So letβs talk Hawaii, Iβm going to start with Oahu as it’s the most popular and has the biggest city of all the Islands. I had a mixed review experience when I went there. I loved how beautiful it is, I’m a city girl, so appreciated Honolulu, and love the fact that everyone is in flip flops, even when shopping in Fendi, you know what I mean!? And the temperatures are perfection. I could happily live with that all year round. Basically I love the tropics, however, it rained, a LOT, and I was there in late November/early December for 2 weeks. Meaning the rainy season, it meant several of my water activities were cancelled, like my open water shark snorkel experience. I left Hawaii, thinking, I’m never going back. Of course, after doing all this research, I’m going to have to give it a second chance!
Now, onwad. Iβll be listing a few all inclusive resorts as well as unique outdoor venues. There are almost endless venues to choose from, but the whole point is that I narrow it down and give you some inspiration. Iβm focusing on outdoor oriented venues. Because, letβs face it, if weβre flying to Hawaii from somewhere that has real winter, then we want to play in the sun and surf, and if you’re getting married, you’ll want it to be outside!
Peak season is December and spring break. The weather is a bit riskier during the rainy season (meaning you may get rain, but it will still be warm). Also keep in mind, all these prices are starting points.
If you’re looking for group bookings, contact to me and I’ll work with my contacts to put together an amazing package for you.
DON’T FORGET – if you’re getting married or renewing your vows, you’ll need a Marriage license and a justice of the peace, minister, officiant to make it all happen.
*Disclaimer β prices are just a guideline, talk to the venue to get an accurate picture.
So here we go, in no particular order, Oahu destinations worth dreaming about.
Style: Private Estate | Park/Garden | Ocean/Waterfront | Vintage/Rustic
Their beach-side garden and home offer a variety of experiences and settings for cultural ceremonies or family retreats. Their event professionals are available to service all their locations. Relax into the discrete gardens. Reflect, educate, create, meditate, celebrate, this venue has endless possibilities for your special event.
Events Guest Capacity: Outdoor only – up to 225 guests
Group Events: They have minimum spend charges, please contact them.
Weddings: Starting at $20,000 USD
You must provide/arrange for the following: Caterers β’ Decor β’ Bartenders/Alcohol β’ Music β’ Valet parking if over 50 guests (or they offer this service for an additional fee) β’ China/all dishware (no single use plastics allowed) β’ Flowers β’ General liability insurance required β’ It is suggested you hire a wedding coordinator β’ Wedding cake β’ Flowers β’ Wedding Officiant β’ There is no kitchen for your caterer, so they will need to be full service.
Style: Hotel/Resort | Ocean/Waterfront | Beach
All-inclusive resort. With indoor and outdoor event spaces. Itβs rated among Hawaiiβs best Honeymoon destinations, so you can get married and honeymoon all in one glorious location. Or celebrate with friends and family, knowing this destination does it all!
Events Guest Capacity: Up to 800
Group Events: Estimate $75 – $150 USD per person
Weddings: Starting from $8,000 USD
Accommodations: Average per night is $259 USD | Peak time is Christmas $399 up to $549 per night .
You must provide/arrange for the following: Decorations β’ Music β’ Wedding cake β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Flowers β’ Photographer β’ And any other extras.
Style: Private Estate | Farm/Ranch | Beach | Valleys and Gardens
Kualoa Ranch offers incredible versatility, with over 4,000 acres of natural beauty. With secret beaches to hidden valleys and majestic mountains; from ancient Hawaiian cultural sites to historic ranch buildings, secluded gardens, and spectacular vistas. From Weddings to zip lining, Jurassic Park Movie tours, boating adventures, Kualoa offers it all.
Event Guest capacity: Gardens 150 – 200 | Beach 50 | Ranch House 200 |
Tents 350
Event Budget: Base rental plus $75 – $150 USD per person
Weddings: Starting at $10,000 USD plus base rental
Amenities: there are a wide range of amenities, it all depends upon which locations you settle up. Catering services are farm to table. Secret Island Beach, Gardens, Ranch House Terrace.
