Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is one of the most iconic places, not just on the Big Island, but in all of Hawaii. Of course the park has two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, but it also has lush rainforests and dramatic sea cliffs! If you’re thinking about having a Volcanoes National Park wedding, this blog will help you know what to expect and how to plan your adventure. But first, a few important things to know:
Permits are required for ceremonies inside the park, and things like weather, volcanic activity, or even nesting wildlife can impact which areas are open or accessible. So, it’s a little more involved than simply showing up and saying your vows.
The good news is that there are lots of ways to include Volcanoes National Park in your wedding day, even if you decide not to hold your ceremony inside the park itself. For most of our couples, that often looks like an adventure session in the park after their ceremony at a separate location. This structure often feels more relaxed and gives you a lot more flexibility in how your day can look.
Keep reading to learn what it’s actually like to get married in Volcanoes National Park, plus tips for permits, logistics, ceremony locations, and how to plan a day that feels intentional and unforgettable.
Volcanoes National Park Wedding: An Overview
- What paperwork is required: You’ll need a special use permit for ceremonies inside the park, plus your Hawaii marriage license.
- Best time of year to elope: Anytime! The park is stunning year-round.
- Sunrise vs. sunset recommendations: Sunrise is perfect for actually seeing the sun. Sunset is ideal for stargazing and, depending on volcanic activity, the chance to see lava glow.
- Timeline: We typically recommend spending around three hours in the park to give you time to explore and enjoy the experience without rushing.
- Who is this best for: Couples looking to add adventure to their day and experience Hawaii in a way that feels immersive, intentional, and uniquely Hawaiian.
Where is Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is located on the southeastern side of the Big Island. The easiest way to get there is to fly into Hilo on the eastern side of the island. From there it’s only about a 45-minute drive to reach the park. If you’re flying into Kona on the western side of the island, it’ll be closer to a two-hour drive. Depending on your travel plans and what else you plan to do on the Big Island will help you decide which route is best.
Can You Get Married in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park?
If you’re dreaming about getting married on a volcano, the good news is that it’s absolutely possible to get married at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park! That said, there are a few logistical permits and rules you’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with ahead of time.
Special Use Permits and Entrance Pass
If you’re hoping to have a ceremony in the park, one of the most important things you’ll need for a Volcanoes National Park wedding is a special use permit. There is a $150 application fee, and you’ll need to include your preferred location, date, and time, as well as the number of participants and vehicles in your group. You can email the form or mail it to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Attn: Commercial Services Office, P.O. Box 52, Hawaii National Park, HI 96718.
In addition to your permit, you’ll also need a park entrance pass. The standard pass costs $30 per vehicle for 7 consecutive days, though there are also additional options that cover all of Hawaii’s parks or all U.S. national parks. To learn more about entrance fees, visit the Volcanoes National Park Fees & Passes page.
Rules and Regulations
Beyond the permit, there are a few important rules to keep in mind. This includes no plants or floral setups, a limit of one table and 12 chairs, and leaving the ceremony site exactly as you found it. Guest count is capped at 15 people, and drones are not allowed for photography. You can learn more on the special use permit page.
The Best Places for a Volcanoes National Park Wedding
If you want to have your ceremony in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, you’ll need to stick to specific approved locations. These ceremony sites tend to be very accessible, which is great if you’re including elderly grandparents, small children, or anyone with mobility considerations.
Approved ceremony locations include:
- Kīlauea Overlook
- Kīlauea lki Overlook
- Kūpina‘i Pali (Waldron’s Ledge)
- Hilina Pali Overlook
- Kīpukapuaulu (aka Bird Park)
- Hōlei Pali Overlook
- Pit crater overlooks
These sites include lookouts with expansive crater views, locations tucked into the forest, and even a few spots with ocean views.
Adventure Portraits During Your Volcanoes National Park Wedding
Beyond the park’s official ceremony sites, there are plenty of beautiful portrait locations throughout the park! The best part about these locations is that you don’t need a special use permit for photography. Most of these spots are also fairly accessible, with shorter walks, gentle terrain, and easy access in wedding attire, so you don’t need to plan anything overly strenuous if you don’t want to.
One of the most iconic portrait locations is the Hōlei Sea Arch, a stunning lava rock arch extending out into the ocean.
Uēkahuna Overlook is another incredible option, with sweeping views of the landscape and, on rare occasions, the chance to see volcanic activity.
No matter what location(s) you choose, one thing to know about Volcanoes National Park is that, because it’s a national park, it tends to attract more visitors, so these popular trails can get busy. If you’re looking for something that feels a little more intimate for your elopement, we’ve got you. We know plenty of lesser-known spots (both inside and outside the park) that are still beautiful and accessible, but offer a quieter, more private feel for your day.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Volcanoes National Park?
