Top 8 Reasons to Get Married on Kauai

There are MANY reasons the Garden Island of Kauai is alternately dubbed, “the Wedding Island” and has been the chosen wedding spot for thousands of couples. These are just a few:

1. Unblemished BeachesIf saying “I do” to the sound of the surf is your idea of heaven, you’ve come to the right place. Kauai is home to beautiful, unblemished beaches — many of them quiet, secluded and perfect for an intimate exchange of vows. (Better yet, public beaches and parks are available free of charge — but may require a permit to occupy. Check with the County of Kauai for information.) A few sand-strewn suggestions:• LUMAHAI BEACH — Talk about magical…The musical, “South Pacific,” was filmed along this superb stretch of sand on the North Shore, where Mitzi Gaynor “washed that man right of her hair.” Remember Bali Hai rising in the distance? You’ll find it here, at Kauai’s most photographed beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the highway. The given name of “Bali Hai” is actually Mt. Makana.• MAHAULEPU BEACH — You’re likely to find this romantic beach on the south shore quiet and largely uninhabited. Getting there is a bit of an adventure. A dirt road will take you to a security shack where you’ll be asked to show ID and sign a liability release before continuing on to private property. The payoff? A good possibility of your own private piece of golden beach or sea cliff.• POLIHALE BEACH — This remote expanse of shimmering sand, translated as “home of the spirits” in Hawaiian, is framed by dramatic cliffs. Located on the west end of the famed Na Pali coastline, this state park houses picnic facilities and restrooms.• SHIPWRECK BEACH — Even the name sounds exotic, inspiring images of swashbucklers and buried treasure. Located on Keoneloa Bay, Shipwreck Beach is one of the biggest in Poipu and particularly suited to stunning wedding photos, especially with rocky Makawehi Point in the background. Several beautiful resorts lie conveniently near its sunny shores.• POIPU BEACH — Plenty of sunshine, cool trades and soft white sand make this south shore location a favorite with travelers. Rated a “top beach in America,” this sweep of shimmering shoreline is perfect for pictures, especially at sunset, and is conveniently located near Poipu resorts. The adjacent Poipu Beach Park, also encompassing Brennecke Beach, has an expanse of green lawn, towering palms, and picnic and rest facilities.• LYDGATE BEACH PARK — This beach on Kauai’s Coconut Coast seems to have it all: more than two miles of golden sand, grassy spaces nearby, picnic pavilions, shade trees, rest facilities PLUS a playground! (Keep that young ring bearer or flower girl happy!)• WAIPOULI BEACH or ALA KUKUI POINT — Head to Kauai’s east side for this picturesque garden setting: palm trees, a profusion of flowers, white sand and mountains rising in the background.• KE’E BEACH — Considered “the place” to watch the sun set on Kauai’s North Shore, this stunning beach boasts a lava peak that trails into the sea and emerald mountains beyond the beach. Consider an early, weekday wedding at this popular and often-busy beach.• HANALEI BAY — Situated at the foot of a sheer cliff and bordered by a rocky point, picturesque Hanalei Bay is renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty. The sandy beach wraps around a shoreline at different times of the year calm and surf-strewn, but always lovely. The Pier at Hanalei is another option, promising magnificent memories and photos.• PRINCEVILLE BEACH — This lovely spot on the celebrated North shore offers a white sand beach and Mt. Makana (”Bali Hai”) as a backdrop.

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