TOP 10 WEDDING LOCATIONS IN HAWAII
It’s no secret that Hawaii is one of the top wedding destinations in the United States. With striking beaches, rustic estates, and ranches that highlight Hawaii’s natural beauty, there are countless wedding venues in Hawaii. On the hunt for the venue of your dreams? Read on for our top 10 favorite wedding locations in Hawaii.
1. Haiku Mill – Maui
The Haiku Mill was once a bustling sugar processing factory, but after the mill’s closure in 1879, the property was abandoned and left to rot. Restoring the ruins began over 20 years ago, and today Haiku Mill is one of Maui’s most in-demand wedding venues— and is also on the National Register of Historic Places. This exquisite venue is like something out of a fairytale, blending jungle dream scenes with Old World European flair. Most ceremonies and dinners occur in the “Mill” venue— a vine-cloaked, secret garden-esque courtyard that opens to the Hawaiian sky. Adorned with French chandeliers and lush greenery, the Haiku Mill’s dreamlike setting is one of the most unique in Hawaii and stands in stark contrast to Maui’s ultra-popular beach weddings.
● Capacity: 100
● Reception: Yes
● Dressing areas available
● No overnight stays
2. Kualoa Ranch – Oahu
Kualoa Ranch is one of Oahu’s most popular and versatile wedding locations. The ranch is best known for its appearances in blockbuster films like Jurassic Park and serves as one of Oahu’s major tourist attractions to boot. However, at 4,000 acres, there is a myriad of secluded wedding locations within the ranch, suitable for a range of ceremonies and receptions. Venues throughout the ranch offer striking views of towering cliffs, sweeping valleys, lush gardens, and Kaneohe Bay. Set your sights on the ranch’s “Secret Island” venue for beach ceremonies. In addition to a beautiful beachfront ceremony, the island is only accessible via a 10-minute catamaran ride across an ancient Hawaiian-fish pond, which serves as a memorable and unique experience for your guests.
● Capacity: 125-250
● Reception: Paliku Gardens, Moliʻi Gardens, Jumanji locations only. Secret Island can only host ceremonies.
● Paliku Gardens and Moliʻi Gardens feature an air-conditioned bridal suite and food prep area.
3. Waimea Plantation Cottages – Kauai
The Waimea Plantation Cottages is one of Kauai’s most popular wedding venues and has been awarded numerous accolades by Hawaii Magazine and outlets like Wedding Spot. Located on Kauai’s south shore in sleepy Waimea, the 43-acre plantation boasts 59 plantation homes, a black sand beach, and countless ceremony locations. Whether you want to exchange vows on the beach at sunset or beneath the property’s 100-year-old banyan tree, a wedding that perfectly suits your vision is possible at Waimea Plantation Cottages.
● Capacity: 175
● Reception: Yes
● Wedding coordinator required
● Bride and groom dressing area available
● Overnight accommodations available
● Full kitchen
4. Makena Cove – Maui
Makena Cove, also known as Paʻako Beach or Secret Beach, is arguably the most popular beach for weddings on Maui, if not all of Hawaii. And deservedly so— this small, sandy cove is framed by lava outcroppings, swaying palms, and turquoise waters. However, due to the beach’s small size and lack of parking, Makena Cove is more suitable for elopements or small ceremonies. Besides, since the cove is so popular and public, you might be sharing the venue with another couple or random beachgoers. If seclusion is more up your alley, we suggest you look elsewhere. However, Makena Cove is famous for a reason, and there are few other public beaches as idyllic as this.
● Capacity: Public beach, no capacity. However, the beach is small, and we suggest no more than 15 people total.
