The 5 Best Wedding Planners in Hawaii
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Written by Annie Muscat
Editor & Publisher
- November 16, 2025
- 11 min read
- Events
Source: Peerspace
Planning a wedding in Hawaii means saying “I do” to one of the most breathtaking backdrops on earth, but pulling it all together takes more than a picture-perfect view. With nearly 20k weddings held in Hawaii in 2024, it’s clear that the islands are a favorite place to tie the knot.
The flipside? Competition for venues, vendors, and timelines can get fierce. And the last thing you need is the overwhelming stress that comes with booked-out venues, unreliable vendors, and rushed decision-making. A skilled wedding planner makes all the difference.
The right professional manages way more than just logistics. They bring your vision to life, balance the details, and make sure your big day feels effortless. With an experienced planner by your side, you can soak in every moment of your glorious Hawaii wedding instead of worrying about what’s happening behind the scenes.
How we built our list
At its heart, a great wedding planner blends creativity, professionalism, and experience. That’s why we’ve selected planners whom we confidently call industry leaders. We’re excited to present folks who truly stand out in their field, and here’s how we picked them:
- Strong reviews from real couples across multiple platforms
- Industry awards and recognition for planners who go above and beyond
- Strong, diverse portfolios with publication recognition
- Professional certifications and affiliations
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality results
Every one of these planners excels in creativity, attention to detail, and client service. From their stunning real-life wedding galleries to heartfelt testimonials from happy couples, these 5 Hawaii wedding planners are the real deal.
Featured wedding planners in Hawaii
You’ve set your date, chosen your vision, and now it’s time to find the person who will help turn it into a reality. Below are some of the best wedding planners working in Hawaii—each with their own style, but all sharing the same goal: to make your day smooth, beautiful, and all about you!
1. Aloha Bridal Connections (ABC)
Company name and founder/lead planner: Aloha Bridal Connections (ABC) / Lauren Michaels
Specialty/niche: Day-of/month-of coordination with a deep bench of lead coordinators, plus full-service “Elite” planning for couples who want a single point of contact from first consultation to last dance.
Notable projects or signature style: Operating since 2013, ABC spotlights vendor fluency and venue know-how across Oʻahu, curating trusted partners and sharing transparent planning guidance on its blog and vendor lists.
Pricing: Day-of coordination (available for hotel venues only) starts at approximately $2,500 while elite (full-service) planning is estimated at around $10,000–$12,500+ depending on logistics and scope. There are other coordination packages such as the “hybrid” option for couples who want DIY vendor communication paired with budget insights and timeline support from ABC. Schedule a consultation for details.
Why we love them: Couples routinely call ABC “a must-have” for destination weddings and praise the team’s calm, take-charge presence. Planning a wedding a few miles from home is stressful enough, but when planning one an ocean away, having the right team is absolutely essential. ABC allows couples to confidently unwind and focus on what truly matters—soaking in the love and beauty of their special day.
Learn more about Aloha Bridal Connections on their website and Instagram.
2. Cherished in Hawaii Weddings
Company name and founder/lead planner: Cherished in Hawaii Weddings / Mina Brightman
Specialty/niche: Full-service, partial planning, and day-of coordination for destination and local celebrations, with a stated focus on budget respect and flexible, customized packages.
Notable projects or signature style: More than a decade of Hawaii weddings and “hundreds of five-star reviews” underpin Cherished’s reputation; The Knot profile also notes no minimum spend, a helpful perk for budget-sensitive couples.
Pricing: Schedule a consultation to receive a custom quote based on the level of planning support you’re looking for.
Why we love them: Couples rave about Cherished in Hawaii weddings and it’s understandable why. The reviews read like relief in real time from destination couples who claim that choosing Cherished in Hawaii Weddings was the best expense of the wedding. One Australia-based couple praised how simple the team made it for them to plan their wedding from across an ocean!
Learn more about Cherished in Hawaii Weddings on their website and Instagram.
