Complete Guide to a Kilauea Iki Trail Elopement in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Introduction
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels adventurous, intentional, and completely different from the stereotypical white sandy beach in Hawaii, a Kilauea Iki Trail elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located inside Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, this ceremony location combines lush rainforest scenery with dramatic volcanic landscapes in a way that feels both intimate and wildly beautiful.
The Kilauea Iki Overlook is one of my favorite locations for couples planning a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park elopement because it offers easy access to incredible views without requiring a strenuous hike. One side of the trail is filled with towering ferns and ʻōhiʻa lehua trees, while the other overlooks the hardened lava lake inside Kilauea Iki crater and the active volcanic landscape beyond.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about planning a Kilauea Iki Trail elopement including permits, ceremony locations, the best times of year to elope, where to stay near the park, and practical tips to help your volcano elopement in Hawaiʻi feel beautiful, epic and intentional.
Table of Contents
Where is Kilauea Iki Trail Overlook?
Why Should You Elope at Kilauea Iki Trail?
FAQ’s About Eloping at Kilauea Iki Overlook
Why I love Kilauea Iki Overlook for elopement ceremonies
Sample Kilauea Iki Overlook Elopement Timeline
Kilauea Iki Overlook Inspo Pics
How to Get Your Hawai’i Marriage License
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Elopement Photographer & Videographer
Where is Kilauea Iki Trail?
Kilauea Iki Trail is a popular location for couples planning a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park elopement because it combines accessible hiking trails with dramatic volcanic scenery.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on the east side of the island of Hawaii, spanning over 350,000 acres. The park includes two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, and ranges from over 13,000 feet in elevation to sea level. Within the park you can find lush rainforests and sprawling desert landscapes.
If you visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while Kilauea or Mauna Loa are erupting, park rangers will direct you to areas of the park that are safe for viewing the eruption. Rangers will also evacuate the park or areas of the park if conditions aren’t safe for viewing.
The best way to get to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is to fly into either the Hilo or Kona airport. While you are visiting the Big Island, it’s easiest to rent a car at the airport to get around the island. Public transportation, ride shares, and taxis aren’t a reliable way to get around. However, there are many tour companies that operate vans and buses that tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and have various pick up locations near the hotels in Kona and Hilo.
For couples dreaming of a Big Island volcano elopement, this area offers a completely different experience from a traditional beach wedding in Hawaiʻi.
Closest Major Cities/Towns:
- Driving Time From Volcano Village: 10 minutes
- Driving Time From Naalehu: 30 minutes
- Driving Time From Hilo: 45 minutes
- Driving Time from Kona: 2 hours 15 minutes
There are a few small towns near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, including Volcano Village. This small town is home to many AirBnBs and VRBOs, a few restaurants and 2 small hotels. It’s a quaint little village that borders the entrance to the park and is perfect to stay in if you want to be closer to the park than Hilo or Kona. Because this village is so small, I recommend staying in a rental with a kitchen so you can make meals and not have to rely completely on the few restaurant options that are in and near the park.
Just south of the Park is the town of Na’alehu. This is a small residential town, but boasts the Punalu’u Bake Shop, a cute little coffee shop, and a weekly farmers market. It’s a great place to stop on your way to or from Kona.
The nearest ‘big city’ to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is Hilo. Hilo offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, hotels & vacation rentals. Often people eloping in Volcanoes National Park will stay in Hilo to still have access to all of these conveniences.
The other major city on the Big Island is Kona, and that’s about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive from the entrance of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Kona is on the west side of the island, which makes the 90 mile drive feel quite far. If you’re planning on spending more than one day in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this drive can be exhausting, so it may be worth it to spend a night or two in Volcano Village so you have quick and easy access to the park.
How to Get to Kilauea Iki Trail within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Closest Major Airports:
There are two main airports on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hilo airport is closer to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is quite convenient if you plan to spend most of your time in the park. The Kona airport is further away but can be a good option if you want to include some time on the dryer, beachier side of the island in your elopement week on the Big Island.