Volcanoes National Park is a great place to visit year-round. The weather stays fairly consistent all throughout the year, but there is a huge elevation range extending from sea level all the way up to 13,680 feet at the summit of Mauna Loa. This means conditions can shift quite a bit depending on where you are in the park!
At the higher elevations around the craters and rainforest areas, the weather is typically mild, with highs around 70°F. On certain days it can feel cloudy and moody, with a classic cloud-forest atmosphere.
Down closer to the coast, it’s more often in the 80s and sunny, with deep blue ocean views and dramatic black lava cliffs.
Rainfall and Weather Patterns
Being on the east side of the island, this area can be a bit wetter and rainier than the west side. As your Big Island elopement photographers, we’ll keep a close eye on the weather and stay in communication with you leading up to your day so we can adjust plans if needed.
Sunrise vs. Sunset
One of the questions we get most is whether you should visit the park at sunrise or sunset. Both sunrise and sunset are special in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park in their own way. Since the park is on the east side of the island, sunrise is especially beautiful as you get to watch the sun ascend from the ocean.
Sunset, on the other hand, can be just as special because, once it gets dark, you can often see the Milky Way and take advantage of incredible astrophotography conditions. And if you’re lucky enough to witness lava activity, the darkness can really bring out that glowing orange crater light.
Volcanic Activity Considerations
Speaking of lava activity, both Mauna Loa and Kīlauea are active volcanoes, so it’s not uncommon to experience volcanic activity in the park. In fact, it can make your day feel even more unique if you happen to see lava flows or an eruption!
Still, if there is volcanic activity, it’s important to pay attention to signage from the park service and never enter closed areas. Air quality can also fluctuate, so it’s something to be mindful of if you’re sensitive to smoke or lower air quality conditions. To learn more about the volcanoes’ activity, you can visit the National Park Service volcanic activity webpage.
Things to Consider When Planning Your Volcanoes National Park Wedding
Once you’ve decided when and where to elope in Volcanoes National Park, it’s time to start planning your day-of experience.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Volcanoes National Park During My Wedding?
We typically recommend spending around three hours inside Volcanoes National Park during your wedding day. In our experience, that is enough time to really experience the park, take in a bit of adventure, and capture meaningful photos without feeling rushed. It also leaves space in your day to explore other locations nearby, helping your wedding feel more varied and memorable.
Driving Inside the Park
Most of the main attractions are located near the entrance along Crater Rim Road, which makes it easy to access spots like Kīlauea Overlook, lava tubes, and steam vents without spending too much time in the car.
If you’re looking for something a bit more scenic and remote, Chain of Craters Road is a beautiful drive that stretches 18.8 miles from the entrance station down to the Hōlei Sea Arch along the coastline.
Hiking in Volcanoes National Park
If you’re hoping to include a hike in your wedding day, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has some great options. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Kīlauea Iki Trail: This trail highlights the layered beauty of the park, starting in lush rainforest and ending across a crater floor.
- Nāhuku (Thurston Lava Tube) Trail: A short walk that takes you through a lava tube formed by flowing molten lava.
- Halemaʻumaʻu Sulfur Banks Trail & Crater Rim Trail Loop: A route that takes you past sulfur deposits and steam vents for a closer look at the park’s volcanic activity.
Of course these are just a few of the hiking trails available in the park. Once we start planning together, we’ll help you choose the best hike for your wedding day so everything feels aligned with your preferences!
Combining the Park With Other Big Island Locations
We always think it’s a great idea to pair Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park with other Big Island locations for your wedding day.
One of our favorite spots to recommend is Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach. In fact, it’s often where we suggest couples hold their ceremony. Compared to the logistics of a national park ceremony, it’s a lot more straightforward. All you need is a simple $20 Wiki permit, and you’re good to go.
It’s also a stunning location in its own right, with dramatic black sand, ocean views, and often sea turtles along the shoreline. From there, you can head into Volcanoes National Park for your adventure photos and explore the landscapes at a more relaxed pace!
Since Hilo is nearby, you can also build in time for a sit-down meal or simply spend a bit of time experiencing the town. The beauty of a Big Island wedding is that you’re not limited to just one location, and there are plenty of ways to shape the day so it feels like you.
To take a look at some of our other favorite spots on the island, check out our guide on how to elope on the Big Island!
Where to Stay Near Volcanoes National Park
We always recommend couples choose their accommodations based on their ceremony location. Whether your ceremony is taking place within the national park, or at a nearby location, here are a few of our favorite accommodation options.
