In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Hawaii.
Weddings in Hawaii: What You Need To Know
One of the most popular destination wedding locations is Hawaii.
With its stunning beaches, lush tropical foliage, and dramatic volcanic landscapes, it’s no wonder that so many couples choose to tie the knot in this idyllic setting.
A destination wedding in Hawaii is the perfect way to celebrate your love surrounded by the natural beauty of the islands.
Whether you choose to exchange your vows on a sandy beach with the waves crashing in the background or atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, you are sure to create lasting memories.
Hawaii is also home to a variety of unique cultures, making it the perfect place to incorporate traditional elements into your ceremony, like a Hawaiian Lei Exchange, for example.
And, of course, no Hawaiian wedding would be complete without delicious local food and stunning views.
But first: you need to know where in the world Hawaii is…
Where is Hawaii?
The Hawaiian Islands, located in the central Pacific Ocean, are a territory that is a part of the United States.
Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui, and Hawaii are the state’s principal islands, and there are 124 islets.
In 1900, Hawaii was officially recognized as a US territory, and on August 21, 1959, it became the 50th state.
Area: 10,970 sq mi (28,412 sq km), Population: (2020) 1,455,271, Capital: Honolulu.
Hawaii Facts To Know:
- Language: English, Hawaiian
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG)
- Official Tourism Website: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Hawaii for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Hawaii
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Hawaii:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Hawaii or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Hawaii wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Hawaii:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Hawaii
Hawaii Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Hawaii:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Hawaii?
- What are the marriage requirements for Hawaii?
- What is the weather like in Hawaii?
- What should you pack for a trip to Hawaii?
- What things are there to do in Hawaii?
- What are the best Hawaii wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Hawaii Cost?
A marriage or civil union license costs $65.00 ($60 application fee + $5 portal charge), and it is non-refundable.
The license is only valid in the state of Hawaii and is valid for 30 days.
The state of Hawaii makes obtaining a marriage license quite simple.
Applying online is the most convenient option, and applications should be submitted no more than a year before the ceremony date.
Following the submission of your application, you will be provided with a Locator ID/Authorization Code consisting of eight digits. This code is effectively a confirmation number and should be kept safe.
When you arrive in Hawaii, you must pick up your license from the Department of Health or a licensing agency.
The Department of Health is normally open from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday, with the exception of state and federal holidays.
The address is: Hawaii State Department of Health, 1250 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.
The time required for the procedure to be completed in person is around 15 minutes.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Hawaii
- It is not necessary to be a citizen of the United States or a resident of Hawaii in order to be married in Hawaii.
- Blood tests are not required either.
- No witnesses are needed in Hawaii.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Hawaii, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- Both applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must provide a photo identification like a state-issued identification card, driver’s license or passport.
- All additional documents need to be translated into English (like, for example, a certified copy of your birth certificate).
- Following the ceremony, it will take about three weeks for the license to be processed, in addition to the amount of time required for the certified copy to be forwarded to you. The state estimates that the marriage license will arrive between 60-120 days after the wedding.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Hawaii?
The greatest time to go to Hawaii is from May to October when the weather is warm but typically tolerable thanks to the trade winds.
Tourist resorts are generally situated on the leeward sides; nevertheless, it is important to remember that on the windward slopes, it often rains in the summer and cloudiness is more common.
Hurricanes are possible in the latter part of the season, but Hawaii is usually spared. But if you want to be on the safe side, then you should go in May and June.
April might also be considered. The weather in the mountains is cooler than it is during the summer, but the weather at sea level is not as hot and humid as it is during the summer.
What should you pack for your trip?
In the summer from June through October, pack light clothing made from natural fibers, a sun hat, a scarf for the breeze, a light sweatshirt for the evening and the air conditioned indoor spaces, and a light raincoat or umbrella for the windward hills.
For the mountains (around 3,300 feet – 1,000 meters) take light spring/fall clothing (for the day) and a sweater or light jacket for the evening; around 6,500 feet – 2,00 meters, bring a sweater and a jacket for the evening.
Warm clothing, including a down jacket, gloves, a scarf, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and hiking shoes, are recommended for the highest peaks (Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa).
If you’re traveling between December and March, be sure to pack light clothing for the day, a scarf for the wind, a sweatshirt and maybe a light jacket for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella.
