Kohala Coast resorts
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Kaʻūpūlehu, North Kona · ~10 min from Kona airport
Luxury resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
Half a mile of oceanfront, manicured lawns, a bluff and an amphitheater carved from lava. The sunset ceremony flows straight into cocktails by the water.
- Guests
- Up to ~300 outdoors; 600 resort max
- Stay on site
- Yes, 249 rooms & suites
- Ceremony spots
- Palm Grove (oceanfront lawn), the “Wedding Tree” on the bluff (up to 30), Beach Tree Lawn (300), Hoku Amphitheater (300), Garden Lawn (150)
- Reception
- 6,175 sq ft ballroom (divisible), plus the oceanfront lawns
Good to know
- Catering and bar are in-house
- Couples typically book 6–9 months out
Pricing: Published packages: The Romance of Hualālai from $12,500 (up to 20 guests); Waters of Hualālai from $18,500. Directories list different figures, so confirm with the resort.
Venue website ↗
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
Kahuwai Bay, Kaʻūpūlehu · ~10–15 min from Kona airport
Luxury resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
Thatched-roof hale on a black-sand bay with lava rock and turquoise water. Feels like a private village; great for elopements and buyouts alike.
- Guests
- Up to ~200–300 outdoors; 50 indoors
- Stay on site
- Yes, 150 standalone hale (bungalows)
- Ceremony spots
- Kīpuka Nanea (tiered lawn), Kīpuka Hoaka (secluded oceanfront lawn; book the nearby hale for exclusive use), Shipwreck Pool & Beach
- Reception
- Hale Hoʻokipa lūʻau & event grounds (250, stage + imu pit), Moana Pool Deck (200, sunset spot), private dining rooms Ulu (12) and Niu (16)
Good to know
- At least 50% of the wedding party must stay 3 nights on property
- Catering and bar in-house; 24% service charge
Pricing: Directory (Here Comes the Guide, Dec 2025): site fee from $10,000; elopements up to 10 guests $10,000–14,000; 40–60 guests $15,000–20,000; 75+ guests requires a full buyout ($150,000+). Meals about $250–300 per person.
Venue website ↗
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Kaunaʻoa Bay, Kohala Coast · ~35 min from Kona airport
Luxury resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
The classic Kohala Coast icon on one of the island's prettiest white-sand bays, with ceremony sites on the golf course above the ocean.
- Guests
- Up to ~300 outdoors
- Stay on site
- Yes, about 252 rooms
- Ceremony spots
- New Third Tee (the most popular, for sunset), Original Third Tee, North Pointe Lawn (lava-stone stage), Manta Ray Lookout, South Pointe Lawn, Vista Decks
- Reception
- Kaunaʻoa Ballroom (floor-to-ceiling bay views), Luau Grounds, lawns
Good to know
- Minimum 10 room nights
- 50+ guests requires at least a month-of planner
- Luau Grounds unavailable Tuesdays & Fridays (resort lūʻau nights)
- Indoor backup space reserved with every package
- $9,500 non-refundable deposit; book ~9 months out
Pricing: 2025 packages: $10,000 / $12,500 / $15,000. Food & beverage minimum $15,000 (Mon–Thu) or $20,000 (Fri–Sun), plus 25% service charge.
Venue website ↗
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
Hāpuna Beach, Kohala Coast · ~35 min from Kona airport
Resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
Mauna Kea's sister resort above Hāpuna, one of the island's best beaches. Same romance team, slightly lower minimums.
- Guests
- Up to ~650 outdoors; ballroom up to 900
- Stay on site
- Yes, 249 rooms
- Ceremony spots
- Turtle Point (grassy lava bluff, sunset over the Pacific, ~75 seated), The Courtyard, Breezeway (covered)
- Reception
- Ocean Lawn, poolside, Hapuna Ballroom
Good to know
- Minimum 10 room nights
- 50+ guests requires at least a month-of planner
- Indoor backup space reserved with every package
- $9,500 deposit; book ~9 months out
Pricing: 2026 packages: $9,000 / $11,500 / $14,000. Food & beverage minimum $10,000 (Mon–Thu) or $15,000 (Fri–Sun).
