Name: Big Island Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do you need a permit to get married on the Big Island?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a permit is required for ceremonies at all public beaches and parks on the Big Island. Most beach locations (like Kukio Beach, Anaeho'omalu Bay, and Punalu'u) require a DLNR Wiki Permit costing $20–$150, applied for at dlnr.hawaii.gov at least 2 weeks in advance. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park requires a separate NPS Special Use Permit ($150 non-refundable fee) — apply as early as possible. Kikaua Point Park and state parks like Akaka Falls require a County or State Parks special use permit (apply 45–60 days ahead). Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate all permit logistics as part of your package.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Big Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary by location. Most public beach ceremonies (Kukio Beach, Anaeho'omalu Bay, Punalu'u) allow up to 30 people total under a standard DLNR Wiki Permit — that count includes the couple, officiant, photographer, and all guests. Kikaua Point Park has a strict 20-person maximum. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park limits ceremonies to 15 persons and 2 vehicles. Remote spots like Kiholo Bay cap at 16 people. Private venues like Puakea Ranch can host up to 125 guests. For truly intimate elopements (2–10 guests), the Big Island offers spectacular options at almost every category of location.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope on the Big Island?

Accepted Answer

April–May and September–October are the best months for a Big Island elopement — you'll get ideal weather, significantly fewer tourists than peak season, and lower accommodation rates. Summer (June–August) is the driest and sunniest season on the Kona/Kohala coast but also the most crowded and expensive. December–January is whale season (a stunning bonus for beach ceremonies) but brings peak travel prices. November through March is Hawaii's rainy season, but the sunny west side (Kona Coast) stays relatively dry year-round, making Kohala Coast beach ceremonies viable even in winter.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license in Hawaii?

Accepted Answer

Getting a Hawaii marriage license is straightforward and can be started online. Complete the application at emrs.ehawaii.gov and pay the $65 fee ($60 application + $5 portal fee), then write down your Authorization Code. Both you and your partner must appear in person before a licensed marriage agent on the Big Island — call (808) 974-6008 to connect with Big Island agents. There is no waiting period; your license is valid immediately and must be used within 30 days of issuance. You do not need to be a Hawaii resident or US citizen, and no blood test is required. If either partner was previously married, bring proof of dissolution (divorce decree or death certificate).

Question 5

How much does a Big Island elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Big Island elopement typically ranges from a few thousand dollars to $10,000+ depending on the package and what's included. Permit fees alone range from $20 to $150 for beach permits to $150 for NPS Volcanoes Park permits. Flights and accommodation on the Big Island are often more affordable than Maui or Oahu. Wedy's all-inclusive packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals at different tiers — check this listing for current package pricing. Private venue rentals (like Puakea Ranch starting at $2,000+ or Kulaniapia Falls from $750) are additional costs if desired.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Big Island elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's Big Island all-inclusive elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions vary by package tier — check the listing for current details on what's covered at each level. Your Wedy planning team handles the logistics that make a Big Island elopement complex: permit applications, vendor coordination, timeline planning, and location scouting. All you need to bring is each other, your valid photo IDs, and your marriage license authorization code.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Big Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

For beach ceremonies on the Kona/Kohala coast, choose light, breathable fabrics — linen, chiffon, and light silk work beautifully in the warm, sunny conditions. Go barefoot for the ceremony (formal shoes sink in sand) and wear sandals for the walk in. For Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, bring warm layers since the park sits at 4,000 feet elevation and can be cool and windy — a light jacket or shawl over a dress is both practical and photogenic. For Akaka Falls or Kulaniapia Falls in the rainforest, waterproof makeup is highly recommended and natural-look hair holds better than elaborate styles. Avoid heavy tulle or ballgowns — flowy A-line or sheath styles handle both wind and terrain beautifully.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Big Island ceremony for the best photos?

Accepted Answer

For west-side beach ceremonies (Kukio Beach, Anaeho'omalu Bay, Kikaua Point), sunset is the prime time — golden light begins 60–90 minutes before sunset. In summer, sunset is around 7:25 PM (sunrise ~5:50 AM); in spring, sunset is ~7:20 PM (sunrise ~6:10 AM); in fall, sunset is ~6:15 PM (sunrise ~6:20 AM); in winter, sunset is ~5:55 PM (sunrise ~6:55 AM). For east-side locations like Punalu'u Black Sand Beach or Akaka Falls, morning light is best — arrive by 6:30 AM for sunrise ceremonies at Punalu'u to also encounter sea turtles before midday crowds. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is beautiful in the morning and at dusk when active lava glows. Book a morning ceremony at Kiholo Bay (8–10 AM) to allow time to exit before the gate closes at 6–7 PM.