● Reception: No
● No dressing areas
● Few parking spaces
5. Dillingham Ranch – Oahu
Located on a quiet beachside strip near Oahu’s north shore, Dillingham Ranch’s rustic digs are reminiscent of old Hawaii. This storied, 2,700-acre estate was first established in 1895. The two-wing estate house features eight guest rooms that can sleep up to 16 and a 3,000-square-foot dining room. In addition, a variety of ceremony and reception venues surround the estate house. Dillingham Ranch’s venues underscore Hawaii’s natural beauty, whether you tie the knot beneath a massive banyan tree or amid a coconut tree grove. As a result, Dillingham is one of Oahu’s most sought-after venues and is routinely showcased on wedding outlets like Martha Stewart Weddings and Brides.com.
● Capacity: 300
● Reception: Yes
● Dressing areas available
● Overnight accommodations available
● Full kitchen
6. Hui Noʻeau – Maui
The Hui Noʻeau is one of Upcountry Maui’s idyllic wedding venues. The sprawling estate was once the site of one of Maui’s first sugar plantations. Today, the property, on-site mansion, and outbuildings serve as a visual art center and one of Maui’s premier wedding locations. The Mediterranean-inspired mansion features an elegant solarium— ideal for wowing guests during cocktail hour or the reception. Outside, a reflecting pond serves as a stylish centerpiece during ceremonies.
● Capacity: 250
● Reception: Yes
● Dressing areas available
● No overnight stays
● Full kitchen
7. Olowalu Plantation House – Maui
The Olowalu Plantation House is one of Maui’s most coveted wedding locations, thanks to the property’s private oceanfront location, manicured grounds, and memorable photo opportunities. The charming, chic plantation house is available for preparation use (no overnight stays). The large lawn can host celebrations of up to 200 with ample room for tents, tables, a dancefloor, and boasts plenty of natural shade. As a privately owned estate, the Olowalu Plantation House is one of the few genuinely private oceanfront ceremony venues on the island- you won’t share your wedding day with any beachgoers!
● Capacity: 200
● Reception: Yes
● Dressing areas available
● No overnight stays
8. Kikaua Point Beach Park – Big Island
Kikaua Point Park is one of the best beaches in Kona for weddings, and that’s not just because of its dazzling white sand, lava points, and stunning ocean views. Kikaua is the only beach in Kona where only one wedding at a time is permitted, which means you won’t have to share the beach with any other couple. Furthermore, the park features a shady, grassy area, is wheelchair accessible, and has clean restrooms nearby. Kikaua Point Park is also located close to the Four Seasons, a great place to host a reception. Parking can be competitive here, so small ceremonies and carpooling are encouraged.
● Capacity: Small ceremonies strongly encouraged
● Reception: No
● No dressing areas
● Few parking spaces
9. Na Aina Kai Gardens – Kauaʻi
Nestled on 240 resplendent acres, the Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens is a secluded Kauai gem. The property is a botanical garden, sculpture park, and home to a multitude of stunning wedding venues— from windswept ocean bluffs and secluded beaches to storybook forests. The Hardwood Forest venue is one of the property’s most unique locales, dotted with teak, zebrawood, mahogany, and rosewood. Whether you’re looking to have an intimate elopement or a celebration topping 150 guests, this north shore Kauai location can cater to ceremonies of all types. Plus, seeing as most destination weddings on Kauai take place on the south side’s busy beaches, you can rest assured your ceremony will be unique.
● Capacity: Varies by venue, up to 150
● Reception: Yes
● No dressing area
● Wedding coordinator required
10. Oneloa Beach – Maui
Oneloa Beach, also known as Ironwoods Beach, is a serene strip of white sand bookended by husky lava points on both ends to form a picturesque cove. Not only is Oneloa incredibly scenic, but it’s also hidden from the road and often overlooked by the masses of beachgoing visitors. Oneloa’s rocky points make for dramatic wedding photos, while the beach’s velvety sand is the perfect place to say your “I do’s.” The beach is located near a collection of high-end resorts— namely the Ritz Carlton or Montage Kapalua Bay— which serve as excellent reception locations.
● Capacity: Small ceremony strongly encouraged
● Reception: No
● No dressing area
● No restrooms
● Very few parking spaces
