15 Creative and Romantic Big Island Proposal Ideas
Looking for creative Big Island proposal ideas?
Having lived on the Big Island for a year, I can attest that Hawaii is one of the most romantic places in the world, making it an ideal destination for a marriage proposal.
The Big Island offers some of the best and most unique spots to pop the question. From secluded beaches to majestic volcanoes, there are plenty of incredible places to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a big production or something more intimate, this list has got you covered with ideas on how to propose on Hawaii’s Big Island.
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
“I lava you“
Take them on a hike to view the Kilauea lava flow in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It’s not everyday you get to see real live lava!
The best times to view without the crowds is as late at night as possible or just before sunrise.
2. Sunset Cruise
“Come sail away to happily ever after with me“
What’s more romantic than asking the most important question of your life on a sunset cruise?
A quiet catamaran floating on the open ocean with an orange sun setting below the distant horizon and sealife such as dolphins or whales possibly breaching nearby.
💞 Book a Romantic Sunset Cruise Here!
3. Helicopter Ride
“Come fly with me…forever”
Take a breathtaking flight over the scenic island. Ask the question over the headsets or wait until the helicopter lands you in a romantic, secluded area.
💞 Book a Romantic Helicopter Ride Here!
4. Skydiving
“You are the wind beneath my wings“
If you two love adrenaline adventures and aren’t afraid of heights, a skydiving marriage proposal could be the way for you!
Skydive B.I.G. offers tandem skydives from 12,000ft in the air.
I do not suggest pulling out a ring mid-air though! Wait until you’ve landed.
5. Mauna Kea
“Starlight, starbright, will you marry me tonight?“
From the top of Mauna Kea, not only do you have an incredible view looking down on the Big Island, this is one of the least air and light polluted places on the planet for stargazing.
Options for proposing up here are extremely versatile. You can do it at sunset, under the stars, or at sunrise even. Sometimes there might be snow if you are up high enough and you could write “Marry Me” in the snow.
You need 4WD to reach the summit of Mauna Kea. If you don’t have that kind of vehicle, you can drive up to the Visitor Center and still have fantastic views.
6. Write It In Sand
“Life’s a beach when I’m with you“
Of course, you’re in Hawaii, so there are also beach options to write your proposal. The Big Island may have more lava rock beaches than white sand beaches, but there are still options.
Here is a list of white sand beaches perfect for scratching “Will You Marry Me?” in the sand:
- Kua Bay Beach
- Spencer Beach
- Hapuna Beach
- Makalawena Beach
- Honokohau Beach
7. Write It With White Coral
“Life would be rocky without you“
If you have the time and can steal away for a bit, gather white coral from the shore and lay them out to print “Marry Me” on contrasting black lava rock.
A good beach with endless white coral is Holoholokai Beach.
8. Inside a Malasada
“You’re the sweetest thing in my life“
You can’t go to the Big Island without trying a malasada. Order one and sneak the engagement ring inside the Portuguese donut for a surprise filling.
Best places to find malasadas:
- Punalu’u Bake Shop
- Tex Drive-In
- Manuela’s Malasada Food Truck
- Paradise Bakery
9. Live Musician
“Your love is music to my heart“
You are bound to run into a live musician entertaining at a restaurant for dinner. Catch them in between sets and ask if you can highjack their microphone to pop the question. Then have them sing you a love song afterwards.
10. Special Picnic
“I pick-nic you!“
Get a professional picnic service to set up a romantic beach picnic for two with beautiful decor, comfy seating and a delicious spread; perfect for setting the mood to ask to spend the rest of your life with them.
Check out 808 Picnics for their picnic proposal package!
11. By a Waterfall
“I don’t want to chase any more waterfalls, I just want you“
If you are looking for a dramatic backdrop when you ask those four words, perhaps a Big Island waterfall is the ticket.
Here’s a list of waterfalls to consider:
- Rainbow Falls
- Akaka Falls
- Six Tons
- Wailuku Falls
12. Scuba Diving
“Life is de bubbles when I’m with you“
If you two are avid scuba divers, why not proposed under the sea? Whip out that bling on the ocean floor on bended knee while scuba diving!
