Waimea Canyon is iconic for a reason – it’s filled with natural beauty and is the perfect spot to explore – making it ideal for an elopement!
Waimea Canyon Elopement
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!
Just keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, especially with fog rolling in quickly, so flexibility is key. (You can see we had to deal with some fog for this elopement!) Some areas require permits for ceremonies, and the terrain can be rugged, so be sure to bring along some comfortable shoes!
Eloping in Waimea Canyon
The great part of Waimea Canyon is the diversity and the options! The elopement above had the backdrop of the canyon, which is a must-see here in Kauai. But you have so many options here as well! This is especially beneficial if you experience foggy weather – you can just explore other areas! Below is another elopement at Waipo’o Falls, which you can reach when you follow the Waimea Canyon Trail. Perfect if you want to enjoy a swim with your person!
Elopement at Waipo’o Falls
Waipo’o Falls in Kauai is an absolute dream spot for an elopement—it’s tucked away in the stunning Waimea Canyon, so you know the backdrop will be just magical. The falls themselves cascade down in two tiers, dropping nearly 800 feet into a lush, green valley that looks like something straight out of a movie. It’s peaceful, remote, and seriously romantic – you can feel that in these photos!
You can also hike to the top of the falls for a really gorgeous view of the canyon! But if you’d rather just take a swim with your partner, just head to this gorgeous spot at the bottom of the falls and it’s sure to leave you breathless!
These two said their vows on the Pihea Vista trail, and celebrated with a swim at Waipo’o Falls! That’s what I love about Kauai so much – you can utilize multiple locations and all of them are going to be equally stunning!
When to Elope in Waimea Canyon
The great thing is, you really can’t go wrong with the weather in Kauai—it’s pretty amazing year-round. You don’t have to worry about the changing seasons like you might on the mainland. It stays warm and sunny most of the time, though some months are definitely a bit rainier. But there’s more to consider than weather when planning your elopement, so here are a few things to note!
Summertime in Kauai
Summer—June through September—is when the island is the busiest. More tourists roll in, prices go up, and while Kauai isn’t as packed as some of the other islands, it still gets a little more crowded. If you’re hoping for a relaxed, more private elopement without a bunch of people around, I’d try to avoid this time of year. You’ll have a better shot at finding those quiet, perfect spots without anyone else around in other months. This time of year is also much more expensive, so keep this in mind as well!
Spring, Fall and Winter in Kauai
If you’re after the sweet spot—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, a bit of rain is part of the charm—it’s what keeps everything so green and magical!
Kauai Elopement Locations
Kauai is so diverse and unique, and that’s true of all the different areas on the island! The North Shore is a favorite, with less crowds, the hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and some of the best beaches to snorkel at. Hanalei Bay is typically a big tourist attraction though, so keep this in mind to plan around the crowds! East Shore is home to Lihue, the island’s busiest area + the location of the airport, 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 (but you won’t find places to stay on the west side!). 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:
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!
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!
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!
Where to Stay in Kauai for your Elopement
If you are planning an elopement on the Pihea Vista Trail, here are some options of places to stay nearby to add to your whole adventure!
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: splurge on this insanely gorgeous hotel in the iconic Hanalei Bay – it’s absolutely worth it!
Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort – An intimate, oceanfront boutique hotel in Poipu, that would make a perfect stay for an elopement!
Sheraton Kauai Resort – Another gorgeous oceanfront hotel just a mile from Poipu, with all the amenities you could want!
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa – This is a more luxurious option in Poipu that has lush gardens, multiple pools, and a world-class spa.
The Royal Sonesta Kauai – A farther option in Lihue, conveniently located near the airport, with a gorgeous pool that you’ll never want to leave!
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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