Nothing beats the beauty of the crystal blue waters, lush green mountains, and rainforest vibes on the island of Kauai. Here’s the most epic locations for a Kauai elopement, where to stay, when to plan an elopement here, and more in this ultimate guide!
Kauai Elopement Guide
Kauai is hands down one of the best places to elope in the U.S., thanks to its stunning mountain views, untouched beaches, and lush tropical vibes. Being the island that’s the farthest west, it’s known as the garden island because of the rainforest that covers most of the land, which makes it truly stunning! One of its biggest highlights is the Nā Pali Coast, which is famous for its towering sea cliffs and breathtaking waterfalls—easily one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. And where we spent this gorgeous elopement day!
Even after traveling all over the country, it’s still my favorite place I’ve ever been! From epic views and hidden waterfalls to tropical reefs and many places to explore, it’s the perfect spot for an unforgettable elopement. That’s why I created this Kauai elopement guide—to help make planning your dream day as simple and stress-free as possible!
Kauai Elopement Locations
Each part of Kauai is breathtaking in it’s own way, offering unique perks and places to explore. The North Shore is a favorite, with less crowds, the hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and some of the best beaches to snorkel at. East Shore is home to Lihue, the island’s busiest area, which makes it a great base for exploring the island. South Shore is the warmest, and is home to one of my favorite beaches, Poipu! And finally the West Shore is the most remote and underrated, with Waimea Canyon being it’s biggest attraction. You really can’t go wrong in any of these regions – they are all incredible!
Here are some specific locations around the island that I recommend for elopements:
Nā Pali Coast
There’s a reason why the Nā Pali Coast is known as one of the most stunning coastlines in the world! And I don’t think I could ever not be breathless looking at that view. It has gorgeous cliffs, the bright blue water, and the lush green is everywhere. It just brings so much vibrant colors to the landscape and this makes it such an incredible backdrop for an elopement! And you really can’t beat seeing it by boat – making it the most adventure-filled day for you and your partner!
Tunnels Beach
Tunnels Beach is easily one of the most breathtaking locations for a Kauai elopement! I love that this beach is extremly lush and filled with a bunch of greenery, that blends so beautifully with the towering mountains. Watchign the sun set behind them is absolutely stunning! This beach also has coral reefs that make it perfect for snorkeling if that’s something you enjoy!
Waimea Canyon
They call Waimea Canyon “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” because it’s honestly one of the most jaw-dropping spots here in Kauai! There are plenty of trails to choose from to explore the area, and you’re sure to find one that gives you an intimate setting with your person. The views here truly can’t be beat and it makes a really epic location for an elopement!
Shipwrecks Beach
Located on the south end of Kauai, Shipwreck Beach is a local favorite for bodysurfing and surfing. There is an iconic cliff wall located here, which will create various backdrop opportunities for your Kauai elopement photos.
Secret Beach
Tucked away on the North Shore, Secret Beach is a true hidden gem. Getting there requires a short but steep hike, but once you arrive, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking shoreline, lava rock formations, and tide pools waiting to be explored. And the sunsets? Absolutely stunning.
Anini Beach
Anini Beach is a hidden gem on Kauai’s North Shore, stretching over two miles with plenty of space to find your own little slice of paradise. Thanks to its massive reef, the water here is super calm, making it one of the best spots for a peaceful, secluded elopement (and also a local favorite for surfing and body surfing). The beach is absolutely stunning, with private lagoon areas that feel like your own secret getaway.
Hanalei Bay
This is a popular spot in Kauai, and a favorite for watching the sunset! The surrounding mountains that are filled with waterfalls, which are absolutely stunning. They sit on the long stretch of beach and it’s really a magical setting for an elopement. But it’s definitely a place to keep crowds in mind!
When to Elope in Kauai
Thankfully, you really can’t go too wrong with weather here in Kauai because it’s pretty beautiful year round. You don’t really have to worry about the changing of the seasons as you do on the mainland; it stays warm and sunny most of the year, with some months of the year being a bit more rainy than others. But these are a few things to keep in mind when planning an elopement here:
Peak Season
Kauai’s busiest time of year is summer, from June to September, when more tourists roll in and prices go up. Even though Kauai isn’t as crowded as some of the other Hawaiian islands, it still gets a bit busier during these months. If you’re dreaming of a more relaxed and intimate elopement, I’d recommend skipping peak season—you’ll have way more privacy and won’t have to worry about crowds getting in the way of your perfect spot!
