Over 10 million people visit Hawaii annually, according to the most recent data available. That number has been steadily increasing over the years, and it’s expected to continue following this trend. Some visitors come for business reasons, but most choose these beautiful islands as their vacation spot.

Of course, Hawaii is also a highly sought-after wedding destination. Who wouldn’t want to get married with warm white sand under their feet and the breathtaking turquoise water and blue skies serving as a backdrop? In fact, more than 20,000 weddings were performed in Hawaii in 2019.

Bringing a Wedding Party Along for the Trip

Some couples simply come to Hawaii alone to have quiet ceremonies on the beach and enjoy a tropical getaway. Most, though, invite friends and family members along to share in the experience. With a wedding planner like Beach Glass Weddings, our couples don’t need to get caught up in last-minute details for their wedding or make sure everything comes together according to plan. As a result, our couples and their guests have plenty of time to explore the Big Island of Hawaii before and after the ceremony.

Exploring Interesting Things for Wedding Guests to Do in Hawaii

Considering the locale, there’s certainly no shortage of things for wedding guests to do. They may not want to venture too far from the wedding venue, but they don’t want to be confined to their hotel rooms and miss out on all the possibilities, either.

Beaches

Visiting some of the island’s best beaches is a must. After all, it’s Hawaii. Visitors would be remiss to go to an area that’s so renowned for its sand, surf, and sun without spending a little time at the beach.

Our favorite beach: Manini’owali Beach at Kua Bay

Situated just north of Kona, Kua Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in Hawaii. Within the bay are three spectacular beaches that are known by locals as Kua Bay, Kekahakai State Park and Makalawenna.

When imagining a classic Hawaiian beach, the picture in your mind likely looks like Kua Bay. The sparkling white sand and clear turquoise water are sights to behold, and they definitely entice visitors to lounge in the sun and enjoy the natural beauty. At the same time, it’s surrounded by rustic lava rocks that are indicative of Hawaii’s ongoing volcanic activity. To say it’s a picturesque destination would be an understatement. The beach is also great for families because it is easy to reach by a paved road and has a lifeguard on duty.

Locals and experienced visitors alike recommend coming to Kua Bay in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and humidity, since there’s virtually no shade at the beach. Some also point out that weekdays are the best times to visit during the fall and winter because the crowds can be smaller than usual.

Kekahakai State Park is accessible by an unpaved road that is suitable for most rental cars to drive on.

Makalawenna is known by locals as one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. It's accessible from Kekakai State Park via a 20 minute hike over lava rock. It’s a bit harder to access but the natural beauty of this beach is well worth the trip.

Having said all that, lounging on the sand isn’t the only fun wedding activity for guests to enjoy at Kua Bay. Boogie boarding, advanced surfing, and other water-based activities are also available, although the surf generally seems to be calmer during the summer months. Local wildlife isn’t quite as elusive as you might imagine - Dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, and colorful fish are a few of the creatures people often see in the bay.

Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting Kua Bay

To make the most of a visit to Kua Bay, be sure to keep a few points in mind. For one, this beach isn’t like the ones you’ll see on the mainland. Locals have taken great care to preserve its natural beauty, so there aren’t any concession stands waiting to sell food and drinks. Visitors need to bring their own refreshments, and putting all the trash you create in its rightful place is essential.

Public restrooms are available in the parking lot above the bay. Outdoor showers have also been provided, and a lifeguard station has been added to the area. While there’s a man-made flight of stairs leading down to the beach, simply scaling the lava rocks is often the route of choice for visitors. It’s also the best way to get the full experience of the beach.

The Best Beach for Snorkeling: Kahaluʻu Beach Park

If snorkeling is on your agenda, head straight for Kahaluʻu Beach Park. The clear water and magnificent coral reef are awe-inspiring. Swim alongside colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other wildlife in this thriving ecosystem, and when you’re ready for a break just head back to the soft salt and pepper sand to relax.

The Best Beach for Families with Children: Anaeho’omalu Bay

Known to locals as “A-Bay,” this beach is great for the whole family. Families with children love this beach because the water is calm and shallow, although there is no lifeguard so be sure to supervise your children at all times. Another plus is the ample and easy parking, making A-Bay one of the easiest beaches to travel to. In addition to the beach, kids will love being able to see the active volcano and taking a day hike to the giant Nāhuku lava tube. The excellent Visitor’s Center or the Volcano National Park website can provide a full list of nearby activities and fascinating educational opportunities - there’s plenty to get excited about at this abundant natural area.

There’s no shortage of beautiful beaches on the Big Island. Another favorite of ours is Kikaua Point Beach Park, a quintessential Hawaiian beach with white sand and black lava rock formations, and Kukio Beach features bales of majestic sea turtles on most days. Check out our Locations page to see more of our favorite beaches on the Big Island.

