HAWAII WEDDING VENUES
I have listed the top wedding venues in the state of Hawaii and tried to describe them from a photographer’s perspective to be useful to brides and grooms considering the islands for their wedding. They all have strengths and some a few weaknesses, and the key is knowing your priorities in terms of aligning with your wedding vision. Do you envision a beachy sunset with a gentle breeze? Dramatic mountain vistas and larger than life vegetation? Do you prefer the privacy of an estate or the ease of walking out of your hotel room and down the aisle?
Island Basics
As a basic primer, each Hawaiian island has a leeward and windward side, meaning one side of the island will typically have reliably warm and dry weather, while the windward sides are home to lush vegetation, often green mountains, and rainbows (occasional showers.) It’s typical for resorts and hotels to be found on the south shores which are drier and hotter and experience the sun setting over the water. The hotels provide great convenience and ease in terms of facilities for your guests but unless you book out the resort, it will also be hosting other guests and possibly other events.
A range of venues
Venues located in less developed and populated areas are often found “upcountry” or on the north shores and boast some of the most stunning scenery in the islands, but may require more logistical preparation from your planning team in terms of setting up outdoor kitchens and bathrooms, organizing shuttles for your guests and having a backup tent as a rain plan. The south shore is typically less windy but wind is simply a feature of all of Hawai’i, and the wind keeps the air some of the freshest in the world. Some couples will strongly identify as either outdoorsy or more “pool” people and this strongly guides the process. Happily there is a range of wedding venues here in Hawai’i and a venue most people will resonate with, or even fall in love with.
Upcountry
Hawaii is a series of mountains rising from the ocean and locals refer to much of the territory up and away from the beach as “upcountry.” Many visitors will be surprised to find a different world from the beachy coastline, not too far up the hill. Although by definition upcountry venues are not on the beach, this is not a liability. Often you’ll find heritage buildings, sweeping vistas and more privacy in these types of venues, and generally more space for your celebration and for guests to explore. Temperatures are often lower by a couple of welcome degrees.
Venues upcountry: Hui No Eau, haiku mill, haiku house, anna’s ranch, Four Seasons, dillingham ranch
Beach
Beach venues are often what comes first to mind when thinking of any destination wedding, especially a wedding in Hawaii. These venues often feature the ocean as backdrop throughout the day’s imagery and are usually on the sunny leeward sides of the islands. These venues are typically operated by resorts and offer convenient packages with staff and catering and spaces for preparation and guest accommodation.
beach venues: Andaz, lanikuhonua, four seasons, sugar beach, olowalu plantation house, kona village resort, four seasons lana’i, kona beach house
Garden
Garden venues can showcase the incredible tropical plants in Hawaii and offer a more enclosed, private feel. They are often more protected from the wind and offer some natural shade. They are typically found on the windward sides of the island due to the greater volume of rain. I have a particular fondness for garden venues for the variety of lighting available throughout the day, for their privacy and possibility of rich tones.
garden venues: haiku mill, haiku house, na aina Kai Botanical garden, waimea valley botanical gardens, hana maui resort, hotel wailea, kualoa ranch
