Waialae Beach is a short distance from Waikiki and is known for all its iconic palm trees, making it one of our popular Oahu wedding locations.
Details:
- Location: South Shore, 10 minutes from Waikiki.
- Available: 7 days a week, 8:00 am-6:00 pm.
- Recommended for up to 30 guests.
- Decor: No Arches and Chairs. Runways are available 7 days a week.
- Recommendation: Lighting is great throughout the day.
Ceremony Considerations at Waialae Beach
The ceremony is held on the beach with the ocean as the backdrop. (If you’re interested in having your ceremony on a lawn next to the ocean, especially for larger groups, check out Magic Island.)
Following the ceremony, we take the couple along the beach for a variety of photos.
Waialae Beach is relatively small compared to some of our other beach ceremony locations, like Sandy Beach. It’s located right next to the Waialae Country Club and Kahala Resort.
There are far fewer people here than at most beaches in the Waikiki area, making Waialae Beach one of our more popular choices for convenience, beauty, and seclusion. It’s a shallow, rocky sea floor, meaning fewer people use Waialae Beach as a swimming location.
The palm trees and beach make for the perfect tropical backdrop for your ceremony. If you’d like more decor, the Runway Setups are available at this location seven days a week, as long as it’s not a holiday.
Note: As with all of our locations, we need to obtain a beach permit, which makes us legally liable. Due to these regulations, we cannot work with outside vendors.
Photo Considerations for Waialae Beach
Waialae Beach is on Oahu’s South Shore and is excellent almost anytime! Morning through the afternoon, there’s plenty of light for vibrant colors. Late afternoon is a great time for softer lighting. Although you cannot see the sunset from this location, if you’re lucky, you may get sunset colors in the sky during that time of day.
The iconic palm trees, grassy areas, bridge, and sandy beach offer various photo opportunities. Many of our couples like how “Hawaii” the photos look, and we must agree!
Logistical Considerations at Waialae Beach
Waialae Beach is very close to Waikiki, about 15-20 minutes from almost any hotel in the area. Most couples stay in Waikiki, so this is a convenient option. For couples staying at the Kahala Resort, you’re practically at the ceremony location!
If being as close as possible to your Waikiki hotel is important, a Waikiki Beach wedding may be an option to explore.
As mentioned, it isn’t a huge beach, so Waialae is best suited for couples expecting 30 or fewer guests.
There is a small free parking lot, but you’d need to look for nearby street parking if the lot is full. You’re all set if you’re booking a package with a limo. Couples without a limo or rental car may consider a taxi/Uber a convenient way to get there. For your guests, provide transportation for them, recommend a taxi/Uber, or encourage carpooling.
Our team will greet you at the end of the parking lot, closest to the beach. From there, they’ll walk you out to the ceremony location. A stretch of the walk is in the sand. The walk can be difficult for those who have trouble walking and have a walker, a cane, etc.
We recommend flat footwear at this location. Heels can be dangerous in the sand, and the last thing we want our couples to worry about is walking safely during their wedding.
Will you say “I do” at Waialae Beach?
Waialae is a great location and has been one of our best Oahu beach wedding locations. We believe you can’t go wrong with any of our wedding locations, so it just depends on what you’re looking for.
It’s super convenient for couples staying in Waikiki. For couples staying on the North Shore, you might want to consider Kawela Bay, our North Shore location.
If you aren’t sure if Waialae Beach is right for you or if you’re interested in another Hawaii beach wedding location, call or schedule a time for us to contact you. We are happy to help you sort out your options to ensure your big day is exactly what you imagined!
