May 19, 2024
Are you dreaming of a unique and unforgettable elopement experience on the Big Island of Hawaii? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll explore five incredible activities that couples can include in their elopement planning to make their special day truly memorable. From scenic coffee farm visits to Kona sunsets, this tour around the island not only creates lasting memories but also offer perfect opportunities for beautiful professional photos. Let’s dive in!
Begin your elopement day with a touch of local flavor by starting at a charming coffee farm. The Big Island, specifically Kona, is renowned for its coffee production, and visiting a farm allows you to immerse yourselves in the rich history and aromas of Hawaiian coffee. Picture yourselves strolling through lush coffee fields hand in hand, sipping freshly brewed coffee, and enjoying the serene surroundings. This experience not only sets a relaxed and romantic tone for the day but also provides stunning backdrops for intimate photos amidst the coffee plants and rustic farm settings.
I love Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation. The plantation is just 15 minutes from downtown Kailua-Kona, offers free coffee tours and has a serene nature walk. Oh, and the coffee is just phenomenal! Getting there early is key, as the farm is at 3200′ elevation in the Cloud Forest. The clouds and rain usually start to roll in around 10am. Learn more about Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation here: https://www.mountainthunder.com/
After your coffee farm tour, take a drive around the south side of the island to explore Volcanoes National Park. This park has the most diverse landscapes, from lush tropical forests with lava tubes to desert like expanses and the Holei Sea Arch, every couple can find an area of the park that feels like ‘them’. The park offers dramatic landscapes with panoramic views, making it an ideal setting for epic elopement day photos. We can explore more remote hiking trails for privacy or embark on the ever popular Kilauea Iki Trail. The choice is up to you!
Having your elopement ceremony in Hawaii Volcano National Park is a simple process but does require an application and some planning. That’s where I come in to play! Living here on the island, I have the time and access to go to the park and find the perfect location for your elopement ceremony. As part of all of my elopement packages, I help couples fill out the application for the park special use permit. You can read more about the permit here: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
After you say ‘I do’ in Volcanoes National Park, we can take a short drive to Hilo town for a romantic picnic with your partner in a picturesque setting. Whether it’s by a waterfall, on a secluded beach, or in a lush botanical garden, a picnic adds a touch of intimacy and relaxation to your elopement day. Spread out a cozy blanket, indulge in delicious local delicacies, and savor the moment together. The natural beauty surrounding you provides a stunning backdrop for candid and romantic photos, capturing genuine moments of joy and connection between you and your partner.
After a relaxing picnic, we’ll take a drive back toward Kona on the Saddle Road. On this drive, we can make a quick stop to see Mauna Kea and even capture a few photos. Once we make it back to Kona, we’ll find the perfect location for you and your new spouse to soak in a stunning Kona sunset. The beach makes the perfect setting for some golden hour photos to commemorate your incredible elopement day. Whether you go to a local beach or watch the sunset from a restaurant on Ali’i Drive, you can’t go wrong with watching the sunset over Kona, Hawaii.
End your elopement day on a delightful note by visiting a local brewery to toast to your love and adventures. Kona boasts a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries offering unique brews infused with local flavors. Enjoy a tasting flight of beers, relax in a cozy brewery setting, and celebrate your union in a laid-back atmosphere. The brewery’s ambiance and vibrant colors can provide a fun and colorful backdrop for casual and candid photos, capturing the joy and celebration of your elopement day.
Some incredible breweries in and near Kona are: Kona Brewing Company, Ola Brew, Big Island Brewhaus
Incorporating any of these five activities into your Big Island Hawaii elopement planning ensures a day filled with adventure, romance, and unforgettable moments. Each activity offers not only incredible experiences but also opportunities for stunning professional photos that reflect the the love between you and your partner. Whether you’re exploring volcanic landscapes, enjoying a picnic in paradise, or toasting at a local brewery, your elopement day on the Big Island will be nothing short of magical. Cheers to love, adventure, and beautiful memories!
Want to learn more about how I can help you plan your perfect Hawaiian elopement day? Click the link below to inquire.
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