🌤 Best Seasons to Elope on the Big Island:

1. April to June (Late Spring to Early Summer)

• Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and slightly lower prices on accommodations.
• Cons: Occasional spring showers, though mostly on the windward (east) side.

2. September to Mid-November (Early Fall)

• Pros: Warm, dry weather, lower crowds after summer travel season, and beautiful sunsets.
• Cons: Slightly higher chance of tropical storms (especially in September), but the risk is generally low.

☀️ Weather Patterns

• The leeward (west) side (e.g., Kona, Waikoloa) is typically sunnier and drier—ideal for beach elopements.
• The windward (east) side (e.g., Hilo) is lush and green with frequent rain—great for waterfall or jungle elopements.

💡 Tips for Planning

Consider eloping on a weekday to avoid crowds at popular spots like beaches, volcano parks, or waterfalls.

Sunrise/Sunset ceremonies are especially magical—plan around the golden hour for the best lighting.

Avoid major holidays and school vacation periods (e.g., Christmas, Spring Break) for better privacy and pricing.

The Big Island has mild, tropical weather year-round, but some seasons are more ideal:

• Winter (December to February): Pleasant temperatures and less humidity, but beaches can be busy.
• Spring (March to May): Fewer crowds, beautiful weather, and many flowers in bloom.
• Summer (June to August): Warmer temperatures with a chance of tropical showers, especially in lush regions like Hilo.
• Fall (September to November): One of the least crowded times and ideal weather for beaches and sightseeing.

Big Island Wedding License, LNT, and Permits

Obtaining a marriage license on the Big Island of Hawaii is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate it:

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📝 Step 1: Complete the Online Application

• Website: Marriage.eHawaii.gov
• Fee: $65.00 (includes $60 application fee + $5 portal fee)
• Payment: Made online via credit card
• Validity: The application is valid for one year from the submission date.
• Locator ID: After payment, you’ll receive a Locator ID—keep this handy for your in-person appointment.alohabeachweddingskona.com+3Hawaii State Department of Health+3hawaiianstylebeachweddings.com+3alohabeachweddingskona.com+3emrs.ehawaii.gov+3hawaiianstylebeachweddings.com+3KonaWeddingOfficiant

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🏢 Step 2: Schedule an In-Person Appointment

Both parties must appear together in person to finalize the application. Appointments can be made with various agents across the Big Island:Simple Kona Beach Weddings+3Hawaii State Department of Health+3hawaiianstylebeachweddings.com+3

• Hilo:
  • Letisha Kuwahara
  • Rose Delfin
• Waimea (Kamuela):
  • Tiffany Joaquin
• Kailua-Kona:
  • Andrea Bojorquez
  • Kimberly Kaluau
  • Puamelia
  • KimberlyAloha Bridal Connections+5Hawaii State Department of Health+5KonaWeddingOfficiant+5Aloha Bridal Connections+1Simple Kona Beach Weddings+1

Contact information for these agents can be found on the Hawaii District Health Offices website.Hawaii.gov+5Hawaii State Department of Health+5Hawaii State Department of Health+5

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📄 Step 3: Gather Required Documentation

Bring the following to your appointment:

• Valid government-issued photo ID: Passport, driver’s license, or state ID
• If previously married: Original divorce decree or death certificate (if the divorce or death occurred less than 30 days prior to applying)
• If under 18: Certified copy of birth certificate and parental or guardian consentAloha Bridal Connections+2Hawaii State Department of Health+2hawaiianstylebeachweddings.com+2Hawaii State Department of Health+4hawaiianstylebeachweddings.com+4Hawaii State Department of Health+4

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💍 Step 4: Receive Your Marriage License

Once approved, you’ll receive your marriage license immediately. There’s no waiting period, so you can marry the same day. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.alohabeachweddingskona.comHawaii State Department of Health

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🌴 Additional Tips

• Wiki Permit: If you’re planning a beach wedding, you may need a Wiki Permit for public beaches. This permit allows for weddings on most public beaches and covers your photographer and other vendors. The fee is $0.10 per square foot, with a $20 minimum. You’ll get two hours of use of a public beach for your wedding with this permit, including setup and breakdown time. Plan accordingly to set up and clean up within that time period.

Officiant: Ensure your ceremony is conducted by a licensed officiant. You can find a list of registered officiants on the Hawaii Department of Health website.

Does My Elopement Location Require a Permit?

Hawaii is very strict when it comes to permits for any type of ceremony. The rule of thumb to remember is anywhere you would like to elope in Hawaii, which isn’t a private venue, will most likely require a permit. You’ll also want to make sure the location you’re interested in allows both wedding ceremonies (no matter how big or small) and wedding portraits.

Please note that photographers need permits for every location they go to in Hawaii. Photographers can obtain this permit through the Hawaii Film Office and/or County Film Offices. If a wedding is taking place off the beach (ex. a State Park), then in addition to commercial film permits, a Special Use Permit is also needed for the wedding ceremony.

If you don’t go with the planner, then you will need liability insurance to obtain the permit. For beach elopements, keep in mind no arches are allowed. It is illegal to get married on a beach in Hawaii or anywhere in Hawaii without a proper permit. It’s also important to double-check if the location you’re interested in is still a location you can visit to have your ceremony or take your portraits. 

Leaving No Trace During Your Elopement

Hawaii, like other places to elope, is HUGE on leave no trace (LNT) when planning your wedding adventure. Leave No Trace during your wedding essentially means exactly what it sounds like, leaving the location exactly how you found it. Be considerate of regulations surrounding wedding decorations and bridal bouquets, staying on the trail, and bringing any food or champagne.

Marriage License

Getting married in Hawaii is easy. Here’s what to know:

• Start by filling out the marriage license application on Hawaii’s Department of Health website.
• Once on the Big Island, visit a marriage license agent. Both of you need to be present and bring a valid ID.
• The marriage license fee is $65.
• You can use your license immediately and it’s valid for up to 30 days.