Big Island Wedding Guide: Favorite Venues, Vendors, and Planning Tips
Want to Get Married on the Big Island? Start Here!
The Big Island of Hawaii is an incredible, romantic wedding destination. Tying the knot here feels exciting, but the island’s size and diversity can make it hard to know where to begin. Each coastline, region, and climate has a different vibe – between the warm, sunny west coast and the lush east side, there are lava fields, volcanoes, rugged coastlines, rain forests, and more!
If you’ve never been to the Big Island, it’s definitely worth taking a trip before your wedding day. The Big Island is bigger than many people realize, and spending some time on the ground helps you get a feel for which area feels like the best fit, and what venues and landscapes actually fit the kind of day you want. Each couple is unique, and your wedding day should be too – and the Big Island invites you to choose not just a location, but a feeling.
This Big Island wedding guide will walk you through the process of planning your wedding day – when to tie the knot, where to get married, and the best venues and vendors for your day.
Table Of Contents
- Best Time for a Big Island Wedding
- Kona vs. Hilo: Where to Get Married
- Best Big Island Wedding Venues
- Intimate Wedding & Elopement Locations
- Big Island Wedding Vendors
- Big Island Wedding Timeline Tips
- Final Big Island Wedding Checklist
- Big Island Wedding Packages
The Best Time for a Big Island Wedding
Weather on the Big Island definitely shifts with the seasons, and it can depend on where you are on the island. Weddings typically happen in Kona or Hilo – but Kona is much sunnier.
The best time for a wedding on the Big Island is usually summer, and the shoulder seasons – so May through September. Summer days are warm, dry, consistent, and relaxed. The ocean tends to be more calm, and the energy on the Big Island feels relaxed and slow. Summer is the most predictable, but shoulder season has that warm weather without as many crowds. Hotels and venues might have slightly lower pricing, and beaches are quieter.
Winter is definitely possible, but it’s peak tourism season – so that means higher costs and crowded resorts and beaches, which isn’t ideal for a wedding day.
There isn’t much of a spring or fall season in Kona on the west side, but Hilo is rainier overall, and March and November see the most rain.
When choosing a wedding date, the most important consideration is what works for you! Keep these recommended windows in mind, but remember that there really is no bad time to tie the knot on the Big Island.
Kona vs. Hilo – Where to Get Married on the Big Island
The Big Island has two main hubs – Kona and Hilo. This is where weddings usually happen, because it’s where the wedding venues, resorts, hotels, and activities are. These are the Big Island’s biggest towns, but if you’re planning an adventure elopement in Hawaii, you might venture to other, more off the beaten path regions.
Hilo is on the east side, and it’s lush, tropical, and full of waterfalls – but it’s also rainy, cloudy, and unpredictable. You might get sun, but you might also get a downpour that lasts all day. It’s beautiful, but for most weddings, it’s not ideal.
Kona is where all the magic happens. It’s on the west side of the Big Island, and it’s dry, sunny, and dependable. There are lava rock coves, white sand beaches, high end resorts, and must-see shops like Kona Coffee. Almost all of the wedding venues are here, so it’s the best place to get married on the Big Island.
The Best Big Island Wedding Venues
Finding a venue is one of the first things you’ll need to do when you plan any wedding, and the Big Island has plenty of options.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
As a wedding videographer and photographer on the Big Island, Kona Village is my top wedding venue recommendation. It’s a luxury, once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Kona Village blends modern design with dramatic natural landscapes, like black lava rock, turquoise waters, and lush flora. The property is thoughtfully designed, immersing you in the beauty of Hawaii. The pricing is high-end, but the atmosphere is truly unmatched.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts
The Mauna Lani’s architecture has a grounding magical feel to it. It offers ceremony sites on the beach as well as the lawn (Lawn is better). The whole place has an elevated aesthetic and elegant spaces, it’s one of the best Big Island wedding venues since you have everything you need in one place!
Four Seasons Hualalai
At the Four Seasons Hualalai, you’ll get sandy beaches, dramatic lava rock, modern architecture, and intimate ceremony spots. The resort is nestled between the ocean and lush island foliage, and for couples that want a premium experience with breathtaking views, this venue delivers.
Kahua Ranch
The Kahua Ranch is a unique experience, providing a completely different atmosphere from the beach resorts. It’s located in Waimea, and rather than beachfront views, it brings rolling hills, open skies, horses, and golden light. It’s a different experience, but one that feels far away from the hustle and bustle, and completely your own. It gets a little cooler at night, and sunsets here are some of the best on the island!
Holualoa Inn
A lush, intimate venue perched above Kona with ocean views and tropical gardens, the Holualoa Inn is beautiful and easily accessible – perfect for intimate weddings. Afternoon showers are common here, but the atmosphere is worth it, and the result is stunning lush greenery.
Kona Beach House
The Kona Beach House is ideal for intimate weddings (around 50 guests) where everyone stays in one place. Two spacious houses and a private beach create a relaxed, peaceful environment. This Big Island wedding venue is perfect for couples who want to feel grounded and connected.
