When planning a wedding and honeymoon, few destinations rival O‘ahu for romance. This island paradise combines stunning beaches, valleys, and mountains; the sophisticated style of Honolulu and Waikīkī, and the unique Hawaiian culture. Marvelous settings, comprehensive wedding services, and expert advice make planning an O‘ahu wedding a breeze. And the Hawaiian spirit of aloha will envelop clients and their guests in a warm embrace of love and celebration. They will make memories to last a lifetime in O‘ahu: The Heart of Hawai‘i.
Planning Made Easy
With a wide range of wedding venues and vendors, O‘ahu gives clients choices to suit their style and budget. Wedding consultants will assist them with every aspect of their celebration including travel reservations, site selection, menus, caterers, photography, videography, music, florists, rehearsal dinners, hair/makeup, and guest activities. Many hotels have dedicated wedding planners or work with an independent professional. Excellent phone, fax, and email communications facilitate the planning process.
O‘ahu is so accessible with numerous flights from the U.S. mainland and Asia. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport and English is the language. An array of hotels, resorts, condominiums, and vacations rentals ensures that guests can choose lodgings that fit their budget. Rental cars, taxis, and private cars and limos make island travel effortless.
Picture Perfect Settings
Whether they want a large wedding or a small, intimate one, O‘ahu has a spectrum of venues for their ceremony and reception. Numerous hotels and resorts are one-stop resources with planners, glamorous locations, custom packages, honeymoon suites, and favorable rates for their guests. They can go for the unforgettable backdrop of a beachside wedding or a ceremony in a private garden estate, a botanical garden, or a plantation garden. Oceanfront estates, picturesque chapels with ocean views, grand cathedrals, and historic Hawaiian churches are also ideal.
Celebrating with Family and Friends
Since their wedding is a mini vacation for their wedding party and guests, help them plan activities that showcase O‘ahu’s natural splendor and Hawaiian culture. Guests can surf, whale watch, swim with dolphins, hike a volcano, and bike through secluded valleys. They can visit world class museums and learn to dance the hula, play ‘ukulele, or cook Hawaiian specialties. Pre-wedding festivities and rehearsal dinners can include traditional lu‘aus, sunset cocktails and Hawaiian music on Waikīkī Beach, and dinners at award-winning restaurants serving international specialties and Hawai'i Regional Cuisine.
Honeymoon Heaven
Magnificent O‘ahu provides all the magic of the Hawaiian Islands in one destination. Recommend clients to indulge in a couples’ massage at one of the many hotel spas and arrange for a catered dinner at a private estate. They can enjoy a catamaran sail off Waikīkī, take a surf lesson for two, and kayak the turquoise waters of Kailua. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike or bike a 4,000-acre working cattle ranch and trek through a pristine tropical forest. They can learn about Hawaiian royalty at ‘Iolani Palace (the only palace in the U.S.), discover Hawaiian history at Bishop Museum (an institution inspired by love), and discover cutting edge galleries in Honolulu’s Chinatown district. Recommend they take a drive to the North Shore to watch surfers catch the big waves, grab a plate lunch at one of the area’s shrimp trucks, and browse the boutiques in charming Hale‘iwa. In Waikīkī, they can shop the international designers along Kalākaua Avenue and take home Hawai‘i-made apparel, jewelry, arts and crafts from stores at Waikīkī Beach Walk. Romance is found all across O‘ahu.
Weddings with Aloha
Recommend that they infuse their O‘ahu wedding with special touches that reflect the Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha.
• Send Save the Date announcements and invitations with an island theme.
• The bride, groom, and bridal party can all wear lovely, fragrant lei--the traditional Hawaiian flower garlands will a dash of color to their photos.
• Greet wedding guests with lei.
• Choose Hawaiian style entertainment: hula dancers, traditional ‘ukulele and slack key guitar musicians, and Hawaiian song.
• Menu choices can reflect the bounty of Hawai‘i: fresh fish, island raised beef, and local fruits and vegetables.
• Give wedding party members Hawai‘i-made gifts: koa wood boxes, island inspired jewelry, and aloha wear.
• Choose Hawaiian gourmet items for wedding guest favors and gift bags: macadamia nuts, Hawaiian coffee and chocolates.
O'ahu Wedding Planning Online
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www.oahuweddingassociation.com
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