Volcano Village
If you want to stay right by the park, Volcano Village is your closest option. It’s just about five minutes from the park entrance and has a fun, quirky, artsy feel. You’ll find cozy lodges and unique bed and breakfasts here, making it a great option if you want something a little more one-of-a-kind.
Hilo
Located about 45 minutes from the park entrance, Hilo is a great area to stay if you want to be close to the national park while still having access to a proper town. Accommodations here tend to feel more unique as well, with jungle lodges, treehouses, and other memorable stays.
Kona
Kona is on the opposite side of the island from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and is about a 2-hour drive from the park. If you don’t mind the drive, though, this side of the island offers more resorts, high-end dining, and a more tourist-friendly, resort-style vibe.
Airbnbs
No matter which side of the island you choose to stay, we love encouraging couples to consider unique Airbnbs during their Volcanoes National Park wedding. Some of our favorites include a tiny home on a lava field, this tropical treehouse, and this Scandinavian-style cabin. Also, the Big Island is generally more flexible with Airbnbs compared to other islands, which makes it easier to book a spot with your friends and family if you want a more communal vibe.
What to Wear for a Volcanoes National Park Wedding
Weather and Rain
Since Hawaii is a tropical island, rain is always a possibility. While we’ll be watching the forecast leading up to your Volcanoes National Park wedding, it’s always a good idea to pack some rain gear, including a light rain jacket or clear umbrellas.
Clothing and Fabrics
Because you’ll be moving around in formalwear, it’s helpful to choose pieces that feel flexible and easy to move in rather than overly stiff. Think linen suits, chiffon, and other lightweight, flowy fabrics. It can also be fun to choose colors that stand out against the earthy tones of the park if that’s the look you’re going for!
Footwear
For footwear, we almost always recommend sturdier shoes or flats over heels. Even though many areas in the park are accessible, you’ll likely still be walking on uneven trails or rocky terrain, so you’ll want to wear something that you feel comfortable doing a bit of walking in!
Cultural Respect and Leave No Trace Principles
Respecting Sacred Land
When you have a Volcanoes National Park wedding, it’s especially important to move through the land with respect for the landscapes, people, and culture. The lands protected within this national park hold deep significance for Native Hawaiians and also preserve much of the island’s ranching history.
When visiting the park, be mindful of Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, especially when observing eruptions or exploring sacred areas, and always ask for permission before taking photos or videos of any ceremonies.
Practicing Leave No Trace
It’s essential to practice Leave No Trace during your Volcanoes adventure elopement. That includes staying on designated trails, packing out everything you bring in (even things like banana peels and apple cores), and not picking or removing anything from the landscape.
To learn more about best practices, you can read about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.
Volcanoes National Park Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have guests at your ceremony?
Yes, up to 15 guests are allowed at a Volcanoes National Park wedding ceremony. It’s important to note that only 12 chairs and one table are permitted unless an exception is granted. If you’re hoping to include more people in your wedding, choosing a less restrictive location outside the park, like Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach, can be a great option.
Can a non-resident get married in Hawaii?
Non-residents and foreign visitors can absolutely get married in Hawaii! The marriage license process is the same for everyone, which keeps things pretty straightforward. You’ll fill out the online application, meet with an agent with a valid ID, pay the $60 application fee and $5 administrative fee, and then pick up your license. Once you have it, you’ll have 30 days to get married. You can visit the Hawaii marriage license webpage to learn more.
Can you get married near active lava?
While your ceremony needs to take place in designated locations, some approved areas do offer views where you may be able to see active lava depending on conditions. This can include spots like Kīlauea Overlook and Kūpina‘i Pali (Waldron’s Ledge).
What happens if it rains heavily?
When it comes to weather, we’ll keep you updated in the days leading up to your wedding so you know what to expect. If the forecast doesn’t look favorable, we’ll talk through options to pivot. We’ll always stay in close communication and adjust plans as needed so you still have the best possible experience, even if the weather shifts.
A Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park wedding is a one-of-a-kind experience. With active lava flows, rainforests, and dramatic coastlines all within the same park, there’s an incredible range of landscapes to explore in one place. It’s a meaningful way to step into the spirit of Hawaii on your wedding day and create something you’ll never forget!
When it comes to getting married in Hawaii, we offer a range of packages designed to support you through the entire experience. No matter what you choose, you’ll have access to planning support, help with permits, and a detailed Hawaii elopement guide to walk you through everything step by step.
You can explore our Hawaii elopement packages here, and when you’re ready, reach out to us! We can’t wait to help bring your Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park wedding to life.