Finding Your Perfect Big Island Backdrop
From sun-kissed beaches to misty ranches - discover your wahi pana (storied place)
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerChoosing Your Venue
Choosing your wedding venue on the Big Island is about more than just a pretty view. It's about finding the wahi pana (storied place) that speaks to your soul. Do you see yourselves on the sunny shores of the Kohala Coast? In the cool upcountry of Waimea? Or surrounded by the primal energy of the volcano? Let's find your place.
This decision is the most critical one you'll make. It sets the entire tone and path for your wedding. A luxury resort offers a streamlined, all-in-one experience at a premium price. A private ranch provides a blank canvas for ultimate personalization but requires you to act as a general contractor. You bring in every single vendor. A public beach is the epitome of natural beauty but comes with strict rules and no backup plan for weather. Understanding these fundamental differences is the key to choosing a venue that aligns not just with your aesthetic vision, but also with your budget and tolerance for hands-on planning.
Luxury Resorts
The All-Inclusive Dream
For couples who value seamless service, world-class amenities, and a single point of contact.
The Kona and Kohala coasts are lined with some of the world's most spectacular resorts. Each offers comprehensive wedding packages that handle nearly every detail. While the initial investment is higher, these packages often include a dedicated on-site coordinator, catering, staffing, tables, chairs, and linens. When you calculate the cost of sourcing these elements individually for a private venue, the value of a resort package becomes very apparent.
Fairmont Orchid
Located on the Kohala Coast, this is the only resort that offers a true "toes-in-the-sand" experience from ceremony to reception. Their Coconut Grove venue allows you to say your vows on the sand and celebrate under towering palms and tiki torches. This creates an authentically Hawaiian atmosphere. They offer a range of venues, from grand ballrooms to intimate oceanfront lawns like Turtle Pointe.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
As one of the newest and most exclusive luxury resorts on the island, Kona Village offers an unparalleled experience. With a capacity of up to 300 guests, it's perfect for larger celebrations. Venue options include the oceanfront Nanea Lawn, where a bride can walk directly from her private villa to the ceremony. There's also the more secluded Ho'okipa Lawn surrounded by tranquil ponds. Site fees can range from $4,500 to over $50,000.
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The epitome of relaxed luxury, the Four Seasons is renowned for its impeccable service and stunning grounds. It's a consistently top-rated choice for couples who want a five-star experience without any pretense.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
A timeless icon on the Big Island, the Mauna Kea offers a sense of classic, old-world Hawaii. Its location on one of the island's most beautiful beaches provides a legendary backdrop for any ceremony.
Intimate Beach Weddings
The Natural Romance
For the free-spirited couple dreaming of simplicity and the sound of the waves.
A ceremony on a public beach is the quintessential Hawaiian wedding. But it comes with a specific set of rules and realities. This is not a "do-it-yourself" option. You must work with a licensed and insured wedding planner or officiant who can secure the necessary permits.
⚠️ The Permit Process
All commercial activities, including weddings, on state public beaches require a Wiki Permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Your planner will obtain this for you. It requires a liability insurance policy of at least $300,000.
📋 The Rules Are Strict
To protect our natural resources, the DLNR enforces several key rules for beach weddings:
- No arches, altars, chairs (with exceptions for elderly or disabled guests), tables, or amplified sound systems allowed on the sand
- Alcohol is prohibited on all public beaches
- Guest counts are strictly limited, typically to a maximum of 25-30 people (includes wedding party and all vendors)
Recommended Beach Locations
Kikaua Point Park
My top recommendation for a beach wedding. It's a beautiful, gated park with sand, grass, and palm trees. Crucially, they only permit one wedding at a time. This guarantees you privacy that is rare for a public beach. You must book this location well in advance.
Kalani's Note: The best of both worlds - natural beauty with guaranteed exclusivity.
Kukio Beach
A stunning stretch of white sand near the Four Seasons Hualalai. Access is controlled by a guard shack where you receive a parking pass. This naturally limits the number of beachgoers and adds a layer of exclusivity.
Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
For a truly dramatic and unforgettable backdrop, nothing compares to Punaluʻu. The jet-black sand against the turquoise water is breathtaking. It is a bit of a drive from the main resort areas, but the photos are worth it. Please be mindful that this is a sacred resting place for our beloved honu (Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles). They must be given plenty of space and respect.
