resort areas
The Big Island is all about contrasts, black lava fields against turquoise seas, waterfalls tucked into rainforests, and volcanoes that still breathe fire. It’s rugged, wild, and made for adventure seekers. But here’s the plot twist: it’s also home to four master-planned resort communities with some of the most luxurious (and uber-luxurious) resorts in Hawaiʻi —the kind of spots billionaires escape to. Balance that with the historic town of Kona, where you’ll find more affordable yet still stunning oceanfront stays, and you’ve got choices for every guest. For weddings, it’s the perfect blend of thrill and indulgence: your crew can chase waterfalls by day, sip champagne by night, and you can roll right into a honeymoon that’s equal parts adventure and luxury.
on the island of HAWAII
A lively resort area with family-friendly hotels, shopping, dining, and wide oceanfront grounds for weddings and celebrations.
A historic seaside town with charming shops, oceanfront dining, and more affordable resort options along the coast.
Home to Hawaiʻi’s most exclusive resorts, Hualālai is pure luxury with flawless service, dramatic sunsets, and a serene oceanfront setting.
SEE ALL AREAS
Known for one of Hawaiʻi’s largest white-sand beaches, Hapuna offers stunning oceanfront resorts with a more relaxed feel.
A serene resort area with luxury properties, lava-rock coastlines, and a sense of seclusion perfect for romance.
resort area
Hualalai, a gem along the Kona Coast, is known for having the most consistently beautiful weather on the island — think warm, sunny days with little wind or rain and some of the most spectacular sunsets on the planet. This exclusive stretch of coastline is home to two of Hawaiʻi’s most luxurious resorts: the legendary Four Seasons Resort Hualālai and the ultra-elegant Rosewood Kona Village, both offering world-class dining, impeccable service, and serene oceanfront settings. The area blends natural volcanic beauty with refined sophistication, featuring dramatic lava rock landscapes, lush tropical gardens, and pristine beaches perfect for snorkeling and swimming. With its peaceful atmosphere, incredible culinary experiences, and unparalleled sunsets, Hualalai is where Hawaiʻi’s natural splendor meets ultra-luxury experiences.
Hualalai
resort area
Kona, on Hawaiʻi Island’s sunny west coast, is famous for its breathtaking sunsets and charming historic town brimming with island heritage. Once the seat of Hawaiian royalty, Kailua-Kona is now a lively waterfront hub lined with oceanfront restaurants, local boutiques, and vibrant cultural sites like Huliheʻe Palace. Beyond the town, you’ll find world-class snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters, coffee farms tucked into the lush hillsides, and volcanic landscapes waiting to be explored. Whether you’re strolling along Aliʻi Drive at golden hour or savoring a beachfront dinner as the sun melts into the Pacific, Kona offers the perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and laid-back island luxury.
Kona
resort area
Waikoloa, on Hawaiʻi Island’s sunny Kohala Coast, is a resort paradise known for its consistently warm, dry weather and endless days of sunshine. This vibrant area is home to some of the island’s most beloved beachfront resorts, including the Hilton Waikoloa Village with its sprawling lagoon and family-friendly amenities, and the luxurious Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, set on a golden stretch of sand perfect for sunset strolls. The coastline here is dotted with scenic walking trails, lava rock tide pools, and excellent snorkeling spots, while nearby shopping, dining, and cultural sites like the ancient petroglyph fields add even more to explore. With its relaxed atmosphere, resort-town conveniences, and near-perfect weather, Waikoloa is the ideal blend of comfort, beauty, and island adventure.
