Which Hawaiian Island Should You Elope On?
Hawaii is a really magical place – time seems to stand still, and for couples dreaming of a wedding day that’s rooted in nature and all about being truly present, it’s one of the most incredible places to tie the knot. But, when it comes to choosing which Hawaiian island to elope on, it can get a little overwhelming! They’re all beautiful, but each one has its own energy and brings something unique to the table. Depending on the kind of experience you want, one might resonate more than the others. This guide will help you decide the best Hawaiian island to elope on for you, and walk you through the six largest islands, and what makes each one so special.
The Best Hawaiian Island to Elope On
Every couple is different, every love story is unique, and so, the day you get married should be a day that’s made just for you – not one that follows a template. To help you find the best Hawaiian island to elope on, here’s a little about each one!
Oahu – Best for Urban Adventures
Oahu is the most populated, and most developed of the Hawaiian islands. This means that it offers a blend of urban, city energy, along with natural beauty. If you like nightlife, restaurants, and exploring the city, Oahu might be perfect!
You can definitely venture away from the city and find lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and famous beaches like Lanikai. The North Shore is known for its surf competitions, so it’s great if you want to watch or catch some waves yourself. Oahu is best for couples who want to explore the city and enjoy urban comforts, but keep in mind that Oahu is the busiest island. If you want a private ceremony spot, it’s a little harder to find that here.
Kauai – Best Hawaiian Island to Elope on for Nature and Greenery
Kauai is nicknamed The Garden Isle, because it’s where you go if you want to be surrounded by lush greenery. It’s the rainiest island, but because of this, there are waterfalls spilling down from the cliffs, rivers winding through the jungle, and just perfect rainforest vibes. The iconic Na Pali Coast is a remote adventure with turquoise water and white sand beaches, while Waimea Canyon is a unique red rock canyon with countless breathtaking viewpoints.
This island is less developed, which means fewer crowds! It feels a lot more remote and untouched, perfect for couples who want to elope on an island that feels quiet and wild. But, be prepared to get a little muddy, and embrace the possibility of rain!
The Big Island – Best for Variety and Adventure
Hawaii, often referred to as The Big Island, is, true to its name, big! It’s also super diverse in scenery – you’ll find black sand beaches, snow-capped peaks, active volcanoes, and sunny white sand beaches all on the same island. There are two active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, so this island is the best one if you want to see the lava fields and volcanoes. There are a lot of great excursions to take – snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, and more.
The Big Island is the best Hawaiian island to elope on if you want variety and adventure, but keep in mind that it is big! There might be more driving between locations.
Maui – The Best Hawaiian Island to Elope On!
Okay, maybe I’m biased. I live on Maui, and there’s just something extra dreamy about this place. It’s lush and wild, but also accessible. You can have a private ceremony on a cliff at sunrise, and still grab world-class poke for lunch. You can drive the winding Road to Hana, hike through bamboo forests, watch the sun rise above the clouds on Haleakala, or just sit on a quiet beach and soak in the scenery.
It’s the most popular island for honeymoons, because it’s incredibly romantic, and because Maui has a way of encouraging you to slow down, tune in, and really appreciate every moment. It’s a nice balance of easy to get to but not too crowded – there are definitely some places where there will be a lot of people around, but it’s also possible to find a private spot and get some time to yourselves.
Lana’i – The Best Remote Hawaiian Island to Elope On
Lana’i is the smallest of the six main islands, and it’s truly secluded. Most of the roads are unpaved, there are no stoplights, and just one small town. This is the place to go if you want a truly private elopement – you’ll find red rock cliffs, secret beaches, and some of the most beautiful off the beaten path spots. You can take a 4×4 to explore, and enjoy having some of the most scenic places all to yourself.
The remoteness and seclusion of Lana’i are what make it so magical, but keep in mind that this also means it might require a little more planning!
Moloka’i – The Best Hawaiian Island to Elope On for Authenticity
Moloka’i is the most “authentic” experience. It’s the island with the most Native Hawaiian residents, and it’s an island that doesn’t cater to tourism – you won’t find big resorts and luxury hotels. It’s the place you go to truly experience Hawaiian culture and their connection to the land. The scenery is stunning, with sea cliffs, untouched beaches, and wild beauty.
This isn’t a tourist destination, which is what makes it so unique – so it’s not ideal for couples who want luxury amenities or adventure tours and excursions. But if you want simplicity, as long as you respect the island, the people, and the culture, this is the best Hawaiian island to elope on.
Eloping in Hawaii With Me
Wherever you choose to elope in Hawaii, as an elopement photographer, I’m here to make it easy, intentional, and unforgettable. I live on Maui and am all about the authenticity and connection that being here brings, and I want to share that with you. I’ll help you decide where the perfect elopement location is – from which island to elope on to where exactly to have your ceremony, and help with planning and vendor recs, and more. I’ll be your guide, your cheerleader, and the one who documents the wind in your hair and the moments that can’t be scripted.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Hawaii and need help finding your island, contact me! I can’t wait to help you start planning.
