Luxury resort wedding ceremony on Big Island oceanfront lawn

Luxury Oceanfront Resorts

Experience world-class elegance on the Kona-Kohala Gold Coast

Kalani Miller, local wedding venue expert

Written by a Local Wedding Expert

Kalani Miller

Luxury Oceanfront Resorts: The Kona-Kohala Gold Coast

The magnificent stretch of coastline from Kona town to the Kohala district is world-renowned for its virtually guaranteed sunshine, pristine white and black sand beaches, and an impressive collection of Hawaiʻi's most spectacular luxury resort properties. These venues specialize in creating seamless, high-end wedding experiences where every single detail is handled with meticulous care and professional expertise.

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai: The Peak of Barefoot Luxury

This Forbes Five-Star resort has become synonymous with impeccable, highly personalized service and understated elegance that never feels stuffy or pretentious. The resort grounds are a stunning visual symphony mixing pristine white sand beaches, dramatic black lava rock formations, and meticulously maintained lush tropical gardens.

Up to 600

Guests

$$$$

Price Range

Multiple

Oceanfront Venues

The resort offers multiple oceanfront lawn venues like the spacious Beach Tree Lawn and the more intimate Event Lawn that provide incredible flexibility for both ceremonies and receptions of various sizes. For couples seeking a more secluded experience, the enchanting Hoku Amphitheater offers a private garden setting surrounded by native Hawaiian plants. They also provide exclusive access to ceremonies directly on the sand at Kumukea Beach, one of the most pristine beaches on the island. Ceremony packages begin around $6,500, with reception pricing starting at approximately $250 per guest, not including the mandatory gratuities and taxes.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection: Timeless Mid-Century Aloha

As one of the very first luxury resort developments on the Kohala Coast, Mauna Kea has maintained a timeless, almost regal ambiance that speaks to old Hawaii elegance. The property sits majestically on one of the world's most consistently beautiful beaches, the crescented Kaunaʻoa Bay, which has been featured in countless travel magazines and movies.

Capacity & Pricing

  • • Up to 355 guests
  • • Wedding packages start at $10,000
  • • F&B minimum: $15,000-$20,000
  • • Minimum 10-room night booking

Signature Venues

  • • North & South Pointe Lawns
  • • Vista Decks for sunset ceremonies
  • • Kaunaʻoa Bay beachfront
  • • Indoor ballroom options

Fairmont Orchid, Hawaiʻi: The Complete Oceanfront Experience

This exceptional resort holds the distinction of being the only major property on the prestigious Kohala Coast that offers a true "toes-in-the-sand" experience for both the wedding ceremony and the reception celebration, making it the top choice for couples who want the complete beach wedding dream without any compromises.

The sandy Coconut Grove provides an absolutely magical setting for starlit receptions with the sound of gentle waves just steps away, while Turtle Pointe offers a more formal dramatic lawn setting positioned on ancient black lava rock formations overlooking the endless Pacific Ocean. The resort offers several comprehensive wedding packages, ranging from $9,000 to over $14,000, with clearly defined food and beverage spending minimums that significantly simplify the often-confusing budgeting process.

Explore More Wedding Venues

Discover all types of Big Island wedding venues to find your perfect match.

🏨 Resort Comparison

Four Seasons 600 guests
Mauna Kea 355 guests
Fairmont Orchid 1,500 guests
Mauna Lani 600 guests

💰 Typical Pricing

  • Wedding Package: $6,500-$14,000
  • F&B Minimum: $15,000-$20,000
  • Per Guest: $200-$400
  • Room Minimum: 10+ nights

💡 Kalani's Insider Tip

When considering any resort venue, always ask about other events on your wedding day. Some resorts host multiple weddings, while others like Westin Hapuna maintain a strict 'one wedding per day' policy for complete exclusivity.

More Luxury Resort Options

Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Following an extensive renovation, Mauna Lani now exudes sophisticated calm and natural luxury that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Built on sacred grounds with peaceful, spiritual energy throughout the property.

Capacity: Up to 600 guests
Price: $$$$
Highlight: CanoeHouse restaurant
Beach: Papakonane & Kilohana

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Positioned majestically above the iconic white sands of Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area, offering spectacular unobstructed ocean views. Currently providing 50% discount off venue rental fees for weddings booked through March 2025.

Capacity: Up to 900 guests
Price: $$$
Policy: One wedding per day
Special: 50% off until Mar 2025

Hilton Waikoloa Village

A sprawling mega-resort that's a complete destination in itself, featuring trams and boats to navigate the extensive grounds. Excellent for very large weddings with guests of all ages, offering endless activities and entertainment options.

Capacity: Over 2,800 guests
Price: $$$
Packages: $3,795-$10,970
Venues: Chapel to Buddha Point