When couples search for an Oahu venue that feels both modern and rooted in Hawaii’s natural beauty, Akala Chapel is often the answer. Nestled within the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, the Akala Chapel offers an elevated, contemporary space surrounded by lush greenery and ocean views. An Akala Chapel wedding is ideal for couples who want a setting that’s intimate, stylish, and photo-ready without being overdone.

As a wedding photographer based in Hawaii, I’ve photographed dozens of weddings at Akala—and it never disappoints. The natural light is incredible, the surrounding gardens are ideal for portraits, and the proximity to the beach (and hotel amenities) makes the day run smoothly.

“I want our wedding to feel timeless, colorful, and special. We want it to feel romantic and intimate. Hawaii, specifically this hotel, means so much to us. We made a joke about getting married in this chapel, and now it’s actually coming true!”

— Taylor + Allen

Let’s dive into how Akala Chapel transformed Taylor + Allen’s wedding into an unforgettable, luxe experience.

Why Choose Akala Chapel for Your Oahu Wedding

Couples are often drawn to Akala Chapel for the balance it offers: it’s peaceful and secluded, yet located within a well-known Waikiki resort. You’re getting the best of both worlds—a calm, glass-walled chapel surrounded by tropical plants, and all the convenience of the Hilton Hawaiian Village for your guests.

Here’s what stands out:

• Architecture + Light: Akala Chapel features clean lines, wood accents, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that let the light pour in. From a photographer’s perspective, it’s a dream to shoot in. The natural light means your photos will feel bright, editorial, and true-to-life.
• Private + Convenient: You’re steps away from the beach, nearby reception venues, and accommodations—but the chapel itself feels private and calm.
• Weather-Proof: While outdoor weddings in Hawaii are beautiful, they come with risk. Akala Chapel gives you that garden-adjacent feel, with climate control and shelter from wind or rain.

Want to know how to look your best in that kind of natural light? Read: Tips for Looking Natural and Confident in Front of the Camera

Akala Chapel Ceremony Space: What to Expect

The chapel is a whitewashed dream. It’s modern without feeling sterile, and traditional without being stuffy. Surrounded by palms and breezy garden pathways, it sits tucked away within the Hilton Waikoloa Village—close to the ocean but shielded just enough for privacy.

Inside, the chapel seats about 40–50 guests, which is perfect for couples planning an intimate ceremony with their closest people. The architecture is clean and symmetrical, making it easy to style with florals or leave minimal. I’ve photographed ceremonies where the only décor was sunlight streaming in through the windows—and honestly, that was enough.

Some of the standout features I always look for when shooting here:

• The way the light filters in through the large arched windows—it wraps around the couple in the most flattering way.
• The white tile floor, which bounces light beautifully and adds to that clean, editorial feel.
• The intimacy of the layout. No one feels too far away or disengaged. The energy stays close.

Because it’s a climate-controlled indoor space, it also removes the worry of Hawaii’s unpredictable weather. Rain or shine, your ceremony will feel elevated, peaceful, and visually stunning.

Photo Locations Near Akala Chapel

You don’t need to go far for jaw-dropping photos. One of the things I love most about Akala Chapel is how much variety you can get within walking distance. From lush greenery to oceanfront backdrops, you can capture a full visual story without ever leaving the property.

A few of my go-to spots:

• Lagoon area – Perfect for soft, romantic portraits with tropical textures in the background. Early morning or late afternoon light here is especially flattering.
• Oceanfront lawn – The sunset here is beautiful and the space gives you those open, editorial frames that feel both romantic and clean.
• Chapel garden – If you want that lush, intimate, jungle-adjacent vibe, this is it. Ideal for couple and family portraits.
• Bridges and architectural paths – These give structure to your images, offer depth, and break up the softness of the natural surroundings with some visual contrast.

If you’re into movement, texture, and variety in your wedding gallery, you’ll be fully covered. Need help feeling relaxed and looking amazing on camera? Here’s how I help. You also have the option to sneak away to nearby beaches for a totally different look without much effort—but many couples end up staying on-site because it’s just that good.

How to Plan an Akala Chapel Wedding: Tips for Couples

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Hawaii but don’t want to spend a year orchestrating logistics from afar, here are a few tips to help you pull off an effortless Akala Chapel celebration:

1. Book early – This chapel is in high demand. It’s best to book 12–18 months in advance if you have a specific date in mind, especially if you’re eyeing spring or fall weekends.
2. Work with the Hilton coordination team – They know the space better than anyone and can recommend packages that align with your vision. They’re also familiar with local vendors, which helps when you’re not based on the island.
3. Design with intention – This is a space that doesn’t need a lot of embellishment. See tips for looking natural and confident in front of the camera here. A few sculptural florals and thoughtful textures can go a long way. Let the venue shine.
4. Time your portraits around golden hour – Schedule your ceremony earlier in the day so you have time for couple portraits during that soft late-afternoon light. You’ll thank yourself when you get your gallery back. Read more about how much time is actually needed for each part of your wedding day.
5. Consider your guest experience – Because everything’s in one place, you have more room to personalize the day. Consider welcome bags, group activities, or a cocktail hour overlooking the ocean.

