So, you're planning a trip to the Hawaiian islands and you're ready to pop the question… congrats! Getting engaged here is an unforgettable experience.
The question for you is, where do you want to propose?
We want to provide you with a few categories (and specific places under those) so that you have a better understanding of your options.
You could propose:
In Private
Want to get away from the crowds? Don't need the attention or the applause? Then we suggest a sunset walk on a private beach or maybe a few miles into a hike on one of Hawai'i's many trails.
walking along polihale beach together
Check out beaches like Polihale Beach on the leeward side of Kaua'i. Or even many of the beaches on the Road to Hana. Sometimes you just need to duck around a corner or bend to find something a bit more secluded.
There are many hikes in O'ahu's Ko'olau Mountain range. If you pick something more popular (like the Pillbox or Koko Head, just know there will be people around. Again, you can always duck around a corner, or find an area away from the crowds — depending on what time of day you go).
some more adventurous couples get hitched on a hike
In Public
Some people want the attention and applause. Or just want to make a grandiose public proclamation of their love. That's totally cool. What's great about a public proposal is that you really will have people cheering you on and celebrating with you.
Waikiki is a great spot, at any time of day. Sunset would be the most romantic (sunrise would give you a pretty private beach). Another option might be at a luau. They often do anniversary dances for married couples. Call them ahead of time and you could probably work something out with them.
a proposal on haleakala
Up high, with a view
Hawai'i has many peaks from which you can see miles and miles. If you like the symbolism of being up high and seeing into your future together, or if you just like a good view, this option might be for you.
You can get up high at places like Makapu'u Point on O'ahu. Or Kalalau Valley on Kaua'i. If you want to get REALLY high, you've got Haleakala on Maui and Mauna Kea on The Big Island.
from here you can see into your future together; marriage, kids, a return trip to hawai'i
Sunrise, sunset, or under the stars
Being honest here, midday light is harsh and hot. It's not as romantic as the golden hour light that surrounds the rising and setting of the sun. So if you're going for that more romantic proposal, the light can help a lot. (If you're proposal during a hike or something more adventurous, the sun doesn't matter as much; it's the adventure that's the memory).
you, the sunset, and the moon. romantic? you bet!
With that being said, check out the south and west sides of islands (often the leeward sides) for sunset; and the more eastern sides (more the windward sides) for sunrise. Throughout the year the sun rises roughly between 6am (in the summer) and 7am (in the winter). The sun sets roughly 7pm (in the summer) and 6pm (in the winter).
And don't forget, Hawai'i is one of the best places to view the stars. So, if you're looking for something unique, forgo daylight altogether, get away from any cities, and propose under the stars. It might be a good idea to find a place, watch sunset, and then have a late picnic dinner as the stars come out (and THEN pop the question!)
a tree, the stars, and the two of you
At Sea
Hawai'i is surrounded by water and there are myriad ways to get on the ocean. From sunset dinner cruises to whale watching excursions, there are many ways to get on a boat.
Perhaps you'd like the have one of the islands as the backdrop as you float along the currents. Just makes sure that your love isn't the seasick type (or you're going to have to figure out a backup plan quickly!)
looking back at the na pali coast
Capturing the moment of “yes!”
If you're interested in having your proposal photographed, check out our page on photography options here.
photography for every moment of your love
