Have you ever wondered when is the best time of year to plan your Hawaii elopement or honeymoon? You are not alone. This is one of the questions I often get asked! There are so many things to think about when choosing the perfect time to come to Hawaii for your elopement or honeymoon. Although Hawaii is beautiful all year round, here is a list of a few things to keep in mind when choosing the time of year you plan to visit.
How to plan the best time of year for your Hawaii elopement
Creating the perfect Hawaii elopement takes a little planning, but it’s always worth it. You just need to understand a little bit about Hawaii.
The Seasons
While the weather is mild all year round, (temperatures around the mid-70s to mid-80s) there are some things to note! If you are coming to Hawaii, expect some rain while you visit. We get rainfall year-round, which helps keep our island green and beautiful! In the summer, the weather is warmer and can be more muggy. We do get hurricanes and summer tropical storms during this time as well. The winter months in Hawaii are November – February, with slightly cooler temperatures and consistent rainfall.
I always tell my couples to prepare for all sorts of different weather conditions and to fully embrace it! Your elopement or couples shoot will be beautiful no matter what type of weather we have. There’s a saying in the Hawaiian language, “When the sky weeps, the Earth lives,” or Uwe ka lani, ola ka honua. The rain is what keeps our islands so lush and green and is considered a blessing, especially on wedding days. If you are lucky, we may even experience a beautiful rainbow after a storm, which often becomes the highlight of our shoots!
Unpredictable weather
The weather is really unpredictable here since we are small islands. The forecast is also known to not be the most reliable, and things can change in an instant. We can go from sunny clear skies to downpour and back to sunny hot skies. There have been times when I see multiple rainbows every day for weeks! We also do have trade winds, which keep the temperature consistent. It can get really windy, especially on the exposed beaches and cliff sides, which makes fun pictures! My best advice- have fun and go with whatever weather Hawaii gives us. It is always beautiful no matter what!
Avoid The Peak Times For Your Hawaii Elopement
If possible, it is best to avoid peak times of the year! This will allow you to have more privacy during your trip and let you really enjoy everything we have to offer here on the islands.
Peak seasons include:
- Winter holidays, mid-December to mid-January
- Spring breaks
- Thanksgiving weekend
- Summer breaks
- Holiday weekends
Pick A Weekday
Weekdays are best for fewer crowds for elopements or couples shoots. So if you are planning a full week here, make sure to book your session during the week if you want to avoid the crowds. If you decide on a weekend for your elopement, the early morning can be a great time to help you avoid the large crowds. The beaches and parks will be less busy in the mornings, and you will have more privacy to enjoy your ceremony. This also means you don’t need to share your ceremony space and say your vows with crowds around.
In the end, you are going to have a magical elopement or honeymoon in Hawaii no matter what time of year you decide to come. But if you are able to be flexible with your schedule, keeping these few tips in mind will help with planning the best time of year and day to plan your day. If you are planning an elopement or couples shoot in Hawaii, make sure to get in touch! I would love to hear about your vision for your upcoming photo session and see how we can work together to make it a beautiful reality for you!
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