- Hilo Airport: 1 hour and 30 minutes to the end of Chain of Craters Road – Google Maps Directions
- Kona Airport: 2 hours 45 minutes to the end of Chain of Craters Road – Google Maps Directions
How to Drive to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
There is one main road that loops around the entire island, which means if there is a car accident or traffic delays, there aren’t many ways to divert traffic around those blocks. This can be especially problematic if you are driving from Kona to Volcanoes National Park. Traffic delays are something to plan for when you are driving from Hilo or Kona to the park.
How to Drive to Kilauea Iki Trail Overlook
Once you arrive inside of Volcanoes National Park, at the traffic circle, you’ll turn left on Crater Rim Drive. From there you will drive about 1.5 miles until you see the parking area on the right. This is the first of two parking areas for the overlook. The second parking area is close to the Nahuku Lava Tube. I recommend parking in the first area if there are spaces available. Because the second parking area is also for the lava tube, it tends to be very crowded and difficult to find parking spaces, even early in the morning.
Because the Kilauea Iki Overlook is located close to the park entrance, it’s one of the easiest ceremony locations to access for couples eloping in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.
Why Should You Elope at the Kilauea Iki Overlook?
If you’re planning on eloping in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you and your partner are likely the type of couple who likes to do things a little bit differently. You’re attracted to areas off the beaten path and unique experiences. And this overlook is definitely a different experience than the stereotypical white sandy beach in Hawaii. A Kilauea Iki Trail elopement is perfect for couples who want their wedding day to feel adventurous while still being relatively accessible.
The overlook is within a fern and ʻōhiʻa lehua forest and overlooks a hardened lava lake that you can actually hike across. As of the writing of this blog post, you can also see where the current vents that Kilauea is erupting through from these overlooks. Unlike many Hawaii wedding locations, the Kilauea Iki Overlook feels immersive and dramatic, with rainforest views on one side and volcanic landscapes on the other. If you’re looking for a volcano elopement in Hawaiʻi that feels unique and deeply connected to the island itself, this location is hard to beat.
FAQ’s About Eloping at Kilauea Iki Overlook
Can you have a Kilauea Iki Trail Elopement?
Yes—with a Special Use Permit, issued by Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Do you need a permit to elope in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park?
Yes. (More details below!)
Are there designated ceremony locations?
Yes, at the Kilauea Iki Overlooks located along the trail
Can we have a sunrise or sunset wedding?
Yes! You can have either as long as the permit states those times. Because this spot is on the east side of the park, the sunrise is absolutely beautiful there and because of how long it takes to drive there from the park entrance, it’s not common to see people at that location before 9:00am.
How far is the Kilauea Iki Trail from the park entrance?
The parking areas for the trailhead are less than 2 miles from the park entrance.
Is Kilauea Iki Trail a good place for an elopement?
Kilauea Iki Trail is one of the best ceremony locations for a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park elopement because it offers easy access, incredible scenery, and a combination of rainforest and volcanic views.
Can you take wedding photos at Kilauea Iki Trail?
Yes! This is a great location to take photos at, even if you choose a different ceremony location in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Are the Kilauea Iki Overlooks good locations if we feel awkward in front of a camera?
If being photographed makes you feel awkward, you probably don’t love the idea of having an audience. Of all the ceremony locations in the park that I love, this is one I do not recommend if you feel awkward in front of the camera. Because the overlooks are on a popular section of the trail in a high traffic area of the park, it’s a sure thing that there will be people walking by as you have your ceremony. However, it’s still a great idea to add this location to our itinerary for your elopement day for portraits because of how beautiful the forest is and how incredible the views are.
Will there be other people around during our ceremony?
