How To Elope In Hawaii

Do you have your heart set on eloping? Is the thought of getting to elope in Hawaii your top choice or are you still scoping out your other options?

Either way, you can’t deny the beauty of this magical island. From the deep culture and amazing cuisine to the tropical landscape and glorious beaches, Hawaii has a bit of something for everyone. 

While this is an exciting time, planning a destination wedding can be a bit overwhelming. We are here to walk you through how to elope in Hawaii and ensure this happy time in your life stays that way. 

Best Places To Elope In Hawaii

Hawaii has all you can hope for and more when it comes to eloping. With beautiful scenery, amazing weather, and loads of adventure, it is a perfect place to combine your ceremony and honeymoon. 

With the island’s close proximity, you can hop around the state, fully experiencing all it has to offer. 

While the weather tends to be ideal for most of the year, the best times to visit are from April to October, as November to March tend to be the rainy months. 

Each island in Hawaii has something unique and special to offer. When deciding on where to elope in Hawaii, it’s best to keep a few things in mind. 

• What kind of scenery do you want?
• What kind of environment do you want?  
• Will it be accessible to all guests? 

Some of the best locations range from beachfront to volcanic views, secluded & quiet to upbeat and in the action. 

Certain locations may even require a bit of walking/hiking/boating in order to reach them. It’s best to have a good idea of who will be attending your wedding (if anyone outside of you and your partner) to make sure this location is obtainable for them to reach as well. 

Now that you have a better idea of what you’re looking for, let’s jump into the best places to elope in Hawaii. 

Big Island 

Also known as the island of Hawaii, it is the largest island in the state. With its lush greenery, volcanic views, waterfalls, and mountain range, it is the perfect place to start your new journey as a married couple. 

With the wide range of scenery, there is a location for every couple on the big island. 

We suggest checking out the below locations: 

• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park 
• Waipi’O Valley 
• Akaka Falls State Park
• Rainbow Falls

Kauai

If you’re looking for something a little less developed and down to earth, Kauai is going to be your best bet. With its lush rainforest covering the majority of the island, it’s no wonder it’s nicknamed the Garden Isle. 

This green piece of heaven has some of the most serene and beautiful places in the world to elope. These locations include:

• Waimea Canyon State Park
• Wailua River State Park
• Polihale State Park
• Hanalei Pier and Beach
• Napali Coast 

Maui 

This well-known paradise is the second-largest island in Hawaii and is a beloved tourist attraction for many reasons. Maui is diverse in its offerings from scenic waterfalls, five-star restaurants, nightclubs, and beaches; it has a bit of everything. 

This also means it tends to attract a lot of people, so if you are looking for something a bit more secluded, Maui might not be the location you’re hoping for. 

If this sounds like everything you want and more, that’s great! Check out the below locations for your elopement. 

• Haleakala National Park 
• Red Sand Beach
• Makaluapuna Point
• Honokalani Black Sand Beach 

Oahu

Home to the capital, Honolulu, this is a tourist hotspot. Being the most developed island in the state, you will always be able to find something to do.

With its iconic beaches, fine dining, and nightlife, this is a great location for couples that love to be in the center of excitement. 

The below locations all offer breathtaking views for you are your partner, to say I do. 

• Mokolii Island Beach
• Puu Ualakaa State Wayside
• Waimanalo Bay Beach Park

Molokai

Molokai is a great choice if you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture and experience a more local taste of Hawaii. You won’t find as many extravagant resorts or excursions; however, you will find a quiet oasis for more intimate ceremonies and trips with your partner. 

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park 
• Halawa Valley 

Lanai

Lanai is the smallest island in size and population on this list. Like Molokai, it is a great destination if you would like to be a bit further from the action.

It also provides breathtaking views of Maui and Molokai. The peace and quiet will also increase your chances of seeing green sea turtles at Polihua Beach.

If you’re looking for a secluded and peaceful elopement, check out the locations below. 

• Pu’u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock)
• Garden of the Gods

How To Elope In Hawaii

Once you have agreed upon the perfect location to elope in Hawaii, it’s time to focus on the logistics.

Hawaii makes getting married here accessible for everyone. You do not have to have state or even US residency to tie the knot here. 

The major necessities are:

• Obtaining a permit for the venue
• Receiving a marriage license 
• Finding a registered officiant 

Obtain A Permit For Your Location

You’ve found your ideal location, and now all you have to do is ensure you can host your ceremony here. 

If you plan to get married outside of a venue such as a beach or a state park, you are going to require the proper paperwork. 

Permits are regulated by the county, city, and state. Depending on where you wish to have your wedding, the permit may change. 

If you have decided to say your vows alongside the ocean, you will need a Wiki permit.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will walk you through the steps needed to achieve the proper permit. All of the permitted beaches are clearly indicated on their website.

If a state park seems like the perfect place to say I do, you will need to gain a special use permit. This will need to be obtained 45 days prior to the date of your wedding.

If you plan to have 26 or more attendees, you will need a group use permit. 

While there is a wide range of places you can elope, some locations throughout the islands do not permit events or commercial activity. This can often change, so make sure to examine this list before planning your event and booking your photographer.

Retrieve Your Marriage License 

Hawaii makes filing for a marriage license simple and accessible online. 

However, there are a few things to note. While you can apply for the marriage license a year prior to the ceremony you must receive the license no earlier than 30 days before the wedding is officiated. 

When you’re ready to retrieve your marriage license, you and your partner must pick it up together, don’t forget to bring your government-issued ID. If you’re a US citizen, a driver’s license will work fine.

If you are a resident from outside of the country, make sure to have your passport on hand. 

Get ready to hear wedding bells! You will have to say your I do’s within 30 days of retrieving the marriage license; otherwise, the document becomes null. 

The main office to retrieve your marriage license is at the Health State Department of Health located at:

1250 Punchbowl Street Room 101 Honolulu, Hawaii 96813

Find An Officiant

Is the whole idea of eloping in Hawaii to have an intimate ceremony with you and your partner?

Well, you’ve come to the perfect place. The state does not require an additional witness other than the officiant. 

All officiants must be licensed by the State of Hawaii before performing a marriage or civil union. Not sure who you would like to share this special moment with?

No need to worry. The State Department of Hawaii has an entire list of legal officiants to choose from. 

They provide both religious and non-religious options. If you already have the ideal person to perform your wedding, that’s great.

They can complete the licensing process online for $65.00. 

If the application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email (most likely the same day) with a link to the license. Tada, you are now a licensed officiant in the state of Hawaii! 

Hawaii Elopement Packages 

If you would rather make this a leisurely process, you can leave the planning to someone else. 

There are multiple agencies that can assist you in eloping from start to finish. This can include booking flights and hotels, assisting with the marriage license, finding an officiant, photography, hair, and makeup, and obtaining location permits. 

Weddings of Hawaii is one of the many companies that offer an array of elopement packages. 

The packages range from a simple ceremony starting at  $300 to more extravagant packages reaching $9,000.  

Final Thoughts On Eloping In Hawaii

If you’re planning to elope in Hawaii, you won’t be disappointed. You can pick from serene and secluded beaches to picturesque state parks.

Hawaii has something for everyone to choose from to start their new life chapter. Just make sure to obtain the proper licensing and permits when planning your special day.

Heading to Hawaii soon? Read of one the following guides:

• How to visit Hawaii on a budget
• How many days in Honolulu is enough
• Best places to snorkel in Kauai
• Hawaii bucket list