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Couple kissing on Big Island beach; Hawaii wedding locations

━ 33+ Locations · Hawaii Big Island ━

Big Island Beach
Wedding Locations

Searching for the best locations for Big Island Beach Weddings? You've found them. Beach Weddings on Big Island span everything from Kuki'o, Hapuna, Kapaa, and Mauna Kea to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach and the Kohala Coconut Grove — all served by Kona Wedding Officiant® since 2017.

400+   Five-Star Reviews

  • 1,000+   Ceremonies Since 2017

Big Island Beach Weddings

33+ Locations For Big Island
Beach Weddings Across Hawaii Island.

The Big Island of Hawaii offers more diverse coastal beauty than any other Hawaiian island — making it the premier destination for Big Island Beach Weddings. From the powdery white sand beaches of Kona's leeward coast to the dramatic black sand shores of Punalu'u and Pohoiki, the lush rainforest gardens of Hilo, and secluded private waterfalls hidden in the jungle.

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Kona Wedding Officiant® has performed ceremonies at over 33 Big Island Beach Wedding Locations since 2017. Our local team knows the best timing, light, and access for each spot — and we obtain the necessary Hawaii State beach permits for every Beach Wedding on Big Island.

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Click any location below to expand its photo gallery and learn more about timing, accessibility, permit requirements, and what makes that beach special for your Big Island wedding ceremony.

How To Browse

Click any beach card below to expand its photo gallery, see ceremony timing tips, location details, and learn what makes it perfect for your Big Island Beach Wedding.

33+

Total Locations

8

Kona Coast

7

Kohala Resort

4

Black Sand

5

Volcano & Lava

7

Hilo & East

West Hawaii · Kailua-Kona to North Kona

Kona Coast
Beach Weddings

8 Locations

The Kona Coast stretches from the local-favorite beaches along Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona town up through the wild, pristine shores of North Kona. From easy-access town beaches to the most secluded coves on Hawaii Island, this stretch of coastline offers Big Island's most varied and beloved white sand wedding settings.

Couple at Kuki'o Beach wedding; Kona Big Island location

Secluded · Most Popular

Kuki'o Beach

Couple at Kikaua Point Park sunset wedding; Hualalai beach

Hidden Cove · Hualalai

Kikaua Point Park 

Wedding group at Old Kona Airport Beach; Big Island wedding

Old Kona Airport  Beach

Wedding party at Holualoa Beach sunset; Kailua-Kona location

Kailua-Kona

Holualoa Beach

Couple embracing at Honl's Beach; Kailua-Kona wedding spot

Kailua-Kona

Honl's Beach

Couple dancing at La'aloa Beach; Magic Sands wedding location

Magic Sands · Ali'i Drive

La'aloa Beach

Wedding group at Kua Bay; pristine North Kona beach

Pristine · North Kona

Kua Bay

Couple at Mahaiula Bay; remote North Kona wedding beach

adventure location · North Kona

Mahaiula Bay

South & North Kohala · Resort Coast

Kohala Coast
Beach Wedding Locations

7 Resort Locations

The Kohala Coast — north of Kona — is home to Hawaii's most luxurious resort beaches. Hapuna Beach, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach Resort, Pauoa Bay, and the iconic Coconut Grove line this sun-drenched stretch of Hawaii Island with world-class white sand, calm turquoise water, and the most polished resort settings for Big Island Beach Weddings.

Couple walking on Hapuna Beach; Kohala Big Island wedding

World-Class · Kohala

Hapuna Beach

Couple embracing under tree; Mauna Kea Beach wedding

Mauna Kea Resort

Mauna Kea Beach

Couple at Waikoloa Beach with palm tree; wedding location

Waikoloa Resort

Waikoloa Beach

Couple with lei at Pauoa Bay; Mauna Lani wedding

Mauna Lani Resort

Pauoa Bay

Bride and groom stands on Spencer Beach shoreline during their Hawaii elopement.

Public beach · NORTH Kohala

Spencer Beach Park

Wedding group at Coconut Grove Beach; palm-lined Kohala

Palm-Lined · Kohala

Coconut Grove Beach

Just married couple posing for a photo on Waialea Beach in Kohala Hawaii.