Hiking

Whether wedding guests are looking for a group activity or hoping to venture out on their own, the breathtaking scenery of the island shouldn’t be missed. Hiking is one of the island’s most exciting pre- or post-wedding activities for guests to enjoy. It’s the perfect way to see the local landscape in all its glory, and there are hiking trails that cater to all skill, experience, and stamina levels.

Taking a Hike into Pololu Valley

One of the island’s most well-known hiking venues is Pololu Valley. Untouched by development, this valley runs along the northern side of Kohala Mountain. It’s part of the oldest portion of the island.

Although the beach that lies on the valley floor is public and can sometimes get crowded, many visitors never make it up to the trail. These days, it’s considered unsafe to hike up the trail, so we do not advise doing so. Unlike the scenery of Kua Bay, the volcanic sands of Pololu Beach are black. This valley also offers gorgeous cliffs, native foliage, and numerous other sights to see.

Points to Remember for Hiking Pololu Valley

The terrain in the Pololu Valley is a bit more rugged than some of the other hiking adventures available on the island. While novices are certainly welcome, many feel it’s geared toward more experienced outdoor enthusiasts due to its steep cliffs, slick lava rocks, and other challenges. If you choose this destination as a fun wedding activity, be sure to have appropriate footwear and plenty of water and protein-packed snacks on hand. It’s about 20 minutes to hike down, and another 20 minutes to hike back up.

Though the hike down to the beach only takes about half an hour or so, quite a few people point out the trip back up is much slower and more difficult. No lifeguards, concession stands, public restrooms, or other amenities are available along the trails or on the beach, so coming prepared is advised.

Unlike other spots on Hawaii, it is hazardous to surf, snorkel or swim in this area. This beach is mainly a great place to enjoy the sights and relax in the sun before making the hike back out of the valley. Still, it’s a beautiful, must-see sight that just can’t be fully appreciated from afar. It’s best to visit this area in the mornings, so you’ll have plenty of time to get the full experience.

Green Sand Beach

Also known as Papakōlea Beach, Green Sand Beach is yet another incredible hiking destination in Hawaii. It starts at the end of South Point Road where there’s a designated parking area for visitors. As opposed to the challenges of many of Hawaii’s hiking trails, this one is a bit less tricky to navigate. That makes it a nice option for less experienced hikers.

You’ll venture across pastures before your steep but short descent to the beach, which is one of the rarest and most stunning sights on the island. It’s also one of only a handful of beaches on the planet with green sand. The sand gets its stunning hue from a mineral called olivine which is present in the cliffs and thus incorporated into the sand.

If you choose to hike to Papakōlea Beach, be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Though it’s not as arduous as some of the other trails, it still covers rough terrain. Locals recommend taking the man-made staircase down to the beach for safety’s sake. You won’t find any public restrooms or other conveniences here, but it’s certainly a sight you won’t want to miss. Again, be sure to take all trash and personal belongings with you when you leave.

Kealakekua Bay

Though visitors don’t necessarily have to hike to see the beauty of Kealakekua Bay, many say it’s well worth the time and effort. This moderately difficult hike allows you to see towering volcanic cliffs and the sparkling turquoise water of the bay as well as many other natural sights. Be sure to hike to Captain Cook’s monument on the way; it commemorates James Cook’s arrival on the island in 1778 as well as his death some months later when he and his crew returned.

This is a fairly quiet, uncrowded place to enjoy fun wedding activities. Snorkeling and other water-related excursions are open to visitors here, and visitors have also been known to catch up-close glimpses of dolphins and other wildlife here.

Other Amazing Wedding Activities for Guests on Hawaii

If you’re looking for more of a guided experience or you want to connect with the local culture, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our favorite local experiences below:

Golfing on the Islands

Golf enthusiasts are in heaven when choosing between Hawaii’s 70+ golf courses. There are resorts on every island sporting some of the best golf courses on earth. Our couples who choose the Designer Mauna Kea Wedding at Beach Glass Weddings often take advantage of the incredible golfing available at the Mauna Kea Resort.

On the Big Island, Four Seasons Resort Hualālai features two incomparable golf courses and is home to the PGA Tour Champions “Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualālai” event. This resort is also close to popular wedding spot Kikaua Point and next to Kukio. Makalei Golf Club is gorgeous, and it has the added benefit of being at a higher elevation so the air is cooler. For a more affordable option, try a local favorite Kona Country Club.

