From the palms of Kahala to the mountains of Kualoa, these are the Oahu beaches where we have planned weddings, vow renewals and proposals since 2000.
Oahu packs a whole world of wedding settings into one small island. Within an hour of Waikiki you can marry under coconut palms on a quiet reef beach, on a lawn beneath banyan trees at sunset, below jungle-green mountains, or on a golden cove on the sunny west side. Every beach in Hawaii is public, so the right one is simply the one that matches your dream, your guest list and where you are staying.
Here are the seven locations our couples love most, with photos from real weddings. For the full story, short videos and tips for each beach, read our Oahu beach weddings guide on the blog.
At a Glance
| Location | Area | Best for | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waialae Beach Park | East Honolulu | Palms, calm water, privacy | Morning |
| Kahala Beach | East Honolulu | Vow renewals, families, lawns | Morning |
| Duke Kahanamoku Beach | Waikiki | Walking from your hotel | Early morning |
| Magic Island | Honolulu | Sunsets, bigger groups | Sunset |
| Kualoa Regional Park | Windward | Mountains and wide open views | Morning |
| Secret Beach, Ko Olina | West side | Sunshine, elopements | Late afternoon |
| North Shore | North Shore | Horses, proposals, adventure | Midday to afternoon |
Waialae Beach Park
Tucked behind the quiet homes of Kahala, Waialae is the beach we send couples to when they want palm trees, soft sand and a calm, almost private feeling only minutes from their hotel. A stream meets the sea at the park, the reef keeps the water still and turquoise, and the coconut palms lean in like guests waiting for the bride.
It is just as lovely for an elopement for two as for a wedding with your whole family, and the palms make a natural frame for every photo. Morning and late afternoon are the gentlest times, when the light glows on the water and the park is at its most peaceful.
Waialae Beach Park weddings · Naomi & Elijah · Map →
Kahala Beach
Kahala Beach runs along one of Honolulu’s loveliest neighborhoods, with lawns that roll right down to the sand, lava rocks along the shore and Koko Head on the horizon. It is a favorite for vow renewals and for families, because there is room to spread out on the grass and the children can play while the photos are taken.
We love the lawn under the palms here, with the sea just beyond and the lava rocks for portraits. Ruby and Albert came back to Kahala to celebrate ten years of marriage, and their little girl stood with them in her flower crown.
Kahala Beach weddings · Ruby & Albert’s vow renewal · Map →
Duke Kahanamoku Beach
Waikiki’s broadest beach stretches out below the Hilton’s towers, sheltered by a breakwater and carrying the name of Duke, the island waterman who shared surfing with the world. The water is gentle, Diamond Head rises at one end of the bay, and the Rainbow Tower stands behind you.
It is the easiest beach wedding on Oahu for families staying in Waikiki: everyone walks down from their rooms, the lagoon is perfect for portraits, and dinner is steps away.
Hilton Hawaiian Village weddings · Tamlyn & Daniel · Map →
Magic Island
At the tip of Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island curls around a calm saltwater lagoon with the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head across the water. Giant banyan trees throw cool shade over the lawns, so you can have your ceremony on the grass under the palms and your photos on the breakwater as the sun goes down.
It is one of the best sunset spots on the island, with room on the lawn for all your family, and the breakwater makes a perfect stage for the last light of the day.
Magic Island weddings · Lila & Mustafa · Map →
Kualoa Regional Park
Across the island on the windward coast, jungle-green cliffs tower over the lawns of Kualoa, and Mokoli‘i, the little island everyone calls Chinaman’s Hat, sits just offshore like a hat left on the water. Kualoa feels far from the city in every way: wide open, quiet and wild, with the trade winds lifting veils and chiffon into the air.
The drive along the coast is part of the day, and we time it so you arrive in the soft morning light, when the mountains are clear and the bay is glassy.
Kualoa Beach Park weddings · Map →
Secret Beach at Ko Olina
Past the four resort lagoons of Ko Olina, a short path through the beach plants leads to a little cove of sand and lava rock. Secret Beach is sheltered, private and bathed in golden light in the late afternoon, and the west side is the driest part of Oahu, so the sun almost always comes out for you.
It is ideal for couples staying at the Ko Olina resorts, for elopements and small weddings, and for dramatic portraits on the rocks with the waves rolling in.
Ko Olina weddings · Isabella & Mateo · Map →
The North Shore
The North Shore is wide sand, deep blue water and a slower island rhythm. In winter the famous big waves roll in, and in summer the sea turns calm and clear. It is the place for something different: a horseback proposal on the beach, flowers shaped into a heart by the waves, a picnic, or a ceremony far from the crowds.
Make a day of it, with shrimp trucks and shave ice in Haleiwa town on the way home.
Horses for weddings & proposals · Kai & Leilani · Hawaii proposals · Map →
Prices
- Manoa ceremony with a Hawaii minister: $350
- Sweet Lover’s elopement with photos: $950
- Waikiki package, up to 5 guests: $1,250
- Lovers in Paradise, flowers, photos & video: from $3,500
Plus 4.712% Hawaii tax. See every price
Good to Know
- Planning Oahu weddings since 2000
- About 50 weddings a year on Oahu and Maui
- All Hawaii beaches are public
- Waimanalo and Makapuu are now closed to commercial weddings
More places to say “I do”: beach weddings · parks · waterfalls · estates · hotels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beach for a wedding on Oahu?
It depends on your dream and where you stay. For palm trees and calm water near Waikiki, Waialae and Kahala are our favorites. For a walk from your room, Duke Kahanamoku Beach at the Hilton. For sunsets and big lawns, Magic Island. For mountains, Kualoa. For guaranteed sunshine, the leeward cove of Secret Beach, and for something wild and different, the North Shore.
Do we need a permit for a beach wedding on Oahu?
Beaches in Hawaii are public, and small weddings that set up and leave no trace are welcome. Larger setups in county parks can need a permit, and some beaches such as Waimanalo and Makapuu are now closed to commercial weddings. We handle all of this for you.
What time of day is best?
Early morning is the quietest, with soft light and few people on the sand. The hour before sunset gives the warmest glow. Weekdays are calmer than weekends at every beach.
How much does a beach wedding on Oahu cost?
A simple beach ceremony starts at $350, and an elopement with a photographer, bouquet and leis is $950. Prices are plus 4.712% Hawaii state tax.
How do we book?
Call us at 1-808-294-9385 or fill out our contact form with your date and guest count, and we will suggest the best beach for you.