North Kohala · Special use

Waialea Beach (Beach 69)

Iconic · Volcanic Origin

Black Sand Beach Weddings
on Big Island

4 Iconic Beaches

Hawaii Island's most iconic black sand beaches — formed over centuries as volcanic lava met the Pacific Ocean. These four beloved shorelines feature true, soft black sand, calm waters, and frequent visits from Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). Unforgettable settings for couples seeking dramatic, otherworldly Big Island Beach Weddings.

Couple at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach; sea turtle wedding spot

Iconic · Sea Turtles

Punalu'u Black Sand

Couple kissing among lava rocks; Kehena Black Sand Beach

Puna District · Secluded

Kehena Black Sand

Bride and groom on Kiholo Bay lava coast; Kona wedding

Lava Coast · Kona Side

Kiholo Bay

Couple at Pohoiki Black Sand Beach; newest 2018 eruption site

Newest · 2018 Eruption

Pohoiki Black Sand

kapaa.jpg

KOHALA · county park

Kapaa Beach

Hawai'i Volcanoes · Lava-Formed

Volcano & Lava
Wedding Locations

5 Dramatic Venues

For couples drawn to raw, otherworldly beauty, Big Island offers the world's only ceremony venues shaped by active volcanism — Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, recently lava-formed beaches at Pohoiki and Kaimu, and the haunting petrified forests of Lava Tree State Monument. These are unforgettable, dramatic settings for the bold and adventurous.

Volcanic Eruption Glow

National Park · Iconic

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Coastal view of Kaimu Black Sand Beach; lava-formed shoreline

Lava-Formed · 1990

Kaimu Black Sand

Lava Tree State Monument_edited_edited.jpg

Puna · Lava Forest

Lava Tree State Monument

Couple embracing at MacKenzie State Park; lava cliffs sunset

Lava Cliffs · Puna

MacKenzie State Park

whittington_edited.jpg

Ka'u · Lava Coast

Whittington Beach Park

East Hawaii · Hilo Side

Hilo & East Hawaii
Beach Weddings

7 Lush Locations

The east side of Hawaii Island is wetter, lusher, and far more tropical than Kona — a paradise of waterfalls, jungles, botanical gardens, and quiet ocean parks. These Hilo wedding locations are perfect for couples seeking emerald greenery, mist, and authentic island serenity for their Beach Wedding on Big Island.

Bridal party with lei at Hilo Bay; East Hawaii wedding

East Hawaii

Hilo Bay

Coconut Palm Tree

Hilo · Tide Pools

Carlsmith Beach Park

Black sand coastline at Richardson Ocean Park; Hilo wedding

Hilo · Black Sand

Richardson Ocean Park

Tropical Palm Trees

Hilo · Family Friendly

Onekahakaha Beach Park

Bride in Japanese garden; Lili'uokalani Gardens Hilo wedding

Hilo · Japanese Garden

Lili'uokalani Gardens

Couple with lei near waterfall; Rainbow Falls Hilo wedding

Hilo · Waterfall

Rainbow Falls

Forest Path

Hamakua · Forest

Kalopa State Forest

Exclusive · Private Estates

Private Big Island
Beach Wedding Venues

2 Exclusive Locations

For couples seeking complete privacy and exclusivity, Big Island offers stunning private estates and hidden jungle waterfalls. These venues are by reservation only, with limited dates each year — book early for the most magical, intimate, and entirely-yours Big Island Beach Wedding ceremony.

Couple at private waterfall venue; exclusive Big Island wedding

Exclusive · By your own Reservation

Private Venue

Couple kissing at hidden Hilo waterfall; private wedding venue

Hilo · Hidden Waterfall

our all inclusive waterfall package

Private Hawaii Waterfall

Why Choose Big Island Beach Weddings

Hawaii Island offers more diverse coastal beauty than any other destination for your beach wedding

  • Reliable Sunshine

Kona side averages 360+ sunny days per year

  • Diverse Coastlines

White sand, black sand, lava cliffs, & waterfalls

  • Local Expert Guidance

We know the right beach for your timing & vision

  • Permits Handled

Hawaii State beach permits included in every package

  • Year-Round Weddings

Tropical climate means any month works beautifully

  • Private & Secluded

Many beaches feel completely yours

  • Sea Turtles & Wildlife

Honu sightings are common at Punalu'u & Kiholo

  • Stunning Sunsets

Kona side sunsets are world-renowned

Begin Planning Today

Ready For Your Big Island Beach Wedding?

Explore our all-inclusive Hawaii beach wedding packages or claim your preferred date today. Our team handles every detail — permits, planning, and ceremony — so you can simply enjoy the moment.

