ceremony location options
Pick from one of our Favorite O’ahu Beaches
1. Kahala Beach (South Shore, about 15m from Waikiki)
2. Paiko Beach (South Shore, about 18m from Waikiki)
3. Magic Island (just outside Waikiki)
4. Sandy Beach (East Shore, about 30m from Waikiki)
5. Halona Beach Cove (East Shore, about 30m from Waikiki)
6. Portlock Beach (South-East Shore, about 20m from Waikiki)
7. Kualoa Beach (North-East Shore, about 45m from Waikiki)
8. Papailoa Beach (North Shore, about 1hr from Waikiki)
9. Paradise Cove Beach (West Shore, about 45m from Waikiki)
Kahala Beach (south shore)
Location - South Shore about 15m drive from Waikiki. This beach is located right in front of The Kahala Hotel (a little to the right if facing the ocean). We get you a map with specific directions on how to get to this exact spot if you decide to choose it.
Beach Description: This is smaller stretch of beach in front of private condos and The Kahala Hotel. Because it is so isolated, it is very private feeling and is a gorgeous little beach that not many tourists know about. It is never very crowded, and one of the best spots for sunset weddings because the sun sets on the south/west side of the island. It is also one of the few beach areas that have pretty grassy mounds right up against the ocean, so if you would prefer not to have your toes in the sand, this spot might be a great fit. It's also sheltered from the wind, added plus! There are coconut trees here everywhere that are perfect backdrops for photos. At this location most of our couples will add on a floral aisle and this looks really pretty on the grass. There is also a small sandy beach below the grassy area here so you’ll get photos in the grassy coconut tree area plus photos in the sand with the islands in the back of the ocean. The ocean color here is a deeper blue, not as bright turquoise but it really depends on the light and time of the day. There are lots of coconut trees in this spot of different sizes that your photographer can use to create really fun photos.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 9 or 9:30am
Mid-Afternoon: 3 or 4pm
For Sunset: 5:30 or 6pm (depending on the actual sunset time that day)
Weather: At Kahala Beach, the weather is usually very nice however, it can occasionally be windy depending on the day. This spot tends to be more sheltered from the wind and rain because of the buildings nearby.
Notes: The photos show two coconut trees with fabric draping that make an arch, since taking these photos one of the trees has been cut. There is another spot nearby with a similar look where we could do the coconut tree fabric draping to create an arch - but it's not exactly the same, if this is of interest let us know and we can price it out for you. Also, note that there are no public restrooms right at the beach but there are some nearby at The Kahala Hotel or Waialae Beach Park (5-10m walk away)
Parking: It is best to get dropped here by Lyft or Uber, but you can also park at The Kahala Resort if you're going to have brunch, lunch or dinner in the hotel afterwards. There is also a public parking lot nearby at Waialae Beach Park, this is where all the vendors park and it can on occasion be crowded. From the public parking lot it is about a 10m walk in the sand to Kahala Beach. We usually recommend you park at The Kahala Hotel or get dropped near The Kahala Hotel for a shorter and simpler walk in (about 2m). We will get you directions, a map and details on how to get there and where to park or get dropped off if you choose this beach.
Map of Kahala Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Kahala Beach (below) …
paiko Beach (south shore)
Location - Paiko Beach is located on the South Shore about 20m drive from Waikiki. This beach is in the Hawaii Kai area in a residential area in front of beautiful beach houses just outside the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.
Beach Description: Paiko Beach is more of a local beach and you won't find any tourists in this spot. There isn't a parking lot but rather a bunch of residential homes in this area and you will park on the street (very safe area!) and then walk through the path of the homes to get to the beach. It is a short 5m walk from the car to get to the ocean. This is a long white sandy beach that is lined with coconut trees. This is also the side of the island where the sun sets. Some of the best wedding photos taken here are in the water (it’s only ankle deep and you can walk very far out) with the sun reflection over the water at sunset. The houses are set back pretty far back from the ocean, so this spot feels like your own private beach. Very secluded and intimate. Important to note, that the tide does get high here at times and the beach can get smaller so we check the tides ahead of time.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 9 or 9:30am
Mid-Afternoon: 3 or 4pm
For Sunset: 5:30 or 6pm (depending on the actual sunset time that day)
Weather: At Paiko Beach, the weather is usually pretty nice however, it can occasionally be windy depending on the day.
