Makalawena - Perfect Beach for a Wedding

There is nothing more romantic than the iconic, picturesque sunset on the beach. The Big Island of Hawaii offers some of the most diverse beaches and breath-taking locations for the wedding of a lifetime.

Kona is not just famous for its snorkeling and sunny beaches, but for its beach-side weddings. A wedding on the Big Island can be an extravagant and lavish affair at one of the mega-resorts like the Fairmont Orchid or the Hilton Waikoloa Village, or a quiet and private affair at Anaehoomalu Bay or even an austere beach all by yourselves.

Kohala Coast

The north western coast of the Big Island is the sunny Kohala Coast, where the powdery-white beaches are constantly bathed in sunshine. Here is where most of the mega-resorts are located and where many couples choose to get married. Some of the famous beaches here are the Mauna Kea Beach and Hapuna Beach State Park. Some of them are accessible only through the luxury hotels themselves (such as the Mauna Kea Beach), although by Hawaiian Law, free public beach access must be provided to all beaches. Check out the rest of the Big Island Beaches featured in our beach guide.

Wedding on the Beach

A beach where couples frequently get married at is Anaehoomalu Bay Beach - a wonderful crescent-shaped bay adjacent several large resorts, including the Hilton Waikoloa Village. This beach is a long stretch of sand surrounded by tall palm trees. At Anaehoomalu Bay Beachthe outer edges of the beach you can find a quiet and private moment for a couple to celebrate their wedding. We often see wedding photographers setting up along the southern edge of this beach with long strands of ceremonial leis at their side. The sunsets here are absolutely incredible and any wedding photo shoot will be priceless here!

Some of the austere, yet incredibly beautiful beaches where you might consider a wedding - if you are not interested in the luxury resort treatment or if you want to plan the entire event yourself are:

Waialea Beach - a wonderful Kohala white-sand beach in a narrow, shaded cove just south of Hapuna Beach. If you didn’t have a map, you wouldn’t find this beach!

Holoholokai Beach Park - this Kohala beach is actually located on the grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort, but has easy public access and there is never a crowd here and the scenery is gorgeous.

Kikaua Point Beach - this Kohala beach is off-the-beaten track, although the entrance is via a golf resort (public beach access). The beach itself stretches around a natural point surrounded by tall trees - easy to find a private nook here to have a wedding ceremony!

Want a memorable, unique, and adventurous wedding? Consider having your wedding on a Volcano? The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers its own serene beauty and offers a uniquely-Big Island backdrop to your ceremony. Or perhaps you might find a white-sand beach too trite - think about having your wedding at the Punaluu Black Sand Beach in the Puna district.

Planning Factors

Here are a few other things to note when planning a wedding on the Big Island. If inviting guests, make sure you give them plenty of lead-time to get their plane tickets. Unlike travel within the mainland, plane tickets to Hawaii can vary greatly in price and are best booked well in advance. Get exotic when choosing your flowers! The Big Island is home to many beautiful and aromatic flowers that you don’t normally see on the mainland such as the wonderful plumeria, dozens of orchids, and many hibiscus species. Although the lei is a traditional Hawaiian floral arrangement, many do not know that leis come in many different sizes and shapes too. Dress up or dress down. In Hawaii simple linen white outfits, barefoot on the sandy beach, is still very elegant and romantic. Want a truly memorable and unique experience? Why not get married on a black sand beach - such as Punalu’u Beach Park? Take advantage of the stunning beauty of the Big Island, get married there!Fairmont Orchid

Let The Fairmont Orchid’s attentive wedding planners orchestrate your special day. Always dreamed of getting married barefoot on the beach? They can make your dreams come true, and every detail will be perfect, down to the last orchid petal! Please call for the latest wedding packages, (808) 887-7145, toll free at (866) 873-7624.