You must provide/arrange for the following: Event coordinator (required) β’ Decorations β’ General liability insurance (required) β’ Music (must end by 10pm) β’ Wedding cake β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Additional restrooms required for over 200 guests β’ Flowers β’ Photographer
Style: Park/Garden | Ocean/Waterfront | Beach
Experience everything Oahu has to offer with sparkling blue ocean front, the beauty of sweeping lawns and fragrant tropical gardens, and a festive luβau under the stars. Celebrate in one of many unique locations on the property, or take part in a luβau with live music, games, authentic food and Hawaiian dancers.
Events Guest Capacity: Outdoor Only | Ceremony 500 guests | Reception 1000 guests
Events Budget: Estimate $125 USD per person
Weddings: Starting at $7,000 USD
*There are many variables based on catering with the La’au or without.
Amenities: β’ Outdoor lighting β’ Day-of coordinator β’ Parking can be arranged. They do have the following available for rent:
You must provide/arrange for the following: Event planner β’ Decorations β’ General liability insurance β’ Outside caterer β’ Music (must end by 10pm) β’ Alcohol must be served by licensed bartender/caterer β’ Wedding cake β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Flowers β’ Photographer β’ And anything extra
If you donβt want to deal with hiring your own caterer, or entertainment, they offer a variety of packages for a full Polynesian Luβau show. Or you can have the entertainment and hire your own caterer.
Style: Hotel/Resort Home | Ocean/Waterfront
This is truly the ultimate destination for those that want a laid back celebration on Oahu. A yoga retreat, a great family getaway, or the ultimate barefoot wedding experience. Take a scenic to the sandbar via a flat bottom boat. Kick off your shoes and share vows surrounded by the ocean and the majestic Koolau mountain range. Rent the whole place for you and your guests/family.
Events Guest Capacity: Maximum 20 people
Events Starting prices: $5,000 USD plus rental choice either Flat bottom boat 2hrs / or Floating dock rental 2hrs. The catering, etc., are all additional.
Accommodations: Starting around $230 – $280 USD per night October/November | $515 over Christmas and an average of $320 per night Jan through June
You must provide/arrange for the following: β’ Flowers β’ DJ/Music (approved) β’ Decorations (approved) β’ Wedding Officiate β’ Catering (approved) β’ Photographer β’ Wedding cake β’ And any other extras.
Style: Aquarium | Gallery | Park/Garden | Ocean/Waterfront
Event rental fee includes access to the Aquarium Galleries which showcase stunning marine communities of the tropical Pacific and Hawaii, βEdge of the Reef,β a 7,500 gallon outdoor exhibit that recreates a living Hawaiian shoreline.
Events Guest Capacity: 500 guests outside only | Inside Ceremony maximum 50
Events Budget: $2,000 base price, rentals/catering estimate $200 per person
Weddings: Starting at $7,000 USD
There’s a base rental fee for ceremony and/or reception (regardless of the event type). This fee includes the use of the venue between 5:15 pm-10:30 pm (including set up and breakdown), admission for 100 guests, the use of 18 tables and 100 chairs. For events larger than 100, additional charges will apply.
You must provide/arrange for the following: β’ Decorations (must be approved) β’ music (must end by 9:30pm) β’ Alcohol must be served by licensed bartender (beer and wine only) β’ Additional fees apply to BYO alcohol β’ Outside caterer allowed (must be approved), there is no kitchen so your caterer must be fully self sufficient β’ General liability insurance required β’ Wedding cake β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Flowers β’ Photographer
Style: Historic/Landmark Building | Private Estate | City/Skyline View
Nestled atop the beautiful Mount Tantalus, The Honolulu Ridge offers a breathtaking 22-acre estate that is sure to sweep you off your feet with its stunning scenery and enchanting atmosphere! With a charmed historical home and panoramic deck overlooking the city lights and ocean views, from high atop Tantalus, the setting for your private and intimate gathering couldnβt be more ideal.
Events Guest capacity: 80 guests
Events Budget: Estimate $125 – $200 USD per person (plus your extras)
Weddings: Starting at $13,000 USD
You must provide/arrange for the following: Decorations (must be approved) β’ Event Planner (if desired) β’ Music/DJ β’ Alcohol must be served by licensed bartender β’ Outside caterer allowed (must be approved) β’ General liability insurance required β’ Wedding cake β’ Photographer β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Flowers β’ And any extras you may want.
Style: Private Estate | Farm/Ranch | Vintage/Rustic
Breathtaking ocean and island views, expansive outdoor venues, a rustic indoor barn, elegant tropical gardens and newly renovated guest suites make Sunset Ranch one of the most exquisite venues in Hawaii.
Events Guest capacity: Accommodates up to 100 guests
Events Budget: Base rental plus $125 – $200 per person
Weddings: Starting at $10,000 plus base rental
Venue pricing includes exclusive access to Sunset Ranch from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Clients have access to all six venues, including: Sunset Meadow, Sunset Vista, Charlieβs Pond, Fernβs Garden, Sunset Stables and the Courtyard;
You must provide/arrange for the following: Decorations β’ General liability insurance (required) β’ Approved outside caterer allowed β’ Music/DJ β’ Photographer β’ Wedding Cake β’ Wedding Officiate β’ Flowers β’ Alcohol must be served by licensed bartender/caterer β’ Additional restrooms required for over 200 guests.
Style: Event Center | Private Club | Park/Garden | Waterfront | Beach
On the North Shore of Oahu, you can declare your love in the midst of the expansive polo fields or walk down a sandy aisle and pledge your love barefoot on the beach.
Event Guest capacity: Accommodates up to 500 guests
Group Events: $75 – $150 per person
Weddings: Starting at $9,000 USD
You must provide/arrange for the following: Event Planner (required) β’ BYO alcohol, must be served by licensed bartender/caterer β’ Decorating β’ General liability insurance required β’ Approved outside caterer allowed β’ Music (must end 10:00pm) β’ Flowers β’ Photographer β’ Wedding cake β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Ceremony site does not have electricity – Generator is not required β’ Porta potties can be rented through the venue if guest count exceeds 250 β’ Day of coordinator is not included but is required.
Style: Hotel/Resort | Ocean/Waterfront | Beach
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa offers magnificent personalized services and luxurious amenities including world-class dining, award-winning spa, interactive cultural activities, 24-hour fitness center, swimming pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and more than 60 on-site boutiques. The resort provides the perfect place for those who want to make the most of their island experience and connect with the heart of Hawaii.
Events Guest capacity: Accommodates up to 600 guests indoors / 200 people max outdoor
Events Budget: $75 – $200 per person
Weddings: Starting at $15,000 USD outdoor wedding & reception
Accommodations: Starting from $250 to $900 USD per night / $380 to $1,200 USD over Christmas/Easter break
You must provide/arrange for the following: Decorations β’ Music/DJ β’ Wedding cake β’ Wedding Officiant β’ Flowers β’ Photographer β’ And any other extras you may want to include.
And there you have it, Oahu, both sides of the island for the event that suits you best!
If you’re looking to book a hotel or venue, I’m here to help.
Please consider sharing and pinning because each share truly helps me out! Thanks – Maria
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Adrienne B Redelings | 2nd Jul 19
Looks like an amazing place. I’d love to take a trip with my husband to Hawaii some day.
Maria | 2nd Jul 19
I loved Oahu, because I’m a city girl, I got the best of both with Honolulu and the North Shore!
Laura Lee | 2nd Jul 19
I got married and was stationed in Guam for 18 months. I’ve been to Hawaii 4 times – going back and forth Guam, but never made it out of the airport. LOL
Maria | 2nd Jul 19
That’s just tragic!
Tricia Snow | 3rd Jul 19
These are great tips! Thank you!
Maria | 3rd Jul 19
You are most welcome. Glad you found them helpful!
Michele | 3rd Jul 19
Hawaii is absolutely beautiful! Great photos! I cant wait to visit one day!
Cindy | 3rd Jul 19
Wow any event in Hawaii would be so incredible! Iβd love to visit
Maria | 3rd Jul 19
I would be a great destination for a big family reunion!
Lina | 4th Jul 19
Beautiful! I would love to visit Hawaii soon.
Emily | 4th Jul 19
I LOVE LOVE LOVE Hawaii! This is incredible! π
Maria | 4th Jul 19
Thank you!
Jennifer Morrison | 5th Jul 19
What stunning locations. I can’t even imagine! Thanks for sharing all of the beautiful venues.
Maria | 5th Jul 19
You’re most welcome! I’m glad to hear you like my suggestions!