Hawaii is a breathtaking destination for a wedding. And because it’s part of the US, it’s super easy to travel to if you live in the US. Hawaii gives you all the perks of a faraway destination without the hassle of preparing to travel to another country. 

Perfect venues for a destination wedding in Hawaii

Before we get to those dreamy venues, a quick overview of Hawaii – in this post, we’ll focus on wedding venues on 3 of Hawaii’s 7 islands. These are Hawaii (The Big Island), Oahu, and Maui. 

These are the three most popular islands to visit in Hawaii, and each has unique experiences to offer. There are plenty of wedding venues on the other 4 islands as well, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for in this post, consider researching wedding venues in Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, or Niihau. 

What you need to know about each of the three major Hawaiian  islands

It’s important to do your own research before you decide on a venue for your destination wedding in Hawaii. But overall, here are the major pros and cons of each island. 

Hawaii

• Pros – most versatile, biggest island, best island for snorkeling with manta rays 
• Cons – takes a while to drive from one place to another, and most beaches require travel 

Oahu

• Pros – budget-friendly, plenty of nightlife, public transportation available 
• Cons – very touristy and highly populated, will likely have crowds 

Maui

• Pros – variety in nature, best whale watching, family-friendly, many luxury resorts 
• Cons – very touristy island, lacks nightlife, private transportation required in most locations

Wedding venues in Hawaii (The Big Island) 

The Fairmont Orchid

With 32 oceanfront acres, the Fairmont Orchid gives you the quintessential Hawaiian experience. The resort has a 10,000-square-foot oceanfront pool, and their award-winning Spa Without Walls is the perfect place to relax and get pampered before your big day! The Fairmont Orchid has a capacity for up to 1200 guests, making this the perfect resort for a larger-than-life celebration with everyone you know. 

Hilton Waikoloa Village

The Hilton Waikoloa Village has all of the amenities of a traditional Hilton hotel – but in an incredible Hawaiian resort. They have a wedding chapel if that’s your style, as well as many indoor and outdoor venues with ocean and lagoon views. There’s also a grand ballroom if you’re planning a particularly large event. And the best part? If you’re a Hilton Honors member, you’ll get points for booking your wedding here!

The Royal Kona Resort 

The Royal Kona Resort is perched along the Kona coast, with stunning views of the water. There are 7 event spaces located on the property with a capacity for up to 500 guests. Like many resorts in Hawaii, they have full planning packages that include a wedding planner to handle all the little details for you. 

Oahu, Hawaii wedding venues 

Sunset Ranch Hawaii 

Sunset Ranch Hawaii is an exclusive private estate on the north shore of Oahu. This resort’s focus is sustainability, and they work to preserve the natural landscape and native plant species on the island. There are botanical gardens and horses, and Sunset Ranch is one of the only properties in all of Hawaii that is protected with federal and state funding.  This venue offers a truly unique wedding experience. 

Turtle Bay Resort 

Located on the North Shore of the island of Oahu, Turtle Bay Resort has nearly 360 degrees of unobstructed views of the ocean. Their restaurant, Off the Lip, boasts one of the best tequila and rum cocktails on the entire island. The resort also has many fun experiences including a helicopter tour and surfing. 

Dillingham Ranch

Dillingham Ranch is home to the largest coconut plantation in Hawaii. With 2,700 acres of a historic property, this resort has a barn and a large house for the perfect rustic wedding vibe. The wedding packages here can accommodate 50 to 200 guests, giving you plenty of flexibility. 

Loulu Palm

Loulu Palm is a  historic palm farm dedicated to the propagation of the endangered Loulu palm plant. This unique location places you in the middle of Oahu’s lush landscape and has a traditional plantation-style home that was originally built in 1947. The property has a long, secluded beachfront perfect for wedding ceremonies! 

Maui, Hawaii wedding venues

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa Ka’anapali has over 20 different event spaces that include ballrooms, oceanfront terraces, and pavilions. Whether you want your destination wedding in Hawaii to be inside or outside, large or small, this resort can accommodate you. Their largest venue can hold 1000 guests for receptions. 

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa stretches for 40 acres along Ka’anapali beach. This resort can accommodate wedding celebrations with up to 1200 guests, and include full service planning packages so you can handle all of your wedding details in one place. They also have after party and special event packages. If you want a rehearsal dinner, after-wedding brunch, or welcome party that’s as luxurious as your wedding itself, this is the venue for you. 

Merriman’s Kapalua

Merriman’s Kapalua is a restaurant and event space. Kapalua Bay Lawn, the primary outdoor venue on the property, sits on a cliff overlooking Molokai and beautiful Kapalua Bay. The lawn can accommodate up to 40 guests, but you also have the option to rent the entire property for larger wedding celebrations. 

Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 

The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa has 14 event spaces with a capacity for up to 750 guests. There are 6 lawns, a ballroom, and a modern indoor event space, and each space can be decorated to fit your unique wedding style. In your suite on a property, you can look out onto Ka’anapali beach and watch a stunning Hawaiian sunset. 

Other things to consider 

When you’re planning a destination wedding in Hawaii or anywhere else far from home, consider the following: 

• Your budget
• The ability/budget of your guests to travel
• Your guest count 
• Your style
• The time of year you’d like to get married

You might also want to decide whether you will be looking for vendors who are located in Hawaii or vendors who are willing to travel. There are pros and cons to each, and it’s important to research before you make a decision. 

If you’re looking for a team of photographers and videographers willing to travel for your destination wedding, consider Dalton Young Films. We’re always ready to pack our bags and jump on a bus, train, or plane to capture your special day! 
After you’ve looked through all the wedding venues in Hawaii and found the perfect one, contact us to discuss the perfect cinematography and photography collection for your destination wedding in Hawaii.

Photography/Videography: Dalton Young Weddings