Say "I Do" to a Magical Aloha Wedding in Hawaii

The Hawaiian islands are now more accessible than ever, with great connectivity to major cities around the world. Often, Bali’s Pacific Ocean counterpart would conjure images of surf, shark-diving and volcanic hikes. But the pristine beaches and lush green foliage make for an unforgettable setting for a destination wedding, too!

Central to the Hawaiian culture is the spirit of Aloha, loosely defined as a commitment to treat oneself and others with kindness, respect and love. It’s no surprise that weddings in Hawaii are steeped in traditions that embody these sentiments, and are very much connected with nature.

Located in the world-famous Wailea, there’s no other perfect paradise for your ideal wedding than the beautiful Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort where the spirit of Aloha comes alive. With over 12,000 square feet of event space, you’ll be able to celebrate your wedding day with breathtaking ocean views, cool island breezes and colourful sunsets from any of the resort’s beautiful ceremony and reception sites.

Start your day by exchanging vows at the bayside wedding chapel that features beautiful glass panels to maximise the views of Wailea (and natural light for the best photo moments!) as the backdrop to your ceremony.

If you prefer to feel the sunlight and the breeze in your hair, the resort’s Bayview grounds boasts stunning views of Wailea and is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque ocean. With a built-in stage space, this sweeping oceanfront lawn is a charming site that promises a memorable experience for you and your guests.

At the peak of your celebration, host your reception and party the night away at the Photo Gardens. Framed by local flora and tiki torches can't get a better Hawaiian vibe than that, your guests will enjoy walking along the scenic pathways as the glowing sun sets in the distance.

If you want to create a unique experience and lend originality to your wedding, we recommend getting inspired by Hawaii’s rich blend of Polynesian, Asian and Western cultures and consider incorporating some traditional elements into your special occasion:

1. Flower Lei

The lei or a flower garland worn by ancient Polynesians has nowadays become the symbol of Hawaii, signifying love and respect. They are worn by the bride and groom as well as members of the wedding party. The groom will wear a lei made of maile leaves around his neck. And instead of a veil, the bride will wear a haku lei (commonly made of tuberose, plumeria or pikake flowers) resembling a flower crown around her head. 

At the beginning of the ceremony, the bride and groom would exchange leis. Similar to a wedding ring, the lei is an unbroken circle that represents your commitment and devotion to one another.

2. Blowing of the Pū

Back in the olden days, how would the islanders know if a wedding was taking place, in such a scattered environment surrounded by water?

A member of the bridal party would blow a conch shell, called the Pū, at the start of the wedding ceremony. The long, deep call of the conch shell is also very loud and can be heard from miles away. The person blowing the conch will do so in four directions - to represent the wind, fire, water and earth and announce to them the importance of the occasion.

3. Hula

Hula is a traditional dance and an art form created by Polynesian settlers on Hawaii. Accompanying a song or a chant, hula dancers interpret the words with various hand and body movements that resemble water, trees, and even emotions. Hula dancers are a lovely addition to the wedding reception and it can be a fun way to get your guests involved by learning hula moves themselves.

4. Blessing of the Rings

The Blessing of the Rings is a Hawaiian tradition that uses the Koa wood and the Ti leaf. The Koa wood is a treasured and valuable hardwood that represents strength and integrity in a marriage, while the Ti leaf symbolises health, prosperity and blessings for the body and soul.

The ritual begins by filling a bowl made from Koa wood with water, and then dipping the Ti leaf in the water and sprinkling the water over the rings three times. The water symbolises the cleansing of any obstacles in the couple’s relationship and a brand new beginning as husband and wife.

Got your heart set on Hawaii but not sure how to start your wedding planning? Reach out to us and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

For more information about wedding venues for Hawaii click here.