13. Coffee Orchard
“Just like coffee, I don’t want to wake up without you“
Forego the beach and cater to your shared love of morning caffeine by proposing amongst an orchard of coffee trees.
Coffee farms with easy access to their orchards:
- Heavenly Hawaiian Coffee Farm
- Greenwell Coffee Farm
- Kona Joes
- Sacred Grounds Coffee Farm
- Miranda’s Coffee Farm
- Ka’u Coffee Mill
14. In a Petroglyph Field
“You’ve carved your way into my heart“
The Big Island has many petroglyph fields across the island. These are ancient carvings with mysterious meanings and can make for a unique backdrop.
Early morning or late evenings are the best times as the low sun allows the carvings to stand out better.
Petroglyph sites that are good to hike to:
- Puako Petroglyph Park
- Waikoloa Petroglyph Reserve
- Pu’u Loa Petroglyphs
15. In a Lava Tube
“You are the treasure in my dragon’s cave“
Some things are easier said in the safety of darkness. Plight one’s troth in a dark cave with a headlight bedazzling the diamond ring.
Lava tubes come in big and small on the Big Island. Here are a couple to enter:
- Kaumana Caves
- Kalahuipua’a Historic Park Lava Tube
💞💞💞
Not ready to ask the Big Question but still looking for romance on the Big Island? Check out:
19 Romantic Things to Do on the Big Island
15 Best Places to Stay on the Big Island for Couples
Big Island Proposal Ideas FAQs
Where can I propose on the Big Island?
Technically, you can propose anywhere your Cupid-stricken heart desires on the Big Island. On a volcano top or beneath the ocean’s surface, there’s no lack of places to propose.
Where is the best place to propose in Hawaii?
There is no “best” place to propose in Hawaii. The islands offer an endless selection of gorgeous scenery and unique activities.
But really, the best place to propose in Hawaii will be where it has a significant meaning for the both of you.
Do people propose in Hawaii?
Yes, people propose in Hawaii! It is paradise after all.
The natural beauty surrounding the islands no matter where you are make for romantic backdrops without you having to put in any effort to ambience.
What is a unique way to propose?
A unique way to propose is to:
a) choose a location that isn’t a cliché
b) choose an unsuspecting time
c) incorporate words that have personal meanings to you two
In short, a unique way to propose is to do it how nobody else has done it.
Epilogue: Big Island Proposal Ideas
No matter what your style is, the Big Island of Hawaii has something to offer for an unforgettable marriage proposal. From writing it in sand or snow to proposing mid-air on a skydive or even inside a malasada – there’s no shortage of unique and creative Big Island proposal ideas here!
Whether you choose one of these options, come up with something completely original yourself, or even mix and match several elements from this list into one grand gesture – when done right, you are sure to get a yes!
Email me to tell me how it goes!
🌺 Big Island Travel Planning Guide 🌺
🚨 Should I buy Hawaii travel insurance?
YES — I recommend Travel Insurance Master because you can compare multiple options with one click. With plans starting at $5/day per person, why not give yourself piece of mind? Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car on the Big Island?
YES — It’s totally safe to drive on the Big Island. And unless you plan to chill by the resort pool the entire time, renting a car is pretty much a necessity on the Big Island! Jeep rentals are popular. I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental, as they have some of the best prices around.
📞 Will my phone work on the Big Island?
PROBABLY — Most, if not all, cell providers work on the Big Island. However, be prepared for some dead spots in the more remote parts of the island. For example, I always lose service driving through Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
🛏️ What’s the best way to book my Big Island accommodations?
For Big Island hotels, Booking.com is amazing because you can often reserve your room with no money down. If you are looking for an Airbnb condo with a kitchen and more space, don’t forget to check VRBO for potentially better prices and options.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Big Island flights?
I recommend looking at Skyscanner for finding cheap flights. Pro Tip: check if flying into Hilo is cheaper than flying into Kona.
🛂 Do I need a passport to visit Hawaii?
NO — If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport as Hawaii is part of the United States. If you are from out of the country, the same passport and visa requirements are the same as entering anywhere in the United States from your country.
🧳What should I pack to the Big Island?
Pack for tropical weather but also prepare for colder than expected nights and early mornings, so a light sweatshirt is recommended. Check out this list of 5 Things Not to Forget to Pack.