Venue website ↗
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
Kohala Coast · ~30 min from Kona airport
Luxury resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
Auberge luxury with a long list of named oceanfront lawns and beaches, including one literally called the Sunset Lawn. Hawaiian ring-blessing ceremonies available.
- Guests
- Ceremony lawns 160–430; receptions up to 600
- Stay on site
- Yes, 333 rooms, suites & residences
- Ceremony spots
- Milo Tree Lawn (160), Kilohana Beach (168), Papakōnane Sunset Lawn (160), Ocean Point Lawn (196), Kekaha Lawn (432), Zen Garden
- Reception
- CanoeHouse Lawn (450), Hale Hoaloha Pavilion (400; lawn 600), Kilohana Beach (600), Hoku Lawn (180)
Good to know
- Intimate (up to 30) and Bespoke (30–200) packages
- In-house weddings team works alongside your planner
- Resort buyouts available
Pricing: Not published. Inquire for a proposal.
Venue website ↗
Fairmont Orchid
Pauoa Bay, Kohala Coast · ~30 min from Kona airport
Resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
A big, polished beachfront resort with 14 venues, from a sandy coconut grove to grand ballrooms. A favorite for large and multi-day Indian weddings.
- Guests
- Up to ~900 outdoors; ballroom 1,278
- Stay on site
- Yes, about 540 rooms
- Ceremony spots
- Coconut Grove (above Pauoa Bay), Turtle Pointe (oceanfront lawn), Plantation Estate (raised natural stage), Croquet Lawn
- Reception
- Kilohana (indoor/outdoor, sunset, built-in dance floor, up to 80), Grande Ballroom (1,278), Plaza Ballroom (240), Promenade Ballroom (220), Wailana Garden (100)
Good to know
- Outdoor events end at 10 PM; indoor parties can go to 1 AM
- 3-night minimum stay for weddings
- 25% service charge
- Books up to 15 months out
Pricing: Directory (Here Comes the Guide, 2026): elopement $4,500 (no F&B minimum); packages $5,000–15,000; F&B minimum $8,500 (Mon–Thu) or $15,000 (Fri–Sun).
Venue website ↗
Hilton Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa Beach Resort · ~25 min from Kona airport
Resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
A huge resort of lagoons, gardens, waterfalls and a tram. Lots of options for big guest counts and budgets.
- Guests
- Very large; up to 1,000+
- Stay on site
- Yes, very large resort
- Ceremony spots
- Approved ocean-view or waterfront sites (one-hour ceremony window), historically including Hale Aloha Chapel and Palace Garden (sunset over Waiulua Bay)
- Reception
- Ballrooms, lanais and oceanfront lawns
Good to know
- Music ends at 10 PM (travel-agency listing)
- Fees for outside catering and corkage
- Valet about $55 per car
Pricing: Travel-agency brochure (2024, unconfirmed): packages from about $3,795 (up to 35 guests); F&B minimum about $3,000–5,000++. Confirm current pricing with Hilton.
Venue website ↗
Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, Waikoloa · ~25 min from Kona airport
Resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
A relaxed beachfront resort on ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay next to ancient Hawaiian fishponds, with sunset ceremonies over the bay.
- Guests
- Up to 1,000 outdoors
- Stay on site
- Yes, about 297 rooms
- Ceremony spots
- King's Knoll (75, sunset over the bay), Lindsey Beach (private sandy beach on the fishpond, 2–80)
- Reception
- Coconut Grove (1,000), Lūʻau Grounds (650), Pool Terrace (500), Naupaka Lawn (500), Paniolo Ocean Terrace (250), Naupaka Ballroom (880)
Good to know
- Blush Weddings Hawaii is the resort's exclusive wedding planner
- Amplified music indoors only (directory)
- Packages include day-of coordination
Pricing: Official packages are “inquire for pricing.” Directory: from about $125 per person, meals from $135 per person, 22% service charge.
Venue website ↗
Kailua-Kona & Keauhou
Kona Salt Farm
Keāhole Point, Kailua-Kona · ~10 min from Kona airport
Oceanfront rental venue☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
The island's working sea-salt farm on 7 oceanfront acres with a west-facing lawn. A blank canvas: you bring your own caterer and team.