Anaehoomalu Bay ("A-Bay")
Located in the Waikoloa Beach Resort area, this beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets. It's a very popular spot for weddings and vow renewals. Its proximity to restaurants makes it a convenient choice for a post-ceremony celebration.
Private Ranches
Upcountry Rustic Elegance
Escape the coastal heat and head to the cool, rolling green hills of Waimea and North Kohala. Here, historic ranches offer panoramic views, rustic charm, and a profound sense of peace.
Puakea Ranch (Hawi)
An authentic and historic 33-acre estate that perfectly blends rustic comfort with natural beauty. The iconic ceremony site is beneath a majestic, old-growth monkey pod tree. The ranch features four private cottages that can sleep up to 18 guests. This allows you to buy out the entire property for an exclusive, multi-day celebration with your closest family and friends. It has capacity for up to 150 event guests.
Anna Ranch Heritage Center (Waimea)
Steeped in the history of Old Hawaii, this venue offers incredible versatility. You can host an intimate reception for 60-80 in Anna's Hall. A small ceremony in the Vintage Barn. Or a grand affair for up to 300 guests on the expansive front lawn. Starting rental fees are very reasonable, typically ranging from $1,450 to $2,200.
Kahua Ranch (Kohala)
For a truly unique setting, Kahua Ranch is a working 8,500-acre cattle ranch located 3,000 feet up the slopes of the Kohala Mountains. The vistas of the coastline below are simply breathtaking. This offers a completely different perspective of the island.
Coffee Farms & Gardens
Lush Tropical Intimacy
Immerse yourselves in the vibrant flora of the island with a wedding at a working coffee farm or a lush botanical garden.
Holualoa Inn (Holualoa)
This is a gem. A stunning 30-acre coffee estate perched on the slopes of Hualalai volcano, with panoramic views of the Kona coastline. The Malulani Pavilion can host up to 120 guests. The property offers beautiful accommodations, making it an all-in-one venue for a destination wedding weekend. Their all-inclusive packages provide a resort-like experience with the privacy of a private estate.
Nani Mau Gardens (Hilo)
A fantastic option for those getting married on the lush east side of the island. "Nani Mau" means "forever beautiful," and this 20-acre garden lives up to its name. It offers multiple ceremony sites, including a white orchid pavilion and a bell tower. It features indoor reception facilities that can accommodate up to 299 guests.
Volcanic Estates
Primal & Dramatic
For the truly adventurous couple, saying "I do" in the presence of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, is an experience of a lifetime.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
This option is best suited for elopements or very small ceremonies. A Special Use Permit is required, and the rules are strict to protect the sacred landscape. Maximum of 15 people and two vehicles, with no chairs, decorations, or amplified music allowed. Popular, approved locations include the lush Kīpukapuaulu (Bird Park) and the dramatic Kīlauea Iki Overlook. A wedding here is raw, powerful, and unforgettable, but requires flexibility. The weather is notoriously unpredictable.
A Local Tip: A wedding in the national park is not a traditional venue experience. It is about embracing the raw power of nature. The best light for photography is always at sunrise or sunset, when the landscape is bathed in golden light. You may even see the glow from Halemaʻumaʻu crater after dark.
Big Island Venue Comparison
Luxury Resort
Kalani's Note: World-class service but less privacy. Best for a low-stress experience.
Public Beach
Kalani's Note: Unbeatable natural beauty, but it's public, has many restrictions, and no rain plan.
Private Ranch
Kalani's Note: A true "Old Hawaii" feel. Requires bringing in all vendors (catering, rentals, etc.).
Coffee Farm/Garden
Kalani's Note: Incredible photo backdrops. Hilo side is rainier but stunningly green.
Volcano
Kalani's Note: An unforgettable but complex experience with strict rules.
Next: Building Your Dream Team
Now that you've found your perfect venue, let's assemble the vendors who will bring your vision to life.
🗺️ Wedding Guide
💰 Price Ranges
🏝️ Best Regions
Luxury resorts, sunny weather
Ranches, cool climate
Coffee farms, beaches
Dramatic, adventurous
💡 Kalani's Tip
Visit your venue in person if possible, even a year before. The photos online don't capture the true scale, the wind patterns, or how the light falls at your ceremony time. This visit is worth every penny.