Dec 16
Unique Hawaii Wedding Venues: 17 Must-See Spots
By Wedding Spot
When thinking of a destination wedding, visions of sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush tropical foliage come to mind. Hawaii is that quintessential tropical paradise – and so much more. With towering mountains that disappear into the mist, warm weather year-round, unparalleled vistas, and some of the best beaches in the world, Hawaii is the perfect place to have your dream destination wedding.
Consider this your ultimate guide to the most unique Hawaii wedding venues (most of which are bookable right through Wedding Spot!), with locations spread across four of the islands. Read on to learn what makes these places worthy of hosting your special day.
Explore 17 of the most unique Hawaii wedding venues:
Unique Oahu wedding venues
Oahu is known as “The Gathering Place,” as it’s the most populous of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s home to the capital city of Honolulu, the bustling tourist destination of Waikiki, and world-famous surfing spots on the North Shore. This island has much to offer, from pristine, white-sand beaches to the signature rugged mountains only to be found in Hawaii. Here are a few unique places to say your vows while soaking up all Oahu has to offer.
Located on the windward side of Oahu in Kaneohe, Haiku Gardens is your own private paradise. This four-acre garden property is nestled at the foot of the Koolau mountains, which serve as a gorgeous backdrop no matter where on the property you choose to say “I do.” Ceremony locations range from the private botanical garden, an elegant gazebo, or their newest option: an open-air chapel surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
2. Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden
The name of this garden venue located in Kaneohe means “a peaceful refuge.” It’s easy to see why — with a tranquil lake, an abundance of tropical plants, and dramatic views of the mountains, this venue offers the perfect option for an outdoor wedding in paradise. Choose from ceremony locations like the terrace and gazebo, the butterfly garden, or the palm garden.
For show-stopping panoramic views of Waikiki, Honolulu, and Diamond Head, look no further than The Honolulu Ridge. This historic venue and private estate offers an unrivaled overlook of the city and ocean. Use the historic home with vaulted ceilings for a small reception, or opt for the Panoramic Deck with breathtaking views.
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It doesn’t get much more unique than getting married in the crater of a blooming (and dormant) volcano. Koko Crater Botanical Garden provides a mixture of tropical and desert environments, with views of the ocean while you’re surrounded by exotic and endangered plant life — like a cactus and succulent garden. Guests can enjoy exploring the trails before settling in for a simple reception amongst the rare landscape.
5. Kualoa Ranch
When you set foot on Kualoa Ranch, it’ll probably look familiar — that’s because movies and TV shows like Lost, Hawaii Five-0, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, and Jurassic Park were filmed onsite. The grandeur of the mountains and the valley open up to sweeping views of the Pacific and Mokoli’i island in the distance. For your ceremony or reception, choose from areas like the gardens, a lawn with an oasis-like feel, the foot of the mountains, or a secret island.
Step into a piece of Hawaiian history at this former summer retreat home to Hawaii’s royal family. Located in the lush Nu’uanu Valley, this historic residence catches the eye with its bright green shutters and quaint ambiance. The Emmalani Hale (Hawaiian word for “house”), built from volcanic rock and framed with large windows, offers an intimate reception space. Or, the Prince Albert Terrace makes the perfect location for a ceremony tucked away in the garden. Guests are free to explore the colonial-style house at their leisure as they take in the tranquil surroundings.
Unique wedding venues on The Big Island
For a more remote, tropical jungle or rainforest environment, look no further than Hawai’i – more frequently referred to as “The Big Island.” This is where you’ll find black sand beaches and hardened lava fields – the island is home to Volcano National Park, with Kilauea and Mauna Loa both taking up residence as the island’s active volcanoes. The Big Island also has the grand Akaka Falls, the sacred Waipi’o Valley, and plenty of trails through rainforests and botanical gardens. Take a look at these venues for some one-of-a-kind places to host your tropical wedding.
Perched right on the edge of Hilo Bay, the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel offers views that can’t be beat — the summit of Mauna Kea, the town of Hilo, and Coconut Island are all visible from the hotel grounds. With an expansive lawn that goes right up to the ocean, you can say your vows in the heart of Hilo just steps from the water.
8. Kahua Ranch
Located in the northern part of the Big Island, Kahua Ranch sits high in the Kohala Mountains, giving expansive views of the land and seascape below. The ranch showcases the diverse geography of the island, with both the rainforests and the desert nearby. This off-the-beaten-path venue has spaces ranging from a covered deck with an attached working barn to an ocean-view lawn with a historic ranch chapel. At nighttime, treat your guests to stargazing and find out why the Big Island is one of the best places on earth to catch amazing vistas of the heavens.
9. Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
On the Kona side of the Big Island right by Keauhou Bay sits the Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa. Get married at sunset on the black lava cliffs by the ocean or choose the Bayside Lawn surrounded by palm trees and plants. The charming open-air chapel with a sea-green roof and white exposed beams looks out directly to the ocean and offers panoramic views of the bay.
10. Hulihe’e Palace
Hulihe’e Palace’s beautiful oceanfront location makes it the perfect venue for a sunset wedding or intimate reception. Built in 1838 as the Hawaiian royalty vacation residence, the palace still exudes historic charm with its green shutters, redwood pillars, and signature Hawaiian koa furniture. Welcome your guests like royalty in the spacious entry hall and usher them out to the lush lawn to celebrate your special day right by the ocean.
Unique Maui wedding venues
Maui is also called “The Valley Isle,” and it’s the second-largest Hawaiian island. It’s the island known for its world-famous beaches, the Iao Valley, and beautiful views of sunrise and sunset from the top of the dormant volcano, Haleakala. During the winter months, migrating humpback whales are visible. With all this and more, it’s clear to see why Maui has consistently been voted “Best Island in the U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler. Check out these unique Hawaii wedding venues (and adventures!) you can only find in Maui.
Want an exclusive experience and venue that will never be shared with anyone else? Charter a luxury sailing catamaran and enjoy unmatched views of Maui, Molokai, and Lana’i. Have your wedding at sea and sail to a private island for the reception. Each wedding coordinated by Trilogy is unique, from the menu to the decor, and beyond.
12. Travaasa Hana
Positioned above Hana Bay on the eastern tip of Maui, Travaasa Hana is surrounded by rolling fields and plentiful palm trees. Host your cocktail hour in the guest house, which brings the outside in with skylights and a breezy lanai. If a sunset ceremony has always been your dream, Hamoa Beach provides the perfect backdrop, with a traditional luau, tiki torches, and dancing to follow.
13. Wailea Inn
This luxury private estate is located just steps away from South Maui’s world-class beaches. Have a beachfront ceremony on Wailea Inn’s expansive lawn overlooking the water. Dine under breezy tents and a canopy of string lights next to swaying palm trees and waves lapping gently at the shore.
14. Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center
Blend seamlessly into the landscape Maui is known for at the Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center. With Haleakala National Park right in its backyard, you’re never far from the island’s unique geography. A Mediterranean-style historic estate, the Hui’s Solarium is encased in glass windows and doors and serves as a perfect location for a cocktail hour. Your guests will enjoy views of the park, the West Maui Mountains, and Maui’s North Shore. Hold your ceremony in one of many onsite locations, like the outdoor courtyard among the historic ruins of one of Maui’s earliest sugar mills. The property boasts two of Maui’s largest Norfolk Island pine trees and other native Hawaiian flora, perfect for a photoshoot or creating the ideal tropical ambiance for your wedding.
Unique Kauai wedding venues
For cascading waterfalls, abundant tropical rainforests, lush valleys, and sharp mountain spires, look no further than the “Garden Island” of Kauai. This island is for the adventurous — it’s rife with outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, and surfing. Take a look at these unique Hawaii wedding venues that encapsulate the wild spirit of Kauai.
Like a true tropical oasis, Hanalei Bay Resort is tucked within the natural beauty of Kauai’s North Shore, surrounded by plants and lagoon-style pools. Choose to say your vows with your toes in the sand on the beach, overlooking the bay from the bluff, or surrounded by waterfalls in the garden.
Hanalei Colony’s location on a secluded stretch of a remote beach is what makes this venue so unique. For a true getaway experience away from the distractions of modern life, head to this venue on the North Shore of Kauai. Whether you want a big gala celebration or a small barefoot-on-the-beach ceremony, Hanalei Colony has the right location to fit your dream wedding.
17. Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park
A living mosaic of ever-changing and diverse plant life is only the starting point of what Na ‘Āina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park has to offer. This venue has a plethora of unique locations to have your wedding, like overlooking the hedge maze and Japanese teahouse, or in the rich woodlands of the Wild Forest. Ka’ula Lagoon offers a tranquil place to say your vows, or opt for the grounds of the ocean-bluff residence or the meadow by the beach.
Looking for more inspiration for your Hawaii wedding?
These are just a taste of the venues that Hawaii has to offer. Browse even more options on Wedding Spot and create your own tropical haven for your wedding day. To fine-tune the details, check out our favorite beach wedding ideas and tips for how to plan an affordable beach wedding.
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The Wedding Spot blog is designed to help couples navigate every step of the wedding planning journey. From before the engagement to after you say “I do,” our goal is to give you the tips, ideas, and inspiration to prepare for your big day — and all that comes with it.