Tucked away in a quiet community in East Oahu, Waimanalo Beach is a spacious and serene location for an Oahu beach wedding. This is one of our favorite locations for a ceremony, and we’re excited to share what makes a Waimanalo Beach wedding so special!

Waimanalo Beach is a vast 3 miles long white sand beach on Oahu’s east-facing shore. This beach is beautiful in it’s entirety, but our preferred wedding location is the area known as Sherwood Forest. This area not only has epic beach backdrops but also a lush natural forest. We will guide you to the location and instruct you on where to meet our team. Your photographer will choose the most scenic spot for your ceremony.

Conveniently Located To Waikiki

It typically takes 30-45 minutes to drive from Waikiki to Waimanalo Beach. It’s a nice option if you want to escape the crowds of the resort areas without worrying about a long, stressful drive. There is also plenty of parking and public restrooms, making it an ideal Oahu Beach wedding location for those with guests.

Once you arrive and step out of the shade of the Ironwood trees, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable for a Hawaii beach wedding.

Morning ceremonies are a definite favorite at Waimanalo Beach. The bright turquoise ocean and hues of blue in the sky paint a gorgeous backdrop as you share your nuptials. It also makes a brunch or a sunset luau later in the day fabulous reception options!

All beaches are public and therefore you will always have people on the beach, but the more remote location and size of this beach make it feel very private. It’s easy to claim your own little corner of the beach and have no one nearby.

Even on days that the clouds paint the sky, Waimanalo offers a beautiful setting for your Oahu beach wedding. We do have rain at this location from time to time, but in reality, we could say that about every location. Don’t ever let a little bit of rain ruin your day!

After your ceremony at Waimanalo Beach, it’s an easy drive back to Waikiki, where you can choose the perfect restaurant for your reception!

As you can see in the picture above, the morning offers bright and vibrant colors while sunset timing (pictured below) is very similar but just a bit more subdued.

Highlights About Waimanalo Beach Weddings

• This beach is a convenient drive from Waikiki, and especially close to rentals in Kailua or Waimanalo. If you’re staying in another area, contact us and we can see if it’s the best location for your vision!
• There is no travel fee for a Waimanalo Beach Wedding.
• If you’re looking for Palm Trees and colorful Hawaii sunsets, this beach won’t be the best option for you. If you love the look of white sand and open ocean, then we recommend this spot! There’s also the opportunity for rustic style photos in the trees of Sherwood Forest.

The sun doesn’t set over the ocean at this location so you typically won’t get the vibrant colorful sunset that some people picture for their Oahu wedding photos. It’s still very beautiful but if you are looking for that sunset shot then we’d recommend a beach on the west side of the island.

Whenever you’re considering the best beach location for you Oahu beach wedding, let Waimanalo Beach be at the top of that list!! You can check out more weddings at Waimanalo here!

In this simple guide, you’ll find the best beaches and venues for the ultimate Oahu military wedding. Plus, we’ve included a ton of tips to help make your Big Day experience as easy as possible. From Hawaii military lodging and military discounts to scenic adventures, we’ve got your planning covered!

Oahu has the 4th largest military workforce in the country, with over 20,000 men and women proudly serving our islands. At Simple Oahu Wedding, we honor and deeply value the members and veterans of our armed forces. And to show our appreciation, we offer a 5% discount off of our base Oahu wedding packages! 

Follow along as we go over a handful of our favorite Oahu wedding locations and highlight plenty of military perks!

More Oahu Military Wedding Tips…

Transportation 

While Oahu has a prominent public transportation system, we recommend using it for short trips based in Waikiki only. To get around the island, you’re probably going to want the convenience and flexibility of a rental car.

Hertz has a long history of providing great deals to military personnel. Other companies, including AVIS, also offer military discounts. It doesn’t hurt to shop around. You could also check out MVDC for better offers or browse the Hawaii Military Guide for more tips.

Fashion

• Attire

Unique Vintage offers a 10% military discount on their special online wedding section for women. The Banana Republic also gives a 15% military discount and can be found throughout the island of Oahu.

• Jewelry

Helzberg Diamonds and Tiffany’s offer 10% off engagement rings and wedding bands for active-duty personnel and veterans. On top of that, the Waikiki strip is home to a gorgeous two-story Tiffany’s, both convenient and financially savvy! 

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This guide is just a peek at the beaches and venues we have to offer! As you’re planning your big day, come check out all of our beautiful Oahu wedding locations!

For more information and tips, check out our sister company’s Hawaii Marriage License guide.

Whether you’re stationed here or flying in with Space-A, we want your wedding to be as breezy as our island! Contact us today!

Looking for the perfect Oahu wedding location?

