Hawaii Wedding Planner - Sites and Suggestions Hawaii

Kauai Sites Oahu Sites Maui Sites Lanai Sites Molokai Sites

Hawaii Sites and Suggestions

Disclaimer:

The sites and suggestions listed on this page are chosen for their beauty and availability. Accessibility, weather and information on each area aren’t always mentioned. A good idea is to research at the library or local bookstore by picking out a guidebook for your chosen island. We highly recommend " The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook " and Hawaii: " The Big Island Revealed " for those two islands. See their web site at www.wizardpub.com for further info.

Our maps for each island should help somewhat with general logistics. It is recommended before making a final decision on a wedding site that either you or a trusted substitute view it in person, first. Public parks and beaches require permits that must be filed for as far in advance as possible. Please contact the island’s respective mayor’s information office for further info.

Kauai: 808-241-6303

Big Island: 808-961-8223

Maui, Molokai, and Lanai: 808-243-7587

Oahu: 808-523-4385

Additionally: Weather is an important factor. Typically the islands are often referred to as either windward or leeward. Windward being the side that faces the wind and leeward being the protected and typically, drier side. North shores and east shores are windward, while south and west shores are leeward. In addition the interiors of each island are generally mountainous and wetter than the coastal areas. Check out the University of Hawaii Weather pages for current weather conditions in Hawaii. Remember, this is the tropics. A typical day’s forecast will include light winds, sunny skies and passing showers--year round! Don’t be afraid to ask any of our listed vendors for information pertaining to their "neck of the woods", and as a picture tells a thousand words we’ve highlighted certain text/photo links throughout our island introductions and these sites and suggestions pages.

According to the intro in Hawaii: "The Big Island Revealed, The Ultimate Guidebook": ….."The Big Island has it all. Nowhere else in the world will you find the diversity available here. Pristine rain forest, lava deserts, world class beaches, snow covered mountains an active volcano dazzling sunsets, and just about every activity you can think of."

We agree.

As this island is so big, we only mention a few of our favorite sites.

We will start with the NORTH SHORE and work our way counter-clockwise. In the Kohala area lies Kakahikiola church (circa 1855) a beautiful little historic church. Kauhola Point Lighthouse is county owned and offers awesome vistas. Fantastic resorts: Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Resort.

Beach front ceremonies are good at Mahukona Beach Park, Anaeho’omalu Beach is a great sunset spot, Spencer Beach Park, Mauna Kea Beach are particularly beautiful, Hapuna Beach is often voted most beautiful beach in the nation, Mauna Lani Beach , which also houses a resort and last but not least is Kiholo Bay.

On the Kona side there seems to be a number of historic churches from the days of the missionaries. They are: Mokuaikaua Church (circa 1837), St. Peter’s Church ( "The Little Blue Church" ), St. Michael’s, which overlooks Kahalu’u Bay and St. Benedict’s Catholic Church ( "The Painted Church, 1899). Check out the church section of the directory to contact them directly. Kona area resorts would include the Royal Kona Resort, Hilton Waikaloa and Kona Surf. Kona area beaches are pretty skinny and not particularly good unless you get the resort areas, however, their is always Kahalu’u Beach Park, a county run facility.

The SOUTH SIDE of the island is home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park complete with it’s very own active Kilauea volcano. This is the star attraction of the island. The area features a charming lodge and restaurant. Also in the neighborhood are many lovely bed and breakfast accommodations. Some are perfect sites for small catered receptions. If you are particularly adventurous, Blue Hawaiian Helicopters (see Exotic Weds for Hawaii) offers the opportunity to marry near the active volcano! The only beach to speak of on this side would be Punalu’u black sand beach, one of the last remaining black sand beaches in the world.

The Hilo area is a tropical paradise. The incredible Akaka Falls is on this side of the island and though you cannot actually marry right at the falls, you can walk down to a lovely lookout point with a small covered shelter and exchange your nuptials. Also on this side of the island are the Rainbow Falls, Boiling Pots falls and two great botanical gardens: Nani Mau Gardens (808) 959-3541 and Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens (808) 964-5233. If you are interested in beaches, the only thing that comes to mind here would be Pu’ala’a. This beach features a natural volcanically heated spring & ocean fed pool making a romantic spot to immerse after a private ceremony.

The Hamakua & Waipio Valley. Aside from the volcano we would have to say Waipio Valley is absolutely incredible however, difficult to get to requiring a four-wheel drive. Very private with few residents the valley may be considered a great place to elope. If you’re adventurous, Blue Hawaiian offers a ceremony site in Hamakua. Check the Exotic Weds listing for more info.