The third largest island of Hawaii is Oahu - known for its connection to the culture of the Native Hawaiian people and the diversity of its landscape, from the hustle and bustle of the city to the quiet surf towns. An Oahu elopement is perfect for any couple who wants to combine ocean side relaxation with all the adventures the island has to offer!
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to get married on Oahu, and plan the incredible elopement day of your dreams.
The Best Time to Elope on Oahu
There’s really no bad time for an Oahu elopement - it’s said to have the best weather of all the islands, and each season has something different to offer!
Winter on Oahu
December through February are the “coldest” months of the year on Oahu - if lows of 65 and highs in the mid 80s can be considered cold. Winter is more rainy, especially on the east side of the island, but the rain showers are usually brief, interrupting the sunshine only for a few minutes at a time. The best waves for surfing usually happen from December to mid February, so if you want to spend some time on the waves, eloping in the winter may be perfect for you! You’ll even get the chance to see some humpback whales that spend time near Oahu’s shores this time of year.
As people in the northern hemisphere flock to Oahu to avoid the cold weather back home, this is one of the busiest times of year, so if you get married on Oahu in the winter, you may have a harder time finding some privacy.
Spring on Oahu
Spring is the best time to elope on Oahu, as it is significantly less busy than winter or summer, and the weather is warm, but not too hot! The rain settles down by the end of February, and most days are sunny. You’ll save some money eloping in this off season, but watch out for late April, as many Japanese visitors come to Hawaii to celebrate “Golden Week,” which encompasses 15 different holidays!
Summer on Oahu
Summers are very busy on Oahu, as local kids are out of school, and families travel to the island for summer vacations. The warmest weather happens this time of year, and highs can get up into the 90s - which may be too hot to do too much hiking, but is perfect if you want to cool off in the water!
Fall on Oahu
Starting in September, Oahu becomes significantly less crowded! This can be a great time to elope, as the temperatures are a little less scorching, and you’ll have an easier time finding some solitude for your ceremony. Rainy days become more frequent starting in October, so be sure to bring an umbrella!
The Best Places to Get Married on Oahu
There are countless beautiful places to elope in Oahu, but here are just a few ideas to get you inspired!
Ka’Ena State Park
On the westernmost tip of Oahu is Ka’Ena State Park, a remote and rugged coastline park. You can hike through volcanic rocks and tide pools, spot dolphins on the horizon, and explore the famous Kaneana sea cave!
Manoa Falls
A 1.7 mile hike winds through the tropical rainforest, and ends at Manoa Falls - a 150 foot waterfall that descends into a pool of water. It’s one of the best places to get married on Oahu, as the trail is close to Honolulu, and relatively easy to hike - though it can get muddy when it rains!
Makapu’u Lookout
The Makapu’u Lookout is easily accessible, located right off the highway. It offers a sea cliff that you can walk right up to, with sweeping views of the ocean below you - as well as the opportunity to take a trail to the Makapu’u Point lighthouse. This is one of the best places to get married on Oahu for couples eloping with guests and looking for a spot that isn’t too hard to reach!
Getting Legally Married in Oahu
To ensure you’re legally married after your elopement, here are some things to know about Hawaii’s marriage laws!
Marriage License
Your marriage license needs to be obtained in the state your ceremony is taking place in, so you’ll need a Hawaiian marriage license to elope in Oahu. Luckily, you can apply online! After the application is completed and the $65 application fee is paid, you will have to go to a license agent in person (within one year of submitting the application) - so if you’re traveling from out of state for your Oahu elopement, be sure to fly in early enough to do this.
Officiant
You need an officiant to sign your marriage license, but if you have a friend or family member who you trust to perform your ceremony, they can get ordained for just $10! You can also hire an elopement officiant to join you for the adventure.
Witnesses
Unlike most states, Hawaii doesn’t require witnesses! So your Oahu elopement can be truly private, and all you need is someone to officiate.
Planning Your Oahu Elopement
Eloping is all about the adventure - and there’s plenty of adventures to be had on Oahu! Here are just a few of the things you can do!
Go Hiking
Of course, one of the best things to do in Oahu is to go hiking! Some of the best places are a little off the beaten path, and you know what they say - the harder the hike, the better the view.
Fly in a Helicopter
Imagine experiencing Oahu from a helicopter on your elopement day. With helicopter tours, you can see the incredible scenery from a totally different perspective, and land in different places - no hiking required.
Take a Jeep Tour
A 4x4 is a great way to explore some places that are less traveled. Whether you take a Jeep tour, or you rent a vehicle yourself, you can cover miles of scenery in just a few hours!
Oahu Elopement Packages
You’ll need a photographer to capture all the amazing memories you’ll make during your Oahu elopement. I’ll do all that and more, giving you all the best elopement tips, finding places to stay, helping with permits, and being your new adventure buddy!
Contact me to learn more about Oahu elopement packages, and let’s start planning your once in a lifetime adventure.
