The Best Hawaii Wedding Venues On Each Island (Ranked By a Local Pro!)

Hawaii is one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in the world, and there are so many venues that showcase the beauty of the islands. As a wedding videographer in Hawaii, I’m always awestruck by the gorgeous locations where I get to work. So today, I wanted to share some of my favorite Hawaii wedding venues with you!

What Makes a Great Wedding Venue in Hawaii

Maybe you’ve long dreamt of a Hawaii wedding. Or maybe, you’re just now realizing the many reasons why getting married in Hawaii is so awesome. No matter where you are in your planning journey, it’s important to know what makes a great Hawaii wedding venue. 

Since I’ve worked at so many locations (often multiple times), I have a unique insight into what makes a great Hawaii wedding venue. Here are a few criteria I think everyone should look for when deciding on a venue. 

Scenery: I love locations with a mix of mountain and ocean scenery, as this combination best captures the unique beauty of Hawaii. Plus, beautiful backdrops minimize the need for decor, so you and your surroundings can fully shine on your wedding day. 

Privacy: Did you know that all Hawaii beaches are public? And many resorts offer weddings in the middle of their busy grounds. I prefer venues with a good sense of privacy. This means looking for quieter hotels, secluded estates, or large properties. 

Simplicity: You don’t want to have a stressful Hawaii wedding. The right venue can make the entire wedding journey a simple process. I love venues that work with great planners, are easy for guests to access, and aren’t overly strict with their policies. 

The Best Hawaii Wedding Venues

Ok, are you ready to discover the best Hawaii wedding venues? Sure, this is just my personal opinion. But it’s also my professional opinion. After all, I’ve been a part of a lot of weddings, and these are the places that I love working at. 

These beautiful locations inspire my creativity, allow us vendors to do our best work, and always impress couples and their guests. 

Best Venue on Maui: Olowalu Plantation House

Olowalu Plantation House is one of the most iconic wedding venues on Maui. It’s in demand (no hidden gem here, sorry!), but for good reason. 

This oceanfront property is expansive, and you’ll have exclusive access to it throughout your wedding day.

Most ceremonies take place on the lawn right by the water, with the reception set up onsite too. 

A beautiful vintage beach house has space for both partners to get ready separately. Plus, the front porch is perfect for relaxing and getting great wedding portraits. 

Olowalu Plantation House also gets fantastic weather. We rarely have to deal with high winds or rain here. Plus, there is plenty of shade to make it even more comfortable. 

Maui’s best wedding planners work at Olowalu, and the venue’s management offers a lot of flexibility with vendor bookings. 

Olowalu Plantation House is located in the small community of Olowalu, just south of Lahaina. It works well as a venue whether you are staying in west or south Maui. 

Best Hawaii Island Wedding Venue: Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

One of the most iconic things about Hawaii Island (“The Big Island”) is its black lava rock. And if you’re drawn to the dramatic contrast of dark blacks and glistening blue oceans, Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort, is perfect for your wedding. 

Their black sand ceremony lawn perfectly balances resort amenities and privacy. Plus, you’ll have a dramatic backdrop that encompasses the beauty of Hawaii Island. 

But even if the black lava rock isn’t your ideal backdrop, Kona Village still has something for you. This gorgeous Hawaii wedding venue has a range of ceremony and reception spaces that are perfect for large events or small micro weddings. 

The Kona Rosewood is a newly renovated resort on Hawaii Island, and it’s emerging as the go-to place for serene beauty, a stylish ambiance, and spiritual connection. You’re going to love it. 

It’s a great place to stay, but it’s also close to other Kona resorts in case your guests need different accommodation options. 

Best Oahu Wedding Venue: Kualoa Ranch

Kualoa Ranch is one of the best (if not the best!) Hawaii wedding venues. 

Weddings at Kualoa Ranch take place at their Paliku Gardens site. This grassy lawn overlooks Mokoli'i Island and Kaneohe Bay, featuring beautiful landscaping and swaying palm trees. 

Here, you and your guests can enjoy some of Oahu’s best scenery: its lush greenery, mountainside tranquility, glistening oceans, and unique islets. It’s iconic yet still feels fresh and timeless. 

One thing to know: Kualoa is remote. This might be a pro or a con, depending on what you’re looking for in a Hawaii wedding venue, but I think it adds to the magic. Escape the bustle of Waikiki and enjoy the spaciousness of Kualoa Ranch – it’s worth the drive!

Kualoa has an open vendor policy that’s perfect for creating a one-of-a-kind event. Check out this recent Kualoa wedding film to see how gorgeous this spot is:

Best Wedding Venue on Kauai: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is one of Kauai’s newest resorts. It’s incredibly luxurious yet also down-to-earth: perfect for couples who want an exceptional wedding that still feels relaxed and authentic. 

Their Kamani Cove ceremony site is absolutely gorgeous and works well for groups of all sizes. The resort also has unique reception options, including an expansive lawn, a small open-air dining room, and a classic banquet room. 

1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is perfect for couples with a minimalist aesthetic, but it can also be a blank slate for various decor looks. The hotel also prioritizes sustainability and recycling, so your Hawaii destination wedding will be eco-minded too. 

You’ll have to use their in-house catering, which is fantastic, but you’ll have flexibility with other vendors. 

Best Wedding Wedding Venue on Lanai: Four Seasons Resort Lanai

You expect a lot from the Four Seasons: excellent service, an amazing atmosphere, and a comfortable, luxe stay. At the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, you’ll get all that in one of Hawaii’s most serene locations. 

The Four Seasons Lanai is about as secluded as you get. There aren’t other hotel options nearby, so you and your guests will stay together at the 5-star resort. You can make a complete vacation of it, or make it part of a larger Maui vacation – you can get to Lanai by ferry or plane from Maui. 

There are many private and secluded spaces to choose from at the Four Seasons Lanai, and the onsite planning team can help arrange your entire team of vendors, including your Hawaii wedding videographer (like No Ka Oi Films!).

Finding the Best Hawaii Wedding Venues

What do you think – can you envision your wedding (or vow renewal!) at any of these Hawaii wedding venues? Or did I leave any favorites off my list?

Narrowing down my favorite spots was nearly impossible. After all, there are endless options for wedding venues across the islands. But these definitely shine as they offer an unbeatable scenery and atmosphere. 

So whether you are having a grand event at one of Hawaii’s best wedding venues, or eloping in an intimate island setting, No Ka Oi Films will be ready. Our Hawaii wedding videography captures the spirit of the islands while focusing on the unique personalities and styles that make your wedding so spectacular. 

Contact us today to learn more about our Hawaii wedding film packages!