Akala Chapel is ideal for couples who want something elevated, efficient, and meaningful—all without micromanaging the entire production.

Vendors for Your Akala Chapel Wedding

Over the years, I’ve worked with a variety of talented teams who know how to keep the day running smoothly without overcomplicating it. If you’re looking for florals, planning, beauty, or music—this is where I recommend starting:

Check out my curated list of recommended wedding vendors here, or read more about when to hire your Oahu wedding vendors for a smooth planning experience.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Reception: What to Expect

After your Akala Chapel ceremony, it makes perfect sense to continue the celebration right at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. With multiple reception venues located just steps from the chapel, the transition from vows to celebration is seamless. No driving, no waiting, no guest confusion—just an effortless flow from one part of your day to the next.

Couples can choose from several reception settings, including elegant indoor ballrooms, open-air terraces, and beachfront spaces. Each option provides something different—some are polished and private, others breezy and surrounded by palms. The Hilton’s events team knows the property well and offers custom setups, from tropical cocktail hours to plated dinners to full DJ and dance floor productions.

Reception Options Within Hilton Hawaiian Village

• Coral Ballroom – Best for larger parties who want a polished, air-conditioned space with plenty of room for dinner and dancing.
• Rainbow Suite or Tropics Bar Terrace – Ideal for smaller receptions or cocktail-style gatherings with open-air ocean views.
• Outdoor Luau Lawn or Beachfront – For couples who want a more laid-back, toes-in-the-sand atmosphere.

Having your reception at the same resort also makes the logistics easier for guests. They can head straight to their rooms after the party, and many extend their stay into a mini-vacation. It’s one of the biggest reasons couples choose this all-in-one setup—it’s not just about one day, it’s an experience.

Taylor and Allen’s reception was held in one of Hilton’s private event rooms. It was the perfect canvas: clean and modern, with plenty of space to bring in their florals, uplighting, and a live band. We slipped out during golden hour for beach portraits before dinner, then returned for a full dance floor and a sendoff surrounded by streamers.

Real Wedding Inspiration: Taylor + Allen at Akala Chapel & Hilton Hawaiian Village

Taylor and Allen’s wedding day blended timeless elegance with personal flair. From the moment I stepped into their getting-ready suites, the energy felt relaxed but intentional. Allen’s details were simple and sharp—his black suit, boutonnière, and polished shoes quietly waiting on a chair. Meanwhile, Taylor had two dresses: a structured modern gown for the ceremony, and a vintage-inspired reception look that gave her room to dance (and twirl). Every detail, from the soft pleats in the fabric to the heirloom shoes, told a story without saying a word.

The morning unfolded with ease. Inside the suite, Taylor was surrounded by women in bright, joyfully mismatched dresses—coral, orange, fuchsia, sage. They helped her into the gown, carefully smoothing the veil, adjusting the lace appliqué, and soaking up the moment. The Akala Chapel itself was bathed in soft light, framed by soaring glass windows and tropical palms. The ceremony felt warm and connected. When Taylor and Allen walked out as a married couple, bouquet raised in celebration, their energy was infectious.

After the ceremony, we used every pocket of the chapel’s architecture to create portraits that felt both editorial and personal. Then we chased golden hour down to the beach. Taylor changed into her second look and they walked the shoreline just as the sky turned lilac and soft pink. The moment was unposed but cinematic—exactly how it felt to be there.

Later that night, their reception at the Hilton Hawaiian Village turned into a full-on celebration. Between the dance floor kiss under a tunnel of ribbon streamers and the candid cake smash (yes, they went for it), it was a send-off that matched their style—elevated, but never stiff. And thanks to the convenience of having both venues on one property, the whole day flowed effortlessly.

FAQs About Akala Chapel and Hilton Hawaiian Village Weddings

1. Can we book the Akala Chapel and Hilton reception together?
   Yes, many couples choose to hold both events within Hilton Hawaiian Village. Coordinating both through the resort team streamlines planning and logistics.
   
2. Are there options for outdoor receptions at Hilton?
   Yes, there are multiple open-air and waterfront options on the property. If you’re dreaming of a sunset reception, the resort has some of the best views in Waikiki.
   
3. How far is the beach from the chapel?
   A short walk! The chapel is located within Hilton Hawaiian Village, so beach portraits are just steps away.
   
4. What’s the best time of day to get married at Akala Chapel?
   Late afternoon is ideal—the light is soft, and it flows nicely into golden hour portraits.
   
5. What vendors do you recommend for weddings at Hilton and Akala Chapel?
   I’ve gathered a list of recommended vendors who know these venues well and consistently deliver great service.

Final Thoughts on Getting Married at Akala Chapel

If you’re looking for a space that gives you tropical beauty without overwhelming logistics, Akala Chapel delivers. It’s elegant without being showy, and it allows you to actually be present—not stuck in traffic or shuttling guests between locations. It’s a smart choice for couples who want a wedding that feels easy but still looks elevated.

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Hawaii and want a space that looks as beautiful as it feels intentional, reach out here. I’d love to help you create something timeless, editorial, and true to you.