Discover the best destination wedding resorts in Hawaii, from luxury beachfront resorts in Maui and Kauai to romantic venues on Oahu and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii is one of the world’s most recognizable destination wedding locations, offering couples a combination of tropical beaches, dramatic mountains, lush gardens, volcanic landscapes and luxury resorts. Each island provides a different wedding experience, which means couples can choose a destination based on their guest list, budget, scenery and preferred resort style.
Maui is particularly popular for luxury beachfront weddings, while Kauai appeals to couples looking for lush landscapes and a more intimate atmosphere. Oahu combines resort weddings with easy access to Honolulu and Waikiki, while the Island of Hawaii offers volcanic scenery, spacious resorts and dramatic Pacific coastlines.
Why Choose Hawaii for a Destination Wedding?
Hawaii gives couples an unusually broad range of wedding settings. A ceremony can take place beside the ocean, in a tropical garden, in a private chapel, on a large resort lawn or against volcanic landscapes.
Hotel groups operating across the islands also provide wedding planners, catering, photographers, florists and customized event services. Marriott, for example, highlights certified wedding planners and wedding properties across Hawaii’s four main islands.
🌺 Tropical Scenery
Beaches, palm trees, tropical gardens, mountains and ocean views provide natural settings for ceremonies and wedding photography.
🌊 Oceanfront Weddings
Many resorts offer beachfront lawns, oceanfront terraces, coastal gardens and other venues overlooking the Pacific.
🌋 Unique Landscapes
The Big Island adds black lava rock, volcanic landscapes and dramatic coastlines that create a different wedding backdrop.
🏝️ Four Main Islands
Couples can choose between Maui, Oahu, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii, each offering a distinct combination of resorts and attractions.
Best Hawaiian Islands for a Destination Wedding
| Island | Best For | Wedding Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Maui | Luxury beach weddings and romantic celebrations | Elegant, tropical and romantic |
| Kauai | Nature-focused and intimate weddings | Lush, peaceful and scenic |
| Oahu | Convenience, large groups and resort weddings | Beach, city and resort |
| Island of Hawaii | Luxury weddings and dramatic landscapes | Volcanic, spacious and adventurous |
Best Destination Wedding Resorts in Hawaii
1. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Luxury Maui Beachfront
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is one of the most prominent choices for couples planning a luxury destination wedding in Hawaii. The resort sits directly along Wailea’s oceanfront and offers beachfront, garden, lawn and ballroom venues.
Its Oceanfront Lawn can accommodate up to 480 guests for a banquet and 500 for a reception, while the Four Seasons Ballroom can accommodate up to 500 guests for a banquet and 750 for a reception.
The resort also follows a distinctive one-wedding-per-day approach, giving the wedding group exclusive attention from the resort’s events team. It offers options ranging from intimate elopements to multi-day wedding celebrations.
Four Seasons also publishes curated wedding packages covering elements such as flowers, photography, décor and officiant services.
Best for: Luxury destination weddings, large celebrations, exclusive service and beachfront ceremonies.
2. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Luxury Maui Large Weddings
Grand Wailea is another major luxury wedding resort in Wailea. Couples can choose from venues including the Wailea Seaside Chapel, Molokini Bluff and Wailea Beach.
The resort’s Molokini Bluff is a large outdoor event space with capacity listed at up to 2,000 guests, while the Seaside Chapel accommodates up to 45 guests. The property also provides wedding planners, curated menus and wedding packages.
This range of spaces makes Grand Wailea suitable for both intimate ceremonies and very large destination wedding celebrations.
Best for: Large luxury weddings, beachfront ceremonies and couples seeking a full-service Maui resort.
3. Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui
Luxury Maui Oceanfront
Wailea Beach Resort – Marriott, Maui occupies 22 oceanfront acres and offers a combination of indoor and outdoor wedding venues. Marriott specifically markets the resort for celebrations ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale weddings.
The resort is a good option for couples who want the Wailea location and oceanfront setting while comparing several luxury resort brands.
Best for: Couples who want a large Maui resort with multiple wedding venue options.
4. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Luxury Oahu Beachfront
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is located on Oahu’s western coast beside a protected lagoon. It combines a beachfront resort setting with convenient access to Oahu’s attractions.
Wedding options include a dedicated Wedding Chapel, Ocean Lawn, tropical garden settings, Ocean Ballroom and the Lanikuhonua cultural estate.
This variety allows couples to choose between an intimate chapel ceremony, an outdoor oceanfront celebration or a larger indoor reception.
Best for: Luxury Oahu weddings, families and couples who want resort amenities with access to Honolulu and other Oahu attractions.
5. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
Kauai Large Weddings Beachfront
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa is a strong choice for couples who want the lush scenery of Kauai without sacrificing extensive event infrastructure.
The resort offers wedding venues ranging from intimate spaces at Keoneloa Bay to very large indoor and outdoor venues. Its Grand Ballroom has a listed capacity of 1,000 guests, while the Grand Garden can accommodate 850 and Ilima Garden is listed at up to 1,800 guests.
Couples can also choose from wedding packages, catering options and outdoor spaces surrounded by tropical vegetation and ocean views.
Best for: Large Kauai weddings, tropical garden ceremonies and destination wedding groups.
6. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Luxury Big Island Beachfront
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai offers a different Hawaiian wedding experience on the Island of Hawaii. Located along the Kona-Kohala coast, the resort combines white sand, black lava rock and Pacific Ocean scenery.
The resort’s wedding program is designed around the natural landscape, with settings featuring lava formations, palm groves, ocean views and outdoor reception areas.
The Big Island setting can be especially appealing to couples who want their wedding photography to include landscapes that look distinctly different from traditional white-sand beach resorts.
Best for: Luxury weddings, dramatic scenery and couples looking for a Big Island experience.
7. Hana-Maui Resort
Maui Boutique Nature
Hana-Maui Resort provides a more intimate alternative to the large luxury resorts of Wailea. Its remote location on Maui’s eastern coast offers couples a quieter setting surrounded by lush landscapes and the Pacific.
Wedding venues include Ocean Bluff, the Guest House, the Restaurant, Infinity Pool and Infinity Terrace. Ocean Bluff and several other venues can accommodate up to 150 guests.
The resort is particularly interesting for couples who want their wedding weekend to feel more secluded and connected to the natural side of Maui.
Best for: Intimate weddings, nature lovers and couples looking for a quieter Maui celebration.
8. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua
Luxury Kapalua Maui
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is another luxury option for couples who prefer the northwest coast of Maui. The Kapalua area is known for dramatic coastal scenery, golf courses and a quieter resort environment.
The resort’s location makes it suitable for couples who want a sophisticated Maui wedding combined with outdoor activities and scenic photography.
Best for: Upscale Maui weddings and couples who prefer Kapalua over Wailea.
9. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort
Oahu Historic Waikiki
The Royal Hawaiian offers a very different destination wedding experience. Instead of a secluded resort environment, couples can celebrate in the heart of Waikiki while staying at one of Honolulu’s best-known historic hotels.
Marriott includes The Royal Hawaiian among its Hawaii destination wedding properties and highlights beachfront weddings, intimate receptions and professional wedding planning across its Hawaii portfolio.
This makes the property particularly interesting for couples who want a combination of Hawaiian beach scenery, historic architecture, restaurants, shopping and Honolulu nightlife.
Best for: Waikiki weddings, historic luxury and couples who want an urban destination alongside the beach.
10. Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Big Island Beach Resort Groups
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa provides another option on the Island of Hawaii. The Waikoloa area is known for its resort infrastructure, golf, beaches and access to Big Island attractions.
Marriott includes the property in its Hawaii destination wedding portfolio, making it an option for couples comparing multiple resort locations on the Big Island.
Best for: Big Island weddings, resort groups and couples who want to combine the wedding with island sightseeing.