At Simple Oahu Wedding, we believe the Hawaii locale where you get married should be gorgeous yet uncomplicated with a heaping scoop of island style. We’ll help you find the ideal place to get married in Oahu and turn your dream into reality! Just see what our clients have said:

Follow along as we review our Top 10 Places to Get Married in Oahu!

1. Kualoa Ranch Secret Island (Venue)

There are plenty of breathtaking wedding venues on Oahu, but Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island takes the (wedding) cake when it comes to island style. This reserve is so private that you and your guests can only access the beachfront by floating over an ancient fish pond via a Hawaiian fishing boat (Yes, you read that correctly!). Imagine saying “I do” on a tropical beach with just you, your guests, and your special someone digging your toes into the powdery white sand.

Why is Kualoa Ranch in our top 10?

• 100% private
• Seats up to 50 guests
• Sweeping panoramic ocean views
• Movie-worthy valley scapes 
• Beach OR boat ceremony options are available 
• Soft north-east lighting = no harsh shadows
• Ample parking
• Family-owned and operated
• Profits protect Hawaii’s nature and wildlife
• Hawaiian fishing boat… need we say more?

2. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club (Venue)

Although Hawaii beaches tend to get most of the praise, our mountains and jungles can be just as beautiful. Nestled in the lush valleys of Kailua, the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is the perfect venue for nature lovers. Its endless greenery is accented with designer elements, including a pristine pond, stone bridges, and a rugged rock wall. You’ll say “I do” on the manicured lawns overlooking the venue and then venture into the tropical forest to capture unforgettable couples portraits. 

Why is Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in our Top 10?

• Lush backdrops
• Unique Hawaiian experience
• Designer elements
• Golf car ride for jungle photo opt
• Waimanalo Beach photo session if time permits
• Optional on-site reception area
• The greenery you need to see to believe!

3. Paradise Cove Luau (Venue) 

If you dream of getting married on a beautiful beach but also want the convenience of an onsite reception, then Paradise Cove Luau is the ideal Oahu wedding location! Situated on the Leeward side of the island, this stunning location showcases vivid sunsets and glistening seascape views. With a grassy lawn or sandy stretch available for ceremony options, you can decide whether or not to go “toes in the sand” or “shoes on the terrace.” When the sun goes down, you can dive into a traditional Hawaiian luau to celebrate your union right there on the property!   

Why is Paradise Cove Luau in our top 10?

• Two gorgeous ceremony options
• Discounted group rates available for the luau
• Spectacular ocean views
• Sunsets
• Cocktail hour
• Perfect beach for portraits
• Did we mention sunsets?
• Hawaiian Luau reception (With Polynesian fire dancers!) 

4. Papailoa Beach 

It’s impossible to adequately describe the fluid and artistic beauty of Papailoa Beach. With a rocky shoreline draped in soft green algae and a stretch of trees fading into the horizon, walking on this Oahu beach feels like stepping into a masterpiece. Best known as the setting for the TV show Lost, Papailoa Beach offers bright tropical beauty with an unexpectedly refined aesthetic. 

Why is Papailoa Beach in our top 10?

• Lava rock formations
• White sands
• Minutes from Haleiwa town
• Close to restaurants
• Suitable for groups of 15 or less

5. Waimanalo Beach

Rarely crowded, Waimanalo Beach is one of our favorite locations for beach weddings. Its oceanscape features rolling valley backdrops and a seemingly endless stretch of white sands. In the morning light, Waimanalo Beach’s waters glow a vivid aquamarine, while the sky fades into soft pastels during the sunset hours. With plenty of parking and easy access to the shore, this spot is perfect for wedding guests of any age. 

Why is Waimanalo Beach in our top 10?

• Variety of valley and ocean backdrops
• Located near Sea Life Park 
• North shore views
• Aqua blue waters
• Restrooms on site

6. Yokohama (Keawaula) Beach

Resting in the heart of Makaha, Yokohama Beach is a remote white sand beach that’s well worth the travel time! The rocky coastline is encircled by lush mountains and valleys with rolling tides crashing in the ocean backdrop. Resting on the western tip of the island, this Oahu wedding location features vivid sunsets and pastel-soft morning light. 

Why is Yokohama Beach in our top 10?

• White sands
• Restroom facilities
• Endless mountainscapes 
• Remote location
• Vast shore
• Gorgeous sunsets 

7. Kualoa Regional Beach Park 

Bordered by a grassy field, this Oahu wedding location showcases green mountains and a rolling tropical beach. Just off Kaneohe Bay on the northeastern side of the island, Kualoa Regional Beach Park is famous for its striking beauty. Just ⅓ of a mile out from its shoreline, the basalt island of Mokoliʻi (or Chinaman’s Hat) rests in the vivid Hawaiian waters.