Notes: No restrooms here. Beach can get smaller depending on the tide. One of the more private beach options and a great spot for elopements.
Parking: There is usually parking right on the street but if you have a larger group (more than 2 cars you may want to consider Uber or Lyft).
Map of Paiko Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Paiko Beach (below) …
Magic Island Beach (South Shore)
Location - Magic Island is located on the South Shore just outside Waikiki.
Beach Description: Magic Island is a large beach park located just past the edge of Waikiki. It’s a unique man-made peninsula with a large grassy park area and beautiful little lagoon. There are a few ceremony location options here, the most popular being a grassy area that has Diamond Head and the ocean as a backdrop. Many couples will also opt to get married in the sandy lagoon and then do beach photos later. This spot is popular among locals and tourists alike and can get busy but it’s really large so we can always find a more private quiet area for a more intimate wedding. It’s a good location for larger groups as there is plenty of space and lots of photo options and an excellent spot to have a picnic.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 8:30 or 9am (earlier is best as this spot can get busy)
For Sunset: 5 or 6pm (depending on the actual sunset time that day)
Weather: Almost always perfect, rarely too windy or rainy. Like Waikiki this spot gets excellent weather.
Notes: Public restrooms onsite.
Parking: There is a large parking lot but it is almost always full. Getting dropped off by Uber, Lyft or hiring transportation is best here if you don’t want to sit and wait for parking which can take up to 30 minutes for a car to leave depending on the time of the day.
Map of Magic Island below …. …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Magic Island (below) …
Sandy Beach (East shore)
Location - Sandy Beach is on the furthest East point of O’ahu and is generally known to be a local surf spot, but it is also one of the prettiest beaches on the island. It is also quite large so there are pretty little spots off to the sides of the beach that are perfect for weddings.
Beach Description: Big white sandy beach with onshore waves loved by bodyboarders and surfers. Bright blue turquoise waters, black lava rocks and the beautiful Kokohead mountain range looming in the background. Although this spot is generally known to locals as a spot to hang out and surf, it provides some lovely intimate spots perfect for beach elopements and weddings. We generally set up to the far left or right edges of the beach where we get a bit more privacy and are closer to the beautiful black lava rocks which look gorgeous in photos. In this location there are also pretty tidepools and the water is almost always a bright blue amazing turquoise color. It can be windy here on occasion depending on the time of the year.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Sunrise: This spot is beautiful at sunset as the sun comes up right over you here
or Early Morning: 7, 8 or 9am
Late Afternoons or Sunset is an option but it does get more crowded at this time (4-7pm)
Weather: The weather is usually pretty nice, almost always sunny but it can occasionally catch the offshore wind.
Notes: Best for early morning weddings, and smaller more intimate weddings.
Parking: There is parking onsite and close to the ceremony area but it does get crowded mid-day. We will provide you with a map of the exact location if you choose this beach.
Map of Sandy Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos & Videos of Sandy Beach (below) …
Halona Beach Cove (East shore)
Location - Halona Beach Cove is located on the East shore of O’ahu about a 30m drive from Waikiki. This beach cove has can be found off the cliffside of the beautiful black lava rocks and requires a short but steep hike down (about 5-10m from the car). You must be in decent physical shape to do the walk down. It is not difficult but definitely not ideal for older guests, or those who are not used to hiking or climbing down rocky terrain.
Beach Description: Halona Beach Cove is a beautiful little beach cove located just off the side of a long windy coastal road on the East coast of Hawai’i. It has a small parking lot and can get busy mid day but is beautiful in the earlier morning hours. You will park in the small parking lot and then will need to hike down a steep hill to the little beach cove. The path down will take only about 5-10 minutes and is not too far but is not ideal to do in heels. There is a clear pathway but you must be in decent physical shape and ok with the hike down. This is not the best spot for elderly guests. The beach is a gorgeous white sandy cove with tall black lava rocks surrounding it. You can walk out on to the rocks for even cooler scenery this is an ideal spot to get epic photos. The best times to come are at sunrise or in the earlier morning before it gets crowded and too hot.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Sunrise: This spot is beautiful at sunset as the sun comes up right over you here
or Early Morning: 7, 8 or 8:30am. This is a very intimate and small beach cove so we want to get here early to avoid crowds, and the bright sun.