Choosing The Right Big Island
Beach For Your Wedding

With over 33 stunning Big Island Beach Wedding Locations to choose from, finding the right ceremony spot can feel overwhelming. As a Kailua-Kona based wedding officiant team that has performed over 1,000 ceremonies on Hawaii Island since 2017, Kona Wedding Officiant® is here to help you choose the perfect beach for your Big Island Beach Wedding, vow renewal, or elopement.

Kona Side vs. Hilo Side: Which Is Right For Your Beach Wedding on Big Island?

The most important decision when planning Beach Weddings Big Island-style is whether to celebrate on the Kona (west) side or the Hilo (east) side. Kona is sunnier, drier, and home to Hawaii's signature white sand beaches like Hapuna, Kuki'o, Kapaa, and Mauna Kea — ideal for couples wanting reliable weather, calm turquoise water, and dramatic sunset ceremonies. Hilo is wetter, lusher, and far more tropical — perfect for couples drawn to waterfalls, rainforest gardens, and the soft, misty light of the windward coast.

Kona Coast vs. Kohala Coast: Two Distinct White Sand Regions

The west side of Big Island is divided into two distinct regions for Big Island Beach Weddings. The Kona Coast centers on Kailua-Kona town and stretches north into wild, pristine North Kona — featuring accessible local-favorite beaches like Old Kona Airport Beach, La'aloa (Magic Sands), Honl's Beach, Kua Bay, and Mahaiula. These beaches feel authentic, walkable from Ali'i Drive hotels and condos, and offer that classic Hawaii small-town wedding vibe.

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The Kohala Coast — a 30-minute drive north of Kona — is Hawaii's premier resort coast and home to the most luxurious locations for Big Island Beach Weddings. Hapuna Beach consistently ranks among the world's best beaches and accommodates ceremonies of any size with special use permits. Kuki'o Beach offers an upscale, palm-lined shore — our most popular and most secluded location. Pauoa Bay in North Kohala provides a quiet, secluded setting away from resort crowds. Kikaua Point Park is one of our most-loved hidden gems — a small, private cove perfect for intimate elopements. Mauna Kea Beach, Pauoa Bay (Mauna Lani), Waikoloa Beach, and the palm-shaded Coconut Grove bring polished resort backdrops to your day.

Big Island Black Sand Beach Weddings

For couples seeking dramatic, otherworldly ceremony backdrops, Hawaii Island's black sand beaches are unmatched. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is the most famous — formed by volcanic lava and frequented by Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). Pohoiki Beach is the newest black sand beach in Hawaii, created by the 2018 Kīlauea eruption. Kehena and Kaimu offer secluded ceremony settings in the lush Puna district, while Kiholo Bay on the Kona side combines black sand with calm turquoise water — a breathtaking contrast for your Beach Wedding on Big Island.

Hilo & East Hawaii Wedding Locations

The east side of the island is a paradise of jungle, waterfalls, and tropical gardens. Lili'uokalani Gardens is a stunning Japanese-style garden in downtown Hilo, perfect for couples wanting a serene, manicured setting. Rainbow Falls offers a powerful waterfall backdrop. Carlsmith Beach Park and Richardson Ocean Park are favorite Hilo ocean ceremony spots, while Lava Tree State Monument and Kalopa State Forest Reserve appeal to couples wanting unique forest and lava-cast ceremony experiences.

Hawaii Beach Permits & Logistics For Big Island Beach Weddings

Most public Big Island beaches require a Hawaii State beach permit for commercial wedding ceremonies. As your Big Island wedding officiant, Kona Wedding Officiant® handles all permits and insurance — included in every package. We also navigate Special Use Permits for State Parks and waterfall locations on your behalf, so you can focus on celebrating rather than paperwork.

Booking Your Big Island Beach Wedding

Ready to choose your Big Island Beach Wedding Location? Schedule a free planning consultation with our team, or claim your date online today. We'll walk you through the best locations for Big Island Beach Weddings, your date, timing, group size, and ceremony vision — and help you find the perfect spot to say "I do" on Hawaii Island.

Ready to Get Started?

Find Your Perfect
Big Island
Beach Wedding Location

Schedule a free Big Island wedding planning consultation and we'll help you choose the perfect beach location, date, and Kona Wedding Officiant® — no pressure, just Aloha.

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