- Guests
- Up to ~200 seated outdoors
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Oceanfront Grounds (west-facing lawn)
- Reception
- Upper Salt Deck (50 × 190 ft, can be tented), covered Breezeway, Moku Nui Room (24), A/C dressing suites
Good to know
- 9-hour rental packages (oceanfront package 1–10 PM)
- Any licensed caterer, food trucks welcome; bar packages or BYO with corkage
- Event insurance required
- Amplified music allowed with some restrictions
Pricing: Directory (Here Comes the Guide): rental from $1,200, packages from $2,995. Official site quotes custom.
Venue website ↗
Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel
Kailua-Kona Village · ~15 min from Kona airport
Hotel☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
Right in Kailua-Kona at the start of Aliʻi Drive, on calm Kamakahonu Bay next to Ahuʻena Heiau. Walkable to town, great for guests.
- Guests
- 10–600
- Stay on site
- Yes, hotel rooms with wedding rates
- Ceremony spots
- Kamakahonu Beach (up to 50), Honu's Lawn (200), Ahuʻena Point (350), Imu Gardens (80)
- Reception
- Kamakahonu Ballroom (350), Luau Grounds (600), gardens
Good to know
- In-house catering; wine corkage $35/bottle, other drinks from the hotel
- Valet $45; event self-parking $10
Pricing: Directory (Zola): ceremony packages $3,800 / $4,500 / $6,500; Imu Gardens room fee $2,500.
Venue website ↗
Royal Kona Resort
Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona · ~20 min from Kona airport
Hotel☀ Ocean sunset
An oceanfront resort built on lava rock with a private saltwater lagoon and a thatched oceanfront gazebo. A budget-friendly Kona classic.
- Guests
- Up to ~150–350 depending on space
- Stay on site
- Yes, 436 rooms
- Ceremony spots
- Private Lagoon, Nohea Point lanai (up to 40)
- Reception
- Aliʻi Surf Room, Sunset Cove, lagoon
Good to know
- Catering and bar in-house
- Music ends by 10 PM
- Liability insurance required; no rice, birdseed or confetti
Pricing: Directory (Wedding Spot): packages from about $3,500.
Venue website ↗
Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa
Keauhou Bay · ~30 min from Kona airport
Resort☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
A large oceanfront resort on the lava shoreline at Keauhou Bay with its own bayside chapel, famous for nighttime manta ray viewing.
- Guests
- Up to 750 outdoors; 540 indoors
- Stay on site
- Yes
- Ceremony spots
- Bayside Chapel (40), Bayside Lawn (200), Heliʻi Photo Garden (200), Paʻakai Point (150)
- Reception
- Hawaii Lawn (750), Bayview Grounds (500), Kaleiopapa Convention Center (540), Keauhou rooms (150/250)
Good to know
- In-house catering; 24% service charge
- A licensed planner is required (included in the ceremony fee per directory)
Pricing: Directory (Here Comes the Guide, 2026): ceremony $2,500–5,000; receptions from $3,000; meals from about $200 per person.
Venue website ↗
Papa Kona Events
Waterfront Row, Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona · ~15 min from Kona airport
Oceanview event space☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
An oceanview event space upstairs at Waterfront Row in historic Kailua-Kona, directly above Papa Kona Restaurant & Bar, with in-house catering and sunset over Kailua Bay.
- Guests
- 110 seated; 150 ceremony; 200 cocktail
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Oceanview lanai
- Reception
- Second-floor event space with ocean views
Good to know
- In-house catering (it's also a catering company)
- No on-site parking: plan shuttles or nearby town parking
Pricing: Directories (no year): packages from about $3,500 (4-hour, up to 25 guests) to $8,500 (“Magic Til Midnight,” up to 150 guests); Here Comes the Guide lists $4,000–7,200.
Venue website ↗
Huliheʻe Palace
Aliʻi Drive, historic Kailua-Kona · ~15 min from Kona airport
Historic royal palace☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
A former royal summer palace on Kailua Bay, now a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi. Oceanfront lawns under old trees, right in the heart of Kona town.
- Guests
- Up to 350
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Oceanfront palace grounds on Kailua Bay
- Reception
- Palace grounds and lawns (tented)
Good to know
- Rental window 9 AM–10 PM; everyone off the grounds by 10 PM
- Contract at least 60 days before, with a $600 non-refundable deposit
- No fires or open flames on the grounds
- 150+ guests: bring portable restrooms (directory)
Pricing: Official: rental from $1,000 (varies by guest count and event type; larger parties quoted on request; member discount).