Yes! There absolutely will be people around during your ceremony if you choose the Kilauea Iki Overlook for your ceremony location. Regardless of the time of day, this is a very popular area of the park due to its beauty and how close it is to the park entrance. The overlooks are quite small and just off the very popular section of the Kilauea Iki Trail. Even if we have a permit for the overlooks, we cannot block other park visitors’ access to the trail.
Kilauea Iki Overlooks Wedding & Elopement Permits
Every Kilauea Iki Trail elopement requires a Special Use Permit through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. It’s not a complicated process or a difficult application, but it is required. Couples planning a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park wedding or elopement should apply for their permit as early as possible, especially during busy travel seasons. The fee to apply for the permit is $150. This fee does not cover the park entrance fees for you, your guests, or your vendors. Each vehicle that enters the park will pay a $30 entrance fee, which is good for 7 days. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass or a Hawaii Tri Park Annual Pass, this fee does not apply.
Information about the permit can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/management/special-use-permits.htm
Your permit allows you to have a ceremony in any of the approved locations. I’ll share more about the locations in the next section. The permit allows you to have one table and up to 12 chairs for your wedding ceremony. Potted plants, dried flower arrangements, or any plants with seeds are prohibited in the park.
Parking is quite challenging in this area. There are two parking areas that easily access the overlooks, but each has limited spaces. I recommend trying to park in the first parking area, closest to the park entrance. The second parking area is also for the Nahuku Lava Tube and is very difficult to find parking at. Going earlier in the day or later in the day can alleviate some of the parking challenges.
Why I love Kilauea Iki Overlooks for Elopements
The Kilauea Iki Overlooks are so dramatic and beautiful in their own way. If you and your partner love the feeling of a rainforest and are in awe of Kilauea’s power, this is honestly the perfect spot. The overlooks have forest on one side and views of a hardened lava lake and the currently active Kilauea vents on the other side. Talk about starting your married life in a powerful place!
After photographing couples throughout Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, I’ve found that Kilauea Iki Trail offers one of the best combinations of accessibility and dramatic scenery. Early morning is especially beautiful for a Kilauea Iki Trail elopement because the trail tends to be quieter earlier in the morning.
Why couples love it:
- GORGEOUS rainforests with tons of super tall ferns & ohia trees
- Close to the park entrance
- Easy hike to the overlooks with the possibility of more hiking through the entire trail
Accessibility:
- Parking is located close to the trailhead and the overlooks
- There is hiking over a well maintained trail
- Little elevation change from the first parking lot to the overlooks.
Best for:
- Couples who appreciate dramatic views and don’t mind getting a really early start to the day to avoid crowds.
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at the Kilauea Iki Overlooks
If we are anything alike (and I’m assuming we are since you are here lol), you don’t love a crowd. And coming to the most remote island chain in the world to get married probably means you value privacy. The best time for a Kilauea Iki Trail elopement really depends on your priorities — whether that’s avoiding crowds, seeing volcanic activity, or planning around weather conditions.
When to Elope in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Listen, I love national parks and I truly believe they are meant for everyone to enjoy. Full stop. But if you are planning to get married in a national park, you probably don’t want it to feel crowded like a theme park. So, with strategic planning, it’s completely possible to choose a time of year and time of day that avoids crowds as much as possible.
When to Elope in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
When you’re planning your elopement in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, you’ll want to avoid the peak tourist seasons. Luckily, the temperature is quite consistent year round in Hawai’i with only moderate fluctuations to daily temperatures.
| Peak Months: | Slow Months: |
| March, June, July, August, December | February, May, September, October |
*https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org/media/13190/2023-annual-report-final.pdf
What to Wear & Bring
What you should wear will really depend on the activities you choose to include in your day. If you plan to do any amount of hiking, I will bring my pop-up changing tent with us so you can hike in comfortable clothes and be able to change in privacy into your wedding clothes. I recommend wearing shoes appropriate for the amount of hiking you plan to include in your day.
