping. This means no wandering off paths in national parks, leaving trash or décor behind, and respecting the wildlife and other visitors.

Start your adventure

Eloping in Hawaii is a beautiful way to start a life together! When you hire me as an adventure elopement photographer, I do so much more than show up and take beautiful photos.

We’ll get to know one another throughout the process as I help suggest shooting locations, activities, lodging, recommend local vendors, and plan a timeline that prioritizes fun, and ideal lighting for photos. Let me help guide you in creating the most incredible elopement experience possible.

Start planning your Hawaii elopement