How Much Does a Destination Wedding In Hawaii cost?
- Songbird

- Jul 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 20
Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii? Let’s find the perfect island for you! In this blog we give you our advice as expert destination wedding planners and break down all the real pros and cons for each island. We’ll cover what you can expect in terms of costs for 75–100 guests, venues, logistics, and vibes so you can pick the best island for your wedding celebration. … Read until the end to find an easy to read comparison chart!

🌴 Oahu
Budget Estimates:
All-inclusive resort option: $30K–45K (ceremony + reception included, moderate décor, basic bar)
Luxury resort package: $50K–70K (venue, catering, open bar, premium decor)
Custom private wedding: $80K–100K+ (villa or garden estate with full vendor team)
Venue Types: Beachfront resorts in Waikiki, private estates on the North Shore, botanical gardens, and ranch venues with mountain views. Large vendor pool makes customization easy.
Logistics:
Easy travel with flights into Honolulu.
Plenty of guest accommodation across hotels and resorts.
Traffic and parking are steps to plan for, especially on busy days.
Vibe:
High energy with a mix of city and nature.
Great amenities plus iconic sights (Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor).
Photo ops with variety—mountains, beaches, urban charm.
Wedding Pro Tip::
Expect crowds in popular areas and busy roads.
Resort rates in Honolulu can be high with intense demand.
Best For couples who want convenience, venue variety, and a vibrant backdrop.
🌺 Maui
Budget Estimates:
All-inclusive resort option: $35K–50K (3-course dinner, open bar, ceremony setup)
Luxury resort package: $60K–80K (prep with luxe settings and premium services)
Boutique/custom venue: $90K–120K+ (plantation house or private estate with tailored vendors)
Venue Types: Beachfront resorts in Wailea, ocean-view ballrooms, plantation homes like Olowalu, and hilltop hideaways.
Logistics:
Guest flights into Kahului or West Maui airports.
Shuttles and group transport are easy to organize.
Road to Hāna and other sites are not ideal for large guest groups.
Vibe:
Iconic Hawaiian scenery with luxury amenities.
Resort towns offer shops, restaurants, golf, and spa experiences.
Beautiful sunsets and scenic diversity.
Wedding Pro Tip:
Book your venue 12–18 months in advance to secure the best dates
Some floral varieties may be harder to source, opt for locally grown flowers to ensure availability.
Best For couples dreaming of polished beach days, luxe venues, and easy guest activities.
🌿 Kauai
Budget Estimates:
All-inclusive resort option: $40K–55K (scenic resort package with basic styling)
Boutique luxury venue: $70K–90K (garden estates or boutique resorts)
Custom elopement-style celebration: $100K+ (permit, tents, third-party vendors, upscale upgrades)
Venue Types: Garden estates, beachfront parks, boutique resorts like Grand Hyatt or 1 Hotel, and private homes.
Logistics:
Fewer direct flights—most guests connect via Honolulu
Car rentals or shuttle vans are essential.
Permit needed for beach setups; fewer vendors so early booking is key.
Island Vibe:
Lush and deeply romantic with waterfalls, cliffs, and serene beaches.
Low-profile resorts and natural beauty dominate.
Nightlife centers on cozy bars and cultural events.
Wedding Pro Tip:
Rain zones exist, especially in winter.
Vendor options are limited; logistics require more thorough planning.
Best For couples who want a poetic, nature-focused gathering with intimate outdoor moments.
🌋 Big Island ( Hawaiʻi Island )
Budget Estimates:
All-inclusive resort option: $45K–60K (ceremony + reception + bar in a single package)
Luxury resort package: $70K–90K (Five-star resort, quality catering, venue access)
Custom outdoor venue: $90K–120K+ (lava field, ranch, or botanical space with full vendor team)
Venue Types: Five-star resorts, historic ranches, beach parks, botanical or lava vistas.
Logistics:
Two airports (Kona and Hilo) help with guest flow.
Island is large—best to keep events in one region.
Rentals and vendor sourcing may involve travel fees.
Island Vibe:
Epic landscapes (volcanoes, black sand, highlands).
Balanced quiet luxury with adventure options—great for guests.
Offers natural honeymoon diversity right on site.
Wedding Pro Tip:
Guest shuttle needed across regions.
Some areas can be volcanic or weather sensitive.
Best For couples who love adventure, variety, and a built-in honeymoon feel.
🏝 Lānaʻi
Budget Estimates:
All-inclusive resort option: $80K–110K (resort-wide package with group rates and basic extras)
Ultra-luxury private island package: $100K–150K+ (Four Seasons exclusivity, full retreats)
Partial resort buyout: $120K+ (rooms & venues bundled, plus dedicated planning and vendors)
Venue Types: Exclusively within Four Seasons grounds - cliffside beach, lodge gardens, and resort venues.
Logistics:
Access via charter flight or ferry from Maui.
Minimal local vendor options—many services come from Maui or Oahu.
Accommodations limited to Four Seasons rooms and a tiny hotel.
Island Vibe:
Exclusive and ultra-private, feels like your very own island.
Peaceful, with fewer distractions and total romance.
Unique terrain with jeep trails, Shipwreck Beach, and quiet ocean coves.
Wedding Pro Tip:
High costs and travel can be complex for guests and vendors.
Limited nightlife and guest options outside the resort.
Best For couples envisioning an ultra-luxe, intimate retreat with their nearest and dearest.
⭐️Quick Comparison
Island | Package Budget | Vibe | Logistics | Best For… |
Oahu | $50K–100K+ | Variety of city + nature | Easy flights, direct access | Convenience and options |
Maui | $60K–120K | Luxury resort with scenic spots | Mature vendors, some post-fire zones | Polished beach weddings with variety |
Kauai | $70K–100K+ | Secluded, lush, intimate | Fewer flights, permit needs | Nature lovers and romantic settings |
Big Island | $70K–100K+ | Epic, adventurous landscapes | Two airports, island is large | Adventure + luxe honeymoon in one place |
Lānaʻi | $100K–150K++ | Ultra-private, exclusive luxury | Charter/ferry only, limited vendors | VIP-level, adult-only luxe experience |
✨ Some Final Thoughts
Each Hawaiian island offers a unique path to your dream wedding.
Choose Oahu for ease and variety.
Pick Maui for refined beach romance.
Go with Kauai if you crave tropical seclusion.
Select Big Island for adventure and diversity.
Opt for Lānaʻi when you want maximum privacy and luxury.
No matter which island you choose, Hawaii’s beautiful atmosphere will elevate your day and create unforgettable memories.
If you need expert guidance to bring your vision to life, our destination wedding planning team is here to help. We specialize in Chinese-American & Destination Weddings! We will help you from choosing the perfect venue to coordinating every detail, we make the process seamless so you can enjoy the journey. Reach out to us to start planning your dream wedding today! 💍✨
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