Venue website ↗
Kona Beach Houses
Aliʻi Drive, Kailua-Kona · ~20 min from Kona airport
Beachfront vacation homes☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
Beachfront vacation homes on Aliʻi Drive where the couple, wedding party and ceremony can all be in one place, with a beachfront ceremony at golden hour.
- Guests
- We've captured a beachfront wedding of about 75–100 guests here
- Stay on site
- Yes, the wedding party can stay and get ready on site
- Ceremony spots
- Beachfront
- Reception
- On-property lawn and grounds with rentals and your own caterer
Good to know
- Limited parking: one couple shuttled guests from Kona Commons shopping center
- Bring in a planner, rentals, caterer and bar; plan your own rain backup
- Confirm event permission and guest limits with the property before you book
Pricing: Not published. Inquire with the property.
Upcountry, Waimea & North Kohala
Holualoa Inn
Hōlualoa, upcountry Kona (~1,300 ft) · ~25–30 min from Kona airport
Boutique inn & estate☀ Ocean sunset♥ We've worked here
A boutique estate surrounded by Kona coffee farm and gardens, looking down over the coast. Cooler, greener and very romantic.
- Guests
- 2–120
- Stay on site
- Yes, 6 suites + 2 cottages (16–20 guests)
- Ceremony spots
- Great Lawn (under a monkeypod tree), Sculpture Garden, Lanihau Amphitheatre, Blue Jade Garden, Rooftop Gazebo
- Reception
- Malulani Pavilion (covered dining & dancing), lawns
Good to know
- Bring your own licensed caterer and alcohol
- Daytime package 9 AM–8 PM; buyout 9 AM–10 PM
- No fireworks; parking for about 35 cars, so plan a shuttle
Pricing: Directory (Here Comes the Guide, 2026 price sheet): daytime package $6,500; elopements from $2,500; full estate buyout $38,300 (2–3 night minimum).
Venue website ↗
Anna Ranch Heritage Center
Waimea (Kamuela) · ~45–50 min from Kona airport
Historic ranch♥ We've worked here
A historic family cattle-ranch estate in the Kohala hills with a stream, gardens and paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) history. Now a nonprofit heritage center.
- Guests
- Up to 300 on the front lawn
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Waiʻauʻia Stream (100+), Orange Tree Grove (100+), Front Lawn (300, can be tented)
- Reception
- Anna's Hall (60–70 seated, full kitchen), Vintage Barn (25 seated)
Good to know
- Rental hours 8 AM–10 PM; music ends 9:30 PM
- Ceremony-only or reception-only rentals capped at 6 hours
- Bookings handled by Naupaka Events & Weddings
Pricing: Directory (Wedding Spot): about $1,800–2,200 plus a $1,000 refundable deposit.
Venue website ↗
Parker Ranch – Puʻuʻōpelu
Waimea · ~45–50 min from Kona airport
Historic ranch estate
The historic Parker Ranch headquarters with an Elizabethan-style tea garden and views of the Kohala Mountains and Maunakea. Waimea weather changes during the day.
- Guests
- Not published
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Tea garden, pine-shaded front lawn, jacaranda square garden, rose garden
- Reception
- Lawns and carriage house (tent recommended)
Good to know
- Events between 9 AM and 9:45 PM
- No formal indoor backup; canopy tents highly recommended
- Licensed outside caterers; books up to 18 months out
Pricing: Not published. Custom packages.
Venue website ↗
Kahua Ranch
Kohala Mountain Road, between Waimea and Hāwī · ~60 min from Kona airport
Working ranch♥ We've worked here
An 8,500-acre working ranch on Kohala Mountain with an ocean-view lawn, a historic ranch chapel and a rustic barn.
- Guests
- Ceremony up to 500; reception up to 160 (directory)
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Ocean-view lawn, historic ranch chapel
- Reception
- Barn and open-air deck
Good to know
- A wedding coordinator is required
- Approved outside caterers; licensed bartender required
- Music ends by midnight (directory)
Pricing: Directory (Wedding Spot): site fee about $1,000–1,500.