Why is  Kualoa Regional Beach Park in our top 10?

• Greenery + Ocean makes for the best of both worlds
• Stunning views of Mokoliʻi
• Variety of palms and trees
• Plenty of parking
• Restrooms on site
• White sands

8. Paradise Cove – Ko’olina Beach

Ko’olina is known for its high-end resorts and accommodations, and although it boasts gorgeous beaches they’re privately owned and inaccessible to the public. Paradise Cove is the single gem in Ko’olina where public weddings are allowed. And what a gem it is! With leggy palms and crystal clear waters, this cove is a must-see! Because it shares its shore with Paradise Cove Luau we recommend morning weddings to avoid dense crowds.  

Why is Paradise Cove – Ko’olina in our top 10?

• Manicured Palms
• Reef with clear waters
• Small parking lot
• Lava rock formations

9. Waialae Beach Park

Conveniently located near Waikiki, this gorgeous beach features plenty of palms, golden sands, and a backdrop of rolling waters. Although this Oahu wedding location is often crowded, it boasts a wide shoreline, and we can usually seek out less populated areas for the ceremony and beautiful photo ops.  

Why is Waialae Beach Park in our top 10?

• Palm trees galore
• A cute man-made island in the backdrop
• Rocky embankments
• Golden sands
• Convenient location
• Easy access
• Great for sunsets or mornings
• Parking lot
• The feeling of classic Waikiki

10. Haleiwa Alii Beach Park

Located near Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s north shore, this rustic beach boasts a lava rock embankment and endless blooms of tropical palms. Haleiwa Alii Beach Park is in the heart of the small plantation town of Haleiwa and features panoramic views of the ocean coast that make for dynamic wedding day photos. 

Why is Haleiwa Alii Beach Park in our top 10?

• White sands
• Near tourist locations like Turtle Bay Resort
• Rolling tide
• Variety of greenery
• Great for sunset and morning weddings

Thinking of booking one of these gorgeous Oahu beaches or venue wedding locations? Come check out our beautiful Oahu wedding packages to keep your Hawaii wedding planning simple and stress-free. 

Jessica & Jonathan’s Oahu beach elopement was easygoing and beautiful, just as they hoped it would be! There may have been a bit of rain, but it was nothing like the downpour that their hometown of Georgia had been under. Their Special Day was a tropical reprieve from the drenching weather. The clouds cleared briefly during the ceremony and the result was a sky filled with a beautiful gradient of grays and teals.

Our couple’s love story begins with the roar of an engine. Jonathon owns a commercial tire shop and Jessica owns a dump truck business… it was a match made in paradise! Or maybe a match made in the automotive industry and a wedding made in paradise! Jessica had frequented Jonathan’s shop for almost two decades, and when the time was right, these two turned the keys to start their relationship! Two years later, on Jessica’s 40th birthday, Jonathan asked her to spend forever with him, and the rest of the story is below!

How good looking is this pair? We love the Southern charm they brought to the shore of Waimanalo. Hawaii has its own rich history of cowboys (known here as paniolo), and these two are totally pulling off an elegant Oahu Beach Elopement with a rustic country twist! Keep scrolling for all the beautiful shots!

Mahalo nui loa, Jessica & Jonathan, for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to coordinate your Oahu Beach Elopement. We wish you all the happiness and love in the years to come…

Session Details

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Bay Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Maui Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Kahu Kawena

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair and Makeup: Reveal

Come see another recent Oahu wedding: From Desert to Paradise ~ Rebecca & Robert’s Oahu Destination Wedding

A misty cloud draped over the island, but the ocean still glowed a luminous aquamarine as Karen and Andrew said: “I do.” We love how Oahu beach weddings can be gentle and untamed at the same time. The ocean was roaring, but the sand was as soft as ever beneath our couple’s toes. And the mist on the horizon created a gorgeous fade-effect along the valley peaks.

Karen & Andrew flew out of a 30 degree Chicago cold-snap, so an overcast day in Oahu was plenty warm for our jet-setting couple. And, of course, it was nothing short of beautiful! Located on the east side of the island, the shoreline of Waimanalo Beach extends for nearly a mile along the windward coast, carving a path between the Watershed Forest Reserve and the crystalline seascape.

Together for over 13 years, Karen & Andrew were excited to tie the knot and make their marriage official… although it was clear from the start that these two have had an unbreakable bond for many years. Just look at the way Andrew takes in the sight of his radiant bride!

Wearing a dusky rose with Greek-inspired draping, Karen is Aphrodite just moments after she stepped from her shell to walk the shore. We can’t get enough of the subtle pops of pink! From her flower crown to her wild bouquet, from her ruffled empire waist to her coral lip, Karen pulls of Boho-chic with an added bonus of color!

