Planning your Hawaii destination wedding is no easy task from far away especially if you’ve never been to Hawaii. Couples seek my advice as to which beaches are best. Most want to get away from the hubbub of Waikiki and I couldn’t agree more. Often asked which are my favorite beaches for weddings, I’ll also be coming out with an eBook for you all to download with extra images and video!

Today we head out of town and head to the North Shore beach of Ke’iki. What make this one of my favorite beaches, is that it’s secluded and concealed area hidden on a residential street and mostly only known to locals. I’ve seen only about 5-6 groups spread out so having your ceremony here will most likely be uninterrupted by people walking by or gawking.

Entering the public beach access by the Ke’iki Beach Bungalows, you’ll walk up a small incline where you’re met by stairs which you’re greeted with lava rock to your left and a vast sandy beach with blue waters for as long as the eye can see. Start your ceremony about 1.5 hours before sunset is ideal.  I’ll usually then take you for some portrait around the beach and water and then head over the lava rock for sunset. There is also a retaining wall which houses various graffiti so sometimes it works, sometime it doesn’t. All depends on what is there.

If you’re having a small wedding with a few guests, it’s advised to carpool as parking is limited and be sure that all your guests are comfortable walking in heavy sand.  I also recommend wearing slippers (flip flops) or non-high heel shoes. As the sand is heavy and getting on the lava rock is uneven surface and I usually will pose you bare foot.

Jeannemarie is Hawaii’s Premier Destination wedding photographer. She is based out of Honolulu, Ohu and Wailea, Maui and is available to travel to any of our amazing Hawaiian Islands to photograph your special day.