An elopement at Red Dirt Waterfall is filled with natural beauty and incredible views here in Kauai. Here’s details to plan your perfect day!
Red Dirt Waterfall
Eloping at Red Dirt Waterfall in Kauai is perfect if you’re wanting a more unique, off-the-beaten-path spot. The deep red cliffs and the small but stunning waterfall create such a cool, dramatic backdrop, and it gets even more stunning around sunrise or golden hour. It’s also super easy to get to, right off Waimea Canyon Drive, so you won’t be hiking forever in wedding attire. It’s the perfect accessible spot that still has the incredible scenery!
What I will recommend though is to go early (like at sunrise!) to not only beat the crowds, but also get the best lighting. It’s breathtaking at this time of day! This spot will also need a permit, so keep this in mind, and your photographer can always help handle this. Just be prepared, this spot can get muddy and the red dirt will get everywhere! So just wear the right shoes and be prepared if you have a train on your dress!
Elopement at Waimea Canyon
Red Dirt Waterfall sits within Waimea Canyon, which is referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” because it’s honestly one of the most jaw-dropping spots here in Kauai! There are so many other trails that you can choose from to explore the area, so you can always add on to your adventure after your elopement at the Red Dirt Waterfall! The views here are really unrivaled, and definitely a must-see!
The one thing to really remember is that the weather here can be unpredictable, and fog can roll in quickly (as you can see happened for this elopement!), so you have to be a bit flexible! As already mentioned, there’s so many different trails so you may just need to change up locations if the weather isn’t ideal. And I would be there to help you figure that all out!
That’s the best part about Waimea Canyon – the diversity and just all the options! You can have the waterfall views seen here, canyon views which you can see in this elopement, or even take the Waimea Canyon trail to Waipo’o Falls for a more extreme waterfall backdrop. This is a favorite destination in Kauai for a reason!
When to Elope at Red Dirt Waterfall
You really can’t go wrong with any time of year in Kauai for an elopement, as it’s gorgeous year-round! There isn’t a changing in the seasons as you’d find on the mainland, because it says warm and sunny most of the year. There’s of course the months that are a bit rainier, but those are still beautiful times to visit the island! There’s more to consider than just the weather, so here’s a few things to keep in mind!
Summer in Kauai
You will find Kauai the busiest in the summertime, which is expected with schools out and people wanting to vacation. Prices skyrocket and the island is much more packed, even with it being typically the less crowded island. So if ideally you’d love an intimate, and private elopement without an audience, then you would definitely want to avoid this time of year. You’ll have a much better opportunity to find quiet, private spots without anyone else around during the other times of year. And if you want to save some money, the offseason is definitely the way to go!
Spring, Fall and Winter in Kauai
If you’re after the sweet spot with great weather, fewer crowds, and better prices, aim for April to early June or late September to mid-December. These months are a bit more low-key, which means cheaper flights and places to stay, and you’ll have much more privacy for your elopement. And bonus: the weather during these months is usually pretty dreamy.
Weather
Kauai’s known for being super lush, and that’s because it rains a lot! It actually rains somewhere on the island every single day, but most of the time it’s just a quick little shower that passes fast. Waimea Canyon is actually one of the wettest areas on the island! Kauai really only has two seasons: a wetter one from November to March and a drier one the rest of the year. If you’re trying to avoid rain as much as possible, maybe steer clear of winter. But honestly, no matter when you go, the rain is part of Kauai’s beauty; it’s what keeps everything so green and magical!
Kauai Elopement Locations
Kauai is such a diverse island, with so many unique and equally gorgeous areas on the island! This may make it hard to nail down one location for your elopement. Besides the beautiful Waimea Canyon, you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in the South Shore, the iconic Hanalei Bay in the North Shore, and plenty of incredible restaurants on the East Shore. Here are some of the specific locations I would recommend for an elopement:
- Tunnels Beach: Tunnels Beach is easily one of the most breathtaking locations for a Kauai elopement, with it’s towering mountains and all the lush greenery. On top of that, it also is an incredible place to snorkel!
- Nā Pali Coast: There’s a reason why the Nā Pali Coast is known as one of the most stunning coastlines in the world! Take a private boat ride with your person and say your vows with this most breathtaking view as your backdrop!
- Shipwrecks Beach: Located on the south end of Kauai, Shipwreck Beach is a stunning spot and a less busy beach compared to others around it. It also connects to Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail, which takes you up on the cliffside, making it an absolutely incredible spot for an elopement.
- 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 have the stunning shoreline and lava rock formations making a beautiful background.
- Anini Beach: Another gem on the North Shore, this is a large beach so you’re sure to find your own private spot. It has calm waters, which not only makes it peaceful, but also ideal for snorkeling!
- Hanalei Bay: This is a popular spot in Kauai, and a favorite for watching the sunset! The surrounding mountains are filled with waterfalls, and the long stretch of beach is ideal for an elopement!
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!
Comments +