Whether you’re locals ready to explore your own backyard or flying in for a destination elopement with big aloha energy, Hawaii brings all the adventure and all the feels. It’s wild, laid-back, and overflowing with jaw-dropping beauty. From black sand beaches to jungle waterfalls, sunrise cliffs to salty ocean swims, a Hawaiian elopement is all about freedom, connection, and creating a day that actually feels like you.

As an adventure elopement photographer who’s all about planning intentional, stress-free days in wild places, I’ve got you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing your island and handling permits to planning a multi-day celebration that’s packed with meaning, adventure, and zero stress.

Step 1: Choose Your Island

Each Hawaiian island has its own personality. Think about what kind of adventure you’re craving:

Big Island: Volcanoes, black sand beaches, stargazing on Mauna Kea, and fewer crowds.

Maui: Waterfalls, scenic drives (hello Road to Hana), golden beaches, clear waters great for underwater exploring, and luxury resorts.

Oahu: Mix of city + nature, great for surfing, foodies, and couples wanting a mix of adventure and accessibility.

Kauai: Lush, wild, and serious Jurassic Park energy. Great for couples wanting a more remote feel.

Step 2: Set Your Intentions

This is your wedding day, take time to ask:

1. Do we want it to be just us, or include a few loved ones?
2. Are we craving full-on adventure, slow intentional stillness, or a little bit of both? If you’re thinking of something more traditional (like a sweet beach ceremony with your favorite people) you can always plan an adventurous after session to get the best of both worlds. Read more about after sessions here.
3. What moments do we want to remember most?

This helps shape everything from your timeline to your ceremony location.

Step 3: Pick the Right Season

Hawaii is beautiful year-round, but each season has its own quirks:

Dry Season (April–October): Best weather and popular for travel (meaning more tourists and crowds). Expect sunny days and dreamy sunsets.

Wet Season (November–March): Lusher landscapes and fewer crowds, but definitely build in rain backup plans. Bigger waves on the north shores and moodier skies.

Also consider:

Sunrise or sunset? Morning light is quiet and golden (plus less crowds!). Sunset glows and gives you more time to explore first.

High tourist seasons (holiday weeks, summer, and spring break).

Whale watching season (Dec–April!) if you’re into marine life!

Step 4: Book Your Elopement Dream Team

You don’t have to DIY this. Great vendors can take so much off your plate.

• Photographer & Planner (hi, hey, hello!)
• Officiant (or a friend with a license!)
• Tour Guides (for things like catamaran sails, helicopter rides, or anything super adventurous like that, I can help with ideas too if that’s something you’re into!)
• Hair & Makeup, Florals, Private Chef or Picnic Setups
  

Pro tip: Work with folks who know the island and are stoked to help you celebrate your love your way.

Fun fact: I’m also an officiant, so if you’re dreaming of a “just the two of us” kind of day, I’ve got you covered. I also LOVE helping plan epic elopement adventures, and it’s all included in my packages. From location ideas to timelines and all the fun activities and details, I’m here to make it easy, intentional, and so stinkin’ fun.

Step 5: Choose Your Ceremony Location

There’s no shortage of jaw-dropping backdrops in Hawaii. Here are a few unique, adventurous options to get the ideas flowing:

• Hike to a jungle waterfall
• Exchange vows on a cliff at sunrise
• Say “I do” barefoot on a black sand beach (check out this blog for my fav Hawaii beaches!)
• Charter a catamaran for a private boat elopement
• Lush gardens, lava fields, or unique remote beaches

Just make sure to check for any required permits depending on your location.

Step 6: Handle the Legal Stuff

Get your Hawaii marriage license online or in-person (easy peasy).

You might need a permit if you’re getting married on a public beach or in a park (your planner or photographer can help with this).

Respect local land, people, and culture. Always.

Step 7: Add Meaningful Touches

Make your Hawaiian elopement truly yours with intentional moments like:

• Writing private vows or letters to read to each other
• Having your friends or family write letters for you to read that morning
• Create a playlist for your ceremony
• A first look before your ceremony
• Creating a little time capsule (letters, notes, keepsakes from the day)
• Wear something that makes you feel your best (barefoot, hiking boots or ballgown, your call)
• Doing something just the two of you, like paddle boarding, jumping in the ocean, or eating shave ice in your wedding clothes

There’s no right or wrong way to do this. 

Step 8: Build Your Dream Experience (And Actually Enjoy It)

Let’s be real, your Hawaiian elopement isn’t just a ceremony, it’s a full-on experience. So build in time to feel it all, not rush through it.

Here are a few ways to do that:

Make it a two-day adventure: Day one for vows + celebration, day two for sunrise portraits or a wild island adventure.

Turn it into a mini honeymoon: Explore the island and/or island hop, try something new together, and savor the magic.

Leave room to breathe: Slow mornings, salty swims, afternoon naps, or a starlit beach dinner.. yes, please.

Some epic ways to fill your elopement (or the days after):

• Snorkel with manta rays
• Helicopter over waterfalls + volcanoes
• Explore the island with a jeep
• Hike to a jungle waterfall or explore lava tubes
• Charter a catamaran for a private sunset sail
• Lava field picnic at sunset
• Cage dive with sharks off the coast of Oahu (not for the faint of heart, but seriously unforgettable)
• Watch the sunrise together, then grab the best spam musubi of your life
• Surf, zip-line, stargaze at Mauna Kea, or just float in the ocean together

This is your moment,  fill it with whatever makes you feel most alive!

Your Hawaiian Elopement, Your Way

Whether you’re hiking through a rainforest, exchanging vows by the sea, or dancing barefoot under the stars, your Hawaiian elopement should feel like you. No pressure. No expectations. Just your love story, told your way, in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  I’d love to help you bring it to life, from permits to photo locations to making sure your hair doesn’t frizz on the beach. 

Let’s plan something wildly you, I’m so here for it. Reach out to begin!