Because a Kilauea Iki Trail elopement often includes hiking and changing weather conditions, I always recommend dressing in layers and bringing comfortable hiking shoes. This area of the island also receives a great deal of rain and tends to have cooler temperatures. You’ll want to bring a rain jacket and/or a light jacket. Don’t worry, I’ll pack cute umbrellas and hand warmers, just in case!
Depending on what package you book, I supply a light picnic meal. I’ll also bring some water, but recommend you bring any snacks or other drinks you like to have during hikes.
Where to Stay Near Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
There are so many options for where to stay when you plan to elope in Volcanoes National Park, but I recommend staying near the park, in Volcano Village as opposed to staying in Hilo or Kona and driving over.
Hotels
Volcano Inn – a quaint hotel within 10 minutes of the park entrance. This cozy hotel offers 4 rooms and guests have access to a shared hot tub, breakfast served daily and the rainforest grounds.
Volcano House – is the only hotel within the park. The rooms are old but have incredible views of the currently active Kilauea caldrea.
Aloha Crater Lodge – an adorable BnB just outside the park that boasts a lava tube on the property which guests can walk through.
Vacation Rentals
There are plenty of vacation rentals, AirBnBs & VRBOs just outside the park in Volcano Village. Because of the remoteness of the park, I recommend choosing a vacation rental that is in Volcano Village, closer to the park entrance.
Sample Kilauea Iki Trail Elopement Timeline
One of the benefits of hiring me as your Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park elopement photographer is that I help you and your partner to create a custom timeline for your elopement day. No cookie cutter timelines over here!! To give you an idea of what your day could look like, here is a sample Kilauea Iki Trail Elopement Timeline:
- Get ready together at AirBnb in Volcano Village
- Drive to the Kilauea Iki Trail around sunrise for ceremony
- Hiking portraits
- Stop at Nahuku Lava Tube for wedding portraits
- Go to Lanikai Brewing for lunch & a celebratory beer!
- Rest
- Head back to the park for sunset at the End of Chain of Craters Road
- Dramatic golden & blue hour portraits on the lava field
- Private Chef dinner at your AirBnB
Kilauea Iki Overlook Elopement Inspo
How to Get Your Hawaii Marriage License
The process for getting your marriage license in the state of Hawaii isn’t terribly difficult, but does have multiple steps. Check out this blog post for a full break down of how to get your marriage license in the state of Hawaii.
https://lunasoulphoto.com/legal-requirements-for-eloping-in-hawaii/
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Elopement Photographer and Videographer
Aloha friend! My name is Bri and I’m a Hawai’i based wedding & elopement photographer, specializing in helping couples coming from the mainland to plan & document the most beautiful, epic, and intentional Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Elopements.
I love love.
Cheesy, I know. But it’s the truth. I’m a hopeless romantic.
As a Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park elopement photographer, I help couples plan intentional wedding days that feel adventurous, relaxed, and true to who they are. Documenting couples on the day they commit their lives to one another is truly the honor of my life. I often have “pinch me” moments while I’m working with couples because I get to help them plan & document their most important day in my absolute favorite place in the world.
I specialize in working with couples who have prioritized choosing what feels right for their wedding celebration, even if that means bucking tradition. Whether you’re planning a simple Kilauea Iki Trail elopement or a full-day adventure around the Big Island, I’ll help you create an experience that feels meaningful from beginning to end.
My couples often tell me they are “awkward in front of the camera”. My approach to photographing volcano elopements in Hawaiʻi is rooted in documenting genuine connection while helping couples feel comfortable and fully present throughout the day. Of course, we’ll capture some really epic photos, but I’ll also prioritize documenting you, your partner and your people enjoying the moments of your elopement day.
I’m still relatively new to living on the big island. However, I am captivated by this island – the people, the culture, the land – all of it. I’ll share with you everything I know about the island and when there is something I don’t know, we’ll Google it together.
To learn more about how to elope in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, check out this blog post:
