Wedding In Holualoa On The Big Island, Hawaii
A Mountain Wedding at Holualoa Inn
Katie and Tony’s wedding at Holualoa Inn on the Big Island was a day filled with joy, spontaneity, and timeless Hawaiian charm. Set on the slopes of the Big Island, this intimate wedding was a perfect blend of natural beauty and the couple’s deep connection to their island home. With around 30 guests, the couple tied the knot surrounded by lush greenery, towering bamboo, and the gentle sounds of the jungle.
A Special Love on the Big Island
Katie and Tony’s story is one deeply rooted in the Big Island itself. Having grown up here, they share a bond with the landscape and the culture, which made Holualoa Inn the perfect venue for their wedding. This wasn’t just another destination wedding; it was a reflection of their relationship, their history, and their love for Hawaii’s untouched beauty. While I don’t know all the details of how they met, what was clear throughout the day was how much they meant to each other and how much their guests loved them.
The Holualoa Inn is a mountain venue with a jungle-like atmosphere, offering a cooler climate and stunning views of the island from about 1400 feet above sea level. It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping into old-school Hawaii, away from the busy resorts and tourist crowds. The venue is perfect for couples looking for something intimate and private, with a variety of breathtaking spots for photos.
Getting Ready and the First Look
Katie and Tony's day began in one of Holualoa Inn’s spacious getting-ready suites. The rooms were filled with natural light and surrounded by the sounds of rustling leaves and distant bird songs. This venue provides the perfect balance of privacy and space, making it a stress-free environment for a bride and groom to get ready. Katie’s bridal suite was tucked away, giving her and her bridal party a peaceful retreat to prepare for the day ahead.
Once they were ready, we headed to a special spot on the property for their first look—a private location with panoramic views of the island stretching all the way to the coastline. The cooler temperature in the mountains created a gentle breeze, and the cloud cover provided a soft, flattering light—ideal conditions for such an intimate moment.
Katie and Tony exchanged gifts and shared a few words in this moment before the ceremony. As they embraced, it was clear how deep their connection was. Moments like this are why I love what I do—capturing the raw emotion, the quiet interactions, and the joy that comes from such an important day.
The Ceremony: A Jungle Oasis
The ceremony itself took place on the grounds of the Inn, surrounded by greenery and with an ethereal bamboo grove as the backdrop. The ceremony was heartfelt and personal, with every guest fully engaged in the couple’s story. Although it was an intimate affair, the space allowed for a meaningful and immersive experience, and it felt as though everyone was part of something incredibly special.
The couple’s closest friends and family gathered around as Katie and Tony exchanged vows. There was laughter, there were a few tears, and by the time they shared their first kiss as a married couple, the joy was palpable.
Exploring Holualoa Inn for Photos
After the ceremony, we took advantage of the diverse scenery at Holualoa Inn for some couple portraits. One of my favorite spots was an incredible bamboo grove that stretched high into the sky. The bamboo provided a natural frame for some truly stunning photos of Katie and Tony, capturing both the scale of the landscape and the intimacy of their relationship.
These two were naturals in front of the camera. While I offered minimal direction on where to stand or move, Katie and Tony took the lead, letting their personalities and connection shine through. Most of the shots were candid, focusing on their joy and love for each other. I always find that the best photos happen when couples are relaxed and fully immersed in the moment, which was certainly the case here.
Another standout moment was their first look, where the panoramic view of the island provided an epic backdrop. The soft afternoon light filtered through the clouds, giving their photos a warm, golden hue. Moments like these are a reminder of how lucky I am to shoot in such an incredible location. The natural beauty of the Big Island is second to none, and Holualoa Inn offers endless opportunities for capturing these magical moments.
A Sun-Shower Reception to Remember
As the day progressed and the ceremony came to a close, the skies began to shift, bringing a familiar Big Island sun-shower. Holualoa Inn is well-prepared for such weather, with plenty of covered spaces that allow the party to continue without interruption. The light rain added a touch of spontaneity to the evening, a golden glow to the photos, and the guests simply embraced the change, making the reception even more memorable.
The reception area is perfectly set up for intimate gatherings, with ample room for dancing, dining, and mingling. The cool mountain air, combined with the warm laughter and dancing under the protection of covered areas, made for an unforgettable evening. The rain became a refreshing backdrop rather than a disruption, and the celebration carried on in full swing.
Capturing Candid Moments
Throughout the day, my focus remained on documenting the couple and their guests in a candid, authentic way. Katie and Tony are one of the smiliest, happiest couples I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. Their joy was infectious, and their love for one another was evident in every glance, every touch, and every laugh. Their friends shared the same warmth, and it was clear how deeply everyone cared for this couple.
For me, wedding photography is about more than just getting the perfect shot—it’s about capturing the essence of the day. Katie and Tony’s wedding was a perfect example of this. Whether it was their emotional first look, the fun bamboo grove portraits, or the rain-soaked reception, every moment felt natural and true to who they are as a couple.
A Venue Like No Other
Holualoa Inn is truly a unique venue, perfect for couples who want to escape the resort-style wedding and embrace something more authentic to the island. The diversity of scenery—jungle, bamboo groves, and sweeping island views—provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for any wedding. It’s intimate yet spacious, private yet filled with opportunities to explore and capture incredible photos.
For couples considering Holualoa Inn for their wedding, I highly recommend it for its beauty, versatility, and the staff’s preparedness for whatever the Big Island weather may bring. The covered areas ensure that even if the rain comes, your day will go off without a hitch. This venue is for those who want to experience the true essence of Hawaii, with a nod to old-school island life and the privacy that only a non-resort venue can provide.
Inquire Today
If you’re planning a wedding on the Big Island or looking for a venue with diverse scenery and intimate charm, Holualoa Inn is an excellent choice. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your dream wedding! Visit my Investment/Signature Experience page to learn more, or check out the Big Island wedding venues blog for inspiration.
For more about me and my approach, check out my About page. You can also browse more of my blog to discover beautiful love stories and Big Island weddings.
