As you plan your big day, set your sights on the Big Island for a wedding to remember in the heart of paradise. Venue options abound across its gorgeous landscape, ranging from ranches and gardens to beaches and resorts. In fact, there are so many possibilities that it’s almost impossible to choose. Thankfully, we’re here to help with this guide on the best spots to get married on the Big Island.
Puakea Ranch
Located off the beaten path in Hawi, Puakea Ranch serves as a magical spot to say your vows, and then celebrate your union in style. Rolling pastures backed by ocean views set the stage for a memorable event while the tropical plants all around infuse every moment with pure romance.
You can start your wedding journey by renting out their four onsite bungalows for your entire wedding party. Then, invite up to 150 guests to witness your ceremony and share in your celebrations afterward.
They keep their costs close to the vest. But you can expect this venue to be quite a splurge, especially if you go with the venue, fully-stocked bungalow rentals, daily maid visits, and event catering services.
Mauna Lani Resort
Set in beautiful Waimea, the Mauna Lani Resort eagerly awaits the chance to help soulmates join together in marriage on their terms. You’re welcome to keep it 100% simple by eloping – or let the world know about your union with a huge bash. They also offer intimate ceremonies on the lawn, along the beach, or right on the oceanfront.
All the festivities start with the ceremony, of course, but their reception venues are just as marvelous. Located both indoors and outdoors, their venues can accommodate up to 250 guests. All along the way, their wedding planners will make sure your event goes off without a hitch, so you can just focus on having the time of your life.
The total price depends on your selected package. Most weddings end up costing anywhere from $6,000 to $11,000. Rooms for the couple, wedding party, and guests add to the total cost.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach
When you just want to enjoy the beauty of the oceanside while marrying your beloved, set your sights on Punaluu Black Sand Beach as your venue of choice. With its remote location far from Hilo and Kona, this beach is the perfect place to get married without worrying about the crowds. The jet black sands underfoot make for the perfect photo backdrop, too, especially as the palm trees sway against the vivid blue skies and ocean beyond.
Since you cannot reserve your spot, the venue won’t cost you anything. You will need to pay for all the key services needed for your wedding, including wedding planners, officiants, photographers, musicians, and the like.
You’re welcome to bring in catered food, too, if you want to have a picnic lunch on the beach for your reception. Just be sure to pack out whatever you bring to the beach to keep the space nice for generations to come.
Nani Mau Gardens
At the Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo, you get to say, “I do,” while surrounded by 10 full acres of stunningly beautiful tropical flowers. As you hold your ceremony out on the lawn, the picturesque setting feels absolutely extravagant. The fresh scent of blooming flowers fills the air while birds sing their songs in the background.
After the ceremony, you don’t have to go anywhere else to celebrate your union. Just head inside to the beautifully decorated reception hall to party your heart out alongside all your friends and family. Up to 300 guests can attend your wedding, but their prices start at $2,700 for 50 guests.
Their wedding package includes the ceremony and reception space, decorations, catered meals for all, and wedding coordinator services. You’ll need to hire your own officiant, photographers, and other key service providers.
Kulaniapia Falls
If you’re looking for a truly unique place for an intimate wedding ceremony, Kulaniapia Falls is the way to go. Just eight guests can join you at the base of the 120-foot-tall waterfall, including your officiant, photographer, and other key players. Your efforts in narrowing down your guest list will feel wholly worth it though once you see your gorgeous photographs.
After your ceremony, you can have a small reception in the covered pavilion, and then explore the secluded Hilo property at your leisure. Then, you’ll get to stay overnight in one of their upscale cottages, allowing you to savor all the wondrous views even longer.
Prices start at $750 for the venue alone. If you go with a complete wedding package, expect to pay around $10,000 for the venue and accommodations for up to 10 guests.
Kona Salt Farm
Do you want to say your vows while the sunrise or sunset lights up the oceanside in a vivid array of hues? If so, you need to book the Kona Salt Farm as your wedding venue, for sure. Located right along the shores of Keahole Point, this beautiful venue puts you right on the oceanfront for the wedding of a lifetime.
Whether you want a sunrise or sunset ceremony, you’ll get to bring up to 125 guests with you. The crew will set up the ceremony site to your satisfaction, and then do the same for the reception grounds. You’ll get to use the bridal suite and groom’s lounge to get ready. Plus, the kitchen, lounge, and lanai remain open for your use, too.
If you’ll have up to 25 guests, expect to pay at least $2,400 for the Sunrise Ceremony and over $3,200 for the Sunset Ceremony. Packages for 125 guest weddings start at $3,900. Prices are slightly higher on the weekend due to higher demand.
Big Island weddings are popular pretty much year-round, so don’t wait until the last minute to make your reservations. To ensure you can secure your preferred venue, it’s wise to think at least six months ahead. With that move, it’s possible to lay the foundation for your dream wedding, allowing you all that extra time to pin down the details.