On Oahu, visitors can enjoy a round of golf at the legendary Turtle Bay Resort whose pristine courses play host to the PGA. Travelers to Maui can unwind with 18 holes at Kā'anapali Golf Courses or the Wailea Golf Club. No matter where you go on the islands of Hawaii, you will find gorgeous, one-of-a-kind courses everywhere you go.

Fishing

Hawaii offers an astonishing array of fishing opportunities year round. On the Big Island, Kailua-Kona is thought by many to have the best fishing in all of Hawaii, and the popular Anaeho'omalu Bay (A-Bay) has excellent shore fishing spots. 

Fishing can be found on every island, including Kauai’s many fishing piers such as Waimea Pier. Reel in bonefish at Oahu’s Kāneʻohe Bay or snare Mahi Mahi on a charter deep sea fishing boat. On the Big Island, The Fire Hatt and High Noon are popular options for fishing charter boats. There are, however, regulated areas where fishing is not allowed.

Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Kona Style

Those who are looking for an exciting and memorable evening may want to try the Manta Ray Night Snorkel. Manta rays like to feed at night, and the boats on the water shine their lights to attract the plankton for the manta rays to eat. Hawaii is one of only two spots in the entire world where this experience is available. 

Guests of all ages can join in this excursion, complete with hot beverages and snacks served afterward. We love Kona Style in particular because their catamaran boats are wide and stable, providing a comfortable experience even for those who get seasick or who are nervous about being out on the water. Visitors can also book other tours through Kona Style, including sailing and daytime snorkeling adventures. Private boat charters are offered as well, which is a popular choice for small wedding ceremonies - check out our Sunset Sail Away Package for details.

Captain Zodiac Tours

As one of Hawaii’s most well-known tour companies, Captain Zodiac offers a range of adventures for wedding guests and other visitors. Private charters, whale watching tours, snorkeling trips, and wildlife excursions are a few of their most popular options. While tours are available throughout the day, morning outings are recommended to beat the crowds and afternoon heat.

Ziplining

Wedding guests who are looking for more of an adrenaline rush may want to try ziplining. Numerous ziplines stretch across the Hawaiian islands, ranging in length and intensity from short and relatively mild to extensive and heart-stopping. Seeing the island’s incredible natural landscape is an indescribable experience in itself, but zooming through it in the air on a wire takes matters to an entirely new level.

Helicopter Tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopter

If you’d like to see Hawaii from the air but prefer a less intense experience than ziplining, a helicopter tour may be more your speed. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter is the area’s leading helicopter tour company. Their fleet is built with comfort in mind and designed to maximize the view of the landscape. A range of tour packages is available for guests to choose from.

Horseback Riding in Waipi’o Valley (Waipio Valley is temporarily closed to visitors)

People may not often associate horseback riding with Hawaii, but it’s certainly an option to consider. It’s a wonderful way to see the valleys and volcanoes of the island as well as all the lovely scenery in between. As an alternative to hiking, the horses do all the work while they simply allow humans to come along for the ride.

Custom Tattoos by Local Hawaiian Artists

Those who want to veer off of the beaten path may even be interested in stopping by Ka’eo Hawaii Tattoo and Creative Studio. Talented local artists offer a practically endless lineup of traditional and customized body art. It’s the perfect place for guests who want permanent tokens of their Hawaiian getaways or reminders of memorable experiences in their lives.

Sightseeing Destinations for Guests to Visit

At least a little time should be set aside for sightseeing during any Hawaiian getaway. Destination weddings are certainly no exception. With some of the world’s most breathtaking sights, there’s no shortage of options to fill your free time.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

On the southern portion of the island, visitors can tour Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It consists of more than 330,000 acres of natural wonder, complete with volcanoes, lava flows, volcanic craters, steam vents, and ancient petroglyphs. Some fun activities for wedding guests to participate in include hiking and lava tube tours. It’s an eye-opening excursion to say the least, and staying all day is advised to get the full experience.

Akaka Falls

Akaka Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in all of Hawaii. The tumbling waters cascade off of an incredible 422-foot drop, eclipsing some of the island’s other waterfalls by a considerable margin. While you can visit this destination at any time, mornings during the summer months are recommended for the best lighting.

Waipi’o Valley Lookout

We’ve already mentioned riding horses through Waipi’o Valley, but that’s only one of the popular ways for your wedding guests to enjoy this beautiful area. Being the childhood home of King Kamehameha I, this area holds a great deal of cultural, religious, and political significance for locals. Visitors can hike through the valley, take guided tours, and relish the breathtaking scenery. One of its most renowned sights is another waterfall - the island’s tallest waterfall, Hiilawe Falls - and venturing up to the Waipi’o Valley Lookout gives you a unique view of all the surrounding beauty.

