Destination Weddings with a Hawaiian Vibe (not in Hawaii!)

Hawaii is a gorgeous place to get married! However, if you’re from the Midwest or East Coast, there are closer (and lower-cost) destination wedding venues with a Hawaiian vibe perfect for your big day! We know lots about destination weddings and elopements (and we have our own refined process to make your day exceptional). Read further to find venue ideas, hotel options, and the perfect almost-Hawaiian wedding location.

One more thing to note: if you’re looking for an all-inclusive resort for your guests to enjoy, Hawaii doesn’t have much to offer. You’ll have an easier time finding one in the Caribbean, where they’re plentiful.

Costa Rica’s Hawaiian Vibe

Just as Hawaii is known for endless beach views, spectacular sunsets, and awe-inspiring national parks, Costa Rica is also known for tropical landscapes and protected parks and wildlife. Visit Las Baulas National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Cathedral Point, Morazan Park, and the famous Arenal Volcano. 

Venues/Resorts: 

• Casa Puros Dieces – intimate wedding
• Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort – beachfront garden ceremony and seaside restaurant
• Los 3B’s Villa at Manuel Antonio National Park Estates – private waterfall!
• Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo – overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo and Culebra Bay
• Riu Palace Costa Rica – All-inclusive 
• Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica – All-inclusive with mountain and jungle views 
• Los Stenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort – complimentary bride and groom suite
• Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen – 16th-century colonial hacienda next to a coffee plantation
• Arenal Nayara – private gardens and large-screened rooms overlooking the forest
• El Mangroove – only twenty minutes from Liberia International Airport 

Hawaiian-like Excursions and Activities: 

• Surfing
• Snorkeling by the coral reef
• Golf
• Zip lining
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Rafting
• Scuba diving
• Spas
• Bird watching and wildlife – huge turtles and howler monkeys
• Playa Jaco – famous 2-mile beach
• Private hot springs
• Thermal mineral pools
• Volcano Tours
• Rio Celeste (Blue Volcanic River) 
• Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
• Relaxing beaches
• So many hiking trails! (see the National Park list above!)
• Waterfalls (El Salto is gorgeous)

Los Cabos Destination Wedding

Another amazing destination wedding location with a Hawaiian vibe, Los Cabos is beautiful!

Venues/Resorts: 

• The Cape a Thompson Hotel – luxurious and romantic!
• Cabo Surf Hotel & Spa – views of San Jose Bay
• Sunset Monalisa – sunset terraces (duh!)
• Flora Farms – 25-acre organic farm for farm-to-table dining and barn wedding
• Nobu Hotel – professional event planners and a complimentary anniversary stay
• Hotel El Ganzo – hello rose-petal turndown!
• Solaz Luxury Resort – nine event halls to choose from
• Acre Baja – treehouse hotel?! Yes please!
• Hyatt Ziva – wedding gazebo and open-air reception
• Riu Hotel – five wedding packages
• Dreams Los Cabos – Tropical views of the Sea of Cortez

Hawaiian-like Excursions and Activities: 

• The Arch/Land’s End – where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean
• Surfing
• Kayaking
• Whale Watching
• Horseback Riding
• Lazy days on the beach
• Sunsets galore! 
• Rooftop infinity pools
• Spas

Hawaiian-Like Destination Wedding: The Bahamas 

Only a short plane ride from Florida, The Bahamas offers stunning sunsets, breathtaking landscapes, and five-star resorts with a Hawaiian vibe. You can hang out on the beach or take a swim in the Atlantic Ocean for a destination wedding you won’t forget! 

Venues/Resorts: 

• Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma – Adults Only Resort
• Sandals Royal Bahamian in Nassau – Adults Only Resort
• Breezes Resort – All-inclusive 
• Rosewood Baha Mar – private beach!

Hawaiian-like Excursions and Activities: 

• 700 islands! 
• Endless water sports like scuba diving
• Coco Plum Beach
• Thunderball Grotto underwater cave near Exuma
• Private offshore islands

Saint Lucia’s Hawaiian Vibe

Perfect for a tropical destination wedding with many all-inclusive resorts and breathtaking hiking trails, Saint Lucia is an excellent alternative to a Hawaiian wedding location. Plus, how much fun would it be to plan a group excursion to a volcano?! You can do that here!

Venues/Resorts: 

• Sandals Regency La Toc – crescent-shaped beach
• Sandals Grande St. Lucian – over the water bungalows!
• Sandals Halcyon Beach – Adults Only, All-inclusive
• Jade Mountain Resort – Celestial Terrace ceremony or beach ceremony
• Sugar Beach Resort – rainforest wedding!
• Margot Bay Resort and Marina – catamaran ceremony

Hawaiian-like Excursions and Activities: 

• Volcanic tours – including drive-in volcano tours
• Anse Chastanet Beach – famous black sand beach!
• Anse La Raye Falls
• Sault Falls
• Barre de L’Isle Trail
• Tet Paul Nature Trail
• Gros Piton Nature Trail
• Petit Piton Trail
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Bird watching – be on the lookout for the national parrot Amazona Versicolor
• Sulphur springs and mud baths 

Hawaiian Vibe with a Twist: Grenada

Granada includes amazing waterfalls that are similar to the ones in Hawaii. With a Spanish twist, this could be just what you want for your destination wedding! 

Venues/Resorts: 

• Sandals Grenada – All-inclusive resort
• Carmen de los Chapiteles – private garden ceremony
• La Chumbera – terrace wedding
• Marriott Palacio de Santa Paula Hotel
• Hacienda Senorio de Nevada – wineyard garden ceremony

Hawaiian-like Excursions and Activities: 

• Shipwreck tours – King Mitch, Rhum Runner, and the Buccaneer
• Snorkeling in the coral reef
• Grenada Underwater Sculpture Park
• Concord Falls
• Seven Sister Falls
• Royal Mount Carmel Waterfalls
• Annandale Falls 

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There are so many Hawaiian alternatives for your destination wedding! Other locations that have a Hawaiian vibe for your destination wedding include Antigua and Barbados. Ask us about your dream Hawaiian vibe destination wedding! 

Looking for more destination wedding planning tips? We’ve got your back!  Click here to read more of our blogs that will help you. And, if you’re ready to find your destination wedding photographer, contact us! We offer photo and video services, no travel fees, and custom collections for every single one of our couples. We can help make your dream wedding day come true.