Best Places for Hawaii Destination Wedding Ceremonies
If you’re planning a Hawaii destination wedding, choosing the right ceremony location is one of the most exciting parts of the process. Discovering the best places for Hawaii destination wedding ceremonies means exploring everything from beautiful beaches and tropical gardens to dramatic lava landscapes and secluded coastal settings.
For couples planning a Big Island wedding, the Kona and Kohala Coast offer an especially wide variety of beautiful places to say “I do.” From white-sand beaches and historic gardens to dramatic lava coastlines, there is a ceremony setting for almost every wedding style.
At Kona Wedding Officiant®, we specialize in personalized wedding ceremonies throughout the Big Island of Hawaii and can help couples choose a location that fits their wedding, guest count, and vision.
Best Places for Hawaii Destination Wedding Ceremonies by Island
Hawaii has several islands that are popular for destination weddings, and each has its own personality.
Oʻahu: Beach Weddings and City Convenience
Oʻahu is a popular choice for couples who want a combination of beaches, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, and easy access to activities for their guests. Waikīkī offers a classic Hawaii backdrop with Diamond Head, palm trees, and the Pacific Ocean. Oʻahu also has lush gardens, mountain scenery, and private wedding venues. For couples who want their wedding and vacation to have plenty of entertainment and dining options nearby, Oʻahu can be a convenient choice.
Maui: Resorts and Romantic Ocean Views
Maui is well known for its beaches, resort areas, and beautiful sunset scenery. The Wailea area is particularly popular for couples looking for a more upscale destination wedding experience. Maui offers a combination of luxury resorts, oceanfront ceremonies, tropical gardens, and scenic coastal locations.
Kauaʻi: Lush and Tropical
Kauaʻi is known for its incredibly green landscapes, dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and tropical scenery. Couples who envision a wedding surrounded by lush vegetation and a more secluded island atmosphere may be drawn to Kauaʻi.
Big Island: Beaches, Lava Landscapes, and Variety
For couples looking for a destination wedding with a wide variety of scenery, the Big Island of Hawaii offers something particularly special. The island is home to beautiful beaches, black lava coastlines, tropical gardens, historic sites, and dramatic volcanic landscapes—including unique spots like Black Sand Beach Hawaii. The Kona side of the island also provides plenty of sunshine and beautiful coastal scenery.
And unlike a wedding at a large resort where your ceremony may look similar to other weddings, choosing a Big Island ceremony location allows you to create a much more personal experience.
Best Places for a Big Island Wedding Ceremony
If you're considering a Big Island wedding, here are some of the most beautiful locations to consider:
1. Kūkiʻo Beach – Luxury and White-Sand Beach Scenery
Kūkiʻo Beach is located along the Kohala Coast and is surrounded by beautiful resort scenery, lava rock, palm trees, and the Pacific Ocean.
Vibe: Upscale, romantic, classic Hawaii beach wedding feel.
Best for: Couples staying in the Kohala Coast resort areas who want striking photos combining white sand, lava rock, and turquoise water. Explore more options on our Big Island Beaches Page.
2. Old Kona Airport Beach – A Classic Kona Beach Wedding
Old Kona Airport Beach is one of the locations that gives couples a distinctly Kona experience. Located just north of Kailua-Kona, the area offers beautiful coastal scenery and plenty of space.
Vibe: Relaxed, local, casual, and intimate.
Best for: Couples who want a stress-free setting close to Kona with broad views for coastal photos.
3. Holualoa Beach – Coastal Beauty Near Kona
Holualoa Beach is another great option for couples looking for a beautiful coastal setting near Kona without extensive travel on their wedding day.
Vibe: Convenient, picturesque ocean backdrop.
Best for: Destination couples staying in central Kona who want gorgeous ocean views while keeping logistics easy for themselves and their guests.
4. Kikaua Point Park – Lava Rock and Ocean Views
Kikaua Point Park offers a different look from a traditional sandy beach. The coastline here combines lava rock, tropical vegetation, and expansive Pacific Ocean views.
Vibe: Rugged volcanic landscape meets gentle surf.
Best for: Couples who want their wedding photos to highlight the unique geology of Hawaii.
5. Liliʻuokalani Gardens – A Garden Wedding Setting
If you're looking for something other than a beach, Liliʻuokalani Gardens in Hilo offers a serene alternative with historic Japanese-style gardens, bridges, ponds, and lush greenery.
Vibe: Botanical, romantic, and peaceful.
Best for: Couples who love lush greenery and want a softer, garden-focused backdrop for exchanging vows.
6. Kīholo Bay – Dramatic Big Island Coastline
Kīholo Bay is a breathtaking coastal area known for its unique blend of expansive lava fields, tidepools, and deep blue ocean views.
Vibe: Natural, volcanic, off-the-beaten-path.
Best for: Couples wanting an authentic Big Island landscape that stands out from standard resort photos.
7. Whittington Beach Park – South Kona Coast
For couples who want to explore beyond the main resort areas, Whittington Beach Park on the South Kona coast offers a rugged and natural character.
Vibe: Wild, volcanic, and deeply connected to Hawaii’s natural roots.
Best for: Adventurous couples seeking a serene setting along South Kona's historic shoreline—or check out our Black Sand Beach Hawaii Location Guide for another iconic South Big Island backdrop!
How to Choose the Right Big Island Wedding Location
There isn't one perfect wedding location for every couple—the best location depends on the experience you want to create!
For a classic white-sand beach wedding: Choose Kūkiʻo Beach, Old Kona Airport Beach, or Holualoa Beach (see all Kona Beaches).
For lava rock and dramatic volcanic scenery: Choose Kikaua Point Park or Kīholo Bay.
For lush greenery and garden scenery: Choose Liliʻuokalani Gardens.
For a natural, rugged, and serene setting: Choose Whittington Beach Park, Kīholo Bay, or Black Sand Beach Hawaii.
Why Choose the Big Island for a Destination Wedding?
One of the biggest advantages of a Big Island wedding is the sheer variety. You can exchange vows on a sunny beach near Kona, take couple portraits along volcanic landscapes, and explore rainforests or waterfalls all in the same week.
A Big Island wedding is also a built-in vacation for your guests. From snorkeling and coffee farm tours to exploring Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, your trip becomes a memorable group experience rather than just a single event.
Big Island Wedding Ceremonies with Kona Wedding Officiant®
Planning a destination wedding from thousands of miles away doesn't have to be overwhelming. Having a trusted local professional makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
At Kona Wedding Officiant®, we have been serving couples on the Big Island since 2017. We offer personalized wedding ceremonies and complete All-Inclusive Hawaii Wedding Packages. You can also browse our online Shop for add-ons, keepsakes, and custom options to make your ceremony uniquely yours.
Whether you're planning an intimate elopement for two or bringing family and friends, we help you find the right ceremony setting and handle the local details so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Ready to Plan Your Hawaii Wedding?
If you're ready to start planning your Big Island wedding ceremony, we would love to connect with you!
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