Quick Comparison of the Best Hawaii Wedding Resorts
| Resort | Island | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Seasons Maui at Wailea | Maui | Luxury beachfront | Luxury destination weddings |
| Grand Wailea | Maui | Luxury resort | Large celebrations |
| Wailea Beach Resort | Maui | Oceanfront luxury | Large and intimate weddings |
| Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina | Oahu | Luxury beachfront | Families and luxury groups |
| Grand Hyatt Kauai | Kauai | Large tropical resort | Large Kauai weddings |
| Four Seasons Hualalai | Big Island | Luxury beachfront | Luxury and dramatic scenery |
| Hana-Maui Resort | Maui | Boutique/nature | Intimate weddings |
| Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua | Maui | Luxury | Upscale Kapalua weddings |
| The Royal Hawaiian | Oahu | Historic luxury | Waikiki weddings |
| Waikoloa Beach Marriott | Big Island | Beach resort | Resort groups |
Maui vs. Oahu vs. Kauai vs. Big Island
Choosing the right island is arguably more important than choosing the resort. Hawaii’s four major visitor islands offer very different experiences.
🌴 Maui
Maui is particularly suited to couples looking for upscale beachfront resorts, romantic sunsets and a traditional luxury destination wedding. Wailea and Kapalua offer several high-end resort options.
🌺 Kauai
Kauai is ideal for couples who prioritize lush scenery, gardens, cliffs and a more nature-focused Hawaiian atmosphere.
🌆 Oahu
Oahu works well for guests who want beaches plus restaurants, shopping, nightlife and easy access to Honolulu. Waikiki and Ko Olina offer very different resort experiences.
🌋 Big Island
The Island of Hawaii is especially interesting for couples who want volcanic landscapes, lava rock, spacious resorts and outdoor adventures.
How Much Does a Destination Wedding in Hawaii Cost?
Hawaii destination weddings can range from relatively simple elopements to large luxury celebrations costing tens of thousands of dollars or more. Resort category, guest count, wedding date and the number of services included in the package all influence the final price.
Some luxury resorts publish specific wedding packages. For example, Four Seasons Resort Maui currently lists a wedding ceremony package at US$19,000 plus tax on weekdays and US$20,000 plus tax on weekends, with a minimum of 10 guests and no stated maximum.
This illustrates why couples should request an itemized proposal before comparing resorts. Package prices can include very different combinations of photography, flowers, transportation, ceremony services, food and décor.
Typical Hawaii Wedding Expenses
- ✓ Resort accommodation
- ✓ Flights for the couple
- ✓ Guest accommodation
- ✓ Ceremony venue
- ✓ Reception venue
- ✓ Catering and beverages
- ✓ Wedding cake
- ✓ Flowers and décor
- ✓ Photographer
- ✓ Videographer
- ✓ Music or entertainment
- ✓ Officiant
- ✓ Hair and makeup
- ✓ Transportation
Best Time of Year for a Hawaii Destination Wedding
Hawaii can host weddings throughout the year, but couples should consider weather, hotel demand, airfare and seasonal pricing when selecting their date.
Spring
Spring can provide pleasant temperatures and attractive outdoor conditions. It can be a useful period for couples looking for a balance between weather and resort availability.
Summer
Summer is popular for travel and weddings, particularly for families with children. Resort and airfare demand can be higher around school vacation periods.
Fall
Fall can be attractive for couples seeking a quieter period than peak summer. Couples should still discuss rain and wind backup plans with the resort, especially for outdoor ceremonies.
Winter
Winter is particularly attractive to couples escaping colder climates. Hawaii remains a popular winter destination, so resorts and flights can be busy around major holidays.
The best date ultimately depends on the specific island and venue. For example, Four Seasons Oahu notes the relatively warm and dry conditions of Oahu’s leeward west coast as one of the advantages of its Ko Olina location.
Beach Wedding vs. Resort Wedding in Hawaii
A resort wedding and a public beach wedding are not necessarily the same thing. Couples considering a public beach ceremony should check local rules, permits and restrictions before making arrangements.
Resort weddings can simplify logistics because the venue, catering, accommodation and event team are located in one property. A public beach ceremony can provide a more natural setting but may involve additional planning and restrictions.
| Factor | Resort Wedding | Public Beach Wedding |
|---|---|---|
| Planning | Resort team can coordinate many details | More independent coordination |
| Catering | Usually handled by resort | May require outside arrangements |
| Privacy | Usually easier to control | Public access may be possible |
| Weather Backup | Indoor alternatives may be available | More difficult to manage |
| Guest Convenience | Accommodation and event in one place | Additional transportation may be needed |
How to Choose the Best Hawaii Wedding Resort
1. Choose the Island First
Start with the experience you want. Maui is strongly associated with luxury resort weddings, Kauai with nature and lush scenery, Oahu with convenience and Honolulu access, and the Big Island with volcanic landscapes and spacious resorts.
