Elope on the Big Island

The Big Island, also called the island of Hawai’i, is appropriately named—it’s huge, with ample options for the perfect elopement or small wedding. For couples that love adventure, the Big Island has it all, from waterfalls to remote beaches (black sands, white sands, and even one of the only green sand beaches in the world). There are also tropical valleys for hiking and calm waters where you can snorkel alongside 18-foot Manta Rays or dolphins. Buildings taller than coconut trees are also prohibited on the island, giving everywhere you go a small-town feel.

With just about every type of scenery and weather pattern—the Big Island boasts 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones—your elopement is guaranteed to have epic photos, whether you want rainforest, beach, black volcanic rock, or even snow! Unlike Oahu or Maui, the Big Island has lots of space and few tourists, as well as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, multiple historical sites and wildlife refuges, and one national historical trail. The Big Island also boasts five volcanoes, including the largest (Mauna Loa), tallest (Mauna Kea), and most active (Kilauea) in the world.

With so much going on though, planning a Big Island elopement can get overwhelming pretty fast. There’s little nightlife on the Big Island, especially outside of the tourist hub of Kona, so couples that are early to bed and early to rise enjoy it most. Because things are spread out, couples looking to elope on the Big Island should also maintain a road trip mentality and account for renting a car. This guide will help you choose where to get married on the Big Island, ensure your Big Island elopement is legal, and help you budget for your big day.

All four of these Big Island beach locations are intimate and ideal for a small wedding or elopement. They also all require permits, something which Simply Eloped is happy to coordinate if you book one of our Big Island elopement packages.

There are beautiful waterfalls all over the Big Island, however, the east side’s falls tend to be larger since it receives more rainfall. Although there are a handful of waterfalls that don’t require a hike in, those are the ones often crowded with tourists. Different waterfalls will also require different permits, so keep that in mind when planning your waterfall wedding. You’ll also need to secure a photographer and officiant who are willing to make the trek with you.
A great option for a waterfall elopement on the Big Island is The Falls at Reed’s Island, located a mile from downtown Hilo. A private, upscale vacation rental, this three-bedroom house is surrounded by rainforest and situated adjacent to one of Hawaii’s most beautiful waterfalls. While there is no additional cost for weddings, there is a minimum stay of four nights required (it books up fast). Folding chairs, round tables, and linens are available for guest use, which is limited to 25 people (12 or less if you want to hold a reception on the property).

For a legal elopement on the Big Island, you’ll need a permit for your beach ceremony site, a Hawaiian marriage license, and a registered officiant, reverend, or celebrant to conduct the ceremony. To obtain a marriage license, you’ll need an ID—state-issued or a passport works (you don’t have to be a US citizen to elope in Hawai’i)—and a copy of a divorce decree if either you or your partner have previously been married. Typically, you’d begin the process of obtaining a Hawaiian marriage license online but would still need to make an appointment to obtain a physical copy in-person.

The total application fee for a Hawaiian marriage license is $65 and it’s crucial that you receive your marriage license prior to your ceremony—your officiant signing it is what makes the whole thing legal! If you book one of our Big Island elopement packages we have a team who can help answer any questions. The state of Hawai’i doesn’t require witnesses, making it an ideal location for your two-person elopement.
For more advice, check out our comprehensive guide to eloping in Hawaii.

The best time to visit Hawaii’s Big Island is between September and November, as that’s when room rates tend to be at their lowest. Throughout the year, temperatures remain in the high 70s or low 80s, so there’s not really a bad time to visit. If you like to surf, however, you may want to visit during the busy season, from December to March, as that’s when the waves are best. The sunniest skies and the best beach weather can be found on the west side of the island along the Kohala Coast, while the east side of the island, where Hilo is located, is known as the “wet side.”

You can save money depending on when you decide to elope on the Big Island, as well as what flight deals you can get. Accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense, so we recommend forgoing hotels and resorts in favor of an Airbnb or VRBO. When budgeting, don’t forget to include miscellaneous items like your marriage license fee, permit fee, rental car, and any other travel fees your officiant or photographer might require. On average, one week on the Big Island usually costs around $1,443 per person.

Want to know more about what there is to do on Big Island, including some of our favorite guiding outfits and restaurants? Check out our guide to the Hawaiian Islands.