Hawaii wedding locations
 

I'm planning a small wedding of 40 people next year in Oahu. I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the two locations on my list: Halekulani, which I hear has amazing food, and Kahala Mandarin Oriental which has a lovely gazebo overlooking Diamond Head. Ideally, I would like to have both the ceremony and reception at the same place. Or any other location or wed planners you can suggest? Thanks AJ94

We have reservations next year at the Kahana Kai estate on Oahu. From their website, they specialize in weddings on their oceanfront estate. It is more intimate than the Halekulani or Kahala Mandarin, but I'll bet a heck of a lot cheaper! In fact we are thinking of having our rededication ceremony at the estate. The link is: http://www.kahanakai.com/weddings.htm Just do me a favor AJ, if you end up there, tell them [email protected] sent you.

I've been to weddings at both the Halekulani and the Kahala Mandarin, and I think I would prefer to have my own wedding at the Kahala Mandarin. There is one difference in the wedding ceremony, however: There is shade at the Halekulani, so you will be a lot cooler. The Kahala Mandarin is closer to the east side of Honolulu so morning ceremonies can be quite warm.

In my past life, I coordinated weddings and I always tell people to have their weddings at hotels--you get a full package, plus the staffing to help set everything up for you. when you have things outside of hotels, every little thing adds up because you have to do things ala carte. Also if something goes wrong (like someone accidentally drops the cake as they are unloading it from the car!), hotels can quickly get a backup. But that's just my 2 cents.......

I've been to several weddings at Halekulani and Kahala, and I sort of prefer Kahala. They do have a nice gazebo that is on the grass just above the beach, and your guests are seated on the grass facing the ocean. Parking is easy there, the grounds are nice for wandering around, and the food is always good. Most of the ones I went to had the reception in rooms about 30 feet from the lawn area.
The Halekulani does have nice meals and the grounds are pretty, but I always feel a bit squished in there, plus the parking is cramped and takes quite a while to get your car back from the valets.
In addition, the weddings I've attended were always in an interior courtyard, pretty, but not on or in view of the beach. After the ceremony, the guests go upstairs to a mezzanine type area and are served drinks and appetizers there until they open the banquet rooms. Your wedding will be quite small though, so maybe they will have a different place for your reception?

The one I don't recommend is the Moana hotel's beach weddings. They are out on a concrete courtyard and very hot, not to mention the huge crowds on the beach 5 feet away. The banquet hall upstairs is a beautiful place for just a reception though!

Thanks Maggi and Melissa for your reply. I've had a look at the kahana website and the grounds look beautiful. However, I think I prefer a hotel as Melissa has suggested it's pretty much a one stop deal. Melissa, can I ask what you liked more about Kahala? Were you happy with the food? I'm looking into having the reception at the O Ke Kai room which opens up to the lawn outside. Wedding will be in October so hopefully it'll be a little cooler than summer. Thanks again. AJ

I don't know the names of the ballrooms by heart, but I know the main big ballroom opens up and it is just this big, airy feeling that is very unique--you don't get that same ambience from other ballrooms in Honolulu. Although the Sheraton Moana ballroom is pretty awesome looking. Then again, I do have to agree with lcuy. I just did a wedding last month at the Moana and it was sweltering. I kept ducking into the ballroom where it was air conditioned, and the reverend (in a suit) was begging to have the ceremony in the ballroom!

But, I digress. I liked the food at both the Halekulani and the Kahala; both are upscale and very good. Oh, the other thing I didn't like about Halekulani: the ceremony is in a courtyard and all the hotel guests can hang out on their balconies to watch. Sure, that's a nice thing; but what if a guest insists on watching and they are holding a screaming baby? You have less of the gawking at Kahala. My favorite thing about the Kahala is how their ballroom opens up, though.

Aloha AJ,

I have never been to weddings at either of these locations, but last November I visited the Turtle Bay Resort on the north shore and was mesmerized by the wedding chapel on their grounds and thought how lovely a wedding would be there.

Food for thought, you may just want to check it out as an alternative to Honolulu. My photos of the "empty chapel" were missing the most important elements, the bride & groom. May worth be looking into. This resort is lovely, and I would assume full, full service.

Best wishes, and blessings on your special day.

Turtle Bay or Ihilani have beautiful setting for weddings.

I think I would go to the Kahala also although I would take a look at Maggi's suggestion. For me seclusion would be the most important matter. I always tell people that want beach weddings to select a non-swimming beach for privacy. I don't think I have ever been to Waikiki when a wedding has not been going on. It is rarely just one wedding also. Some times there are two different couples on the same beach dong those sunset vows. You see different wedding partys in the same hotels often also. Just a heads up if you care about this.

Might be worth your while to inquire about the number of weddings that will be taking place at your location. Although I never recall this being an issue at the Kahala. All of the locations you mention are beautiful but the Kahala is the most removed from he crowds. It really is a lovely location. Pick a non weekend in the off season and you will be all by yourselves.

Sarah reminded me that we observed a wedding couple, she in her white flowing gown and veil, he in an elegant tuxedo, being professionally photographed on the beach at Kanapaali's Black Rock at sunset. I was getting some great shots of them as well, when suddenly a huge wave rolled in and drenched them. The last photo I got was of a soaking veil, tuxedo jacket, black shoes and cumberbund discarded in the sand. Watch those waves, AJ!

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. We've decided to have the wedding at the Kahala b/c of its beauty and as several of you have mentioned, it is somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle. The wedding will be on a Tuesday evening in October so I'm hoping it won't be quite as busy as a weekend in summer. Thanks again for your input! It's been really helpful to me in making my decision.

AJ94,

Please DO post after the wedding...

We'll all love to share in your joy! :)

Many blesssings... aloha~