We may be biased, but we truly believe that there is no better place for an outdoor wedding than the island of ‘Oahu. From picturesque beaches with bright blue oceans, jaw-dropping mountains, and sacred sites that hold ancient Hawaiian history, the options for venues are endless. If you’re an adventurous couple or just love the natural beauty of Hawai’i, you won’t be disappointed.
But while saying “I Do” on Oahu is an amazing decision, there are some logistics to consider when planning your day outside. The most important factor is the weather. Oahu is full of micro-climates which means that every area of the island has different weather conditions. This means that when selecting your venues, it’s not just about the backdrop, but you also have to really consider what the weather will be like. For instance, if you 100% don’t want a tent, avoid the rainier areas, and if you hate dry heat, opt for a breezy cooler area.
Here’s a breakdown of the weather on Oahu, with our favorite venues included:
West Side (The Leeward Side): dry and humid with gusts of wind.
Venues: Lanikuhonua, Paradise Cove, Four Seasons Resort
East Side (The Windward Side): wet and green, with higher winds with daily showers.
Venues: Kualoa Ranch, He’eia State Park
North Shore: higher chance of rain and winds, average temperatures
Venues: Sunset Ranch, Loulu Palm, Turtle Bay Resort, Waimea Valley, Dillingham Ranch
South Shore (Waikiki & Honolulu): direct sun, higher temperatures, and less rain/wind
Venues: Barefoot Beach Cafe, Cafe Julia, The Royal Hawaiian, The Coconut Club
Inland (mauka): Very wet and shady
Venues: Nutridge Estate, Hawaii Vista Weddings
All of these venues we have worked at numerous times and having detailed knowledge of each venue is super important, for not only knowing the weather, but also the terrain, power sources, water lines…the list goes on!
It’s also important to note that even though it’s Hawai’i, there are still seasons! The “summer,” or the warmer season, is where you’ll see the highest temperatures from June-September, with less rain overall. The “winter” in Oahu is the rainy season, which runs from about mid-November to mid-March, so wherever you are on the island, there’s a higher chance of rain. But, did you know that rain on your wedding day is actually considered to be good? While it may not be the best for hair and makeup, it is actually a blessing for your marriage! And you might get to see a rainbow on your wedding day!
Now that you know what kind of weather to expect at your wedding, the next step is to prepare for it! We have a whole blog post on your outdoor wedding checklist, but here are some other key parts of planning: