There is nothing like eloping in Hawaii. Hawaii is one of the top destinations for couples eloping and getting married, but before you finish packing up your bags, let’s take a look at some “must haves” for your Hawaii elopement and trip to go as smoothly as possible! The last thing you want to have to worry about is whether or not you forgot something, and you want to be prepared. That’s where I come in! Being a Hawaii elopement photographer for years, I’m able to put that expertise to use for you.

Hawaii Essentials

• Comfy, lightweight clothing. Even though you may be dressing up for your elopement in Hawaii, you’ll most likely want to be comfortable during the remaining days of your trip!
• Sweater. Once the sun sets in the Hawaiian Islands, the temperature can dip. Stay cozy!
• Reusable bags. Plastic bags are banned in Hawaii, so you’ll want to bring reusable bags to tote around your supplies.
• Water shoes. So many beaches to explore on The Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and more! Water shoes give you the freedom to not have to worry about stepping on shells, wana, or getting your everyday shoes soggy.
• Swimsuit. With hundreds of miles of coastline on the Hawaiian Islands, no doubt you and your bride/groom will want to take to the waves for a dip!
• Sunglasses. The sun burns brighter in Hawaii! Protect your eyes with a pair of sunglasses during your elopement excursion.
• Reef-safe Sunscreen. Protect your skin, too! Because Hawaii is located farther south than most places in the US, sun protection is even more important. Make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe (I include a list of some of my faves here!)

What to Bring for your Plane Ride to Hawaii

• Headphones, earbuds or AirPods. Listening to your fave tunes while soaring 30,000 feet in the sky is a must.
• Slip-on shoes. No one wants to stress out about taking their shoes off and on in the TSA line right before you head off to your elopement!
• Moisturizer. The recirculated air in airplanes can really dry out your skin, but lotion can help.
• Hand sanitizer. Keep those hands clean during your flight and trip, to avoid illness during your Hawaii elopement adventure!
• Tablet or book. With your phone in airplane mode, a book will help pass the time until you reach your destination of Hawaii.
• Your Favorite Pre-Downloaded Netflix Series! While many airlines have a selection of movies and TV shows on your flight to Hawaii, sometimes the internet fails or cuts off for the first half hour and last half hour of the flight. Having some shows already downloaded can be nice if you’re not one to sleep on planes!
• Warm Layers. Even though you are heading to tropical paradise, the longer flights over the pacific can get cold! Don’t forget to wear longer pants and a sweater or jacket for the plane!

Don’t Forget Your Elopement Supplies!

• Marriage license. See my post on how to make your marriage legal in Hawaii!
• Wedding clothing. Whether that’s a wedding dress, suit, etc. I love suggesting couples to bring a Carry-On Wedding Dress Bag: it’s so important that your wedding attire doesn’t get wrinkled or disrupted too much during your journey to Hawaii.
• Makeup emergency bag. For touchups here and there throughout your elopement day.
• Vows. One of the most important things!
• Rings. Can’t forget these when it comes to your elopement ceremony.

With these checklists in hand for your Hawaii elopement, you will be as prepared as you’ll ever be for one of the best days of your life! Let’s do it!

Aly Dove | Your Hawaii Elopement Photographer

Still need help planning your elopement in Hawaii? I’m here for you! With a documentary-style approach to my Hawaii elopement photography, your photos will become pieces of art that tell a unique story. I photograph elopements and weddings across Oahu, Big Island, Maui, Kauai, and Lanai. Take the first step in your journey to eloping in Hawaii, and contact me to get started on your Hawaii adventure wedding!