Puakea Ranch
Hāwī, North Kohala · ~60–70 min from Kona airport
Historic ranch & cottages♥ We've worked here
A restored historic ranch on 33 acres with ocean-view lawns, old-growth trees, pools and fire pits. Ceremonies happen under a monkeypod tree.
- Guests
- Up to 125 (larger by custom package)
- Stay on site
- Yes, 4 restored cottages (2–6 each)
- Ceremony spots
- Ocean-view lawns and the monkeypod tree
- Reception
- Lawns; Party Barn for rehearsal dinners and small events
Good to know
- Preferred caterer list or bring your own; BYO alcohol
- Estate events require a 3-night buyout of all cottages
Pricing: Directory (Here Comes the Guide, 2026): estate event (16–125 guests) $3,250 plus 3-night cottage buyout; Party Barn from $1,500; elopement $500.
Venue website ↗
Hāmākua, Hilo & Volcano
Hale Kukui
Kukuihaele, Honokaʻa (Hāmākua Coast) · ~1.5 hr from Kona airport
Clifftop orchard & cottages♥ We've worked here
A clifftop orchard about 650 ft above Waipiʻo Valley with valley and ocean views. Made for intimate weddings and micro-weddings.
- Guests
- Up to 30
- Stay on site
- Yes, 3 cottages
- Ceremony spots
- Ceremony lawn overlooking Waipiʻo Valley
- Reception
- Not published (some couples hold the reception nearby, e.g. at Puʻuwai Gardens)
Good to know
- Preferred vendors list provided
- Keep a tent on standby: the Hāmākua side is much wetter than Kona
Pricing: Not published. Inquire with the venue.
Venue website ↗
Puʻuwai Gardens
Honokaʻa–Waipiʻo Rd, Hāmākua · ~1.5 hr from Kona airport; ~1 hr from Hilo airport
Farm & garden♥ We've worked here
A pastoral family homestead farm near Waipiʻo with an orchard, sheep and cattle. Relaxed, green and very personal.
- Guests
- Up to 50 under the pavilion (bring a tent for more)
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Lawn, Plateau Lawn (add-on)
- Reception
- Covered pavilion, covered bar station, rentable commercial kitchen
Good to know
- Guests on site 10 AM–10 PM; music off by 9 PM
- Outside catering and bar allowed; special-event insurance required
- 15–20 parking stalls, so shuttles are recommended
- Vendors can set up the day before and break down the day after
Pricing: Official 2026 rates: full package (pavilion + lawn) $3,500; Plateau Lawn +$500; kitchen +$500; $500 security deposit; 10% curating fee. Includes tables and chairs for 50 and string lights.
Venue website ↗
Botanical World Adventures
Hakalau, Hāmākua Coast · ~25 min from Hilo airport
Botanical garden
A large botanical garden on the Hāmākua Coast with waterfall overlooks, a native Hawaiian garden and an avocado grove.
- Guests
- Up to 300+ depending on site
- Stay on site
- Not published
- Ceremony spots
- Kamaee Falls Overlook (100), Hanapueo Falls Trail (20), Hawaiian Native Garden (100 seated)
- Reception
- Hale Mala Pua (60–80 seated), Avocado Grove (up to 300), Arboretum (300+)
Good to know
- Historically a site-only rental: couples bring tent, music, food and restrooms (confirm current terms)
Pricing: Current pricing not published.
Venue website ↗
Nani Mau Gardens
Hilo · ~10 min from Hilo airport
Tropical garden
Twenty acres of tropical gardens with an orchid garden, rare palms and fruit orchards. Lots of covered and indoor options for rainy Hilo.
- Guests
- Up to 240 indoors
- Stay on site
- No
- Ceremony spots
- Gazebo (40), Peacock Lawn, Grand Lawn
- Reception
- Lehua Banquet Hall (240), Ohia Lanai (150, covered), Pikake Room (100, A/C), Orchid Lanai (70, covered)
Good to know
- Base rental is 4 hours; extra hours 25% of the venue fee each
- 20% service fee; $500 deposit
- Outdoor setup fee $300–1,000 depending on guest count
Pricing: Venue fees are shared on request.
Venue website ↗
Grand Naniloa Hotel Hilo
Banyan Drive, Hilo · ~10 min from Hilo airport
Hotel
A DoubleTree by Hilton on Hilo Bay with a gazebo overlooking the water and Maunakea on clear days.
- Guests
- Up to 365
- Stay on site
- Yes, hotel
- Ceremony spots
- Gazebo overlooking Hilo Bay
- Reception
- Crown Room (365), Hoʻomalimali Room (75 banquet, lawn access), Palm Room (45), Sandalwood Rooms
Good to know
- Rules and pricing shared on inquiry
Pricing: Not published.
Venue website ↗
Kīlauea Lodge
Volcano Village · ~45 min from Hilo airport
Historic lodge
A historic lodge in cool, misty Volcano Village near Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, with a tropical garden and gazebo. Perfect for small, cozy weddings.
- Guests
- Small; private room seats 24
- Stay on site
- Yes, 12 rooms
- Ceremony spots
- Garden gazebo
- Reception
- Kīpuka Room (up to 24)
Good to know
- Volcano sits near 4,000 ft: it's cool (highs in the 60s–70s °F) and often rainy, so plan wraps for guests
Pricing: Not published.
Venue website ↗
Beach, park & volcano ceremonies.
Every beach in Hawaiʻi is public, including the sand in front of the resorts. A ceremony on the sand follows State rules, not the resort's. Here's what you need (checked November 2026; rules change, so confirm before you book).
01On the sand: DLNR “Wiki Permit”
Covers State shoreline, including Kaunaʻoa (Mauna Kea), Spencer, ʻAnaehoʻomalu, Kaʻūpūlehu, Kūkiʻo, Mauna Lani and Hilo Bay. About 10¢ per sq ft ($20 minimum), 2 hours max including setup, up to 30 people including vendors, and $1M liability insurance. No arches, chairs (except for elderly or disabled guests), tents, tables, signs, amplified sound or alcohol, and no exclusive use. Allow a week or two to set up your account.
02State parks: Hāpuna & Kua Bay
Weddings need a DLNR State Parks Special Use Permit at least 45 days ahead (90 if commercial). Groups of 26+ need a group-use permit. No alcohol, no excessive noise, and the public can't be blocked. Park entry and parking fees apply for non-residents.
03County beach parks
County parks like Spencer Beach Park issue pavilion and special-use permits (request in writing at least 45 days ahead). The sand itself is State land, so a Wiki Permit still applies there.
04Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Small, private ceremonies need a special use permit ($150 application fee). Approved spots include Kīlauea Overlook, Kūpinaʻi Pali, Hilina Pali Overlook and the end of Chain of Craters Road. No drones, and the area stays open to the public.
05Waipiʻo & Pololū lookouts
The Waipiʻo Valley road is restricted under county emergency rules (residents, permitted tours and cultural practitioners). Neither lookout publishes ceremony rules, and the State has warned unpermitted wedding photographers before, so ask your planner first.
06Maunakea summit
Weddings aren't addressed in the rules, and commercial photo or video needs a State Film Office permit reviewed by the Center for Maunakea Stewardship. The summit road is 4×4 only. Many couples choose a lower-elevation sunset spot instead.
Sources: Hawaiʻi DLNR Land Division (Wiki Permits), DLNR Division of State Parks, County of Hawaiʻi Parks & Recreation, National Park Service (Hawaiʻi Volcanoes), University of Hawaiʻi Center for Maunakea Stewardship.
Private, members-only clubs
Kohanaiki, Kūkiʻo, Nanea and Hokuliʻa are members-only clubs on the Kona coast with stunning oceanfront settings. Weddings there are open only to members and their families, or need a member to sponsor the event.
Kohanaiki (North Kona, about 10 min from Kona airport): we've captured a sunset beach ceremony here, with the wedding party getting ready in Kohanaiki villas, the club catering the reception and its team helping coordinate the day.
Kūkiʻo (Kaʻūpūlehu, about 15 min from Kona airport): we've worked a full wedding weekend here, with a ceremony for 150 guests on the Beach Club lawn, the reception at the Kūkiʻo Golf Club, and guests shuttled between sites. Expect multiple venues within the club, so plan transport and timing carefully.
