If you’re hoping to tie the knot in a stunning destination, Hawaii might be the place for you. Hawaii has been a popular vacation and wedding destination for years thanks to its beauty and peaceful vibe. This guide is going to tell you exactly what you need to know in order to elope in Hawaii, the land of stunning islands and lush landscapes.

From preparation leading up to saying ‘I do’ to planning the perfect elopement, there’s a lot to know. That’s where I come in! I’m here to share the details so that you can spend your time simply enjoying the moment.

How to Prepare to Elope in Hawaii

Most of us have an idea of how much work goes into getting married. So, imagine what it takes to elope in a new-to-you location. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a ton of work! In fact, the point of eloping is to truly enjoy the start of a new journey. So let’s take a look at what needs to be done before you elope in Hawaii.

Marriage License Guidelines in Hawaii

To legally marry in Hawaii, you’ll need a marriage license. Thankfully, the process is actually pretty straightforward for couples out of state.

How to apply:

• Once you’re in Hawaii, you will appear with your partner in front of a marriage license agent to apply. Make sure you have a government-issued ID with you.
• You must be prepared to show proof of age and any required written consents and approvals found on your marriage license application. 
• You can complete the application online or in person.
• Your marriage license is issued upon approval when the application is made.

Note: If you want to skip these steps in a new-to-you place, you can simply go through the legal steps to get married in your hometown. Then, run off to Hawaii for your elopement celebration.

The Best Time to Elope in Hawaii

Hawaii is stunning all year long, but some months may be better than others for your island elopement. It really depends on the experience you’re seeking as to when you should elope in Hawaii. 

Here is some info on what different seasons and months may look like.

Winter

Winter (mid-November to February) is the peak season for Hawaii. Travelers love to visit in the winter when the weather isn’t nice elsewhere because Hawaii always is! Just remember, peak season tends to mean higher prices. Surfing is great during this time, too. There may be slight rain during these months but not much. The temperatures are in the high 60s to mid 80s.

If you get married in Winter, you’ll also be around for whale watching season which is pretty cool!

Spring

Hawaii is actually not too busy during Spring and it’s considered the off-season. Because of this, accommodations and airfare can be more affordable. Spring is sunny in Hawaii and temperatures are usually in the high 60s to low 80s.

Summer

Believe it or not, summer isn’t the busiest season in Hawaii so this could be a quiet time to take a trip and tie the knot. The weather is typically sunny with temperatures from the mid 70s to mid 80s. It is usually humid during the summer months.

Fall

Hawaii is awesome to visit in the Fall! There are fewer crowds, lower rates, and fun events. The weather is usually in the low 70s to mid 80s and sunny.

Hawaii Wedding Planners

If you’re looking for some guidance in terms of planning the perfect elopement, there are several notable wedding planners for the job.

I help with simple wedding planning and can help you choose a location, vendors, and accommodations. I can also help with acquiring permits and give advice based on my travel and elopement experiences. Find me here to check out Wild Aisle elopement packages!

If you’re looking for help with a more elaborate ceremony or reception, here are some of Hawaii’s best wedding planners.

• Weddings of Hawaii: In business for over 40 years, this team is dedicated to helping create an unforgettable romantic experience. 
• White Orchid Wedding: These talented professionals have been working for 30 years to help create unique island wedding adventures.
• Hawaii Wedding and Vow Renewal: Having performed over 10,000 weddings, these planners help make the entire elopement process run smoothly so that you can have your dream wedding.

Hawaii Elopement Photographer

In such a beautiful place, you want to have the perfect photos to share that special moment of eloping in Hawaii. That’s what I’m here for! ! Wild Aisle Photography doesn’t only help with simple wedding planning, but I’m also a Hawaii elopement photographer. My goal is to capture the entire story of your elopement day so you can cherish the memories and share them with your friends and family back home. 

Places to Elope in Hawaii

Hawaii is an incredibly gorgeous state no matter when you choose to say ‘I do.’ Any destination is top-notch with 8 beautiful major islands, lush forests, and epic waterfalls. There’s a perfect spot for just about every couple! Check them out…

For Unmatched Views: Maui

Maui is also known as ‘The Valley Isle.’ It’s Hawaii’s second-largest island and boasts some of the most incredible views. A Maui elopement means you can get married on top of a volcano or under a waterfall. If a beach wedding is more your style, Maui also offers that option.

For a Waterfall Wedding: Road to Hana

If you’re dreaming of a Hawaii waterfall elopement, the Road to Hana has you covered. The Road to Hana is a scenic stretch along the northeast coast of Maui with the official name of Hana Highway. There are hundreds of picturesque waterfall spots, many of which are secluded.

For a Wedding in the Forest: Kawela Bay

Kawala Bay is a small community on the northern coast of Oahu island. It’s considered one of the more secluded beaches and displays sandy beaches with blue water. The Kawela Bay forest is a stunning spot to say your vows.

For a Laid-Back Vibe: Kauai

Compared to other Hawaiian islands, Kauai is one of the less crowded ones. But, it’s just as beautiful! Kauai is also casual and known for its simple lifestyle. If you plan for a Kauai elopement, you can get married in the mountains, next to a volcano, or by the ocean.

For a Mountain Wedding: Oahu

Known as the ‘gathering place,’ Oahu is home to the majority of Hawaii’s population. An Oahu elopement is perfect if you want a wedding in the mountains. Sunset Ranch is a venue that offers both ocean and mountain views!

For a Black Sand Beach  Wedding: Kona

The stunning black beaches of Hawaii are a product of the lava that flowed from volcanoes. It makes a beautiful backdrop for a white dress *swoooon*. Kona is on the Big Island, which means there are a lot of things to do and places to see – like Volcanoes National Park.

How to Enjoy Hawaii After the Wedding

I’m not one to make assumptions *buut* I’m guessing that if you plan on eloping in Hawaii, you’ll also want to stick around for your honeymoon. And I think that’s a great idea – there is so much to see! Here are some must-do activities in Hawaii.

Explore the culture.

Experience the art of hula, check out ancient temples, and enjoy delicious cuisine. Hawaii’s culture is one-of-a-kind and can be explored in every part of the state. Don’t forget to attend a luau!

Relax on the beach.

Okay, this one might be a given but had to be included! Hawaii’s islands feature over 100 pristine beaches. Stretches of white sand offer plenty of space to rejuvenate with your new spouse.

Do water activities.

When you’re rested up and ready to get active, there are tons of water activities to experience. There are opportunities for surfing, parasailing, scuba diving, and everything in between. Whether you’re a newbie or a water sports expert, there’s something for everyone. You can also find water sport lessons on many beaches in Hawaii.

Go to a farmer’s market.

You can find several farmer’s markets on Hawaii’s islands. Shop for fresh produce and local homemade treats.

Visit Paia.

Paia is a chill surf town totally worth visiting. You can easily spend a couple of days walking the streets to check out cool shops and restaurants. And, the food is delicious! There are also other attractions like parks, beach activities, and art galleries. 

Go whale watching.

If you elope in Hawaii during the months of November through April, whale watching is a must. Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii in the Winter to mate. In fact, Hawaii is the only US state to watch humpback whales probably because of its warm water and lack of natural predators. While Maui is known to be the best island for whale watching, you can usually spot whales on the other islands, too.

Treat yourself to shaved ice.

A popular treat, shaved ice has been a local favorite for many years. It’s a must-do in Hawaii and you can find it in many restaurants and food trucks.

Plan Your Elopement in Hawaii

There you have it! Doesn’t eloping in Hawaii sound like a dream? If you want help making it a reality, I’d love to help. Contact me and let’s chat. 

For ideas on what to do after your elopement, check out 6 ideas for after your ‘just us’ elopement.