How to elope in Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is an idyllic destination for the adventurous couple looking to elope. Its lush, green landscape and lack of development makes it the perfect setting for a private, intimate celebration. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Napali Coast or an epic helicopter tour, Kauai has it all. From Wailua Falls to epic hikes, Kauai offers plenty of opportunities to get close to nature and make your elopement day unforgettable. With its many outdoor activities and stunning scenery, Kauai is the ideal destination for couples who want to truly experience the beauty of Hawaii. So if you’re looking for an adventurous elopement experience, look no further than Kauai! This elopement guide will tell you everything you need to know in order to elope in Kauai, Hawaii.

THE BEST TIME OF YEAR

Deciding when to elope in Kauai is easy because Hawaii is an amazing destination year-round and the weather is always gorgeous! However, there are a few things to consider when deciding the best time to elope. 

From November to February, the islands are more likely to be rainy than in other months. However, the warm weather in Hawaii keeps the tourist levels high during the summer months, while winter months can often bring even more crowds due to the warmer weather. If you want to avoid crowds, you should consider eloping in the less busy months of September through November or April through May. If you do decide to elope during the busier months, then consider planning a weekday wedding or sunrise ceremony.

BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN KAUAI

HANALEI BAY
Kauai is a stunningly beautiful location, the perfect place for an unforgettable elopement. With its majestic mountains in the background and its deep blue ocean waters, Hanalei is the perfect spot for a beach wedding. For those who would prefer a non-beach ceremony, the views of the surrounding waterfalls are simply breathtaking. For those who love the ocean, you can watch dolphins and sailboats from Hanalei’s shore. It’s even great for surfers, so you can make your special day a truly epic experience.

TUNNELS BEACH
Look no further than this beach. With its crescent-shaped bay, surrounded by lush palms and ironwood trees, you’ll get the perfect view of both the ocean and the mountains behind you. It’s the perfect spot for couples who love snorkeling and scuba diving together. As you’ll be able to make jaw dropping memories together with the backdrop of the gorgeous greenery and breathtaking mountains.

POLIHALE STATE PARK
Polihale State Park’s pristine beach offers an ideal spot for couples wanting to elope in Hawaii. Surrounded by majestic cliffs, the beach is secluded and less-trafficked, providing an intimate and private atmosphere for your special day. Before you book, however, make sure you are aware of the park’s regulations, which include designated areas for ceremonies and photography.

WAILUA RIVER STATE PARK
If you’re looking for a stunning and romantic location for your elopement, then Wailua River State Park in Kauai is top of the list! With lush greenery, rushing waterfalls, and vibrant, tropical flowers, the natural beauty of Wailua is simply breathtaking. You’ll find designated spots for ceremonies and photographers, so you can be sure your special day is perfect. There’s no doubt that your elopement will be a day to remember in this beautiful park!

TRAVEL PLANS

RENT A CAR SO YOU CAN EXPLORE
A Jeep is the perfect car for Hawaii!  It’s perfect for navigating the winding roads and discovering the hidden beaches that can only be accessed by four-wheel drive. Did you know that the majority of Kauai is actually not accessible by car? The Napali Coast is a stunning area that can only be explored on foot or by boat. So if you’re planning a Kauai adventure, make sure you rent a Jeep or camper van to get the most out of your trip and make sure you can get to all the hard-to-reach places.

WHERE TO STAY
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort, a cozy beachfront cottage, or a budget-friendly hotel, you’ll find something that fits your needs. Check out a few of my favorites!

Panoramic Luxury Beachside Condo is a beautiful 5 star luxury vibe! It is located on the famous “Coconut Coast”. It has 180 degree views to see Dolphins, Whales, and amazing sunrises!
Private Beachfront Home is a luxury villa that is perfect if you plan to have guests!
Hidden Away Cottage is for you if you’re looking for a more authentic Kauai experience. This cottage is on a 3 acre farm and is surrounded by fruit trees and beauty. You can even pick fruit of the trees :’) 

LICENSE AND PERMITS

Here are the basics of the wedding license requirements you need to know. 
You don’t have to be a Hawaii resident or a U.S. citizen to get married in Kauai. You’ll need a valid state-issued I.D and pay the license fee which is currently $60. 
When eloping in Hawaii, make sure you have an officiant, marriage license, and a location permit which is usually arranged by your photographer or wedding planner. Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon be saying “I do” in paradise. Click HERE for more information.

DOES MY ELOPEMENT LOCATION REQUIRE A PERMIT?

When eloping in Kauai, Hawaii, it’s important to remember that you may need a permit for any ceremony that isn’t taking place in a private venue. Don’t let this stress you out though! Your officiant, photographer/videographer or planner will often be able to help you with the permit process. If you’re unsure about permits or regulations, ask your elopement vendor for advice. Photographers/videographers need to get permits from the Hawaii Film Office and/or County Film Offices for every location they visit in the state. If a wedding is not taking place on the beach (for example, in a State Park), then in addition to a commercial film permit. A Special Use Permit is also necessary for the ceremony. 

If you decide not to use a planner, you’ll need to get liability insurance to obtain the permit for your beach elopement. Keep in mind that arches are not allowed on the beach for your ceremony, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. It’s illegal to get married on a beach in Hawaii without a permit, so it’s important to double-check if the location you’re interested in is still open and accessible.
 Hawaii, like other places to elope, is very strict with Leave No Trace (LNT) policies. This means that you’ll need to be considerate of regulations surrounding wedding decorations, bridal bouquets, and the trail. Additionally, if you plan to bring food or champagne, you’ll need to make sure to take it with you when you leave. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your elopement leaves no trace on the environment.

FULL DAY ELOPEMENT TIMELINE IN KAUAI, HAWAII

• 6am getting ready pictures in your Kauai Airbnb
• 7am waterfalls for a private ceremony
• 730am take a hike and couple photos/videos
• 9am pick up some food from a local food truck
• 2pm helicopter tour over the beautiful island of Kauai
• 4pm head back to the Airbnb to freshen up and prepare for your sunset session
• 530pm – we head out to the beach for more couple photos/videos
• 7pm – stargazing photos/videos

---

Planning an elopement can be so exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming! That’s why I’m here to help. Let me show you how to craft the perfect adventure elopement in Kauai. So you can focus on the most important part: celebrating your love! I’m here to be your guide every step of the way. So you can have an elopement that lets your love run wild! Reach out and let’s start planning your dream elopement!