How To Elope In O’ahu
June 15, 2021
We just visited O’ahu, Hawaii for the first time! And wow, it was absolutely incredible! So, we wanted to put together a comprehensive guide for your Hawaii elopement. We have location ideas, activities, where to eat, and more. Check it out!
Permits + Marriage License
Permits
You will need a permit from the State of Hawaii to get married on a beach. For more information on how to apply for a permit, check out this website.
Marriage License
In order to legally get married in Hawaii, you must obtain a license from an authorized agent. But the nice thing is that there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place. Therefore, you can get married the same day that you apply and get approved! The license costs $65 and you must bring a valid form of I.D. (aka a driver’s license or birth certificate). The license lasts for up to 30 days, so make sure you apply no more than 30 days before your elopement date. Apply for a marriage license here!
Other
Guess what? You don’t need any witnesses in order to elope in O’ahu, but you do need an officiant. Also – we can always count as your witnesses if the state requires them!
Where To Elope in O’ahu
Jungles + Mountains
Hawaii is known for it’s beaches, but one thing we absolutely love about the environment is the jungle and the epic mountains! They’re seriously incredible! I mean who wouldn’t want THIS as the backdrop for your elopement??
Some jungle/mountain elopement locations include:
Distance/difficulty: 7.4 mile out and back hike, very difficult
What to note: This trail is best from April to June, but it’s important to note that it’s a very difficult and muddy trail. This is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Views: Waterfall, Mountain Peaks
Distance/difficulty: 4 mile loop hike, difficult to moderate
What to note: There is both a shorter trail and a longer trail. The long trail starts at a trailhead on Huamalani Road. The trail is between two private properties. This is the 4 miles loop, and it’s a very steep hike with an elevation gain of approximately 2,000 feet. There are a lot of steep drop-offs, so it’s definitely a more challenging hike. The shorter trails are under a mile long. One of the trail is a bit longer and harder, but you don’t miss out on any of the views. The other trail is a bit shorter, but you only get the view at the top, not the views along the way.
Views: Ocean, Mountain Peaks
Distance/difficulty: No hiking required because they have designated wedding areas!
What to note: This is a private property, so it will cost a lot more to elope or have a small wedding here than any of the other locations. But the pros of that are that it will be private and that you don’t have to hike if you don’t want to.
Views: You choose! There are multiple different areas that Kualoa Ranch allows wedding ceremonies. The spots are called: Paliku Gardens, Moli’i Gardens, Jumanji, Low Camp, and Secret Island.
Beaches
If you’re eloping in Hawaii, you might want to check out their beaches! Oah’u has so many diverse beach locations that are just absolutely stunning. You’ll need a permit, and some of the popular beaches are busy, but we’ll help you! Any of the east side beach locations might be best at sunrise, and any of the west side beaches are best at sunset.
Some beach elopement locations include:
This spot is well known because it is just absolutely stunning! It is a marine embayment and it is located on the southeastern part of the O’ahu coast.
The North Shore is more of a local area and it is known for it’s huge waves and surfing competitions. There are beautiful beaches in the North Shore like Waimea Beach and Sunset Beach.
Kahana Bay (Ahupua’a O Kahana)
Kahana Bay is located on the windward side of O’ahu, and it’s about 26 miles from Honolulu.
And while we were in O’ahu, we did a lot of location scouting. Here are some more private spots that we found! If you want us to document your day, we can help you find the perfect location to say your vows (:
Waterfalls
There are lots of awesome waterfalls in O’ahu, so even if you don’t elope there, you should 100% check some of them out!
Some waterfall elopement locations include:
Distance/difficulty: 1.7 mile out and back hike, moderate
What to note: This is a popular trail, so it’s heavily trafficked.
Views: Beautiful rainforest views, 150-foot falls
Distance/difficulty: 4.2 mile loop trail, hard
What to note: Very difficult trail, so you need to make sure that you have a map accessible. It is also lesser known and sometimes hard to get to. However, it is very worth it! The falls are stunning!
Views: Beautiful rainforest views, blue pool at the base of the falls
What To Do In O’ahu
While you’re in O’ahu, you should definitely plan some fun activities! We have a HUGE list of fun things you, your partner, and your guests can do! While we were in Hawaii, we went on a boat ride, rode scooters around the island, and tried surfing for the first time. It was so much fun! Here are some other ideas:
Where To Eat In O’ahu
Oh man, there are really some great places to eat when you’re in O’ahu. Some of our favorite places include: Donut King, Bogart’s Cafe, Eggs N Things, North Shore Killer Tacos, and Waikiki Brewing Co.
Tips For Visiting O’ahu
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If you are anywhere in the jungle bring bug spray! You will 100% need it… TRUST US.
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Always have extra sunscreen with you! Sunburns are no joke.
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Carry water with you at all times, and lots of it. The humidity can really get to you and it’s important to stay hydrated.
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Don’t overplan, save time for relaxing just the two of you. Sometimes less is more!
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Book reservations in advance by at least 2 or 3 weeks. If you wait until the week you are there, it is unlikely that you will be able to get a reservation for an activity.
