How To Elope In Hawaii - Big Island - On A Budget With Kona Wedding Officiant

Deanna DiMichele
Feb 28, 2023
4 min read

Updated: Oct 18

Couple recently married with Kona Wedding Officiant at Kikaua Point Park Beach.

💍 Planning a Hawaii Elopement on a Budget with Kona Wedding Officiant

Are you planning to elope in Hawaii and wondering how to make it work within your budget? Take it from someone who lives here — Hawaii is an incredible place to get married, but it can also be expensive if you don’t plan carefully. With the right preparation, though, you can have a beautiful Big Island elopement without breaking the bank!

Before you start planning your Hawaii Big Island elopement, it’s important to know your budget and account for the essential, non-negotiable costs.

MARRIAGE LICENSE – $70 Total

A Hawaii marriage license costs $65, payable to the State of Hawaii. You’ll also need to meet with a licensed agent in person to receive your license, which adds an additional $5 cash fee (for a total of $70).

The Kona Wedding Officiant team will guide you through the process step-by-step and help you find an agent near your hotel or Airbnb.

FLIGHTS

Flight costs vary depending on where you’re traveling from, but expect to pay around $500–$1,200 round trip. If you’re trying to save, plan your trip during January or February, when airfare is typically lowest.

You can track prices using Google Flights and even book through Expedia, which offers a “Price Match Guarantee” — just remember that changes and cancellations are limited when booking through third-party sites. If you want more flexibility, book directly with the airline.

HOTELS & AIRBNBS

You can find great lodging options on the Big Island with a little research! We love Booking.com because many listings offer free cancellation.

Check the location of your rental to make sure it’s not too far from Kailua-Kona (KOA) or Hilo (ITO) airports and general amenities.

💡 Budget tip: Book a stay with a small kitchen so you can prepare some of your own meals. Groceries are much cheaper than eating out for every meal!

CAR RENTAL

Rent one — you’ll absolutely need it. The Big Island is large, and public transportation and ride-share options are limited.

We always recommend Costco Travel for car rentals. You can book, cancel, and rebook if you find a lower rate later. It’s the easiest, most reliable way to rent a vehicle in Hawaii.

FOOD

There are plenty of affordable places to shop for groceries on the Big Island, including Walmart, Target, Safeway, Costco (Kona side), KTA, and Foodland.

Pick up your essentials and plan some simple meals at your rental. You can still enjoy a few dinners out while keeping your elopement trip within budget.

YOUR WEDDING TEAM

This can be as simple as hiring just your Officiant, or as complete as booking an all-inclusive elopement package.

At Kona Wedding Officiant, we offer affordable, intimate packages that include your Officiant, Photographer, and essential ceremony coordination — perfect for couples who want a stress-free Hawaii wedding experience.

👉 You can explore our Big Island elopement packages here.

How much you choose to spend will depend on the level of service and style you want for your celebration — from simple beach ceremonies to custom experiences with floral design and professional photography.

FUN & ADVENTURE

One of the best parts of Hawaii? You don’t need to spend a fortune to have fun!

Enjoy free activities like beach days, snorkeling, hiking, and sightseeing. For unique experiences worth the splurge, check out local adventures like:

Mauna Kea Summit Adventures
Ehu and Kai Kayak Adventures
Body Glove Whale Watching Tours
Kahaluʻu Surf & Sea Surf Lessons
Umauma Falls Ziplining
Kulaniapia Falls Waterfall Rappelling

Every couple married by Kona Wedding Officiant is encouraged to take time to explore the island and experience Hawaii’s natural beauty!

Couple dancing on white sand after being recently married with Kona Wedding Officiant at Kuki`o Beach. — Couple recently married with Kona Wedding Officiant at Kuki`o Beach.

SAVE EVEN MORE

If you really want to explore the Big Island on a budget, consider renting a camper van. There are designated places to camp and shower, and it’s a fun way to experience Hawaii’s outdoors.

You can even visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park — just remember to purchase a park pass and check local camping and public facility rules before you go.

Once you’ve booked your accommodations, car rental, marriage license, and your Kona Wedding Officiant package, you’ll be fully prepared for your Hawaii elopement on a budget!

Celebrate your love, enjoy paradise, and let our team help make your Big Island wedding simple, beautiful, and full of aloha. 🌺

Need more help? Check out our post - Elope On Big Island In 5 Easy Steps

Aloha - Deanna - Kona Wedding Officiant®, Owner, Licensed Minister & Marriage Officiant.

To learn more about planning your perfect wedding day in Hawaii, explore our main page - http://www.konaweddingofficiant.com or connect with us anytime to book your dream destination wedding at Kona Wedding Officiant® konaweddingofficiant@gmail.com 808-209-6275

Photography Provided by Kona Wedding Officiant® Associate Photography Team All Images protected by Copyright of Kona Wedding Officiant®