Hawaii is easily one of the most magical places to get married. It’s absolutely stunning and offers the perfect atmosphere for running away with your significant other to celebrate love. In this article, I’m going to share the best places to elope in Hawaii – with something for every couple! I’ll also give you my top tips for picking your location.

Interested in checking out Hawaii elopement packages? Here you go!

Is Hawaii a good place to elope?

Absolutely! In fact, Hawaii has become one of my favorite places for elopements. Every location is jaw-dropping, and there are endless places for every kind of couple to celebrate their big day. From beautiful beaches and vast parks to lush forests and mountains, there’s something for everyone! 

Hawaii also has a fairly simple process for legally getting married, even if you’re from out of state. To learn more about how to elope in Hawaii, check out this complete guide.

The Best Places to Elope in Hawaii

As I mentioned, Hawaii is FILLED with amazing destinations to elope. Below, I’ll share the best places for your ceremony, including beaches unlike any other, a park with an active volcano, and locations with beach and mountain scenery.

Black Sand Beach, Wai’ānapanapa State Park

Maui

While Wai’ānapanapa stands for glistening waters, the black sand is what makes this beach an unforgettable Hawaii elopement destination. Say “I do” in a magical setting, surrounded by unreal sands, lava formations, and a picturesque panorama.

Wai’ānapanapa State Park is the ideal location for couples who want some seclusion for their big day. Adventurous couples like to stick around this area for camping and hiking post elopement.

Red Sand Beach

Maui

Another breathtaking beach in Maui for a memorable elopement is Red Sand Beach. This pocket beach is another quiet spot, perfect for an intimate ceremony. The beach is accessed by a hidden hiking trail, so you’ll likely have the beach to yourself or with just a few others. 

And as if the red sand doesn’t make this place awesome enough, the turquoise waters are unmatched! Lava rock, beautiful waters, and the red sand offer so many amazing photo ops.

Haleakala National Park

Maui

If you like going against the grain, leave the beach for an elopement at Haleakala National Park. This stunning park sits over 10,000 feet above sea level and towers over Maui. It’s famously home to a dormant volcano, red desert, and lush waterfalls. 

Tip: For the most incredible backdrop, have your elopement in Haleakala National Park at sunrise or sunset.

You might also be interested in reading: A Maui Elopement: Everything You Need to Know for an Epic Experience

Waimea Canyon State Park

Kauai

You can never go wrong with eloping in one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii – Waimea Canyon State Park, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The park is surrounded by cascading waterfalls and overlooks the colorful gorge. This natural wonder is one of my favorites because it offers endless opportunities for incredible photos of your special day!

Kōkeʻe State Park

Kauai

One of the best places to elope in Hawaii, especially for couples who enjoy hiking, is Kōkeʻe State Park. This gorgeous park sits more than 4,000 feet above sea level and offers 45 miles of hiking trails. From lush forests to wildflowers, there’s so much beauty to discover in Kōkeʻe State Park.

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Kauai

For an elopement ceremony surrounded by unmatched nature, Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park might just be your spot! Most known for its sea cliffs, the park is also home to tropical plants, streams, waterfalls, and valleys. For a memorable elopement day experience, you can even explore sea caves, take a hike along sea cliffs, or snorkel along the coast.

Tunnels Beach

Kauai

Kaui’s North Shore is packed with stunning beaches, Tunnels Beach being one of the best for elopements! While it’s a go-to for snorkeling and diving, couples love the palm-lined coastline, golden sand, and lush mountain and jungle backdrop. There aren’t many better settings for exchanging your vows, right?!

You might also be interested in reading: The Perfect Kauai Elopement: How to Elope in Kauai, HI

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

The Big Island

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park might be the most remarkable setting on this list, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for. It’s home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea, craters, lava rock formations, and other jaw-dropping wonders. While the park can offer a laid-back experience, it’s also one of the best elopement destinations for hikers as there’s so much to explore! 

Sunset Ranch

Oahu

Sunset Ranch offers a charming, unique, and convenient elopement setting. This 30-acre estate on Oahu’s North Shore offers views of the ocean and mountains. Say “I do” in a gorgeous space that doesn’t require adventuring to get to, and there’s even space for a few guests if you want your closest loved ones to join.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Oahu

Ka’ena Point State Park is an ideal spot to spend your elopement day and exchange your vows. There are endless settings for photos, places to say “I do,” and experiences to enjoy together. The park is somewhat remote and incredibly peaceful. It’s home to a large sandy beach (you might even see dolphins!), a scenic hiking trail, and amazing sunset views.

The Falls at Reed’s Island

Hilo

If you’re hoping to elope at your accommodation, this is the place for it! The Falls at Reed’s Island isn’t just an elopement venue, but it’s also a vacation home tucked in the rainforest. This personal paradise has luxurious rooms, a garden, and a private waterfall.

The Falls at Reed’s Island is one of the most romantic places in Hawaii, where you can exchange your vows, relax together, and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

Kalaupapa National Historic Park

Molokai

Another place that takes you off the beaten path and away from the crowds for your big day is the impressive Kalaupapa National Historic Park. This one’s especially great for couples who enjoy history! The park has fascinating historical sites, and the sea cliff views are unmatched.

Tips for Choosing Your Hawaii Elopement Destination

Now that you’ve got the rundown of the best places to elope in Hawaii, you might be wondering how you can possibly pick just one! 

Here are some top tips for choosing your ideal elopement destination:

• Consider what you and your partner enjoy doing together. Is the beach your happy place? Do you love to hike? Are you into relaxing activities or active experiences? Let these things help you narrow down the options!
• Pick a time of the year and go from there. A waterfall location would be perfect if you’re looking at a date between November through March. If you’re thinking of eloping in fall or spring, this is the low season, so popular destinations like Haleakala National Park won’t be as busy.
• Don’t look at too many options. A mistake some couples make is looking at so many awesome options that it’s nearly impossible to pick just one. It’s easier to choose your location if you have a few excellent options like the ones above rather than if you have dozens to pick from.
• Decide who you want there. Elopements are known for having zero guests. However, some couples choose to have a loved one or two join them. If you plan to do this, an accessible location with enough space for a few people (like Sunset Ranch in Oahu) is best.
• Let your photographer help you. Many elopement photographers have enough experience to help you decide on your dream destination. And if you work with one who also helps with the planning aspect, like me, this can help make the decision a lot easier for you.

Best Places to Elope in Hawaii: Final Thoughts

I hope you found the perfect location to tie the knot on this list of the best places in Hawaii to elope! From laid-back or adventurous elopement destinations to secluded or popular spots, there’s something for everyone in Hawaii.

If you’d like some help picking the right place or are ready to start planning your big day, I’d love to help you! As a destination wedding and elopement photographer, I can help you plan and execute your special day with little to no stress. 

Fun fact: I’m also ordained and can marry you! Talk about easy breezy.

Ready to do this thing? Contact me!