2. Anaeho’omalu Bay, Waikoloa. A charming and scenic turquoise bay in the resort area near the Outrigger Hotel. Turn towards the ocean at the Waikoloa exit. Take the first left. The Kings Shops Mall is on the right. Follow the road to the parking lot. It is a public beach but weddings are allowed only along the shoreline. Many people frequent here but a short walk down the beach to the left has some lovely, less visited spots. Wind can be very heavy here at times, as well as at Hapuna. Veils are not recommended.

3. Kekaha Kai State Beach, North Kona. Just north of the airport. It is well marked but a rough road. 4 wheel drive is not necessary but it helps. There are a couple of sandy beaches, one to the right of the parking area and the other straight ahead. The gate to the park closes at 7:00 PM , making for a quick exit in the early Fall and late Spring when the sunset is 6:45. Summer sunsets are at 7:00, therefore sunset photos on the beach are not possible. As with all of these locations, you might want to try morning or sunrise.

4. Honokohau National Historical Park, Honokohau Harbor. Entrance to the Harbor is well marked. Turn right at the first street, follow it around to the left, then park near the sailing club. Walk around the gate and follow the lava trail out to the beach. There are several sandy sites with palm trees. Locals refer to it as Turtle Beach because of the abundance of the sacred Honu (turtles) a sign of good luck. This location has the benefit of a covered Hale (shack) in the event of rain, always a possibility in the tropics, but in-frequent here. Ceremonies in the park require a $50 fee which I will obtain for you.

It is a public park so there is a people factor, but it is less here than the following location.

5. Old Kona Airport State Park. Behind the Driving Range, turn left at the DMV. A very public and popular place with sandy stretches of beach. Most of the weddings are done at the very end of the parking lot with a couple pretty places. Pavillions are available for receptions, but again, we’re not talking luxury here.

6. Pahoehoe Beach Park. A small grassy park with a little beach, sidewalk, benches, trees. Pretty but public and right next to busy Alii Dr.

7. St. Peter’s Church. Pictured on postcards, it is right on the beach at Kahaluu/ Keauhou. A quaint, charming, little blue church next to Kahalu’u Beach Park, the best snorkeling on the island. The $156 fee goes to St. Michael’s Church in Kona. The lovely etched glass window at the rear of the church does not open so it can get quite warm in there. The bell outside is a nice touch.

KEALAKEKUA BAY AND VICINITY

8. Napoopoo Beach Park - Take Napoopoo Rd all the way down to the end by the wharf and turn right. Go to the end and park, (or anywhere you can). Walk along the wall next to Hikiau Heiau State Monument, following the trail behind the beach. Watch for stickers. You’ll come out on a sandy spot among twisted trees. Small weddings only, and those looking for unique surroundings. Heels are not recommended for most of these locations.

9. Manini Beach - Go back to the junction at the wharf and head south through the little town of Napoopoo. . Turn right at Minini Beach Rd. and go to the end. Walk through the gate to the beach. Keep walking around behind for some interesting lava pools. Sunsets are better viewing from behind as well. It’s a little bit of rough walking but a short area.

10. Keei beach and Palemano Point. Hard to find and a very rough road but fairly secluded. It is the third right turn after the wharf and two roads down from Manini Beach Rd. If you reach the transfer station, you have gone too far.. Take the bumpy road all the way to the end, or any spot along the way, and park wherever you can. Parking can be a problem when the surf is up. Walk along the wall to the sandy beach. Palemano Pt is past the end of the beach on the lava. You can walk around the back side where there is a lava pool. In winter, it is a good whale watching area. Walking on the lava is not easy. Not recommended for large or formal parties!