Mauna Kea Summit

One of Hawaii’s active volcanoes, Mauna Kea is another popular spot for tourists to visit. It’s a wonderful place to view the surreal sunset and go stargazing. In fact, it’s such a magnificent stargazing venue that several countries have established high-powered telescopes there. It’s important to mention that protests over the construction of a sizable telescope may put a damper on a trip to the peak. The altitude is quite high, and the thin air is not suitable for children under 16 or those with heart conditions.

Photos from the Summit of Mauna Kea:

Photography by Beach Glass Weddings

Appreciate the Local Cuisine

In addition to all those possibilities, guests on the Big Island of Hawaii obviously need to stop for food from time to time. Fortunately, there are numerous establishments to choose from, each of which offers a range of local cuisine, fresh seafood, and other culinary delights. Though there’s an endless array of dining opportunities here, below are some of the favorites among locals and visitors alike. Note is that many local restaurants are small, so be prepared to wait for a table during peak weekend dining hours. We suggest planning ahead to find an activity to pass the time while you wait. Go for a walk along a nearby beach, visit a shop next door or explore the area and the time is sure to fly right by.

Kona Style’s Private Dinner Cruise

If you’re looking for a unique dining experience for family, close friends, or members of your wedding party, a private dinner cruise with Kona Style may be the answer. This company offers a selection of customizable private boat charters as well as an array of menu options for people to enjoy.

Hayashi’s Sushi

This small sushi place is a local favorite, but it’s not your typical dining experience. This restaurant is takeout-only, and orders are accepted only through phone. You’ll need to place your order 1-2 hours before you actually want to eat, so be sure to plan ahead. If you can navigate these minor eccentricities, you will be rewarded with some of the best sushi Hawaii has to offer at some of the most reasonable prices around.

Kenichi Pacific

A not-to-be-missed eatery, Kenichi Pacific offers a unique range of Japanese/Pacific Rim fusion cuisine. Sushi, sashimi, duck confit, lamb, and steak are only a few of the available options. It also has the area’s best-loved happy hour. Those who frequent this establishment recommend arriving no later than 4:30PM to be in time for happy hour. Once the happy hour tables are filled, you still have the option of regular dining.

Beach Tree Bar and Lounge

Beach Tree Bar and Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai is another popular dining experience on the Big Island. It’s a casual establishment where you can lounge in an open-air dining area or enjoy craft cocktails and delicious food on the beach. The menu has been described as Californian with an Italian twist, and local favorites are available as well.

Ulu Ocean Grill

Also part of the Four Seasons Resort, Ulu Ocean Grill is a favorite among visitors. Here, you’ll find an array of seafood and other locally sourced ingredients. Most of the dishes on the menu give guests a firsthand taste of island delights prepared using Pan-Asian cooking techniques.

Brown’s Beach House

Fresh seafood, locally grown produce, live music, and inviting atmosphere are words of the day at Brown’s Beach House. This highly sought-after establishment is part of the Fairmont Orchid Resort, and it’s an incredibly popular AAA, four-diamond restaurant with wonderful beachfront views.

Kona Brew Pub

Whether you’re looking for a nice break from sightseeing or a great place to take the wedding party for an outing, Kona Brew Pub is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect spot for wedding guests to enjoy a selection of local craft beer and much more. Founded by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa, Kona Brew Pub reflects the spirit, culture, and beauty of Hawaii. It has also become one of the best-selling craft beer brands in the world.

Umekes

Umekes takes great pride in offering farm-to-table dishes. With the majority of menu items and ingredients being sourced from local farmers, ranchers and fishermen, the cuisine is always fresh and flavorful. Catering is available as well for those who want to make the meal a memorable wedding activity for guests.

A few additional favorite spots are listed below. There’s truly something for everyone in the Big Island’s dining scene!

• Fosters

• Merriman’s

• Canoe House

• Coffee Shack

• Lava Java

• Holuakoa Cafe Shack

• A-Bays (open until midnight!)

Big Island Farmers Markets

Visitors who’d like to sample locally grown favorites before they make their way to nearby restaurants have plenty of options as well. You’ll find a vast selection of incredibly fresh and flavorful produce and other foods at the island’s farmer’s markets. It’s a great place to meet friendly locals and sample the best of Hawaii’s local delicacies.

Making the Most of a Destination Wedding on Hawaii

All these barely scratch the surface of the sights and activities for wedding guests to enjoy in Hawaii. From relaxing couples’ massages on the beach to ziplining through tropical rainforests, the Big Island offers something for everyone. Keep in mind that island life tends to move at a slightly slower pace than that on the mainland, so there’s no need to rush to experience everything. Just relax and let your agenda be inspired by the island and all it holds in store.