A Complete Guide to Planning Your Kauai Elopement (Including Travel Tips, Location Ideas, and more!)

Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy

Lush green mountains, red rock canyons, the most stunning coastline you’ve ever seen…we could go on and on about all the reasons why to elope in Kauai!! Ever since my (Mollie’s) first visit to the island, I fell in love with the diverse landscapes (and, of course, all the sunshine). It’s an island I’ve found myself coming back to over and over again. But, not only is Kauai an incredible place to visit, but it’s an even more incredible place to elope. If you are thinking about eloping in Kauai (aka the most magical island ever), this guide will help you plan your dream adventure. You’ll find everything you need to know about travel logistics and how to get to Kauai, where to stay on the island, the best hiking spots, and even a list of our favorite restaurants for you to try! So, imagine yourself on a Kauai beach, pull up this Spotify playlist to set the vibe, and keep reading to learn how to elope in Kauai!

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How to Elope in Kauai

• A Complete Guide to Planning Your Kauai Elopement (Including Travel Tips, Location Ideas, and more!)
  • FAQs About Eloping in Kauai
  • How to Elope in Kauai in 6 Simple Steps
  • What You Need to Know About the Weather When Planning Your Elopement in Kauai
  • Getting to Kauai: Flights, Rental Cars, and Logistics for Your Elopement in Kauai
  • Where to Stay for Your Kauai Elopement: Our Top Kauai Airbnb and Hotel Recommendations
  • Our Favorite Kauai Elopement Hiking Trails
  • Best Beaches for Your Kauai Hawaii Elopement
  • Where to Eat When You Elope in Kauai: A List of Our Favorite Island Restaurants
  • Final Thoughts: A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Planning to Elope in Kauai
  • Meet Your Kauai Elopement Photographers
  • Are You Ready to Elope in Kauai?

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FAQs About Eloping in Kauai

We know you probably have a lot of questions about how to elope in Kauai which is exactly what this blog post is here to help with! But before we dive in, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions our couples have when deciding to elope in Kauai.

Can You Elope in Kauai?

Abosolutely! In fact, it is one of our favorite places to elope in the U.S. (scratch that – Kauai is one of the best places to elope in the WORLD!).

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Kauai?

On average, an elopement in Kauai costs around $15,000-$40,000, including wedding attire, photography, florals, and marriage license. Considering the average wedding costs $30,000, it’s no surprise that more and more couples are choosing to elope! To learn more about how much it costs to elope in Kauai, check out this blog post for an elopement cost breakdown and planning guide!

What Do You Need to Get Married in Kauai?

In order to get legally married in Kauai, you will need to apply for a Hawaii marriage license in person to submit an application. Both partners must be 18 years old and present proof of ID as well as pay the $60 application fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive a marriage license which is valid anywhere in Hawaii for 30 days.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License in Kauai?

Marriage licenses are issued immediately upon approval which means you can apply and get married within the same day if you want (seriously, it’s so easy!).

Where is the Best Place to Get Married in Kauai?

We think anywhere in Kauai is the best place to get married (seriously, you can’t go wrong because the entire island is just so beautiful!). However, some of our favorite locations are Tunnels Beach, Shipwrecks Beach, and the rainforests. We also have a list of locations that we’ve scouted during our visits to Kauai that we would LOVE to show you!

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How to Elope in Kauai in 6 Simple Steps

1: Hire a Kauai elopement photographer

Psst…we know of a pretty cool Kauai elopement photographer team who would love to document your adventure…just saying . But, truly, choosing a photographer is a really important step in your Kauai elopement planning process! Of course, you’ll want photos of your day to treasure for years to come. But, you also want to book a photographer with experience in Kauai elopements specifically. From planning and timeline creation to knowing the best places to elope on the island to weather patterns, vendor relationships, and knowledge around Hawaiian culture, there are so many reasons why it is important to work with a photographer who is well-versed in adventure elopement photography in Kauai.

2: Choose when you want to elope in Kauai

The best thing about eloping in Kauai is that you can get amazing weather all year long! We recommend planning your Kauai elopement in November, February, or March as these months experience mild temperatures and allow you to escape the cold winter on the mainland. We’ll share more about the specific times of year a little later in the blog so keep scrolling to learn everything you need to know about weather patterns on Kauai.

3: Choose which side of the island you want to elope in Kauai

There are three regions to consider for your elopement in Kauai. We’ll break each of these down a little later in this post, but here is a brief summary of what you can find in each region:

• Northside: Hanalei and Princeville area
  • Tends to be more overcast with rain
  • Hanalei Bay (Kauai’s most iconic beach) is located here
• Eastside: Kapaa, Wailua, and Lihue
  • More sunny, but still has cloud cover
  • Some of our favorite places to eat are all on this side of the island
  • You can find the lush rainforests in this area
• Southside: Koloa, Kalaheo, Eleele, and Waimea
  • The sunniest and driest part of the island
  • Waimea Canyon is located in this region of Kauai

4: Buy your elopement attire (and a new swimsuit!)

Finding your wedding attire is an important step in any elopement planning process and we’ve created a complete guide to walk you through the different things to consider when choosing your special outfit. (Click here for more information on how to choose your elopement attire or check out this guide if you want more tips and inspiration on choosing what dress to wear for your elopement). But, no matter what type of wedding outfit you choose, eloping in Kauai is absolutely a good reason to invest in a new swimsuit as well!

5: Apply for your Kauai marriage license

You’ve got your incredible partner, the stunning dress, the dreamy flowers and the epic Kauai Hawaii elopement backdrop. But, if you want to make it official, you cannot forget one of the most important witnesses to your adventure-packed vows: your marriage license!

Getting a marriage license in Kauai is just a little bit quirky, so we created an entire guide to help walk you through the process of how to get married in Kauai. To give you a quick overview though, you’ll need to have someone ordained to officiate your Kauai elopement ceremony as well as two witnesses present (and yes, we’re happy to be one of your witnesses, if needed). To learn more about the process of obtaining your Kauai marriage license, check out our Hawaii marriage license guide below!

6: Apply for and secure permits

When planning your Kauai Hawaii elopement, it is essential to understand the rules and regulations around getting married in Kauai in order to honor the Hawaiian people and their culture. This is something that we help each and every one of our couples with, so not to worry – you can elope in Kauai and we’ll help you secure the permits necessary to have the best Kauai elopement day (without the stress of logistics)!

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What You Need to Know About the Weather When Planning Your Elopement in Kauai

Now that you know how to elope in Kauai, let’s go over when is the best time of year to plan your Kauai elopement. One of the most important things to remember for any adventure elopement is planning for a certain level of flexibility. We can work together to plan for the most epic Kauai Hawaii elopement, but we’re working with Mother Nature in her natural habitat. So, remember that weather patterns can change. We can do the best we can to plan for sunny skies, but the island could have other plans! However, don’t let that scare you. We’ve seen Kauai in all her weather patterns and we have to say every one is incredible!

Here is some helpful information to keep in mind about Kauai weather:

• The average temperature in Kauai hovers around 78 degrees F in January and peaks around 85 degrees in August. 
• The driest months tend to be May through September and rainfall is heaviest in December.
• Winter is a great time to visit, even with the increased chances of rain, because it’s humpback whale season (trust us, this is so worth it!). 

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Getting to Kauai: Flights, Rental Cars, and Logistics for Your Elopement in Kauai

An important detail to consider when eloping in Kauai is travel (how to get there and how to get around the island). We’ve worked with a lot of different scenarios when it comes to travel logistics for elopements on Kauai. That’s why we created this helpful little graphic to help you understand travel time and logistics for your Kauai adventure.

Flying into Kauai

The Lihue Airport (LIH) is the primary airport on Kauai. You can read more information about the airport by clicking here. It truly is one of the dreamiest airports (it’s on an island so of course it’s dreamy); the baggage claim and security areas are full of natural light and an open-air design! Plus, it’s easy to navigate which is always a win in our book!

Plan for a Rental Car to Explore Kauai

One of our favorite things to do when traveling to Kauai is rent a Jeep (or even a camper van like this adventurous Kauai elopement). Having a 4WD vehicle allows you to explore the rugged roads that lead to hidden beaches (plus, how cool is it to ride around in a Jeep with the top and windows open?).

Insider Tip: Only 3% of the island is driveable. In fact, the Nāpali Coast is an entire area without roads! So, you’ll definitely want to have a more rugged vehicle if you want to explore all the island roads! 

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Where to Stay for Your Kauai Elopement: Our Top Kauai Airbnb and Hotel Recommendations

You can’t elope in Kauai without securing a place to stay! Whether that’s a luxury hotel on the beach or a cozy Airbnb tucked near the rainforest, the location you choose will help set the scene for your elopement day.

Below are a few of our top recommendations for where to stay for your Kauai elopement. But, before you book any lodging (and especially if you are planning an Airbnb wedding or elopement), make sure you read through all the details listed about the home. The last thing you’d want is to put a deposit down on an Airbnb that does not allow gatherings to take place on the property (if you’re including family at your elopement). If you have doubts on whether the hosts allows gatherings, we recommend contacting the host directly to share the details of your plans and confirm what’s allowed.

Northside: Princeville

• The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
• Princeville Resort Kauai
• Cool Studio Airbnb within minutes of Hanalei
• Hanalei Haven North Shore Condo on Airbnb

Eastside: Kappa

• Kauai Shores Hotel: This hotel is a renovated old motel, so while the rooms aren’t anything special, the atmosphere is awesome! There is a great beach-front restaurant here and the hotel even offers specials on rental cars (win, win)!
• Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
• Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay

Eastside: Lihue

• Marriott’s Kauai Beach Club: This is a pricier option, but the views here are amazing!
• Kauai Beach Resort and Spa: We have stayed at this hotel and highly recommend it if you are looking for a place to stay for your Kauai honeymoon. Note, they require paid parking, so be sure to plan ahead for that.

Southside: Poipu

Poipu is generally the sunniest side of Kauai which means it also tends to be the priciest so keep this in mind when considering where to stay for your elopement in Kauai.

• Private Beach Home
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
• Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
• Sheraton Kauai Resort

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Our Favorite Kauai Elopement Hiking Trails

Kauai is the ultimate destination to hike and with so many different terrains and sights like canyons, sea cliffs, waterfalls, tropical forests and more, there is no shortage of adventure to be had. Whether you choose one of these trails for your Kauai elopement ceremony or you just want to adventure around some more after your best day ever, these hikes are some of our all time favorites!

Insider Tip: Not all of these hikes allow professional photography, which is why it is so important to work with an experience Kauai elopement photographer who can help ensure your elopement experience is beautiful and legal.

Hanakāpīʻai Falls

This 9 mile hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls is such a dream! You will need a reservation to do this hike and a shuttle will drop you right off at the trailhead. We’ve done this hike at sunrise and had the entire waterfall to ourselves before anyone else arrived (and yes, it was truly as magical as it sounds). You can also swim in the water at the base of the waterfall while taking in the views of the Nāpali coast!

Makaleha Falls

If a 9 mile waterfall hike isn’t your jam, Makaleha Falls is much more accessible! The hike is only 2.8 miles round trip and the trail ends with three waterfalls surrounded by a lush green forest (talk about dreamy).

Pihea Vista Trail

The hike along Pihea Vista Trail is absolutely beautiful! With views of the Nāpali Coast, wildflowers and the rich red dirt of Waimea Canyon, it’s a 2.3 mile must-do adventure! Plus, it’s dog friendly!

Kuilau Ridge Trail

If you want to elope in Kauai and explore a lush, green rainforest, Kuilau Ridge Trail is the trail for you! It’s a 3.6 mile-trail, and is also dog-friendly!

Sleeping Giant

This hike features beautiful wild flowers and is accessible year-round! According to All Trails, the trail got its name because “Local legend tells of a giant who feasted so much at a party in his honor that he laid down for a nap and never awoke, and when you see the mountain’s resemblance to a sleeping giant from the nearby town of Kapa’a you can see why the legend persists.” We guess the only way to know for sure is to explore this trail for yourself!

Okolehao Trail

The 2.6 mile trail at Okolehao can be a little muddy, but the hike is so worth it. We recommend wearing hiking boots for this one and not sandals. There are two viewpoints at the start of the trail, and if you can, we recommend making it to the second viewpoint because it has incredible views overlooking Hanalei Bay! This is another dog friendly trail which we just love!

These are just a few of our favorite hiking trails to elope in Kauai. We have a whole lot more locations in our adventure book that we can’t wait to share with you when we start planning together!

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Best Beaches for Your Kauai Hawaii Elopement

If you envision eloping in Kauai on a beach then keep reading because this section is for you! There are so many different ways to include a gorgeous Kauai beach on your best day ever. From holding your ceremony on a beach to planning a luxury picnic or watching the sun rise in the morning or set at the end of the day, the possibilities for a beach elopement in Kauai are endless. Below are my top recommendations for the best beaches to elope in Kauai.

Shipwrecks Beach

Located on the south end of Kauai, Shipwrecks Beach is a local favorite for bodysurfing and surfing. There is an iconic cliff wall located here, which will create various backdrop opportunities for your Kauai elopement photos. 

Smaller, less known beaches near Poipu

During our visits to Kauai, we have discovered a handful of smaller beaches that are less popular. These offer amazing settings for couples who want a more intimate elopement setting.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is located on the north end of Kauai, and is known as the iconic beach of Kauai. The historic Hanalei Pier is a landmark that used to be a working pier to load and offload sugar and other goods from ships. Click here to see photos from Emily and Chris’ adventure-packed elopement at Hanalei Bay.

Tunnels Beach

Located on the north side of the island, past Hanalei Bay, is another popular beach – Tunnels Beach. This beach is extremely lush and filled with so much greenery. The drive to Tunnels Beach is filled with monsteras hanging from the trees surrounding the road which is just as dreamy as it sounds! This beach is also the perfect location for sunrise or sunset so you can’t go wrong with eloping at this Kauai beach any time of day!

Anini Beach

Anini Beach is my all time favorite place to snorkel in Kauai! The beach tends to be a little more laid back, with less people on the beach making it the perfect location to relax, unwind, or hold your elopement ceremony.

Pu’u Poa Beach

With 150 steps to get down to the water, this beach is a slice of paradise (and most of the times we’ve visited, there have been relatively few crowds). What makes it even better is that the beach is home to sea turtles making it the perfect place to snorkel!

Want to know which beaches are our favorite for a sunrise or sunset elopement? Check out our Kauai honeymoon guide where we share more of our favorite beaches and other Kauai honeymoon activities!

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Where to Eat When You Elope in Kauai: A List of Our Favorite Island Restaurants

Here at Between the Pine, we are all about a great meal! So, we’ve made a list of our top restaurants and places to eat when eloping in Kauai. Whether you’re sunbathing, hiking, surfing, or yes, even eloping, we’ve made sure you won’t go hungry!

Northside: Hanalei and Princeville Area

• Hanalei Farmers Market: Throughout the year, there are farmers markets happening all over the island, and we truly think Hanalei is the best of the best!
• Hanalei Bread Company: Locally made bread, pastries, and coffee? Say less! This place is so good and a must try when you are eloping in Kauai.
• Nourish Hanalei: This restaurant overlooks Hanalei Bay and uses locally sourced food to create all of their meals. This is our go to lunch spot when we are visiting the Northshore!
• Ama: Looking for the best ramen on the island? Then look no further because Ama is the best of the best! Not only is their ramen amazing, they have the absolute best Mai Thai’s on all of the island, too.
• Bar Acuda: This is the sister restaurant to Ama! They have a ton of shareable plates and offer great variety on their menu and make incredible cocktails.
• Kilauea Fish Market: You can’t visit Kauai without getting some poke and seafood. The Ahi burrito and poke here is, by far, some of the best on the island! This restaurant is truly a must when visiting Kauai. (Plus, Kilauea is one of our favorite little towns on the island).
• Trilogy Coffee & Tea Bar: Trilogy is arguably one of the best coffee shops on Kauai. Not only do they serve amazing drinks, but there are also a ton of shops all around this area that are super cute!
• Palate Wine Bar & Restaurant: If you’re looking for a relaxed vibe and amazing food, you can’t go wrong with Palate. This restaurant serves shareables like flatbreads and cheese boards and, of course, wine!

