━ 7 Beaches · South Kohala Coast · Big Island Hawaii ━
Kohala Wedding
Locations
The 7 best Kohala wedding locations on Hawaii's Big Island — from world-renowned Hapuna Beach and the legendary Mauna Kea Beach to Pauoa Bay, Waikoloa Beach, Spencer Beach Park, and Waialea (Beach 69). Curated by Kona Wedding Officiant®.
South Kohala · Big Island Hawaii
The 7 best Kohala wedding locations.
The Kohala wedding locations on Hawaii's Big Island are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Stretching along Hawaii Island's leeward shore — just 30 minutes north of Kona — the South Kohala Coast is celebrated for white sand, calm turquoise water, and Hawaii's most consistently sunny weather.
Kona Wedding Officiant® has performed hundreds of ceremonies at Kohala wedding locations since 2017. From Hapuna Beach — consistently ranked among the world's best beaches — to the secret coves of Mau'umae, the family-friendly Spencer Beach Park, and the local-favorite Waialea (Beach 69), the Kona Wedding Officiant® team handles every detail of your Kohala wedding day, including Hawaii State beach permits, guidance for special use permits, and Hawaii State marriage license filing.
This page features the 7 best Kohala beach wedding locations on Hawaii's Big Island. Click any beach card below to explore its photo gallery, ceremony tips, and details.
Prefer A Different Vibe?
The 9 more accessible Kona Coast town and North Kona beaches are featured on our dedicated Kona Wedding Locations page →
7
Kohala Wedding Locations
3
Public Park Beaches
#1
Hapuna · Best Beach
30
Min From Kona Airport
1,000+
Ceremonies
2017
Marrying Since
South Kohala · Big Island Hawaii
The 7 Best
Kohala Wedding Locations
7 Curated Locations
Seven beautiful South Kohala wedding locations — from world-famous Hapuna Beach and the legendary Mauna Kea Beach to Pauoa Bay, Waikoloa Beach, the family-friendly Spencer Beach Park, the local-favorite Waialea (Beach 69), and the hidden gem of Mau'umae. World-class white sand, calm turquoise water, and the most beautiful coastline in Hawaii.
Where Your Guests Can Stay
Lodging Near The
Kohala Coast.
Several Kohala wedding locations sit near major resort properties — handy when you're choosing a home base for your stay. These four properties are popular places for couples and their guests to stay while celebrating on the Kohala Coast.
01
Hapuna Prince Resort
A Westin-managed property near the world-famous Hapuna Beach State Park — Hawaii's largest white sand beach.
Near Hapuna Beach
02
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
The legendary 1965 Laurance Rockefeller property fronting Kauna'oa Bay — Hawaii's original luxury hotel experience.
Near Mauna Kea Beach
03
Mauna Lani Resort
A modern luxury property along the coastline near beautiful Pauoa Bay and Coconut Grove — walking distance to restaurants.
Near Pauoa Bay
04
Waikoloa Beach Resort
A sprawling complex (Hilton & Marriott) on Anaeho'omalu Bay — the most popular Big Island destination for groups.
Near Waikoloa Beach
West Hawaii · Kailua-Kona
Prefer Town
Beach Vibes?
The 9 more accessible Kona wedding locations — including Old Kona Airport Beach, Kuki'o, Kikaua Point, La'aloa (Magic Sands), Kua Bay, and Mahaiula — are featured on our dedicated Kona Wedding Locations page. Town beaches along Ali'i Drive plus pristine North Kona shores, often more accessible and laid-back than the Kohala Coast.
Old Kona
Airport
.jpg)
Kuki'o
Beach
La'aloa
Magic Sands
Kikaua
Point
+ 5 more locations · 9 Kona Coast beaches total
Why Couples Choose A Kohala Coast Wedding
South Kohala holds Hawaii's most stunning Big Island beach wedding locations
-
World-Ranked Beaches
Hapuna Beach is consistently named one of the world's best
-
White Sand & Calm Water
Soft white sand and protected leeward bays — ideal ceremony conditions
-
360+ Sunny Days
The driest, sunniest stretch of Hawaii Island
-
State & Public Beaches
Hapuna State Park, Spencer, Waialea, Mau'umae, and more
-
30 Min From KOA
Easy airport access for guests flying in
-
Marrying In Kohala Since 2017
The Kona Wedding Officiant® team trusted by Kohala couples
The 7 Best Kohala Wedding Locations
On Hawaii's Big Island
The South Kohala Coast holds the best Kohala wedding locations on Hawaii's Big Island. Stretching along the leeward shore of Hawaii's Big Island just 30 minutes north of Kona International Airport (KOA), Kohala holds some of Hawaii's finest white sand beaches and the most consistently sunny weather in the state. As the local Kona Wedding Officiant® team trusted by couples since 2017, Kona Wedding Officiant® has performed hundreds of ceremonies at these 7 stunning Kohala wedding locations.
1. Hapuna Beach: Hawaii's #1 Kohala Wedding Location
Hapuna Beach is the crown jewel of all Kohala wedding locations — and arguably of all Hawaii. Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches by Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast, and TripAdvisor, Hapuna offers a half-mile of soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and dramatic views toward Maui on clear days. Hapuna is a Hawaii State Park and accommodates wedding ceremonies of any size with proper Hawaii State special use permits — making it ideal for couples expecting larger guest counts. Because this is a popular sunbathing beach, morning ceremonies between 7am–8am are recommended at this Kohala wedding location.