Waikoloa
resort area
Mauna Lani, set along the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, is where timeless Hawaiian beauty meets laid-back luxury — and it just might be one of the dreamiest places on Earth to say “I do.” With year-round sunshine, calm turquoise waters, and fiery sunsets that turn the sky into a watercolor masterpiece, this resort area feels tailor-made for romance. Two incredible oceanfront resorts — the chic Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, and the iconic Fairmont Orchid — offer everything from world-class dining and dreamy spa days to lush tropical gardens and pristine beaches perfect for a barefoot ceremony. Ancient fishponds, lava fields, and petroglyphs add a sense of magic and history to the landscape, while the peaceful, uncrowded vibe makes it easy to truly be present for your big moment. Whether you’re picturing an intimate beachfront elopement or a lavish oceanside celebration, Mauna Lani sets the stage for a wedding that’s effortlessly elegant and unforgettable.
Mauna Lani
resort area
Hapuna, perched on the Kohala Coast, is pure wedding-day perfection, think endless sunshine, soft ocean breezes, and one of the most breathtaking beaches in all of Hawaiʻi as your backdrop. Known for its wide stretch of powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water, Hapuna Beach is the stuff destination wedding dreams are made of. The luxurious Westin Hapuna Beach Resort sits right above it all, offering stunning ocean-view venues, world-class dining, and easy access to that postcard-perfect shoreline for barefoot ceremonies or golden-hour portraits. The weather here is nearly flawless year-round, with warm, dry days and unforgettable sunsets that turn every evening into a celebration. Add in the laid-back elegance of the resort and the natural beauty that surrounds you, and Hapuna becomes an idyllic place to say “I do” — equal parts romantic, relaxed, and absolutely unforgettable.
HAPUNA
three things that make HAWAII ISLAND
a great wedding destination
Big Island, Small crowds
The Big Island may be less visited than Hawaiʻi’s other major islands, but it’s every bit as breathtaking and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Here, you won’t find yourself setting an alarm to claim a pool chair at dawn or battling traffic just to reach a beach that’s already crowded. Instead, you’ll discover uncrowded shores, tranquil roads, and a pace that feels like stepping back to a simpler, more authentic Hawaiʻi.
Celebrate Love Surrounded by Aloha
Getting married on the Big Island is more than a beautiful backdrop, it’s a chance to connect with the rich culture and spirit of Hawaiʻi. Known as the heart of the islands, this is a place where traditions run deep and the land itself tells stories. You can honor that heritage in meaningful ways, from having a Hawaiian officiant to exchanging leis as symbols of love and unity. Your wedding becomes more than a celebration — it’s a true connection to Hawaiʻi’s history, people, and aloha.
Year Round Good Weather
With year-round sunshine and warm, gentle breezes, the resort areas of the Big Island make outdoor celebrations possible even in the heart of winter. It’s the perfect excuse to trade snow boots for sandals — giving you a dreamy open-air wedding and your guests a tropical escape from the cold. In other words, it’s a win-win in paradise.
BIG ISLAND, SMALL CROWDS
The Big Island may be less visited than Hawaiʻi’s other major islands, but it’s every bit as breathtaking and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Here, you won’t find yourself setting an alarm to claim a pool chair at dawn or battling traffic just to reach a beach that’s already crowded. Instead, you’ll discover uncrowded shores, tranquil roads, and a pace that feels like stepping back to a simpler, more authentic Hawaiʻi.
CELEBRATE LOVE SURROUNDED BY ALOHA
Getting married on the Big Island is more than a beautiful backdrop, it’s a chance to connect with the rich culture and spirit of Hawaiʻi. Known as the heart of the islands, this is a place where traditions run deep and the land itself tells stories. You can honor that heritage in meaningful ways, from having a Hawaiian officiant to exchanging leis as symbols of love and unity. Your wedding becomes more than a celebration — it’s a true connection to Hawaiʻi’s history, people, and aloha.
Year Round Good Weather
pros
&
cons
harder to get to than Oahu
Resorts at every budget level
less dining and shopping options than busier islands
slower pace and less busy than other islands
occasional vog (volcanic fog) in the kona area
stunning nature and active volcano
certian times of year are bad for weddings due to iron man events
Private beach ceremony options
the big island is big! things can be spread out and require more driving
