Paliku Gardens is one of my favorites among all the beautiful Oahu wedding venues. The iconic views of Mokoli’i Island (Chinaman’s Hat), the amazing mountain views, and the spacious wedding grounds of Kualoa Ranch make for an amazing wedding location.
Quick Facts
- Paliku Gardens Website
- Listed Price as of April 2024 (check website for current rates): $5,500 Sat & Sun; $4,500 Weekdays
- Address: Kualoa Ranch, Kaneohe, HI 96744
- Parking: Yes
- Ceremony and Reception Available
- Drone – Your videographer must be licensed, like me. 🙂
The price includes more than just the venue fee.
- Included: reception seating for 150, round tables, and banquet tables (check with the venue for changes)
- NOT Included: ceremony setup (you’ll need to hire an outside vendor, such as Aloha Artisians or Accel Rentals).
Paliku Gardens also has a bridal suite for getting ready, free parking, a covered pavilion, restrooms, and a food prep area. The grounds are surrounded by Hawaii’s finest natural beauty, making it perfect for photo and video opportunities.
Paliku Gardens Location
Located about 45 minutes from Waikiki, Paliku Gardens is on Oahu’s windward side. If you’re staying in Oahu, you’ll likely be staying in Waikiki or on the North Shore. From Turtle Bay on the North Shore, it’s about a 35-minute drive.
While it’s a bit of a drive, it’s totally worth it. To get married with only the sound of nature around you and the incredible scenery is unforgettable.
That said, if you’re having your reception there as well and plan on having an open bar, it’s best to provide transportation for your guests (for destination weddings). You can consider hiring Oahu Party Bus or another transportation company to keep everyone safe.
What I Love About Paliku Gardens Weddings
For wedding videography, Paliku Gardens at Kualoa Ranch is an amazing location to shoot. There’s so much beauty in every direction; it’s intimate, and there are tons of space and options for your wedding day.
Drone footage at a Kualoa Ranch wedding shows off the incredible surroundings, including mountain views, Mokoli’i Island, and Kaneohe Bay.
NOTE: Kualoa Ranch requires your drone operator to be licensed and insured and to submit the paperwork beforehand. (I am approved to fly the drone at Kualoa Ranch wedding locations.)
I also love the layout. With adequate parking, nice restrooms, and plenty of space, it has one of the best layouts of any Oahu wedding location. There are large lawn areas and beautiful views in all directions.
Disadvantages of Paliku Gardens
If you’d prefer an indoor reception space, you’ll want to choose a different venue, such as The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club or Ko’olau Ballrooms.
They have a covered pavilion in the rare case of rain, and you can get a tent for the reception for peace of mind.
Summary
Oahu has many beautiful wedding venues, and Paliku Gardens is one of the best. This is a great option if you want to have a beautiful wedding in one of the world’s most beautiful locations.