Weather: Since this spot is in cove and set in between two rock formations, it is fairly sheltered from wind and generally has beautiful weather.
Notes: No restrooms here. Beach can get smaller depending on the tide. This is one of the most private beach options and a great spot for elopements (so long as you are ok with an earlier morning time).
Parking: There is usually parking right in the small lot above the beach cove, but get in early to ensure a spot. Tour busses come by here often and can take up all the parking at times. We will provide you with a map of the exact location if you choose this beach.
Map of Halona Beach Cove below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos & Videos of Halona Beach (below) …
Portlock Beach (south shore)
Location - Portlock Beach is located on the South East shore of O’ahu about 20m drive from Waikiki. This beach is in the Hawaii Kai area in a residential area in front of beautiful beach houses just outside the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.
Beach Description: Portlock Beach is a secret, very private little beach area that offers grassy spaces fronting the ocean and smaller white sandy beach coves lined with coconut trees. It’s a little hidden gem that few tourists go to. We love this spot because it provides a really special and intimate private beach front location for a beautiful beach ceremony. To get here you’ll park on the street (which is very safe) and walk through a small path to the ocean. It’s a great spot for smaller beach ceremonies and elopements. Also a great spot for sunset weddings. It’s fairly sheltered from the wind as well.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 9 or 9:30am
Mid-Afternoon: 3 or 4pm
For Sunset: 5:30 or 6pm (depending on the actual sunset time that day)
Weather: At Portlock Beach, the weather is usually pretty nice and it tends to be more sheltered from the wind which makes it a great option for weddings.
Notes: No restrooms here. Beach can get smaller depending on the tide. This is one of the most private beach options and a great spot for elopements.
Parking: There is usually parking right on the street and lots of it. We will provide you with a map of the exact location if you choose this beach.
Map of Portlock Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Portlock Beach (below) …
Kualoa Beach (north East shore)
Location - Kualoa Beach is located on the North East shore of O’ahu about a 40-45m drive from Waikiki. This beach is right across the street from the famous Kualoa Ranch.
Beach Description: Kualoa Beach is a large beach park that offers grassy spaces and a smaller white sandy beach overlooking the Pacific ocean with pretty little islands and the O’ahu coastline as a backdrop. It’s a great spot to consider if you love the look of Secret Island because it’s literally right next door and has the same type of look and feel but is a public beach and not private. It’s also got that bright turquoise water that looks incredible in photos. Most couples will opt to get married on the grassy area with the ocean and island as a backdrop here. There is a smaller sandy beach but it’s skinny and not wide so it’s best used for photos right after the ceremony. This beach is also in front of the Ko’olau mountain range, it’s the spot where Jurassic Park was filmed as well as a bunch of other movies (Jumanji, Hunger Games, 50 First Dates). The mountains are huge and incredibly picturesque so if you choose this spot you’ll definitely want to get some mountain photos as well. You can walk from the mountain backdrop to the beach in 5m or so it’s very close and there is just a parking lot separating the two locations. It’s a great ceremony location for larger groups as there is lots of space and lots of parking. It’s further out from Waikiki so there are not too many tourists here and it is never too crowded giving you lots of privacy.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 9 or 9:30am
Mid-Afternoon: 3 or 4pm
NO Sunset weddings (the sun sets on the opposite side of the island)
Weather: This beach is occasionally windy but not always. It depends on the week and weather at that time, which is constantly changing. Of all the locations this spot is most likely to have some weather elements (wind/rain) because it is so close to the mountains, but it's really hard to tell until the week of the wedding. It is not necessarily more rainy in one month over another.
Notes: Public restrooms on site.
Parking: Lots of parking. Parking area is close to the beach and ceremony site (you can see your car from there) so it’s safe and convenient.
Map of Kualoa Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Kualoa Beach (below) …
Papailoa Beach (north shore)
Location - Papailoa Beach is on the North Shore of O’ahu, about an hour from Waikiki. It’s just past Haliewa town and is a secret little beach fronting a residential area.
Beach Description: Papailoa Beach is one the most beautiful beaches on O’ahu but it’s a bit of a drive from Waikiki. It’s a secret little spot found just past Haliewa town and fronts several large beautiful North Shore beach homes. It is a wide large white sandy beach which has some coral rock areas sticking out of the water on one end. At times there is bright green algae that grows on these rocks making them stunning in photos and you are able to sit and walk on these rocks for photos after the ceremony. The beach is found down a short little beach pathway and because it’s so tucked away it has a more private and intimate feel. There are coconut trees lining the beach and the North coastline can be seen as a backdrop just past the ocean.
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 9 or 9:30am (it can get very hot here)
Mid-Afternoon: 3 or 4pm
For Sunset: 5:30 or 6pm (depending on the actual sunset time that day)
Weather: Usually very nice but like all of Hawaii it can occasionally rain. Not usually windy.
Notes: No restrooms here.
Parking: Very small parking lot. Depending on the amount of vendors and guests you may need to carpool or arrange transportation.
Map of Papailoa Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Pailoa Beach (below) …
Paradise Cove Beach (West shore)
Location - Paradise Cove Beach is located in an area called K’olina on the West Shore of O’ahu. It is about a 40-45m drive outside of Waikiki.
Beach Description: Paradise Cove is a lovey beach cove that has calm bright turquoise blue waters, white sand and is surrounded by a beautiful reef shelf. The beach is lined with coconut trees and is extremely picturesque. It can be found in the Ko’olina area which is on the West side of the island, known for it’s perfect weather and calm seas. The Ko’olina beach lagoons are some of the prettiest beaches on the island but they can get crowded. Crowds are somewhat limited due to the limited parking in this area. If you like the look of our two private venue packages - Paradise Cove and Lanikuhonua, this beach is located right between those two spots and has the same look and feel. It’s gorgeous and if you get it on an empty day (which we have no real way of telling until the actual wedding day), it’s magical. Great for sunset weddings and earlier morning weddings, it does get pretty hot mid-day and there is not a lot of shade. A great option if you are staying in the Ko’olina area (Disney Aulani Hotel, The Four Seasons, Ko’olina Marriott Beach Club).
Suggested Ceremony Times:
Morning: 8 or 9am (it can get very hot here)
Or Sunset: 5:30 or 6pm (depending on the actual sunset time that day)
Weather: Almost always perfect, this area is known to have the best weather on the island, it rarely rains and is rarely windy.
Notes: No restrooms here.
Parking: Very small parking lot only 8 or so stalls and there is almost always a line of cars waiting to get a spot. You can wait for hours for parking or you can park in the shopping area a 10m walk away (which may also have a bit of a wait, it can get crowded here too). We highly suggest hiring transportation or getting dropped off by Uber/Lyft if you are choosing this beach location.
Map of Paradise Cove Beach below …. (google Map LINK)
Photos of Paradise Cove Beach (below) …
Interested in a Beach that is not on our list of favorites?
Chances are that if you have found a beach on the internet that you like and it’s not on our list there is a good reason why. Either it isn’t legally an option (we need to get a wedding permit and only certain beaches are legally allowed to be used for weddings), or it may be too difficult to get to, or it may not be as nice (and safe) as it appears to be (ie. there could be a lot of trash on the beach or homeless people that reside there), or it could be in a spot that has terrible weather (way too windy, etc.). We’ve hand picked the best options and put a lot of thought into this list, plus we live here so we just know … but if you’re still wanting another beach option that is not on the list of options above, you can always reach out to us and let us know. Send us an email and tell us which specific beach you’re interested in and we can give you more details on that beach in particular. Your planner will be in touch with what she feels are your best options and just reply to her email with your ideas, thoughts and questions :)