Lanikuhonua does not offer dedicated getting-ready spaces, but there are several nearby hotels perfect for your wedding morning preparations. Many couples choose to get ready at Four Seasons Oahu or Disney’s Aulani Resort, all just a short drive away. These locations provide spacious suites, beautiful natural light for photos, and a relaxing start to your day before arriving at Lanikuhonua for your ceremony.

The ideal ceremony time at Lanikuhonua depends on the season, as sunset varies throughout the year. On average, ceremonies start between 3:00 and 4:00 PM to ensure beautiful lighting and enough time for golden hour portraits. Winter weddings may need an earlier start to maximize daylight. Your planner can help determine the best timing for your day.

Family portraits are typically taken near the ceremony space or amongst the lush palm trees and greenery. These shaded areas help keep everyone comfortable while providing a beautiful, tropical backdrop for timeless photos.

Yes, Lanikuhonua is a blank canvas venue, which means couples are responsible for renting all necessary furniture, including chairs, tables, and tents if desired. Many couples work with their planner or a rental company to bring in everything needed to create their ideal setup.

Lanikuhonua does not permit sparkler exits, but there are plenty of fun and creative alternatives! Consider a send-off with bubbles, flower petals, ribbon wands, classic car, or LED glow sticks to create a festive and photo-worthy exit. Your planner can help you choose an option that fits your vision while keeping the celebration safe and venue-compliant.

For couples without a first look, I recommend planning about 60 minutes for portraits. If you choose to see each other beforehand, 90 minutes provides a comfortable amount of time. By spreading portraits between the first look, newlywed moments, and sunset, we can fully utilize the grounds and private beach at Lanikuhonua and create a varied, relaxed set of portraits.

Since Lanikuhonua is an outdoor venue with no permanent indoor space, it’s important to have a weather backup plan. Many couples choose to rent a tent or coordinate with their planner for a contingency plan in case of unexpected rain.

Yes — Lanikūhonua requires couples to work with a professional wedding planner. Because the venue does not offer on-site coordination and all vendors are brought in, a full-service planner is essential to managing logistics, timelines, and overall execution.

Many couples planning weddings here choose experienced, well-staffed teams such as Aloha Bridal Connections or Fred + Kate Events, both of whom are familiar with producing high-level celebrations at this venue and coordinating large vendor teams seamlessly.