How sweet is this shot?! Supported by Andrew’s parents and Karen’s son, our couple was basking in the warmth of love on their Special Day.

And following the big moment, we took advantage of Waimanalo’s wide range of scenery to capture a set of gorgeous Oahu couple’s portraits… keep scrolling for all the beautiful photos!

Mahalo, Karen & Andrew, for trusting us with your beautiful Beach Wedding Photography. We wish you all the best in the years ahead and send our fond Aloha…

Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Maui Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Reverend Kimo Taylor

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair and Makeup: By the Bride!

Come see another ceremony by Simple Oahu Wedding: Hearts Full of Joy ~ Catherine & Brooks’ Oahu Beach Wedding

It was our immense pleasure to help Jenna & Tarek elope in Oahu. This sophisticated couple said “I do” on the white sandy shores of Waimanalo as the gentle morning sun spread across the island.

But it seems as if Fate has paired these two with sandy shores… because it was on a white beach in Mexico when Jenna and Tarek first laid eyes on each other. By sheer chance (and a drop of destiny), they found each other while on vacation… and from their first walk along the beach, they knew it was forever.

And now, on the Hawaiian shoreline and overlooking the oceanfront, Jenna and Tarek’s Oahu beach elopement was bursting with the soft, intimate love of a couple designed to be together.

From their tender expressions to their heartfelt embraces, there was no hiding the sparkling electric current that coursed between these two…

Kahu Kawena Mechler officiated the ceremony with her calm and gracious demeanor. The spirit of her opening chant paired perfectly with the deep, resounding love of our couple.

Donned in a bohemian lace gown, Jenna is the walking embodiment of grace and beauty. Shinning with pride and adoration, her pure joy is luminous and matched only by the soft, sincerity of her devoted groom.

Mahalo nui loa, Jenna & Tarek for trusting Simple Oahu Wedding with your special Hawaii beach elopement. We wish you an abundance of love and plenty of romantic walks in the sand for the years ahead!

Session Details:

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Bay Beach

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography Team

Wedding Planner on Oahu: Vy from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Kahu Kawena

Wedding Florals: Pastel Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Come see more of our gorgeous Oahu beach wedding packages.

Coming from New Mexico, Rebecca and Robert were so excited to get married surrounded by loved ones at their Oahu Destination Wedding! It was especially touching to see our bride’s 14-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter there celebrate with them. Intimate weddings are so sweet to be a part of, and we are so glad we could help plan this couple’s special day!

After the ceremony, it was time to sign the marriage license and make it official! As Rebecca and Robert were sealing the deal, we couldn’t help but smile noticing their guests taking in the beauty of Waimanalo Bay Beach 🙂 . One thing’s for sure, this is a day none of them will forget! We know we sure won’t.

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Thank you, Rebecca and Robert, for sharing your love with us! We are honored to have worked with you for your Oahu destination wedding and wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

Oahu Wedding Package: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Rev. John Fuchigami

Hair & Make-up: Reveal

Oahu Wedding Floral: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Bay Beach 

Time of Day: Evening

View our recent wedding: Tender Moments ~ Alexis & Logan’s Oahu Wedding

We love when our clients decide to have an Oahu Trash the Dress after an Oahu Beach Wedding, because it makes for a truly memorable experience! And Deborah and Zachary’s special day was no exception. For starters their ceremony was truly beautiful as they gathered with their closest loved ones at Waimanalo Bay Beach! But our favorite part about working with these two, was getting to hear the story of how they met and fell in love 🙂 .

Deborah and Zachary’s Love Story

They actually met in the marines! Our bride has been a marine for 18 years and our groom has been in it for 8 years. However they only met 1 year ago! And Zach started saving for a ring within 3 months of meeting Deborah. She knew he was the one after seeing how well he interacted with her twins, Kendra and Jude. Who were both at the wedding and able to participate in the ceremony!

Their Oahu Beach Wedding was all about family and the love they all have for each other! And then the following day our sister company met back up with our newlyweds for an Oahu Trash the Dress session. Which was the perfect way for this couple to start married life!

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Thank you, Deborah and Zachary, for sharing this special time in your life with Simple Oahu Wedding! We seriously had the best time with you both and wish you a lifetime of happiness together. Congratulations and Warm Aloha!

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Oahu Wedding Package: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Trash the Dress Photographer: Mike of Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Floral: Vibrant Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Oahu Officiant: Rev. John Fuchigami

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Bay Beach 

Time of Day: Evening

View our recent wedding: A New Chapter ~ Nikki & Jr’s Oahu Venue Wedding