Elope in Hawaii

volcanic summit sunrises, lava fields, and tropical rainforest

Hawaii has two national park elopement locations on two separate islands: Haleakala on Maui and Hawaii Volcanoes on the Big Island. Haleakala's summit is one of the most requested sunrise ceremony locations in the country, and the permit competition is real: NPS-issued commercial photography permits fill months ahead. Hawaii Volcanoes offers active lava fields and rainforest with fewer ceremony restrictions outside the most sensitive areas. Plan permits 3 to 6 months in advance for either island.

Elopement Locations in Hawaii

7 location guides covering volcanic summit sunrises, lava fields, and tropical rainforest.

  • Haleakalā National Park: National Park · Year round · Permit: Yes · Fee: $150 non refundable application fee
  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: National Park · Year round · Permit: Yes · Fee: $150 non refundable application fee
  • Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: State Park · Summer (Kalalau Trail accessible May through September) · Permit: Yes · Fee: Hā'ena entry reservation ~$5/person + parking · Beach Use Permit fees set by DLNR, apply via licensed officiant
  • Waimea Canyon State Park: State Park · Year round · Permit: Varies · Fee: Park entry: $5/person non residents, free for residents. Parking: $10/vehicle non residents. Special Use Permit ceremony fee not publicly listed, contact DLNR Kauai directly.
  • Waiʻānapanapa State Park: State Park · Year round · Permit: Yes · Fee: DLNR Special Use Permit fee not published online, contact DLNR.DSP.Permits@hawaii.gov. Non resident entry $5 per person plus $10 parking per vehicle (residents free with Hawaii ID). Commercial vehicles priced separately ($25 to $90 by passenger count). Timed entry reservation also required via gowaianapanapa.com.
  • Pololū Valley: State Park · Year round · Permit: Yes
  • Diamond Head State Monument: State Park · Year round · Permit: Yes · Fee: $5/person entry (non residents). Parking fees apply. Special Use Permit ceremony fee not publicly listed, contact DLNR Oahu directly.

Permit Guides for Hawaii

Hawaii Marriage License

Hawaii works differently from every other US state. You do NOT go to a county clerk's counter. The full workflow: (1) apply online at emrs.ehawaii.gov and pay $65 ($60 application + $5 portal); (2) save your Authorization Code / Locator ID; (3) within 30 days of your ceremony, meet a licensed marriage performer / agent in person to pick up the license; both partners together, no proxies; (4) performer returns the signed license to DOH within 3 business days after the ceremony. No waiting period, no witnesses required, no blood test.

  • License fee: $65
  • Wait period: None
  • Witnesses required: None
  • License valid for: 30 days