As one of the world’s most gorgeous and tranquil places, Hawaii is one of my favorite elopement destinations! And, if you’re dreaming of a Hawaii waterfall elopement, you’re in luck! In this guide, I’ll share the best places for a waterfall elopement in Hawaii, plus other helpful tips for an epic wedding day.

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Why Elope in Hawaii

Why not elope in Hawaii?! It’s gorgeous, peaceful, and bursting with fun experiences! Whether you and your love are planning an adventurous or relaxing elopement, Hawaii is the perfect place for it. 

Hawaii is also an easy place for out-of-towners to tie the knot. The process to legally marry here is pretty simple, or you can do the legal stuff in your home state before running off to Hawaii to say “I do.”

To learn more about how to elope in Hawaii, check out this complete guide!

Where to Have a Hawaii Waterfall Elopement

From iconic to hidden gem falls, there’s something for every couple looking to chase waterfalls. Below, I’ll share popular spots, destinations off the beaten path, and even a magical vacation rental with a private waterfall. The locations below can be found in Maui, Kauai, Oahu, and Hilo.

Twin Falls

Maui, HI

The Twin Falls area, situated in the Ho’olawa Valley, is a top sightseeing destination in Maui, and for great reason! Nature enthusiasts appreciate hiking through the rainforest and enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Hike to upper falls for a cascading waterfall elopement backdrop, or take a quick walk to the lower falls, which are also stunning!

Waimoku Falls

Maui, HI

Many of Hawaii’s epic waterfalls are located along the Road to Hana, a scenic drive along Maui’s coast. One of these waterfalls, which I love for elopements, is the Waimoku Falls. This incredible destination requires a 4-mile round trip hike to one of Maui’s largest waterfalls that flows down a lava rock wall. Best of all, the bamboo forest on the way to the falls has serious Thailand vibes!

Uluwehi Falls (aka Secret Falls)

Kauai, HI

For couples planning a Hawaii waterfall elopement away from the crowd, Uluwehi Falls is the spot! To get to this secret waterfall, you’ll take a leisurely 2-mile kayak trip on the Wailua River and a quick 1.5-mile hike to the falls running over volcanic rock. This spot offers a memorable and beautiful experience!

Waipo’o Falls

Kauai, HI

There are several ways to see the stunning 800-foot Waipo’o Falls, so this is the ideal spot for couples up for an adventure or who prefer a more chill elopement day. Located in Waimea Canyon, several lookout points are backed by the falls. There are also hiking opportunities that take you through rainforests and canyon rims and to the base of Waipo’o Falls.

Wailua Falls

Kauai, HI

For an adventurous elopement at some of Hawaii’s most dramatic falls, head to Wailua Falls. These waterfalls flow for almost 200 feet, and while they require a trek to the bottom, it’s well worth it for the stunning scenery. A morning elopement here is truly one-of-a-kind!

Opaeka’a Falls

Kauai, HI

Wailua River State Park is one of Hawaii’s most beautiful locations and is home to the easily accessible and stunning Opaeka’a Falls. This site is ideal for couples who want a convenient yet picturesque waterfall elopement destination. I also love this area because the park offers tons of photo ops, including the falls and a garden. 

Waimea Falls

Oahu, HI

For a seriously unique Hawaii waterfall elopement, Waimea Falls is the place! It’s located in a laid-back surf town along the north shore of Oahu. The falls are found in the Waimea Valley, surrounded by lush foliage and the peaceful sounds of nature.

The Falls at Reed’s Island

Hilo, HI

This elopement destination is actually a private fall at a magical vacation home in the rainforest. The Falls at Reed’s Island is a breathtaking spot for couples who want an easy, tranquil, and unforgettable experience. It’s even a great place to invite a few loved ones to join you on your special day!

You might also be interested in reading: How to Plan an Elopement

Tips for the Perfect Hawaii Waterfall Elopement

While it’s nearly impossible not to have an amazing elopement in Hawaii, these tips will allow you to have the best day possible! 

Consider accessibility.

Waterfall elopements usually mean there’s some adventuring involved. With that said, you want to be sure you’re up for the accessibility level of your destination. If you want a spot that’s easily accessible, there are plenty of options in Hawaii, like Opaeka’a Falls. On the other hand, if you’re up for an adventure, there’s a place (or a few) for that!

Consider timing.

When thinking about the timing of your elopement, you want to consider the time of year and day. You also want to think about how much time you’ll need for your ceremony, as far as getting there, waiting for the perfect moment if it’s busy, and the time for exchanging vows and taking photos.

Some of the iconic waterfalls in Hawaii can get quite busy, so it’s best to have your elopement early in the morning or late afternoon. If you prefer midday, you can always go with one of the more private spots listed above.

When considering the time of year for your elopement, June through August are the driest months of the year. This will, of course, affect how flowing the falls are. With that said, waterfalls in the rainforest are almost always cascading!

For help planning the perfect time for your elopement, you can always work with an elopement photographer and planner, like Wild Aisle Photography – that’s me! Not only do I take photos to capture your big day, but I can also help with the entire planning process.

Do your research.

As with any perfect day, there’s some research involved when planning your Hawaii waterfall elopement. When choosing your site, you’ll want to know what the area is like, how you get there, when the best time to go is, and what you’ll need to wear.

I’d love to help you with this part to make sure you have a smooth, fun day with as little work as possible on your part!

Pack accordingly.

Once you choose your elopement destination and time, it’s essential to pack accordingly. There’s a good chance you’ll need a comfy pair of shoes with traction for your waterfall elopement, so these are a must-have. That’s right! Many adventure elopement couples trek to the waterfall in hiking shoes.

Other things you may want to pack include a towel, wet wipes, your wedding and hiking shoes, bug spray, waterproof makeup, and a swimsuit in case you want to splash around for fun photos at the end.

Be flexible.

This one might be the most important! While adventurous elopements offer the perfect opportunity for a special, unforgettable day with your love, things can always come up. The waterfall might be surrounded by people, the hike could be more strenuous than you thought, and there could be a downpour right as it’s time to take pictures.

With all of that said, sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected events. So be flexible and ready for anything. Having an elopement photographer and planner there to help can make mishaps a lot easier!

Practice the principles of Leave No Trace.

One of the most important things to do during an elopement in nature is to practice the principle of Leave No Trace. In short, this is the idea of putting the environment first and leaving mother nature as you found it, or better than you found it.

I’m actually a certified Leave No Trace aware photographer, so I work to make sure every couple’s big day has minimal impact on public lands.

Let’s Plan Your Hawaii Waterfall Elopement!

I hope I’ve inspired you to start planning your dream elopement day in Hawaii. I’d love to help you make this day become a reality. Oh, and guess what else? I’m also an officiant, so I can even marry you and your partner if you’d like!

Contact me to start planning. I’d love to hear from you!