Hawaii Venue Quick Guide
Quick reference for popular Hawaii wedding venues. Best light times, photography tips, and what to expect at each location.
Oahu - The Gathering Place
Oahu Tip: Most populous island with diverse venue options. Traffic can be significant - plan extra travel time, especially for North Shore locations.
Estate
Kualoa Ranch
Private Ranch, Ko'olaupoko
- Best Light
- Morning to early afternoon (mountains shadow evening)
- Signature Shot
- Couple with dramatic Ko'olau mountain backdrop
- Photo Tips
- Arrive early for best light. Multiple backdrops available. Movie filming location - iconic views.
Resort
Turtle Bay Resort
North Shore Resort
- Best Light
- Sunset (west-facing beaches)
- Signature Shot
- Couple on beach with North Shore waves
- Photo Tips
- Winter = big waves (dramatic but loud). Summer = calmer. Multiple ceremony/portrait locations.
Garden
Haiku Gardens
Botanical Garden, Kaneohe
- Best Light
- Morning (afternoon shade from mountains)
- Signature Shot
- Gazebo with lush tropical backdrop
- Photo Tips
- Green color cast from foliage. Ko'olau mountains as backdrop. Can be humid.
Resort
Kahala Hotel
Luxury Resort, Honolulu
- Best Light
- Golden hour (south-facing beach)
- Signature Shot
- Elegant beachfront with Diamond Head visible
- Photo Tips
- Upscale feel. Dolphins in lagoon for unique shots. Less crowded than Waikiki.
Maui - The Valley Isle
Maui Tip: Most popular wedding destination in Hawaii. West Maui and South Maui have the best weather. Road to Hana venues require significant travel time.
Resort
Beach
Four Seasons Wailea
Luxury Resort, South Maui
- Best Light
- Sunset (west-facing, stunning)
- Signature Shot
- Couple on manicured lawn with ocean sunset
- Photo Tips
- Multiple venues on property. Whale watching season bonus. Very polished aesthetics.
Cliff
Merriman's Kapalua
Restaurant, West Maui
- Best Light
- Sunset (directly over ocean)
- Signature Shot
- Couple silhouette against dramatic ocean sunset
- Photo Tips
- Incredible sunset views. Cliff-side ceremony. Wind can be strong - secure gear.
Estate
Haiku Mill
Historic Mill, Upcountry
- Best Light
- Late afternoon (courtyard lighting)
- Signature Shot
- Couple in romantic ruins with tropical vines
- Photo Tips
- Unique European feel in Hawaii. Moody, romantic atmosphere. Can be shaded - bring lights.
Garden
Olowalu Plantation House
Estate, West Maui
- Best Light
- Golden hour through sunset
- Signature Shot
- Mountains, ocean, and plantation house all in frame
- Photo Tips
- Versatile backdrops. Mountain and ocean views. Beautiful grounds for portraits.
Big Island - The Orchid Isle
Big Island Tip: Huge island - Kona and Kohala coast (west) have best weather for weddings. Hilo side is lush but rainy. Unique volcanic landscapes available.
Resort
Mauna Lani Resort
Luxury Resort, Kohala Coast
- Best Light
- Sunset (spectacular over ocean)
- Signature Shot
- Couple on lava rock with turquoise water
- Photo Tips
- Historic fishponds. Lava rock textures. Ancient petroglyphs nearby for unique shots.
Beach
Hapuna Beach
State Beach Park, Kohala
- Best Light
- Sunset (wide beach, open sky)
- Signature Shot
- Couple on expansive white sand beach
- Photo Tips
- One of Hawaii's best beaches. Permit required. Large beach = privacy. Stunning sunsets.
Cliff
Holualoa Gardens
Private Garden, Kona
- Best Light
- Late afternoon (elevated view)
- Signature Shot
- Panoramic Kona coast view with tropical gardens
- Photo Tips
- Elevated location with incredible views. Cooler temperatures. Coffee country setting.
Estate
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach
Public Beach, Ka'u
- Best Light
- Morning or late afternoon
- Signature Shot
- Couple on dramatic black sand with palm trees
- Photo Tips
- Unique black sand. Sea turtles often present. Permit required. Remote location.
Kauai - The Garden Isle
Kauai Tip: Lushest and most dramatic scenery. North Shore can be wet - South Shore is drier. No road around the entire island - plan accordingly.
Resort
St. Regis Princeville
Luxury Resort, North Shore
- Best Light
- Sunset (Hanalei Bay views)
- Signature Shot
- Couple with Hanalei Bay and Bali Hai backdrop
- Photo Tips
- Iconic Na Pali views. Can be rainy - have backup. Stunning when clear.
Garden
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
Botanical Garden, North Shore
- Best Light
- Morning to early afternoon
- Signature Shot
- Whimsical garden sculptures with tropical backdrop
- Photo Tips
- Multiple themed gardens. Bronze sculptures. Very lush after rain.
Beach
Poipu Beach
Beach, South Shore
- Best Light
- Sunset (reliable weather)
- Signature Shot
- Couple on golden sand with calm waters
- Photo Tips
- Sunniest area of Kauai. Monk seals often on beach. Multiple beach options nearby.
Cliff
Kilauea Lighthouse Area
North Shore
- Best Light
- Sunset (dramatic cliffs)
- Signature Shot
- Couple with lighthouse and dramatic cliffs
- Photo Tips
- Nesting seabirds - respect wildlife. Very windy. Dramatic backdrops.
General Hawaii Venue Tips
Scout in Advance
Visit venues before the wedding day when possible. Note sun position, best angles, and backup locations.
Permits
Many beach and park locations require permits. Confirm with couple/planner that permits are secured.
Weather Backup
Always have a backup plan. Showers can come suddenly. Know the covered areas.
Sunset Times
Build timeline around sunset. Golden hour is magic in Hawaii. Don't schedule formals during best light.