Question 9

Where should I stay near my Big Island ceremony location?

Accepted Answer

For Kohala Coast beach ceremonies (Kukio, A-Bay, Kikaua, Kiholo), stay along the Kona/Kohala Coast: luxury options include Four Seasons Resort Hualalai and Mauna Lani Auberge Collection; mid-range options include Hilton Waikoloa Village and Outrigger Kona Resort. For Volcanoes National Park ceremonies, stay at Kilauea Lodge in Volcano Village (1 mile from the park entrance) or in Hilo with access to both the park and Akaka Falls. For Pololu Valley and Puakea Ranch ceremonies in North Kohala, consider Puakea Ranch's own on-site historic cottages or vacation rentals in Hawi or Waimea. Book 3–6 months ahead for peak season (June–August, December–January) and 4–8 weeks ahead for shoulder season.

Question 10

Do I need to bring my own officiant to my Big Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

Hawaii requires a state-licensed marriage performer to officiate your ceremony — you cannot self-solemnize. Your Wedy package includes a licensed officiant, so this is handled for you. If you'd prefer a friend to officiate, they can get ordained through ULC (Universal Life Church) or AMM (American Marriage Ministries) — online ordination IS accepted in Hawaii — but they must register as a marriage performer with the state at marriage.ehawaii.gov at least 2 weeks before your ceremony. After the ceremony, your officiant is legally required to file the completed marriage license with the state (failure to do so is a criminal offense in Hawaii).

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Big Island elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Hawaii does not require any witnesses for a legal marriage ceremony. You can legally elope with just the two of you and a licensed officiant, making the Big Island perfect for a truly private elopement. No witnesses are required to sign the marriage license. Your photographer can still sign as a witness if you'd like, but it's entirely optional under Hawaii law.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at Big Island ceremony spots?

Accepted Answer

Most public beach and park ceremony spots on the Big Island have strict restrictions: no wedding arches or structures, no amplified music or speakers, no flower petals, confetti, or rice on the beach (Leave No Trace required), and no drones without FAA authorization and DLNR permits. The notable exception is Kikaua Point Park, which is one of the only Big Island beaches where a wedding arch and chairs ARE permitted under its special use permit. Private venues like Puakea Ranch and Kulaniapia Falls offer much more flexibility for décor. Your Wedy team will brief you on exact restrictions at your chosen ceremony spot.

Question 13

How do I get to the Big Island for my elopement?

Accepted Answer

The Big Island has two main airports: Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) on the west side, which receives most mainland flights and is 15–30 minutes from the Kohala Coast beach ceremony locations; and Hilo International Airport (ITO) on the east side, 45 minutes from Volcanoes National Park and 15 minutes from Akaka Falls. A rental car is essential — Uber and Lyft operate in Kona and Hilo but are unreliable for remote ceremony locations. All main ceremony spots are accessible in a standard car (no 4WD needed). Download offline Google Maps before visiting remote spots like Pololu Valley or Kiholo Bay, as cell service is non-existent at those locations.

Question 14

What if it rains on my Big Island elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Your rain risk depends heavily on where you hold your ceremony. The Kona/Kohala Coast (west side) is sunny and dry year-round with minimal rain risk — making it the safest choice for weather-sensitive couples. The Hilo side (east side) and rainforest locations like Akaka Falls receive frequent rain, especially November through March. For Hilo-side ceremonies, always have a covered backup: Kulaniapia Falls has a covered pavilion directly next to the waterfall, which is actually beautiful in light rain. For Volcanoes National Park, weather can change quickly at 4,000 feet — have a secondary park location in mind. Your Wedy planning team will build a weather contingency into your timeline.

Big Island Elopement

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Big Island Elopement — Classic

Big Island Elopement — Classic

Big Island Elopement — Premium

Big Island Elopement — Classic

Big Island Elopement — Classic

Big Island Elopement — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Kukio Beach

Kikaua Point Park

Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay)

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Kukio Beach

Kikaua Point Park

Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay)

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

Kukio Beach

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