Getting Married at Hanalei Bay: A Complete Guide
Thinking about getting married at Hanalei Bay on Kauai? This picture-perfect beach on the North Shore is one of the most requested locations for small weddings and elopements. Hanalei offer gorgeous backdrops for your special wedding day. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about getting married at this beautiful spot.
Where Exactly is Hanalei Bay?
Hanalei Bay is located on the North Shore of Kauai. It is a must-see for anyone on the island; its stunning views and serene water make it the perfect place to get married. During the summer and fall the waves are small and it’s a perfect place to swim and play, and in the winter and spring there are often waves if surfing is of interest. It is also very convenient for those staying in Princeville to come experience.
Do I need a permit to visit Hanalei Bay?
No, you do not need a permit to come to this beach. Day passes and parking permits are for Ke’e beach and the Na Pali trail, which is another half hour west of Hanalei. It is totally fine to come out any day to this particular beach without any permits.
You will, however, need a permit to get married on the beach. In general, either the officiant or I can get this permit for your event. I go over all the details you need to know about getting married on the beach here.
Why Choose Hanalei for Your Kauai Wedding?
I've photographed countless weddings at Hanalei Bay, and there are several reasons why couples love this location:
Uniqueness: With the rugged green cliffs falling straight in to the sea, this location is really unlike any other.
Accessibility: More than any other beach on the North Shore of Kauai, Hanalei has the largest parking lots which makes it easy to park near the ceremony area, and it has the hardest sand so those with mobility concerns would likely be able to walk on this beach better than any other.
Diverse Backdrops: Between the two main spots we have ceremonies (either by the pier or by Pine Trees), you get dramatic cliffs, golden sand, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. This variety makes for absolutely stunning wedding photos without having to travel to multiple locations.
Lots of rental options: Between the home vacation rentals in Hanalei, and all of the resorts, condos, and vacation homes in Princeville, there are lots of places to choose from when looking for a place to stay nearby.
The Logistics
Just like elsewhere in Hawaii, getting married legally in Hanalei requires a valid Hawaii marriage license. Here's an in-depth guide for getting your marriage license.
And getting married on the beach requires some specific considerations. Like the fact that you can’t rent or reserve any beaches and you'll need a beach wedding permit from the State of Hawaii. Your wedding coordinator or photographer can help with this process. I go over all the details you need to know about getting married on the beach here.
Weather Considerations for Hā’ena Beach
The north shore of Kauai where Hanalei is located is typically wetter than other parts of the island. That said, this is still Hawaii, where weather changes fast and often. Here's what you should know:
Dry Season (May-October): Your safest bet for sunny weather, with temperatures around 80-85°F
Rainy Season (November-April): Still plenty of sunshine, but higher chance of showers, with temperatures around 75-80°F
Here’s a more detailed guide for what you can expect from the different Kauai seasons.
Always have a backup plan, though—several hotels in Princeville have covered areas that can work for a ceremony if needed.
Pro Tip: The hourly forecast is your friend in Hawaii. Don't trust the daily forecast that might show rain all day when it's really just a brief morning shower.
Best Time of Day for Your Hanalei Beach Wedding
For the most magical lighting at Hanalei Bay:
Sunrise: For the early birds, sunrise offers soft, golden light and typically fewer beachgoers. The light coming from the east illuminates the cliffs beautifully. Sunrise also has the least amount of wind.
Late Afternoon/Sunset: My personal favorite time for weddings at Hā’ena. The golden hour light (about 1 hour before sunset) creates a magical glow on the cliffs and sand. Sunset ceremonies with the colorful sky as your backdrop are simply spectacular.
Avoid Midday: Between 10am-3pm, the sun is directly overhead, creating harsh shadows and making everyone squint. It also gets extremely hot. If you must have a midday ceremony, consider the east side of the bay closer to the pier.
Nearby Accommodations and Amenities
Having your wedding at Hā’ena offers less accommodation options than other locations, but here are a few ideas:
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay: Literally on the beach, this luxury resort offers everything you need—rooms for guests, multiple reception venues, spa services for pre-wedding pampering, and on-site dining.
Princeville Area Rentals: Numerous vacation rentals and condos are available within a short drive, perfect for guests wanting more space or looking to save money.
Other Nearby Resorts: Hanalei Bay Resort, The Westin, and the Wyndham Bali Hi Villas are all within a 25 minute drive from Tunnels Beach.
For your reception, you have options:
Host at the Welina Terrace at the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (they have everything from sunset balcony settings to grand ballrooms)
Book a private room at nearby restaurants like Postcards or The Dolphin
Arrange a catered event at your vacation rental (if it allows events)
Photography Possibilities
As a photographer who's shot countless weddings at Hā’ena, I can tell you the photo opportunities are endless:
The iconic beach with mount Makana in the background
The lush jungle with giant coconut trees
The perfectly blue ocean
The tropical foliage by Manoa river.
For those wanting variety, a short walk gives you access to completely different scenes.
Planning Your Hā’ena Beach Wedding
When planning your wedding at Hā’ena, here are a few more things to consider:
Timing: Book your date well in advance, especially if you're planning during peak season (June-August, December-January)
Swimming Conditions: Hā’ena has strong currents and shore break in the winter and spring, making it not ideal for swimming. Your guests should be aware of this, especially if they plan to go in the water before or after the ceremony.
Public Beach: Remember that Hā’ena and Tunnels is a public beach, so there may be onlookers during your ceremony. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded.
Parking: There's a lot near Hā’ena Beach Park that provides easy access to the beach. For larger weddings and groups, consider arranging transportation from the hotel.
Wind: The sandy point to the East is the windiest part of the island, so consider this for your hairstyle, veil, and decorations
Sound: The crashing waves are beautiful but can be loud. If you're having more than a few guests, you might want a travel microphone setup
Footwear: The sand can be hot mid-day, so consider barefoot, sand-friendly shoes, or providing a walkway
Shade: There isn't much natural shade, so for daytime ceremonies, you might want to provide parasols for guests
Getting married at Hā’ena Beach or Tunnels Beach in Kauai will be nothing short of amazing. The natural beauty of this location creates a magical backdrop for saying "I do" to your special someone. If you're looking for a blend of accessibility, reliable weather, and stunning scenery, nothing is better than Hā’ena.