Planning your wedding can be such a special, exciting time, but there is so much to think about, you may also be feeling a little overwhelmed by it all. Before you can select a wedding planner or begin to choose a style and colour theme for your wedding, there is something very important to consider.
Have you thought about a destination micro wedding? The very first thing to think about, even before planning the wedding dress, the flowers and the food, is the destination. And this will set the flavour for everything else.
This could be an answer to solving your pre-wedding stress. By keeping things small and intimate and by travelling to a truly beautiful place, you can plan a stress-free wedding day and create memories that will last a lifetime. You can even combine your wedding with either a honeymoon for the bridal couple or a vacation for the guests. And this way you will have time to enjoy all the beauty that the islands have to offer.
Travelling to a new country to get married and bringing your closest family members may sound stressful and complicated, but this needn’t be the case. What if you chose to hold your wedding on one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world and an experienced travel company took care of all the travel arrangements?
Have you considered the beaches of Hawaii as a place to bring your closest friends and family together for your unique wedding ceremony? Can you see yourself standing barefoot on the black volcanic sand with only the sound of the waves and the birds?
Getting married in Hawaii is a dream come true and there are many wedding planners to help you realise and personalise your wedding. They will make your big day special and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
A wedding planner can help you to obtain the required marriage licence. An interview is usually required at the official Registry and this will be arranged for you. This office will review the documentation you supply, then determine whether you are eligible. Finally, the marriage Registry will issue you a licence and then you can select a licenced wedding officiant, celebrant or pastor of your choice.
Don’t forget you will also need a travel specialist to take care of your flights, accommodation and activities. Experienced travel specialists will suggest you arrive at least three days before the ceremony to have time to relax, get over jet lag and do your final preparations in peace.
Our Travel Specialists can help you with sourcing the best accommodations, venue and restaurant with the personal touches that make the day particular to the bridal couple. They can also give you advice on the best airlines to fly with and the best seasons to travel in.
Only in Hawaii can you exchange vows and exchange leis, in the setting sun and the relentless surf. In a traditional Hawaiian ceremony, your pastor or wedding celebrant will ask the gods to approve your union and will blow a conch shell to the four directions. Finally, a coconut will be broken with a stone and the coconut flesh and milk will be shared and eaten to close the wedding ceremony.
Just imagine all the adventures you, your spouse and all your guests can experience while exploring these beautiful islands, after the wedding itself. Let your imagination fly as you set off on a journey to the tropical islands of your dreams. There is something for everyone here, whether you are looking for adventure or romantic relaxation at a luxury spa resort.
Did you know there are 137 islands in the Hawaiian archipelago? If you are planning a destination wedding you can certainly draw some inspiration from these pages. For example, you can even plan a boat trip for your guests, after the ceremony and before the banquet, as part of your special day. Or you could arrange surfing lessons here for your guests - after all, surfing was invented here in Hawaii.
All the Hawaiian islands have crystal clear blue waters, fascinating Hawaiian culture and history and of course great beaches with snorkelling and boat rides - but which island is best for you and your beloved to exchange your vows? Let us use our travel expertise to find out which island suits you both best as a couple.
No other destination comes close to Hawaii in terms of romantic ambience. The weather in Hawaii is good almost all year round, so you can choose the date that suits you and your guests best. On some of the islands, it rains more than others, but the temperatures are pleasant all year.
Did you know that each island in Hawaii has an official colour and flower? You can choose which island character most suits the wedding you are envisioning. Would you like a religious or non-religious ceremony? On each of the different islands, there are experienced wedding celebrants and pastors who will help you plan the words of your wedding ceremony.
This is the second oldest island and has the smallest population. Kauai is lush and tropical with the beautiful Limahuli botanical gardens in the north. It is quieter than some islands, with regular cloudbursts on the north coast. This gives it a real jungle atmosphere and you can feel far away from the crowds. One of the highlights is the Waimea Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon on the Pacific.
Kauai’s south shore boasts near-perfect weather year-round and is home to some of the island’s most popular beaches and cultural attractions Poipu Beach, named America’s best beach, is unsurprisingly the most popular. It is surrounded by palm trees and the crystal clear water follows the golden shore in mesmerising crescent shapes. Venturing here, you will find a natural ocean wading pool, as well as activities from snorkelling, swimming, boogie-boarding, and surfing.
Take a boat trip to view the staggering cliffs of the Na Pali coast from the water on the west side of the island. Take time to visit the beautiful Wailua Falls on the east side of the island and the famous Hanalei Beach on the north shore. The bridal couple and guests will have no shortage of attractions to visit before and after the wedding date itself.
If you combine all the other islands together the Big Island is still bigger. However, it is easy to get around, with most sites being a nice day trip distance away. The Big Island is great for active holidays such as hiking in the rainforest or whale-watching. This island encompasses 8 (although some claim 11) of the 13 climate zones in the world. Snorkelling with manta rays at night is one of the top highlights to do during your visit.
The historic towns of Hilo and Kailua Kona and the Mauna Kea Observatories are all very interesting places to visit for a day trip. Honalo is also an area of natural beauty on the West coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is famous for its stunning beaches and some of the best snorkelling spots in the world. You may be lucky enough to swim with a giant tortoise or to spot the humuhumunukunukuapua, Hawaii's state fish, while snorkelling.
There are great restaurants specialising in an exciting fusion of Japanese, American and delicious health food. Try a true Hawaiian poke bowl followed by Japanese vegan red bean ice cream or watch the famous Kona coffee being ground for you.
