Intimate Weddings on the Big Island: 7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Locations

We perform ceremonies at over 20 locations across the Big Island, and while our most popular beaches are popular for a reason, some of our favorite ceremonies happen at the spots most visitors never see. These are the beaches, coves, and venues we recommend to couples who want their Big Island wedding to feel private, dramatic, and completely theirs.

Here are seven off-the-beaten-path locations we love.

1. Mau'umae Beach

This is one of the Kona coast's best-kept secrets, and we love bringing couples here. Tucked away between more popular stretches of shoreline, Mau'umae is a small beach with golden sand, clear water, and a sense of seclusion that is hard to find at busier locations. Because it is not widely known among tourists, our couples often have the beach largely to themselves.

This location works best for elopements and groups of 10 or fewer. The intimate scale of the beach is exactly what makes it special.

2. Kehena Black Sand Beach

Kehena Beach is a small, secluded black sand cove on the Puna coast, surrounded by jungle and accessed by a steep trail down a hillside. The beach sits at the base of a cliff, and the thick vegetation on all sides creates a feeling of total seclusion. Very few visitors make the descent, which means our couples are often the only people on the sand.

We recommend Kehena for adventurous couples who are comfortable with the steep but short trail. The dark sand, tropical greenery, and crashing waves create a wild, dramatic backdrop that our photographers love working with. It is well-suited for a black sand beach wedding for couples who want something memorable.

3. Mahaiula Bay

Mahaiula Bay sits inside Kekaha Kai State Park on the Kona coast and has a remote, untouched quality that sets it apart from the resort beaches farther north. The sand is golden, the ocean views are wide open, and the surrounding lava fields give the landscape a raw, natural beauty. The beach sees far fewer visitors than other west-side locations, which gives ceremonies a quiet, private feel.

Our team loves this location for its combination of classic tropical beauty and genuine seclusion. The west-facing shoreline also provides consistent sunset light, making it a strong choice for late afternoon ceremonies.

4. Kiholo Bay (Black Sand)

Kiholo Bay is not exactly a secret, but it feels like one because getting there requires a 15 to 20-minute rugged drive over a lava trail from the highway. That journey filters out most casual beachgoers, and by the time our couples reach the bay, it’s remarkably quiet. The sand is dark, the water is an unreal shade of turquoise, and tide pools dot the shoreline.

For couples who want a black sand ceremony without traveling to the far east side of the island, we always recommend Kiholo. It’s the best west-coast option, and our photographers have shot there so many times that they know every angle by heart.

5. Kulaniapia Falls (Private Waterfall)

Kulaniapia Falls is a privately owned 120-ft waterfall on the Hilo side of the Big Island. Because it’s on private land, no random visitors are walking through your ceremony. The setting is lush, green, and surrounded by jungle, with the sound of falling water as the only soundtrack to your Hawaii waterfall wedding.

This location accommodates groups of 2 to 8 and is particularly popular for elopements and vow renewals. The terrain is natural and uneven, so it works best for couples who are comfortable on outdoor surfaces. The Hilo side receives more rain than the Kona coast, but the lush vegetation and waterfall mist actually photograph beautifully even under overcast skies.

6. Mackenzie State Recreation Are

Mackenzie State Recreation Area on the Puna coast is one of the most visually dramatic ceremony locations on the Big Island. The park sits on a volcanic coastline of black lava cliffs overlooking powerful ocean waves. Tall ironwood trees line the park, and the overall atmosphere is rugged, remote, and unlike any beach setting on the island.

Very few wedding teams perform ceremonies here, which is part of what makes it special. The lava rock coastline, crashing surf, and dense tree cover create a moody, cinematic backdrop that stands apart from anything on the Kona side. We recommend this location for bold, elemental Big Island weddings.

7. Kapaa Beach (Black Sand, Hamakua Coast)

Kapaa Beach is on the northeast Hamakua Coast, well off the typical tourist path. The black sand, rocky shoreline, and rugged vegetation create a wild, untamed setting that our more adventurous couples are drawn to. Very few wedding companies bring couples here, which means you are unlikely to encounter anyone else during your ceremony.

We recommend Kapaa for couples who value seclusion and don’t mind a more rugged access point. It is well-suited for intimate weddings designed for two to six guests who want a ceremony that feels like a true adventure.

How We Help You Choose

The right location depends on your guest count, your comfort level with terrain, and the visual style you want in your photos. Here is how we typically guide our couples:

• For elopements (just the two of you), any of these seven locations will work beautifully. The more secluded the spot, the more private and personal the ceremony feels.

• For groups of 3 to 10, we often recommend Pauoa Bay, Coconut Grove Beach, or Kiholo Bay because they provide enough space for everyone while still feeling intimate.

• For dramatic, one-of-a-kind scenery, Kulaniapia Falls and Kapaa Beach deliver settings you cannot find anywhere else on the island.

• For easy access close to town, La'aloa Beach and Mau'umae Beach keep things simple without sacrificing beauty.

Our knowledge of these Big Island wedding locations is built from years of performing ceremonies at each one. We know the best time of day, the best angles, the permit requirements, and the access details. That is the difference between a good ceremony and one that takes your breath away.