Hilton Waikoloa Village

What better setting for an unforgettable Big Island wedding than the tropical Hilton Waikoloa Village. One of the best things about the Waikoloa Wedding Planner Atelier is that they are a full service Wedding design office for Couples to plan their special day. Allow the onsite wedding planning Atelier to coordinate your once-in-a-lifetime event. Call (808) 886-1234 ext. 2541.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has had the pleasure of hosting romantic wedding ceremonies for generations of happy couples and their families. From intimate to extravagant, barefoot ceremonies on the beach to grand receptions with the ambience of Hawaiian royalty, they can help make your wedding day heavenly. Please contact their “Romance Specialists” to start planning The Mauna Kea wedding, anniversary celebration, renewal of vows or any other romantic memory in the making. (808) 882-5465 or (808) 882-5463

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Imagine your wedding on a beautiful white sand beach with a dramatic sunset as the backdrop. Gorgeous outdoor settings like this and others are yours to experience at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Let their Romance Specialists help you to create everlasting memories of your special day. For more information, please contact their Romance Specialists at (808) 882-5465 or (808) 822-5463.

Kona Hotels starting at $78

Our comprehensive Hotel Search Engine finds the best hotels at the lowest prices. Check out our Kona Hotels Finder - focused search of Kona Hotels, sorted by price.

Travel Planning Articles

Planning your Trip - When to come, how long to stay, books

Vacations for Families - Best family beaches, activities for youngsters, infants, teens

Hawaiian Cruise Passengers - Information about port calls in Hawaii

Sample Travel Itineraries - Suggested itineraries, 1-2 day, 1 week

Island Activities Guide - Guide to the activities & tours

Tips for Traveling with Kids - Packing and flying with kids

Island Hopping - Visit more than one Hawaiian island

Regions of the Big Island - Geography and climate descriptions

Big Island Transportation - How to get there, plan your driving

Rent a 4-Wheel Drive SUV - Off-roading on the Big Island

Top 5 Attractions (You Might Miss) - You’ll never hear about these…

Packing for your Trip - Big Island scenery & weather is diverse

Big Island Wedding Planner - How to plan your wedding in Hawaii

Accommodations Articles

Where to Stay - Three different parts of the island to stay - which is best?

Vacation Rentals - Big Island Vacation rentals are a deal

Bargain or 5 Star Hotel - Stay at a resort or a bargain hotel

Discount Big Island Hotels - Check out the latest rates

Shopping in Hawaii

Big Island Shopping Guide - Guide to the shopping destinations

Hawaii Souvenirs - The best souvenirs to buy in Hawaii

Gear & Equipment Articles

Gear for your Trip - Get outfitted with the right gear

GPS Points of Interest (POI) - GPS Coordinates for Points of Interest

Kona Activities

Kona Golf Courses

There are numerous world-class golf courses that you can play while on vacation to the Big Island. Check out our discount tee times for golf courses in Kohala. We offer tee times at the best Big Island Golf courses including: Big Island Country Club, Kona Country Club, Makalei Golf Club, Volcano, and Waikoloa golf courses. Make your reservations early to guarantee your preferred date and time - use our online reservation tool and save money now.

Body Glove Snorkel Dolphin Sail

Go sailing with Body Glove Cruises - see playful Hawaii dolphins, and snorkel with brilliantly colored tropical fish and sea turtles on a snorkeling adventure at Pawai Bay, near Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii! The whole family will love the 15-foot waterslide, and the high-dive platform makes a big “splash” with the kids, as well as those who are kids at heart.

Fair Wind Kealakekua Bay Snorkel

Slide down the Fair Wind II’s water slide into the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay, a marine sanctuary, and enjoy snorkeling or diving with 80-100 feet visibility! Everything you’ll need for snorkeling is provided – masks, snorkels, fins, etc.

Glassbottom Boat Cruise

Relax and stay dry, as you explore Kona’s exotic reefs and marine life in the crystal clear waters of Kailua Bay. Learn about Hawaii’s tropical fish as well as Kona’s lore from the friendly crew. Enjoy comfortable seating and fabulous viewing inside the Marian glass bottom boat.

Deep Sea Fishing

Explore Kona’s world-famous fishing grounds aboard the Sea Wife II, and keep your catch! Without a doubt, this is the best sportfishing value on the Big Island. Share a trip or on an Exclusive Charter, the Captain and crew of Sea Wife Charters are friendly, experienced and will work hard to find that fish you are looking for! You can expect to catch Mahi Mahi, Ono, tuna, short nose spearfish, striped marlin or smaller blue marlin and much more.