Kiholo Bay Black Sand Beach Hawaii Weddings & Elopements on the Big Island
- Deanna DiMichele
- Nov 16, 2025
- 5 min read
If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding or Big Island elopement surrounded by Hawaii’s wild beauty — where black lava meets turquoise ocean and the sky stretches endlessly above — Kiholo Bay Black Sand Beach may be your perfect place to say “I do.”
Located along the Kona Coast, Kiholo Bay Black Sand Beach is a stunning black sand and lava pebble beach. This off the beaten path location is one of the most secluded wedding ceremony spots in West Hawaii. It’s ideal for couples seeking a peaceful and natural setting for their Big Island elopement or small wedding.
🌤 A Hidden Gem on the Kona Coast
Kiholo Bay feels untouched — a quiet stretch of coastline framed by dark lava rock, gentle surf, and bright blue skies. Its landscape is dramatic and romantic, offering endless photo opportunities and an authentic Hawaiian feel.
For the most privacy, choose a weekday morning ceremony when the beach is calm and nearly empty. Weekends can bring local campers, so we recommend avoiding those dates for a truly intimate experience.
📄 Permit Requirements
Because Kiholo Bay is a Hawaii State Park, a Special Use Permit is required for all weddings and elopements.
The permit must be submitted directly by the couple to Hawaii State Parks.
Applications must be received at least 45 days before your wedding date.
We recommend applying about two months in advance to ensure approval.
Our team at Kona Wedding Officiant will gladly guide you through this process with instructions and helpful links — but the official permit paperwork must be completed and filed by you.
☀️ Best Times & Access Information
The gate to Kiholo Bay opens at 7:00 AM and closes early — typically around 6:00 PM in winter and 7:00 PM in summer.
If your dream includes sunset photos, we suggest a two-location plan:
Hold your ceremony at Kiholo Bay earlier in the day, then
Head to a nearby beach such as Kuki`o Beach or Waikoloa Beach for your sunset portraits.
Recommended times:
🌅 Morning (8–10 AM) – Calm, cool, and secluded.
🌤 Late afternoon (3–5 PM) – Beautiful lighting for photography.
Avoid midday ceremonies, as the sun is strong with no shade or cover.
🌿 What to Know Before You Go
Facilities: No bathrooms except portapotties — plan ahead.
Sun exposure: Bring hats, sunscreen, and water; there’s no natural shade.
Beach terrain: The sand is coarse with small lava pebbles — beautiful, but uneven to walk on.
Parking: Conveniently close, but the road is rugged; a car with clearance (not necessarily 4WD) is best.
Water safety: The currents here are strong. Stay ankle- to knee-deep if taking photos near the water.
Couple kissing on the shoreline of Kiholo Bay Black Sand Beach - bright blue ocean and black sand contrasts, Maui seen in the background.
📸 Photography & Scenery
Kiholo Bay is a photographer’s paradise. The contrast between the black sand, vibrant ocean, and open blue sky creates dramatic, eye-catching images.
The beach allows for “trash the dress” style shoreline shots — just be cautious of the waves, very strong current and undertow. The scenery changes beautifully throughout the day, from soft golden tones in the morning to deep blues in the afternoon.
You may even spot a honu (Hawaiian sea turtle) resting on the sand — a timeless symbol of good luck and longevity.
💍 Why Couples Love Kiholo Bay
One of the most secluded black sand beaches in West Hawaii
Authentic, natural setting for intimate ceremonies
Perfect for adventurous couples and scenic wedding photography
Peaceful and private — no crowds or resorts in sight
Easily accessible from Kona
🌸 Plan Your Kiholo Bay Wedding
At Kona Wedding Officiant, we love helping couples celebrate their love in Hawaii’s most beautiful and peaceful places.
We’ll guide you through:
How to apply for your Hawaii State Parks Special Use Permit
Choosing the best time of day for lighting and comfort
Tips for what to bring and how to prepare
Recommendations for nearby photo locations and vendors
If you’re ready to start planning your Kiholo Bay Black Sand Beach wedding, contact us today — and let’s create your perfect Hawaii elopement together. Learn more about our Hawaii Black Sand Beach Weddings here.
📧 Contact Us: konaweddingofficiant@gmail.com
📞 Call or text us at 808-209-6275
🌺 Frequently Asked Questions About Kiholo Bay Weddings
Do I need a permit to get married at Kiholo Bay?
Yes. Kiholo Bay is part of the Hawaii State Parks system, and a Special Use Permit is required for any wedding or elopement. You’ll need to submit the application yourself at least 45 days before your ceremony. We’ll provide guidance on how to do it.
Can guests attend my Kiholo Bay wedding?
Yes! You can have a small group of guests attend, but keep in mind that the beach is rugged and has limited amenities. It’s best suited for elopements and small gatherings of up to about 20–25 people.
Is Kiholo Bay suitable for a sunset ceremony?
The gate closes before sunset (around 6 PM in winter, 7 PM in summer). For sunset photos, we recommend holding your ceremony earlier in the afternoon at Kiholo Bay and capturing your sunset portraits at another nearby location.
What’s the best time of day for a Kiholo Bay elopement?
Mornings (8–10 AM) and late afternoons (3–5 PM) offer the best lighting and most comfortable temperatures. Avoid midday hours when the sun is hottest.
Is it easy to get to Kiholo Bay?
Kiholo Bay is accessible by car via a rugged dirt road. You don’t need a 4WD vehicle, but you’ll want something with good clearance. Parking is close to the beach area, making setup and access convenient.
Can I swim or get in the water for photos?
The currents can be strong here, so it’s safest to stay ankle- to knee-deep for photos. The shoreline is perfect for romantic “trash the dress” images, but swimming is not recommended.
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