Outdoor Wedding Venues on Kauai
Wedding photography courtesy of Kit Furderer.
Perhaps no place on earth is better suited to an outdoor wedding than the paradise known as Hawaii. Miles of sun-kissed shoreline, golden sands, vast views of islands rising from the sea, flowers blooming in fragrant profusion, tropical lagoons and gardens of vivid green — Kauai offer some of the world’s most spectacular and romantic outdoor wedding venues.
Surprisingly, much of this natural beauty is available free of charge — or at nominal cost — to wedding parties. Of course, some settings are more secluded than others, which may mean you’ll have to share the shoreline (and those first moments of wedded bliss) with other outdoor enthusiasts.
A few things to keep in mind: It’s wise to allow a day before your ceremony to visit your planned location to ensure it’s picture perfect. If you choose a tropical or mountain locale, ask about the chance of “liquid sunshine” — a.k.a. rain in Hawaii. You may need a back-up plan or covered pavilion so a cloudburst won’t dampen your spirits and photo ops. Also, beaches can be blustery and blistering at certain times of day so ask an expert or research thoroughly before your big day. Finally: New laws have put limits on which beaches and beach parks require permits for weddings. Check with the County of Kauai for information.
If you choose a remote location — like a secluded mountain waterfall — you may need to spend more for transportation and travel fees for your officiant and other participants, like musicians or caterer. And don’t forget about those rain showers!
Where to turn for help? You can “do it yourself” with thorough research and planning — our guide to the great outdoors is a start — or turn to one of the many wedding planners who provide services throughout the Islands. Most offer weddings from “sweet and simple” to “lavish and luxurious” and everything in between.
HEAVENLY SPOTS ON KAUAI:
BY THE SEA
Mahaulepu. Photo: Ellyn B.
Poipu Beach
White sand, cool trades and crystal waters make this beach one of Kauai’s most popular. Free
Poipu Beach Park
Swaying palms shade two top beaches — Poipu and Brennecke — at this grassy park offering pavilions, picnic tables and restrooms. Free
Mahaulepu Beach
Getting to private, pristine Mahaulepu Beach is an adventure in itself but well worth the effort, since it’s large — and largely deserted — with golden sand and striking sea cliffs. Free
Polihale Beach
Known as “home of the spirits” in Hawaiian, this expansive stretch of bright white sand is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and situated in Polihale State Park, on the western Na Pali coastline. Free
Shipwreck Beach
Located on Keoneloa Bay, sunny Shipwreck Beach is one of the larger beaches in Poipu and is bounded by a county park, Poipu Kai Resort and Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa. Free
Princeville Beach
Situated on the north shore, this white sand beach overlooks “Bali Hai.” Free
The Pier at Hanalei
Sunsets, white sand and “Bali Hai” in the background make this an oh-so-romantic setting. Free
North Shore Lighthouse
You’ll snap pictures worth a thousand words at this stunning site with extraordinary ocean and cliff views. Free
Kilauea Lighthouse
Overlook Kauai’s stunning coastline. Donation
IN THE GARDEN
Kukuiolono Gardens, Kauai. Photo: hey.
Kilohana Estate
Imagine a magical garden setting plus a horse and carriage tour of this historic plantation on the south side. Free with dinner
Kukuiolono Gardens
These beautiful gardens on the south side feature ancient rock walls and tropical flowers. $50 fee
Waioli Gardens
This charming and private setting showcases expansive flowering gardens, waterfall views and a 200-year-old missionary home with a white picket fence. Free
Japanese Garden/Kukuiolono Golf Course
This pretty garden features lovely flowers and foliage plus a footbridge. Free
Wailua Tropical Gardens
Step back in time — about 2,000 years — to marry amid this authentic Hawaiian village with lush flowers, peacocks and a pond graced by white swans. Site fee
Princeville Ranch
This historic ranch offers a unique wedding spot atop Green Hill, with 360 degrees views of the entire north shore and the Hanalei mountains as your backdrop. Site fee
Visit www.hawaii.com/weddings for more ideas and information.
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