2. Mauna Kea Beach: A Classic Kohala Wedding Location
Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna'oa Bay) is one of Hawaii's most iconic crescent-shaped white sand beaches and one of the most beloved Kohala wedding locations — a peaceful, picture-perfect cove on the South Kohala shore. The beach maintains an air of timeless old-Hawaii elegance and is more secluded than Hapuna, ideal for couples wanting a polished, classic Hawaii wedding setting. Mauna Kea Beach has limited public parking — due to this, it works best for couples staying nearby or for groups desiring an early morning wedding between 7–8am, before the parking fills up.
3. Pauoa Bay: An Intimate Cove
Pauoa Bay is one of the most popular intimate Kohala wedding locations — a small, secluded cove with calm water and stunning sunset views. Pauoa Bay and the nearby Coconut Grove are ideal for ceremonies with 25 guests or fewer, and the surrounding stretch of coastline is one of the most beautiful in all of Hawaii.
4. Waikoloa Beach (Anaeho'omalu Bay)
Waikoloa Beach — also known as Anaeho'omalu Bay or "A-Bay" — is a historic palm-lined white sand bay where Hawaiian royalty once gathered. This beach is one of the most popular Kohala wedding locations thanks to its beauty, accessibility, and ample lodging options nearby. Ideal for couples expecting larger guest counts who want plenty of accommodation choices within walking distance.
5. Spencer Beach Park: A Family-Friendly Kohala Wedding Location
Spencer Beach Park is one of the calmest, most family-friendly Kohala wedding locations on the entire Big Island — a Hawaii County public park with a gentle protected bay perfect for couples with young children, elderly guests, or anyone wanting a relaxed, accessible ceremony. Easy parking, picnic facilities, and reliably calm water make this a top choice for low-key Kohala weddings.
6. Waialea Beach (Beach 69): A Local Favorite
Waialea Beach — known to locals as "Beach 69" — is a beloved white sand cove tucked between Hapuna and Puako and one of the most authentic Kohala wedding locations. Less crowded than Hapuna and less manicured than the more polished Kohala beaches, Beach 69 has a relaxed, true Hawaii feel. Ideal for couples who want world-class white sand without the crowds.
7. Coconut Grove Beach: A Beautiful Kohala Coast Setting
Coconut Grove Beach, located along the Fairmont Orchid coastline, is a beautiful setting for couples looking for a tropical Hawaii beach wedding. Surrounded by swaying palm trees, beautiful coastal scenery, and the distinctive beauty of the Kohala Coast, Coconut Grove offers a romantic setting for intimate wedding ceremonies and elopements. Its location near the Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani resort area also makes it convenient for couples and guests staying nearby. Enjoy a post wedding dinner walking distance to Brown's Beach House.
Kohala vs. Kona Wedding Locations: Which Side Of West Hawaii?
While this page focuses on the 7 best Kohala wedding locations, the Kona Coast — 30 minutes south — offers 9 more accessible town beaches and pristine North Kona coves. Kohala wedding locations are known for white sand, calm water, and Hawaii's sunniest weather; Kona wedding locations are more laid-back, varied, and walkable from town. Many couples visit both pages before deciding. For a complete view of all 33+ Big Island beach wedding locations, see our master Big Island Beaches page.
Permits, Coordination & Logistics For Kohala Wedding Locations
All Kohala wedding locations require Hawaii State beach permits. As your Kohala wedding officiant, Kona Wedding Officiant® handles all Hawaii State beach permits for couples. If we cannot obtain a permit for you — such as at Hapuna Beach where a special use permit is required — Kona Wedding Officiant® will assist you in applying step-by-step. All Hawaii wedding packages include permits, insurance, and coordination.
Kohala Weddings & Vow Renewals
Whether you're planning a destination wedding for 50 guests at Hapuna, an intimate vow renewal at Mauna Kea Beach, or an elopement at hidden Mau'umae, Kona Wedding Officiant® has a Kohala wedding location and package that fits. Browse our beach wedding packages or all-inclusive Hawaii wedding packages to find the right fit for your Kohala wedding.
Booking Your Kohala Wedding Location
Ready to choose your Kohala wedding location? Schedule a free planning consultation with the Kona Wedding Officiant® team. We'll walk you through the best Kohala wedding locations for your date, timing, group size, and ceremony vision — and help you find the perfect spot to say "I do" on Hawaii's most beautiful coastline.
Continue Planning
Continue Planning
Your Kohala Wedding
Explore packages, locations, and resources for your Kohala wedding day on Hawaii's Big Island.
All Locations
Big Island Beaches
Browse all 33+ Hawaii Island wedding locations across every region — including black sand, volcano, and Hilo.
in kona town
Kona Wedding Locations
9 Kona wedding locations from Kailua-Kona town to North Kona's pristine shores.
Full group Packages
All-inclusive Kohala Hawaii wedding packages with photography, videography, flowers, and complete coordination.
elopements
Curated all-inclusive Kohala elopement packages designed specifically for Hawaii beach ceremonies — leis, permits, Aloha included.
Renewal Ceremonies
Renew your vows at stunning Kohala wedding locations — perfect for milestone anniversaries and meaningful celebrations.