Hawaii’s Big Island, the largest, youngest and most mystical isle in the 50th State, is alive — literally — growing at an estimated rate of about 20 acres per year as Kilauea Volcano spews red-hot molten rivers down its slopes towards the sea. For couples planning a wedding or honeymoon, this means a backdrop like no other: black-lava coasts punctuated by the flare of tiki torches and the sensual beat of pahu drums. Here comes the bride, all wrapped in leis and being paddled toward her groom in an outrigger canoe!
Wedding Requirements Marrying here is fairly simple: Show proof of age, complete an official wedding-license form, and apply together before a licensed wedding agent (ask your wedding planner or resort) for a license valid for 30 days. Then say I do anywhere you like, from the beach at sunset to the lip of a waterfall. For more info, visit hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/marriage.
What to Do
Volcanoes Arriving at Kona International Airport feels like landing on the moon — swirls of shimmery brown-gray lava extend as far as the eye can see, like a large batch of overcooked brownies. Scattered about the barren vistas of the Kona-Kohala Coast are some of Hawaii’s top resorts: green oases of pampering shaded by royal palms and fronted by golden and black-sand beaches. These man-made romance zones are perfect for exploring the island’s natural wonders: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see Kilauea’s progress in action, and snowcapped Mauna Kea (yes, the white stuff falls at 13,976 feet), which you can climb to enjoy the sunset and a celestial show above the clouds.
Rainbows and Waterfalls The Big Island’s multiple personalities — it’s home to 11 of the planet’s 13 climate zones — mean there’s plenty of green. Drive the rolling grasslands of Waimea (where paniolos, or Hawaiian cowboys, still tend cattle ranches) and past the panoramas of the Waipio Valley until you arrive on the lush, waterfall-studded east coast. Here, around Hilo, rainbows are a daily occurrence, orchid blooms erupt virtually everywhere, and road signs lead to photogenic cascades with lyrical names like Pe’epe’e and Umauma.
Diving and Snorkeling The sea serves up equally awesome sights. Head to crystal-clear Kealakekua Bay, where you can spy on tropical fish, colorful corals and secluded sea caves. For a surreal aquatic adventure, dive or snorkel at night with the gentle-giant manta rays — some 12 feet across, with gaping alien mouths — that gather just offshore near Kona.
Off the Beaten Path Seek out some of the Big Island’s more unusual taste treats (which also make great guest welcome-basket items): malasadas, the scrumptious custard-, jelly- or chocolate-filled donuts available at roadside drive-ins; flavored Mauna Loa macadamia nuts, from Kona Coffee Glaze to Wasabi & Teriyaki; and even organic beer from Kona Brewing Co. — Donna Heiderstadt
