Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get married on a beach where the tropical scenery blends perfectly with the aloha spirit? No need to wonder, as this can become a reality if you choose to have an Oahu beach wedding!
Not all beaches are equal when it comes to permits, crowd levels, and wedding-friendly features. Our specialty is helping couples find the perfect location, and over the years, through experience, we’ve learned the best spots. We show a couple of romantic secluded coves and iconic shoreline stages that will make them fall in love with the location instantly, along with the real rules they need to know before saying “I do.”
Here’s our guide to the top Oahu wedding locations, with insider tips and permit details.
Magic Island
Why we love it
One of the reasons is that it’s close to Waikiki. Magic Island offers a grassy area with sandy beach access, palm trees, panoramic ocean views, and spectacular sunsets. Do we need to say more? It’s one of the most popular choices for an Oahu beach wedding without venturing far from hotels and restaurants. It’s also one of the few locations where you have both a sunrise and sunset views!
Local tip: Go early before crowds gather and aim for sunset when the light is simply magical.
Permit Insight
Magic Island is a city park area that typically requires a permit for weddings and events…especially if you plan on any type of setup with chairs or arches. Some ceremonies with minimal setup and just a couple might not require full requirements. However, you must confirm before your date.
Location info: Magic Island (Oahu Beach Wedding Spot)
Waialae Beach Park
Why we love it
Waialae Beach Park (Kahala Beach) is a white-sand beach and just a short drive from Waikiki. Here, you’ll find beautiful palms, clear waters, and a more tranquil setting than the heart of Waikiki itself. This Oahu beach wedding spot is elegant yet low-key, which is perfect for photos.
Local tip: The weekdays are best here. The locals are pushing for permit limits because weddings and photo shoots have become very popular.
Permit Insight
This state-managed beach does require a permit when you have an officiant or photography. Contact the DLNR for more information, as they handle permits through their offices.
Location info: Waialae Beach Park (Kahala Beach)
Waimanalo Bay
Why we love it
The Windward Oahu coast is known for the best beaches. Waimanalo Bay is known as one of the most stunning beaches in the world. Here you’ll find turquoise water, powder white sand, Compared to Waialae Beach, Waimanalo Bay is larger and a bit easier to access with guests.
Local tip: Parking can be a challenge on weekends. Therefore, you’ll want to consider arriving early or planning a weekday ceremony.
Permit Insight
These beaches fall under state DLNR rules and require permits if you have any officiants, guests, or props beyond just standing on the sand.
Location info: Waimanalo Bay
Makapu’u Beach
Why we love it
Looking for a dynamic setting for your Oahu beach wedding? Makapu’u Beach has some dramatic ocean views and lava-rock edges that we recommend. The adjacent Makapu’u Lookout gives you cliffside vistas if you want an additional experience.
Local tip: Surf can be strong and winds gusty in this area, so you may want to plan for hair and attire that can handle the breeze.
Permit Insight
A state DLNR beach use permit is required for weddings or formal ceremonies. Make sure you have this organized if you choose this location.
Location info: Makapu’u Beach (Oahu Wedding Spot)
Kuliouou Beach
Why we love it
How about a dreamy, remote vibe while still being close enough to Honolulu for logistics? Kuliouou Beach is a long stretch of white sand with mountain views. This Oahu wedding location is especially stunning at sunset and during the early morning hours.
Local tip: This beach offers a walkable sandbar during low tide. Perfect if you don’t mind getting a little wet for your photos.
Permit Insight
Any organized wedding ceremony requires a state beach use permit.
Location info: Kuliouou Beach
Sunset Beach and North Shore Spots
Why we love it
One of the most famous Oahu beach wedding spots is the North Shore and Sunset Beach. This and all the other surrounding beaches on the North Shore are favored by couples due to the broad sand and epic golden-hour color. It is a legendary area known for its laid-back summer charm and surf culture.
Local tip: Surf competitions and summer crowds can fill this area, so you’ll want to book early and target weekdays.
Permit Insight
Nearly all North Shore beach ceremonies need state DLNR permits, so check this before you decide on this location.
Location info: Sunset Beach and North Shore
Pu’uloa and Neighborhood Beaches
Why we love it
West Oahu’s quieter beaches, like Pu’uloa (Ewa Beach), offer calm water and great sunset views, not to mention that relaxed vibe, which is perfect for a smaller Oahu beach wedding if you want to escape the main tourist zones.
Local tip: Locals tend to visit on weekends, so midweek weddings here are often more serene.
Permit Insight
Since these are public beaches, any type of ceremony with officiants or guests needs a beach use permit.
Location info: Pu’uloa
Oahu Beach Wedding Permit Basics
Understanding the rules for hosting an Oahu beach wedding will save you time and stress.
State DLNR Permits
Most beaches on Oahu are governed by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Therefore, if your ceremony involves an officiant, guests, or any form of setup, you’ll definitely need a beach use permit and liability insurance.
City and County of Honolulu Permits
Beaches and parks under city jurisdiction may require separate permits through the Parks Permit Office.
Permit Rules You Should Know
- Minimal props only, so no chairs, arches, tables, or amplified sound in most cases.
- Insurance (often $300K+ liability) is usually required for DLNR permits.
- Crowd size limits and time-of-day restrictions may apply.
Conclusion
Oahu has an oceanfront setting that takes every visitor’s breath away. With the right preparation, you can make your wedding unforgettable.
Are you ready to start planning your Oahu beach wedding? Fill out our contact page, or continue exploring our detailed Locations and Wedding Packages pages for tailored options and professional support. Of course, if you wish to browse for more helpful ideas, visit our blog!