There are many water sports and boating activities to enjoy during your visit, from surfing lessons to sportfishing trips. Honalo is just a few miles south of the town of Kailua Kona, the home to the start and finish of the annual Ironman Worldchampionship Triathlon, which is a spectacular event to see. Staying in Honalo you are very well located to explore the lush green forests or the volcanic national parks of the Big Island.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park stretches all the way from sea level to the peaks of two of the world's most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, at over 4000 metres above sea level. The park is located in the southeast of the Big Island of Hawaii and is open 24 hours a day. Take a boat tour along the coast to see molten lava pouring down into the ocean or drive along Crater Rim Drive and see the steam vents close at hand.
This national park covers an area of 1,309,000 square kilometres and is an International Biosphere Reserve and a Unesco World Heritage Site. You can go on day hikes, organised tours, or scenic drives to see all the different aspects of the national park. Stop by at the Visitors Centre to get up to date information about eruptions and lava fountains happening during your stay on the island.
Famous for its triple crown surfing and the stunning Waikiki Beach, this island is full of culture and nightlife. There are so many different things to do from visiting Honolulu’s Chinatown to Disneyland, it is no wonder it became known as the gathering place. Make time to visit the Pearl Harbour National Memorial placed over the final resting place of the USS Arizona battleship.
Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the biggest, most populated city on the island of Oahu. The word Honolulu means "sheltered harbour" or "calm port" in Hawaiian. Fittingly, Honolulu is an important hub in the Hawaiian archipelago. The city is very popular with tourists from all over the world due to its stunning beaches, rich natural scenery, and pleasant tropical climate.
There are endless opportunities for water sports, snorkelling, fishing and swimming. This is a great starting place to explore the quieter places of the islands. Before you get off the beaten track, enjoy the many art galleries, museums and music events that the city has to offer. The island of Oahu is home to about two-thirds of the population of Hawaii but there are still areas of unspoilt natural beauty to explore.
If you can arrange for your island wedding to take place between December and March, then this is the prime whale-watching season. You and your guests may be treated to one of the most spectacular sites on the islands, leaping humpback whales and migrating pilot whales.
Maui is the second-largest island in the state of Hawaii and is also famous for Haleakala, an active volcano that has erupted at least 10 times in the last 1000 years. Maui had lots of beautiful waterfalls to dip in while driving and exploring the island. It also makes a good adult-only vacation, if this is what you are choosing for your wedding as the island has the only adult-only resort in all of Hawaii.
Maui is also the departure point for the beautifully named islands of Lana’i, Moloka’i, Ni’ihau and Kaho’olawe. Even the names can trigger your imagination with images of white sands and snorkelling with turtles. These three smaller islands are just a ferry ride away.
Hana is a peaceful town in the East of Maui that is home to many natural wonders, including the Hana Lava Tube, a cave trail that is interesting to explore on foot. The area is fairly remote and unspoiled as it is surrounded by Hana Forest Reserve. Kaihalulu Beach is an uncrowded beach, accessed by a steep path and famous for its dark red volcanic sand.
Other interesting places to visit are the Pi'i-lani Temple, the largest temple in Hawaii, and the Kaia Ranch Tropical Botanical Gardens. The winding road to Hana is one of Hawaii's most famous drives. Along the way, you'll see amazing beauty, fresh local food stands, gardens, beaches, rainforests and more. Take care driving this route as it has one-lane bridges and hairpin bends with spectacular views.
Paia is a historic town on the north coast of Maui. It's famous for Hookipa beach, known as the windsurfing capital of the world. This is a small, pleasant town where you can take it easy as you stroll past the charming storefronts of shops selling fresh, local produce. Walk along the gorgeous golden sands of Baldwin Beach Park and maybe even take a surfing lesson while on the stunning coastline.
You can visit the Buddhist Peace Stupa, consecrated by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama in 2007, or the Temple of Peace Cleansing Spa. The Haiku Marketplace is a great place to try out the local cuisine from restaurants and food trucks; there is a delicious fusion of Asian, American and European food with an emphasis on healthy fresh ingredients. Also, leave some time to explore the Sacred Garden of Maliko.
The resort area of Wailea is known for its five beautiful, crescent-shaped beaches in the south of Maui. In Hawaiian, Wailea means, “the water of Lea”, who is the goddess of canoe makers. The area’s signature beaches have excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities, and Ulua Beach Park is great for early morning and sunset walks.
Browse the numerous shops and art galleries for the perfect souvenir before sampling your way through the award-winning restaurants, like the Spago or the Duo. After an eventful day, you can relax in a spa in a tropical atmosphere that exudes a sense of privacy, serenity, and freedom. Wailea is also famous for its world-class golf and tennis facilities if you are looking for some sports activities for your wedding guests.
The perfect wedding location may just be right here at the water’s edge of any of these beautiful Hawaiian islands. An experienced travel company will help you select stunning accommodation and the wedding venue that suits you best. They can also arrange your flights and all the accommodation and activities for your guests, leaving you with more time to focus on the dress, the food and other important details. So why not stay a little longer and make this your honeymoon as well?
And then all you have to do is seal your love in the glow of the Pacific sunset. Rest assured that the photos of your special day will turn out beautifully, preserving this day to remember. Our travel specialists can also arrange all the requirements for a truly romantic honeymoon. Just tell us your wishes.
And lastly, if you have chosen to keep things simpler and to get married in your home country, what about setting to add a touch of Aloha to your honeymoon? Fly here and recover from those busy days and be alone, just the two of you. The Hawaiian Islands offer some of the best honeymoon spa resorts in the world. And Kauai is known after all, as the honeymoon isle.
You probably already have ideas for your holiday to the United States and Canada. Nature tours through the Rocky Mountains, spotting orcas near the San Juan Islands, or exploring the streets of San Francisco on the iconic cable car?
For the best local tips and advice, visit one of our online presentations. Meet our travel specialists and have all of your questions answered.
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.
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