Search

Connect

Join the list! →

How to plan a perfect proposal in Hawaii- Tips for making your proposal in Hawaii unforgettable

A breathtaking proposal that offers you a glimpse of what your very own perfect proposal in Hawaii could look like!

Can you think of a better place in the world to have the most perfect proposal than in Hawaii?! I can’t! And that’s exactly what Andy did! Andy and Brittany in their pre-Covid life were avid world travelers. It was their favorite thing to do together. But of course, 2020 put that to a halt real quick. This is why Andy and Brittany’s getaway to Hawaii was even more meaningful; it was their first time traveling together in over a year. But what Brittany didn’t know is that behind the scenes Andy had a plan to execute a perfect proposal in Hawaii and do everything he could to make it happen!

It sounds amazing, right? To give your partner the surprise of a lifetime in one of the most beautiful places in the world? And although you’re not trying to plan a destination wedding, even a proposal can feel like a daunting task when you don’t quite know where to start in the planning process. With a little bit of guidance, anyone can plan their perfect proposal in Hawaii!

Here I will guide you through 5 easy steps for planning your Hawaii proposal. From the simple to the adventurous, to the slightly more extravagant! Truly your options are endless.

Hawaii Surprise Proposal

1. Pick an Island!

Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai,?! You can’t go wrong whichever way you decide. Here is a little glimpse into what each island can offer you.

Oahu

Is home to the city of Honolulu and the famous Waikiki beach!
Known for their incredible food and cuisine options!
TONS of public hiking trails with some of the most epic views!
Lots of excursion ideas for couples like zip lining or swimming in the open ocean with sharks. We recently did the shark dive (cageless) and it was amazing! Amazing doesn’t even do it justice. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Stunning beaches all over the island for a sweet and intimate proposal
The stunning North Shore, home to famous Banzai Pipeline

Hawaii Island (aka The Big Island of Hawaii)

Want to see the most active volcano in the world? You will find it on the Big Island of Hawaii! The Big Island actually consists of 5 volcanoes!
Do a Manta Ray snorkel tour! I have personally done this and it was such an incredible experience and a unique thing to do with your significant other!
On the Big Island, if you want to see snow and surf in one day, you can! In the winter it actually snows quite a bit at the top of Mauna Kea. And if you have four-wheel drive, you can actually drive to the top!
The Big Island has the beautiful Pololu Valley and Waipio Valley to hike into and explore.

Maui

Here you will find the beautiful road to Hana!
Ever considered proposing on the top of a volcano? Drive up to Haleakala for an incredible sunrise or sunset shoot for your perfect proposal in Hawaii!
Explore small beach towns like Paia, where you’ll find coffee shops and boutiques.
Maui has incredible white sand beaches all over the island! But be aware, because Maui tends to be one of the more popular islands to travel to, it might be a bit tricky trying to find a spot to propose that secluded.
Propose at a beautiful lavender farm!

Kauai

Propose at the beautiful Waimea Canyon!
Explore the NaPali Coast!
Swim in Hanalei Bay!
Zipline in the hills of Kauai!

2. Pick a photographer

This needs to be your first task, especially if you have a specific date in mind in order to ensure their availability for the day of your proposal. Picking the right photographer isn’t always an easy task. My best suggestion in searching is checking out Google and Instagram! If you know which island you’re traveling to, try hashtags like #konaweddingphotographer or #bigislandelopementphotographer.

You want to make sure you first and foremost connect with their style and their work. Do you like images to be more posed and put together or do you prefer the more candid/storytelling style? Do you like bright and colorful or darker and more moody? Once you find someone you like I strongly encourage you to have a quick 10-15 minute call with them to ensure that their personality is the right fit for you and your partner. Most photographers will suggest this anyways but if they don’t I advise you to ask for a quick call.

Once you find the photographer who is the right fit, they will use they will offer their knowledge of the islands as well as their expertise in capturing these special moments to help you plan your perfect proposal in Hawaii!

3. Decide what kind of proposal you want.

Are you looking for a simple proposal on the beach? Or maybe you want to propose at the top of Waimea Canyon on Kauai with an EPIC landscape! Really, you can’t go wrong with either. I’ve had individuals plan very sweet and simple proposals while walking along the beach. I’ve had other individuals plan adventure shoots while their significant other is none the wiser that they are going to getting proposed to during the shoot!

My personal philosophy is that the perfect proposal in Hawaii is the one that best represents YOU TWO and your personalities. You will remember this moment for the rest of your life and so it should be an experience that feels natural and meaningful.

4. Plan a picnic dinner or beautiful dining experience for you and your love

Add something extra special to your proposal by planning a sweet picnic dinner! Or maybe you want to make a little more extravagant by reserving a private dinner! For Andy and Brittany, they topped off their proposal shoot with a stunning private dinner on the beach with their close friends and family at the Four Seasons Hualalai.

If you’re planning an intimate Hawaiian engagement shoot or elopement, did you know you can book a private dinner for two to make the event extra special? You get to enjoy each other’s company while eating a world-class cuisine and listening to the sounds of the ocean and your very own private ukelele musician serenading you in the background. It made Andy and Brittany’s proposal that much more meaningful!

Other Tips:

Including family and friends:

Many times when individuals plan a suprise proposal in Hawaii, they are traveling with family and friends that other want to take part in the celebration! For and Andy and Brittany for example, they traveled to Hawaii with some of their closest friends. They were all in on the surprise and so after Andy proposed, they were joined by their friends for a dinner celebration! A dinner after the proposal is the perfect way to include your close family and friends in the celebration!

Planning an engagement shoot after the propsal

You’re already in one of the most beautiful places in the world! So while you’re here, why not go ahead and plan an epic adventure engagement shoot after you pop the question?! I’ve had couples schedule an engagement shoot within a day or two after their proposal and it is always such a meaningful experience!

Best time to propose while on your trip

My personal recomendation is to plan your proposal near the beginning of your trip. That way you won’t be stressing over it and you can take the duration of your trip to celebrate this monumental occasion!