Kona Salt Farm
The Kona Salt Farm is along the shoreline of Keahole Point, and it’s a charming, rustic venue that’s uniquely Hawaiian. It’s unique and a little more budget friendly, built alongside the salt pounds and open ocean views. It’s simple but striking, and super customizable.
Big Island Intimate Wedding and Elopement Locations
If you’re choosing something a little smaller and more intimate, or wanting more connection to the land, these locations offer naturally stunning backdrops without needing a full venue.
Beach Locations
If you want to tie the knot on the beach, Kikaua Point Park is an easy, classic option with calm water, gentle palms, and a beautiful coastline. It’s simple to get to, ideal for small ceremonies, and only requires a permit that’s about $20. Another option is Kukio Beach, which has calm water, white sands, and some rocky outcroppings. It’s perfect for sunrise or sunset, and provides a peaceful location for an elopement ceremony.
Waterfall & Jungle Locations
If you’re looking for more lush greenery and a tropical vibe, the Big Island has plenty of that too! The Falls at Reeds Island is a tropical oasis with dramatic views of the waterfall. It’s lush, secluded, and perfect for intimate ceremonies near Hilo. Also on the Hilo Side, Kulaniapia Falls offers rainforest energy and plenty of adventures – like waterfall rappelling!
Big Island Wedding Vendors
As a videographer and photographer on the Big Island, I’ve worked with plenty of vendors – and I know that a good team makes all the difference. Here are some of my recommendations.
Wedding Planners
- Naupaka Events – Annie and Dayna are my top recommendation for bigger celebrations! They’re a solid, professional, and reliable team.
- The Chapter of Love – Rachel and her team are extremely detail-oriented, and they bring a great aesthetic to your day. They work quietly and efficiently behind the scenes, keeping everything running smoothly.
- Big Island Elopement – they specialize in elopements and small weddings, perfect for couples who want something stress free but meaningful.
Officiants
- Michaela Larson – performs traditional Hawaiian-style ceremonies with warmth and authenticity.
- Kahu Tom – also performs traditional Hawaiian ceremonies.His presence and delivery is strong, and very connected to the culture.
- Elisabeth – ideal for non-Hawaiian ceremonies, or if you want to add some Hawaiian touch. She keeps ceremonies focused and structured.
Florals
- Grace Flowers Hawaii – lush, wild arrangements inspired by the flora of Hawaii.
- Lalamiloflower girl – locally sourced florals that have the island character.
Hair & Makeup Artists
- Indigo Grace Artistry – inclusive services that will hold up in the Big Island’s heat and humidity.
- Kassi Bissman Beauty – laid back, effortless looks.
DJs & Music
- DJ Justin (240 Media) – a great voice and good vibes!
- Hawaii Sound and Vision – simple, straight forward DJ services
- Island Kings Band – a high energy band for live music.
Catering
- HeartBeet Catering – customized menus with fresh, local ingredients.
- Mon Ami Catering – catering that supports local farmers and fishermen.
- Justin Gambing – a private chef that provides a unique experience.
Rentals & Decor
- Kona Event Rentals – tents, tables, chairs, and everything you need.
Cakes & Desserts
- Marty Cakes – custom made cakes and deserts.
- Kona Sweets Bakeshop – wedding cakes, pastries, and more.
Big Island Wedding Timeline Tips
When building out your timeline, lighting is everything. Here are some tips to ensure you get the experience that the Big Island is known for!
Sunset Timing
Kona sunsets are around 6pm in the winter, and 7pm in the summer. I recommend having your ceremony at least two hours before sunset – this gives you time for family and wedding party photos, and golden hour couple’s portraits.
Lighting Considerations
Midday sun can be bright and harsh. Late afternoon through sunset, or an early morning ceremony, will give you those warm, soft tones.
Couple’s Portraits
It’s important to schedule some time for couple’s portraits – for the photos, of course, but it also gives you a little bit of time to yourselves to get away from the action and soak it all in. 45 minutes to an hour is perfect for this, and I recommend scheduling it during golden hour.
Elopements
For elopements, sunrise works best for adventurous locations, because less (if any) people are there and it allows for a lot more privacy as you exchange vows, take photos, ect. Sunset is great for simple beach weddings, and I recommend scheduling it for about 1.5 hours before sunset.
Rain Plan
Rain is often part of the package. If it rains on your wedding day, stay present, have fun, and enjoy it! And know that it usually passes.
Final Big Island Wedding Checklist
Here are some final tips and things to remember when you’re planning your Big Island wedding.
- Secure your permits for any beach or public land ceremonies.
- Hire local vendors to avoid travel costs or any hiccups.
- Explore! Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy Hawaii before and after the wedding day.
- Hydrate – it gets hot.
- Apply for a Hawaii marriage license.
- Pack a few days in advance, to make sure you’re not forgetting anything.
Big Island Wedding Packages
If you’re planning a wedding on the Big Island, I’d love to help bring your story to life. With both photo and video, I’m all about quiet, intentional moments – no stiff poses here, just the beauty and authentic magic of the Big Island, and your love story. Contact me to start planning a day that’s meaningful and unforgettable.