Eastside: Kapaa, Wailua, and Lihue

• Java Kai: This place has the best breakfast burrito we’ve ever had (and, trust us, we’ve tried a lot!)! It’s an amazing breakfast spot with great food and coffee.
• Kauai Juice Co.: Right after you finish the incredible burrito at Java Kai, you can head to Kauai Juice Co. (which is right next door) for some fresh juice!
• Fish Bar Deli: Fish Bar Deli is one of Kauai’s newer additions and it is absolutely amazing. They offer a small creative menu, like handmade corn dogs, (I mean, can we ask for anything better?) that rotates regularly.
• Jo2: This is a local favorite restaurant in Kauai and when the locals recommend something, you know it’s going to be good!
• Aina Kauai: This is the perfect place to enjoy a nine course meal on your elopement day or a way to celebrate you and your partner the day after.
• Wailua Shave Ice: If you are looking to try the best shave ice during your Kauai Hawaii elopement, this is the place! We especially love the “triple coconut” or the “lava flow”.
• Lava Lava Beach Club: This the restaurant is connected to the Hawaii Shores Resort and is a great spot for an evening night-cap on the beach! 

Southside: Koloa, Kalaheo, Eleele, and Waimea

• Little Fish Coffee: If you’re looking for great acai bowls, breakfast options, or coffee on Kauai’s Southside, this is the place!
• Anakes Juice Bar: Located in the back of a grocery store, Anakes Juice Bar has the best acai bowl we’ve ever had. If you visit, you have to try “the Hulk”.
• JoJo’s Shave Ice: This shave ice spot is located really close to Waimea Canyon, making it the perfect pit-stop either on your way to or from an adventure in the canyon. They put macadamia nut ice cream in the shaved ice and honestly, what more could you want in life?
• Kiawe Roots: This is a great sit-down restaurant that serves locally sourced food.
• Da Crack: This restaurant is literally in the crack of two buildings (hence the name) and it serves the best Mexican food. It’s right next door to Kiawe Roots serving up the perfect combo of burrito and acai bowls!
• La Spezia: Enjoy handmade Italian food at La Spezia! Everything is made in-house and it is super yummy! The staff is super knowledgeable about the food and wines on the menu which is so fun! If you decide to visit this restaurant, we recommend making a reservation before you go.
• Puka Dog: Did someone say, “Hawaiian-styled hot dog?” Yes. Yes, they did! Puka Dogs are served in a house-made hot dog bun, and they are so good!

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Final Thoughts: A Few Things to Keep in Mind When Planning to Elope in Kauai

When it comes to planning your Kauai elopement, one of the biggest things to remember is that this is an investment in your experience. From your photographer to your lodging to even your rental car, these are just a few of the elements that shape your experience on the island (and they’re worth every penny).

More than anything though, we always make it a priority to show respect for the ʻāina (land), the people who call Kauai home, and the rich cultural history that lives all throughout the island. As Kauai elopement photographers, it’s a responsibility we take seriously. If you’re ready to elope in Kauai and start dreaming up your adventure, we’d love to help! Reach out, and let’s plan the most amazing Kauai experience yet!

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Ready to explore more Kauai elopements, weddings and adventures? Wander away below!

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Meet Your Kauai Elopement Photographers

We feel most at home in the outdoors, so it’s no surprise that is where we gravitate towards as your Kauai elopement photographers. Between the Pine was founded by Mollie in 2018 and she has hiked hundreds of miles all over the Pacific Northwest and Kauai, to capture couples during their best day ever. Since 2018, we’ve grown our team and continue to hire even more incredible photographers! 

Our team at Between the Pine is passionate about our jobs and adventuring to the most beautiful locations to document your best day ever. We know Kauai like the back of our hands and are dying for a reason to head back to the beaches, mountains, rainforest, and everything in between! Click here to learn more about the Between the Pine team, your Kauai elopement photographers!

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Are You Ready to Elope in Kauai?

Wherever you choose to elope in Kauai, we’re here to help you plan your best day ever with the most stunning backdrop. Contact us if you have questions about planning an elopement in Kauai. We’d love to help you plan your greatest adventure yet!