Hawaii Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Hawaii:
Average Temperatures in Hawaii
The table below shows the average temperatures in Hawaii each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | 19.3 | 26.9 | 23.1 | 69 | 80 | 73.6 |
| February | 19.5 | 26.9 | 23.2 | 67 | 80 | 73.8 |
| March | 20.1 | 27.3 | 23.7 | 68 | 81 | 74.6 |
| April | 21.2 | 28.4 | 24.8 | 70 | 83 | 76.6 |
| May | 21.9 | 29.3 | 25.6 | 72 | 85 | 78.2 |
| June | 23.2 | 30.5 | 26.9 | 74 | 87 | 80.4 |
| July | 23.9 | 31.2 | 27.6 | 75 | 88 | 81.6 |
| August | 24.2 | 31.6 | 27.9 | 76 | 89 | 82.2 |
| September | 23.8 | 31.3 | 27.6 | 75 | 88 | 81.6 |
| October | 23.3 | 30.5 | 26.9 | 74 | 87 | 80.4 |
| November | 22.1 | 28.9 | 25.5 | 72 | 84 | 77.9 |
| December | 20.7 | 27.7 | 24.2 | 69 | 82 | 75.5 |
| Year | 21.9 | 29.2 | 25.55 | 71.5 | 84.6 | 78 |
Average Rainfall in Hawaii
The table below shows the average rainfall in Hawaii each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 45 | 1.8 | 8 |
| February | 50 | 2 | 8 |
| March | 60 | 2.4 | 9 |
| April | 20 | 0.8 | 8 |
| May | 20 | 0.8 | 6 |
| June | 15 | 0.6 | 6 |
| July | 15 | 0.6 | 7 |
| August | 20 | 0.8 | 6 |
| September | 20 | 0.8 | 7 |
| October | 40 | 1.6 | 8 |
| November | 55 | 2.2 | 9 |
| December | 55 | 2.2 | 9 |
| Year | 415 | 16.3 | 89 |
Sunshine Hours in Hawaii
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Hawaii each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 7 | 215 |
| February | 7.5 | 215 |
| March | 8.5 | 260 |
| April | 8.5 | 250 |
| May | 9 | 280 |
| June | 9.5 | 285 |
| July | 10 | 305 |
| August | 10 | 305 |
| September | 9.5 | 280 |
| October | 8 | 245 |
| November | 6.5 | 200 |
| December | 6.5 | 200 |
| Year | 8.3 | 3035 |
Sea Temperatures in Hawaii
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Hawaii each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 25 | 77 |
| February | 24 | 76 |
| March | 24 | 76 |
| April | 25 | 76 |
| May | 25 | 77 |
| June | 26 | 78 |
| July | 26 | 79 |
| August | 26 | 80 |
| September | 27 | 80 |
| October | 27 | 80 |
| November | 26 | 79 |
| December | 25 | 78 |
| Year | 25.5 | 77.9 |
What To Wear in Hawaii? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Hawaii so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent: Hawaii is sunny and tropical, so you’ll need to protect yourself from the sun. And don’t forget the insect repellent since mosquitoes can be a problem in the tropics.
- Beach gear: Towels, sunscreen, swimwear, a beach bag… make sure you have everything you need for a day at the beach.
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Hawaii, so comfortable shoes are a must.
- Lightweight, breathable clothing: The weather in Hawaii is hot and humid, so you’ll want to wear clothes that are light and airy. Cotton or linen is perfect.
- Camera: Don’t forget to bring your camera! You’ll want to capture all your memories of this paradise destination.
- First-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
- Passport: And, of course, don’t forget your valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Finally, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
Things to Do in Hawaii
There are many different things to do in Hawaii, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
- Kalalau Trail
- Pololu Valley Lookout
- Diving with Manta Rays
- Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial
- Nā Pali Coast
- Haleakala National Park
- Snorkel with Sea Turtles
- Take a Helicopter Tour
Best Hawaii Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Hawaii?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Hawaii
- Puakea Ranch
- Maui Pineapple Chapel
- The Plantation House Restaurant
- Papa Kona Events
- Kukahiko Estate
- Kona Beach Bungalows
- Haiku Mill
Hotels in Hawaii
- Embassy Suites By Hilton Oahu Kapolei
- Koloa Landing Resort at Po’ipu
- Trump International Hotel Waikiki
- Lahaina Shores Beach Resort
- Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani
- Kailua Bay Resort 5307
- Nohonani 306
- Princeville Mauna Kai 9