3. Hawaii-Day Wedding & Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Hawaii-Day Wedding & Events / CJ Chen
Specialty/niche: Full-service planning, design, and coordination with in-house photography and small-wedding/elopement packages (for up to ~30 guests); robust month-of/day-of coordination is a signature.
Notable projects or signature style: Established in 2010 with 400+ weddings statewide, the award-winning team emphasizes on-site support (2–4 staff members) and detailed timelines to keep events running smoothly.
Pricing: Costs depend on your desired level of support (e.g., partial, full-service, elopement). Schedule a consultation for a custom quote.
Why we love them: Recent reviews are overwhelmingly positive, especially highlighting CJ’s steady guidance and vendor network as a “game changer.” Transparency and genuine care for the couple’s fulfillment are core tenets of Hawaii-Day’s philosophy, and it shows in the way the team presents pros/cons of each venue and sets realistic expectations while still delivering outstanding results.
Learn more about Hawaii-Day Wedding & Events on their website and Instagram.
4. Sunshower Weddings and Events
Company name and founder/lead planner: Sunshower Weddings and Events / Kate Hickey
Specialty/niche: Destination-focused planning and on-site coordination on the Big Island, with resources for venues, budgets, and vendor matchmaking; the team also supports staffing and rental.
Notable projects or signature style: A portfolio you can sort by venue, style, and price point showcases layered design, lush florals, and relaxed-luxury gatherings—from intimate beaches to garden parties.
Pricing: With a “build-your-own” kind of model, prices vary widely and may be charged by the hour. If you’re not ready to commit, but still want some guidance, you can choose their “kickstarter” option, which includes 6 hours of planning and a list of vendors for $670.
Why we love them: Clients rave about feeling prioritized from day one, which is especially essential when you’re planning a destination wedding. With so much at stake, trust is everything, and Sunshower puts in the work to make couples feel taken care of at every turn. The Sunshower team’s candidness shines through on their website alone. You can count on them to keep it real with you and act as your biggest advocate every step in the process.
Learn more about Sunshower Weddings and Events on their website and Instagram.
5. Sweet Hawaii Wedding
Company name and founder/lead planner: Sweet Hawaii Wedding / Jacqueline La’Faerie & Kahu Coco
Specialty/niche: Beach weddings, elopements, and vow renewals on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi with ceremony leadership by Kahu Coco; packages bundle photography, florals, music, and more.
Notable projects or signature style: A third-generation planning team with a century-long Hawaii lineage; galleries and services emphasize Hawaiian traditions and easy, all-in coordination.
Pricing: Packages start at $895 (options vary by island and add-ons). The full-service package—offered only at Waimanalo Beach, Oahu—starts at $2,900 for up to 20 guests.
Why we love them: Reviews repeatedly describe a heartfelt, stress-free experience. Sweet Hawaii Wedding’s services hit on all the major perks: organized, affordable, on-time, and beautifully executed. With a comprehensive list of in-house services like professional photography, a licensed minister, wedding leis, and music, there’s a lot to love at a budget-friendly price point.
Learn more about Sweet Hawaii Wedding on their website and Facebook.
Tips to find the right wedding planner
Look for strong island-specific vendor networks
Vendor availability and pricing can vary dramatically between islands. Planners based on Oʻahu may not have the same vendor reach on Maui or Kauaʻi. When interviewing different Hawaii wedding planners, request examples of recent weddings they’ve produced on your island and which local vendors they partnered with.
Ask about local permitting experience
Because so many Hawaii weddings take place on public beaches and park grounds, it’s essential to choose a planner who knows the difference between state and county permissions. Ask them to explain how they’ve handled the DLNR Wiki Permit process and local park regulations for past clients.
Evaluate communication and contingency skills
Microclimates, travel logistics, and cultural considerations make Hawaiian weddings uniquely complex. Seek planners who can share detailed rain-plan examples, backup vendor strategies, and how they communicate changes to couples and guests. Agility is key!
