Private ranch wedding ceremony in Hawaiian upcountry with mountain views

Private Estates & Ranches

Your own slice of paradise with complete privacy and creative control

Kalani Miller, local wedding venue expert

Written by a Local Wedding Expert

Kalani Miller

Private Estates & Ranches: Your Own Slice of Paradise

For couples seeking complete privacy, creative control, and the ability to create a truly personalized experience, renting a private estate or working ranch represents a fantastic option that many mainland couples never consider. These unique venues allow you to host extended multi-day celebrations, provide accommodations for your closest family and friends to stay right on the property, and create a truly bespoke event designed from the ground up to reflect your personal style and vision.

This path does require significantly more hands-on planning and coordination, so hiring an experienced local wedding planner who knows these properties intimately is not just recommended but essential.

Holualoa Inn: Upland Elegance & Panoramic Views

Situated in the heart of the world-famous Kona Coffee belt at a cool elevation of 1,400 feet, this meticulously maintained 30-acre estate offers absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Kona coastline stretching from its peaceful upland perch high above the bustle of town.

Venue Details

  • Capacity: Up to 150 guests
  • Price: $$ (Mid-range)
  • Elevation: 1,400 feet
  • Size: 30 acres

Signature Features

  • • Ancient Monkeypod tree ceremony site
  • • Malulani Pavilion for receptions
  • • Historic Red Barn bridal suite
  • • Complete estate buyout available

The signature ceremony location beneath the magnificent and ancient Monkeypod tree on the Great Lawn has become truly iconic among local wedding photographers and is featured in countless destination wedding magazines. Reception celebrations are typically held in the beautifully appointed Malulani Pavilion, which offers both indoor and outdoor space options, while the charming and historic Red Barn serves as an exceptionally spacious and stylish bridal preparation suite.

Puakea Ranch: Historic Paniolo Charm

This lovingly and beautifully restored historic ranch property in the remote and peaceful North Kohala district represents the absolute epitome of rustic Hawaiian romance. With charming individual cottages scattered across the property, free-roaming peacocks that add whimsical charm, and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere that encourages guests to slow down and savor the moment, it feels like stepping into your own private piece of authentic old Hawaiʻi.

Perfect for Weekend Celebrations

Exchange your vows beneath the sprawling and majestic limbs of an ancient Monkeypod tree that has witnessed decades of island history, then celebrate with dinner and dancing in the rustic but elegant open-sided Party Barn. The unique ability to rent all four distinctive cottages makes this venue absolutely perfect for intimate weekend-long celebrations where everyone can stay together.

125

Max Guests

$$

Price Range

4

Guest Cottages

Explore More Wedding Venues

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

🏡 Private Estates

Holualoa Inn 150 guests
Puakea Ranch 125 guests
Anna Ranch 300 guests
Kahua Ranch 500 guests

Typical Inclusions

  • Ceremony & reception sites
  • Bridal preparation areas
  • Parking for guests
  • Basic tables & chairs
  • Multi-day access

💡 Planning Tip

Private estates require hiring separate vendors for catering, flowers, and music. Start planning 8-12 months ahead and consider hiring a local wedding planner familiar with these properties.

More Ranch & Estate Options

Anna Ranch Heritage Center: Historic Waimea Beauty

Nestled peacefully in the lush, emerald green rolling hills of Waimea at a comfortable elevation that provides relief from coastal heat, this carefully preserved historic landmark offers a genuinely beautiful and surprisingly affordable wedding setting that maintains an authentic paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) spirit.

Capacity: Up to 300 guests outdoors, 70 indoors
Price: $ (Budget-friendly)
Venues: Front Lawn, Orange Tree Grove, Anna's Hall
Value: Most budget-friendly ranch option

This versatile venue offers multiple distinct ceremony and reception sites scattered across the property, from the expansive and formal Front Lawn that can accommodate large gatherings to the intimate and romantic Orange Tree Grove perfect for smaller ceremonies, plus the rustic and atmospheric Anna's Hall for indoor celebrations when weather doesn't cooperate.

Kahua Ranch: Epic Views & Grand Scale

A genuine working cattle ranch positioned high on the slopes of the ancient Kohala mountains, Kahua Ranch offers some of the most genuinely epic and expansive wide-open vistas available anywhere on the Big Island, with views stretching dramatically from rolling emerald green pastures down through multiple climate zones all the way to the sparkling sea.

Capacity: Up to 500 guests
Price: $ (Budget-friendly)
Features: Historic chapel, covered barn
Scale: Largest ranch capacity

The property features a charming historic chapel for intimate ceremonies, a large covered barn structure perfect for receptions and dancing regardless of weather conditions, and one of the largest guest capacity limits available for any ranch venue on the island, making it absolutely ideal for grand-scale rustic celebrations.

Why Choose a Private Estate or Ranch?

  • • Complete privacy and exclusivity
  • • Multi-day celebration possibilities
  • • Guest accommodations on-site
  • • Full creative control over design
  • • Authentic Hawaiian ranch atmosphere
  • • Cooler mountain temperatures
  • • Spectacular panoramic views
  • • Often more budget-friendly than resorts