Tunnels Beach is the most breathtaking beach in Kauai, with it’s lush towering mountains, making it perfect for an elopement!
Tunnels Beach Elopement Guide
Tunnels Beach is easily one of the most breathtaking locations for an elopement in Kauai! I love that this beach is extremly lush and filled with a bunch of greenery, that blends so beautifully with the towering mountains. Watching 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!
Kauai in general is a truly unbeatable location for elopements, with so many stunning beaches, and all of the vibrant greenery. It creates the most romantic setting, and you have a wide range of locations to choose from, all equally beautiful. And the even better part? It has a much more relaxed, adventurous vibe and is less crowded than any oher island. So you’re sure to have more peaceful and secluded spots for your elopement!
When to Plan a Tunnels Beach Elopement
You really can’t go wrong visiting Kauai any time of year! The weather stays warm and sunny most of the time, with some months being more rainy than others. So you really don’t see much of a change with the different seasons! But here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your elopement at Tunnels Beach:
Consider the weather
Kauai is one of the rainiest spots on Earth, so a little rain is just part of the experience! It’s a very normal thing for a tropical island! It rains somewhere on the island every day, but most of the time, it’s just a quick shower that passes in no time. Since Kauai is tropical, there are really only 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, winter might not be your best bet. But honestly, no matter when you elope, expect at least a little rain—it’s all part of Kauai’s magic!
Avoid the peak season
Summer, from June to September, is the busiest time in Kauai, with more tourists coming in and prices going up. While it’s still less crowded than some of the other Hawaiian islands, it definitely gets busier during these months. If you’re looking for a more laid-back and intimate elopement (plus want to save som money!), it’s best to avoid peak season—you’ll have way more privacy and won’t have to worry about crowds taking over your perfect spot!
Opt for the shoulder seasons
If you want to experience the best of Kauai without the crowds or crazy prices, plan your elopement during the island’s quieter months—April to early June or late September to mid-December. You’ll find better deals on flights, rental cars, and places to stay, plus way more peace and quiet to enjoy Kauai’s beauty. And the best part? The weather is absolutely perfect, making it the ultimate time for a dreamy session!
How to Elope at Tunnels Beach
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 Locations
Each part of Kauai is breathtaking in it’s own way, offering unique perks and places to explore. The North Shore is a popular choice, with a bit 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!
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 add more fun 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 snorkeling). 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 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!
Where to Stay for Your Tunnels Beach 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 Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
- The Lodge at Kukui’ula
- Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
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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