Ask about scheduling
The best planners stay up-to-date and are constantly tracking major island happenings (such as the Honolulu Marathon or the Merrie Monarch Festival) to avoid traffic or hotel shortages. Ask how they keep their calendars current and what steps they take to prevent conflicts.
Review portfolios for authentic styles that speak to you
A planner’s aesthetic should complement the islands’ natural beauty, not overpower it. Look for galleries that reflect balance with simple decor, cultural respect, and thoughtful use of Hawaii’s landscapes. If you don’t see anything that matches your vision, it could still be worthwhile to schedule a consultation, communicate what you’re looking for, and see if the planner has any past examples in their back pocket.
Planning the perfect island wedding
Secure permits early
Your planner will handle most filings, but you should understand the basics: state beaches require DLNR Wiki Permits, while county parks and gardens have their own processes. Confirm that your planner has secured approvals before locking in dates.
Use climate and daylight tools to set the ceremony window
Hawaii’s weather patterns differ by island. Your planner can consult NOAA rainfall averages and sunrise/sunset data to select ceremony times that minimize glare and heat while optimizing golden-hour photography.
Prepare backup options for outdoor ceremonies
Even with careful timing, rain and wind can shift quickly. Your planner should confirm indoor alternatives or tenting options and verify that your vendors are comfortable adapting if conditions change.
Plan transportation with local traffic intel
Parking can be limited around Hawaii wedding venues, especially near beach parks and resort areas. Ask your planner to use the state’s lane-closure map and GoAkamai traffic tools when building transfer timelines, and to set pickup points that avoid bottlenecks.
Align photography permits and garden/park rules
If you’re shooting in botanical gardens or restricted sites, your planner should secure any separate photo permits and follow site-specific rules (group size, equipment, timing). Confirm requirements with Honolulu Botanical Gardens (or your island’s park department) early.
FAQs: Hawaii wedding prep
Do I need a permit for a beach wedding?
Yes. Commercial ceremonies on state beaches require a DLNR Wiki Permit, while adjacent parks or lawns may fall under county control. Your planner will typically file and carry the permits on-site.
What’s the best season for a Hawaii wedding?
Hawaii has microclimates, but planners often favor late spring and early fall for milder crowds and balanced weather. Use NOAA climate normals/NWS climate tools and confirm island-specific trends before you set a date; your planner will time events to avoid peak heat, winds, or showers.
How can we avoid traffic and road closures?
Use the Hawaiʻi DOT lane-closure updates (all islands) and Oʻahu’s GoAkamai for cameras and traffic flow. Your planner can monitor these the week of the wedding and adjust pickup times in your run-of-show.
Do we need a separate permit for professional photography?
Often, yes—especially in gardens or certain park sites. Honolulu Botanical Gardens, for example, outlines a separate commercial photography/video permit.
Are the permit steps for Maui/Kauaʻi/Hawaiʻi Island different?
The state beach permit process is similar across islands, but county park systems have their own forms, timelines, and rules. Your planner can point you to the right county pages for park and special-event guidance in Maui, Kauaʻi, or Hawaiʻi County.
Planners in Hawaii: get featured!
Hawaii wedding planners, this is your invitation to shine. If you’re an industry leader who’s crafted unforgettable celebrations across the islands, Peerspace wants to hear from you. We’re always looking to feature talented local professionals who exemplify creativity, professionalism, and aloha spirit. To be considered for inclusion in our Best Wedding Planners in Hawaii list, complete this short form.
Start making your dream Hawaii wedding a reality
Every unforgettable Hawaii wedding begins with two essentials: a breathtaking setting and the experts who bring it all together. Whether you’re a couple planning your dream celebration or an industry leader helping others say “I do,” Peerspace connects you to both.
Still looking for a venue that captures your vision? Explore bookable-by-the-hour wedding venues in Hawaii on Peerspace, where you’ll find unique spaces designed to make every celebration feel effortless.