Shoulder Seasons
Want the best of Kauai without the crowds or high prices? The island’s quieter months—April to early June and late September to mid-December—are the perfect time to elope. Not only will you score better deals on flights, rental cars, and accommodations, but you’ll also get way more peace and seclusion to soak in the island’s beauty. And the best part? The weather is absolutely dreamy, making it an ideal time to escape here!
Weather
Kauai is home to one of the wettest spots on Earth, so rain is just part of the deal! It rains somewhere on the island every single day, but most of the time, it’s just a quick drizzle that moves on pretty fast. Since Kauai is a tropical island, it really only has two seasons—a wetter season from November to March and a drier one the rest of the year. If you’re hoping to avoid rain as much as possible, you might want to skip the winter months. But honestly, no matter when you elope in Kauai, expect at least a little rain—it’s all part of the island’s magic!
Where to Stay for Your Kauai Elopement
Where you stay for your elopement can really make a difference on your overall experience! It’s where you’re getting ready, spending your wedding night, etc. So you want something special! Obviously where you stay should depend on where you plan to have your elopement for convenience, but here are a few options that I love!
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
- The Lodge at Kukui’ula
- Waipouli Beach Resort
- Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
- Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club
Kauai Elopement Ideas
There’s no shortage of things to do in Kauai, no matter what kind of adventure you’re after. From exploring the island’s best hikes to enjoying water sports or just relaxing, you’ll never be bored. Here are some of the top activities you’ll want to check out here:
- Take a helicopter tour around the island
- Take a sunset cruise of the Nā Pali Coast
- Explore the Waimea Canyon
- Attend a Luau
- Hike the Kalalau trail
- Hike to Hanakapiai Beach
- Kayak the Hanalei river
- Snorkel Tunnels Beach
- Snorkel Anini Beach
- Visit Queen’s Bath and watch the sea turtles
- Watch the sunset at Secret Beach
- Whale watching
- Visit the Princeville Botanical Gardens
- Explore Wailua Falls
- Take surfing lessons
- Hike to Hideaways Beach
How to Elope in Kauai
Every elopement location has its pros and cons, and in Kauai, the biggest challenge is the strict permitting system. The Hawaiian government has tight regulations on elopements and commercial photography, which can make securing the proper permits a bit of a hassle. As an elopement photographer, I help guide my couples through this process so you don’t have to stress!
Officiant
Kauai requires a state-approved officiant to perform your ceremony, meaning a friend or family member cannot legally marry you. Once you’ve secured your officiant and received your marriage license, you’re all set!
Marriage Laws
To get legally married in Kauai, you’ll need to fill out an online marriage license application and pay a $60 fee. Once completed, you’ll have to present the application in person to a marriage license agent in Hawaii. After receiving your license, it will be valid for 30 days.
Permits
As I mentioned, Kauai has strict permit regulations, and a general rule is that any location outside of private property will require one. There are two main permits you may need: one for your wedding ceremony and one for commercial photography.
If you’re planning to elope on public lands, you’ll likely need a location permit. For state parks, a special use permit is required, but the pre-approved ceremony locations are pretty limited, so I typically don’t recommend them.
The easiest and most affordable option is getting married on a beach. The permit process is simple—all you need is a Wiki Beach permit, which costs just $20 and covers most public beaches on Kauai. You can check the list of approved locations here. This is my top recommendation for an elopement without any stress!
Kauai Elopement Photographer
Hi, I’m Hannah, a Kauai Elopement Photographer & Kauai is literally my favorite place in the world! The views here are unmatched and I’ll never get tired of exploring this stunning island! If you’re ready for a joyful experience where you leave your elopement with more butterflies & memories that prioritize celebrating the heck out of you, I am your girl! Reach out and let’s plan your Kauai elopement!
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