2. Set Your Guest Count
A wedding for 15 guests requires very different facilities from a wedding for 200 or 500 people. Check venue capacity before falling in love with a particular resort.
3. Decide Between Luxury and Boutique
Large luxury resorts can simplify accommodation and event logistics for groups. Boutique properties can provide a more intimate atmosphere.
4. Compare Wedding Packages
Look carefully at what each package includes. One resort may include photography and flowers while another may charge those services separately.
5. Check Indoor Backup Venues
Outdoor Hawaiian weddings are highly dependent on weather. Always ask where the ceremony or reception will move if rain, wind or other conditions affect the original venue.
6. Think About Your Guests
Consider travel time, airport access, activities, restaurants and accommodation options. A beautiful remote venue may not be convenient for every guest.
Luxury Destination Wedding Resorts in Hawaii
Hawaii has a particularly strong selection of luxury resorts for couples looking for a premium destination wedding experience.
On Maui, Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea and Grand Wailea offer extensive event infrastructure and oceanfront settings. On Oahu, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina provides a lagoon-side environment with multiple wedding venues. On Kauai, Grand Hyatt Kauai combines tropical gardens with extensive event capacity. On the Big Island, Four Seasons Hualalai emphasizes its distinctive lava-rock and Pacific Ocean setting.
Hawaii Destination Wedding Checklist
- ✓ Choose your Hawaiian island
- ✓ Set your wedding budget
- ✓ Estimate guest numbers
- ✓ Select your preferred resort
- ✓ Choose a wedding date
- ✓ Compare wedding packages
- ✓ Confirm venue capacity
- ✓ Review catering costs
- ✓ Check outside-vendor policies
- ✓ Ask about weather backup venues
- ✓ Confirm marriage-license requirements
- ✓ Arrange airport transportation
- ✓ Plan guest activities
- ✓ Reserve honeymoon accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular luxury options include Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Grand Wailea, Wailea Beach Resort, Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Grand Hyatt Kauai and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. The best resort depends on your preferred island, guest count, budget and wedding style.
Maui is popular for luxury beachfront weddings, Kauai for lush and intimate celebrations, Oahu for convenience and larger groups, and the Big Island for dramatic volcanic landscapes. There is no single destination that fits every wedding style.
Yes. Maui has a large selection of luxury resorts and oceanfront wedding venues, particularly in Wailea and Kapalua. Four Seasons Maui and Grand Wailea are examples of resorts with extensive wedding facilities.
Hawaii can be expensive compared with many international destination wedding locations. Accommodation, flights, venue rental, catering, photography and other wedding services all contribute to the total cost. Luxury resorts can have particularly high wedding-package prices.
Hawaii is not dominated by traditional all-inclusive resorts in the way that destinations such as Mexico or the Dominican Republic are. Couples will generally find more traditional luxury resorts where accommodation, dining and wedding services are priced separately.
Yes. Many resorts offer oceanfront wedding venues and beachfront ceremonies. Couples considering public beaches should confirm applicable permits, rules and restrictions before planning the ceremony.
Maui is often chosen for its combination of luxury resorts, beaches, sunsets and romantic resort areas such as Wailea. Kauai can be a strong alternative for couples who prefer lush landscapes and a more nature-focused setting.
Costs vary significantly based on the resort, guest count and services. Some luxury resort wedding packages can cost tens of thousands of dollars before additional travel and accommodation expenses. Couples should request an itemized proposal from each resort before comparing prices.
Plan Your Hawaii Destination Wedding
From luxury Maui resorts and lush Kauai venues to Waikiki celebrations and dramatic Big Island landscapes, Hawaii offers destination wedding options for different budgets, guest counts and wedding styles.
Compare Hawaii Wedding Resorts