“The Life”
Weddings and Special Occasions
Maui County February–March 2015
Aloha from the Publisher
We’re excited to be bringing you the second issue of Ke Ola Weddings and Special Occasions for Maui County. The goal of these stories is to share a deeper connection about Maui County with couples and families who wish to have a more meaningful celebration by connecting with the culture, land and ocean. In this issue, we feature a story about Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kīhei. In 1852, the Reverend David Malo supervised the building of the original Kilohani Church, the ruins of which are now on the grounds of Trinity-by-the-Sea. In future issues, you can look forward to features about ecofriendly and unusual locations for ceremonies and receptions, baby lū‘au, inspiring kāhuna and more. If you have any story ideas you would like to submit for consideration, please send them to Maui County Editor Debra Lordan at MCeditor@keolamagazine.com. Me ke aloha pumehana (with warm aloha), Barbara Garcia, Publisher Wedding and Special Event cover: Charlie Young Beach Photo by Merry Maui Weddings Contact Ayesha Sandra Lee: 808.357.1171, info@merrymauiweddings.com Visit: www.merrymauiweddings.com, www.facebook.com/merrymauiweddings
KeOlaMagazine.com | Maui County, February/March 2015
UA MAU KE EA O KA ‘ĀINA I KA PONO.
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The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. [Its sustainability depends on doing what is right.] Proclamation by Kona-born King Kamehameha III in 1843. Later adopted as the Hawai‘i state motto.
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Ke Ola recognizes the use of the ‘okina [‘] or glottal stop, as one of the eight consonants of (modern) Hawaiian language; and the kahakō [ā] or macron (e.g., in place names of Hawai‘i such as Hāna). Ke Ola respects the individual use of these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
A Church Without Walls
Trinity-by-the-Sea melds sacred ceremony with God’s creation.
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wedding framed by nature’s bounty is beautiful to behold, especially when it’s held in one of the most unique church settings in the country. The picturesque simplicity and backdrop of blue sky and gentle trade winds at Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kīhei host an extraordinary experience. Unlike many other venues, its remarkable aesthetic surroundings are a perfect setting for the beginning of a couple’s life together. Trinity’s historic building with no walls or roof allows churchgoers the opportunity to experience God’s creation. Something sacred happens when the exotic tropical beauty of Maui is merged with a traditional Episcopal Church ceremony. The sanctuary is an ageless place that transcends time. Visitors to the church seem to step from modern pavement to ancient ground. Under the swaying branches of the palms and kiawe trees, the holy message calls for reverence and contemplation.
“The possibility to have an outdoor wedding framed by Hawaiian history and still be in church, meant the world to us,” said Amy Crowe.
| By Cindy Schumacher
Standing in front of the large kiawe cross centered behind the altar brings an awareness of the simple, yet astounding message of faith, hope and love—gifts that were offered to humanity long before there were Gothic cathedrals, Renaissance paintings or marble statues. Pages of the Bible come alive in an outdoor wedding ceremony at Trinity. It has been said about the sanctuary that “there is a direct line to the heavens with no roof to obstruct God’s beauty.” In his parables, Jesus constantly refers to nature—he uses birds, animals, seasons and natural events to teach and illustrate his message of God’s abiding love for us.
History The history of the church and its founder, Rev. David Malo, make Trinity-by-the-Sea a memorable site.
Standing in front of the large kiawe cross centered behind the altar brings an awareness of the simple, yet astounding message of faith, hope and love.
“We brought in our own Hawaiian practitioner in addition to the Episcopal priest to reflect the spirit of the environment,” said James Crowe.
Rev. Austin Murray conducts the wedding ceremony of Amy and James Crowe.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Maui County, February/March 2015
Born around 1793, Malo was a leading Native Hawaiian historian and scholar, and was the third Native Hawaiian to be ordained in the Christian ministry. While serving Chief Kuakini (the brother of Queen Ka‘ahumanu) as an oral historian and court genealogist, he helped translate books from the Bible so they could be published in the Hawaiian language. Malo’s own book, Hawaiian Antiquities, is a compilation of Hawaiian religion, cultural history and stories. In 1852, Malo supervised the building of Kilohani Church, the ruins of which are now on the grounds of Trinity-by-the-Sea. The original building was constructed from coral blocks and river rock. It had a wooden-beamed thatched roof and blown-glass windows. Around 1893, during the overthrow of the monarchy, the church was set afire. Soon afterward, around 1900, a storm caused flooding that devastated the remaining walls of the
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church buildings. The site sat vacant for over a half-century until a small Episcopal congregation of Trinity-by-the-Sea brought the ruins to life and turned it into a sanctuary in 1976.
Today
Today, in appreciation of the life and work of Rev. Malo, and out of respect for the many Hawaiians in the congregation, the service on the first Sunday of every month is celebrated primarily with Hawaiian language and customs. The service begins with the ke kani o ka pū, the sound of the conch shell. The oli wehe, the chant that calls the people to worship, is chosen from biblical verses appropriate to the
The blessed moment: “You are now man and wife.”
liturgical season. The altar is flanked by red and gold kāhili, symbols of royalty that remind us of King Kamehameha IV, Alexander Liholiho and Queen Emma. These monarchs welcomed the Anglican Church to Hawai‘i in 1862 and generously supported the church during their reign. “Our picturesque church without walls offers breathtaking backdrops for the most romantic event of a couple’s life—their wedding,” said Mary Aymar, Trinity’s administrator and wedding coordinator. “We provide more than just a venue. We assist in fulfilling every aspect of the wedding day vision customized to the couple’s preference and mood—Hawaiian or otherwise.” Trinity-by-the-Sea welcomes couples of all religious backgrounds to celebrate their wedding in a historic setting that is perfect for weddings, renewals, receptions and other events. It is very affordable and has kitchen catering space, an indoor hall and lawns for tents. The natural plantings of kiawe and plumeria trees can eliminate the need for expensive flower arrangements. “However,” Aymar said, “gorgeous wedding flowers and décor are available to infuse personal style into the Trinity venue.” With her experience, Aymar guides couples in all aspects of planning—right up to the wedding day ceremony and reception. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw Trinity’s sanctuary,” Aymar recalled. “I fell in love with the look and feel of this magical spot in Kīhei. I was amazed at the unique ruins and the look of the outdoor church with pews set inside the original lava coral rock walls built by Rev. Malo. Aymar is awed by the sanctuary, which is surrounded by 100-year-old kiawe and plumeria trees as well as many varieties of birds.
Rev. Austin Murray congratulates newly married Amy and James Crowe.
“It really feels like nature and spirituality become one as you sit and absorb the sights and the beautiful sounds of nature,” said Aymar. “It is wonderful when two people want to include God in the ceremony while taking this big step in life.” Remembering a special moment during one of the Trinity weddings, Aymar recalled a time when Rev. Austin Murray, priestin-charge, announced a couple husband and wife. “Right at that instant, all the clouds separated and visible sun beams flooded them as they stared at each other absorbing Rev. Austin’s powerful words,” said Aymar. “It was a great moment that gave me the chills.”
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Maui County, February/March 2015
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Amy and James Crowe leave the sanctuary as husband and wife.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Maui County, February/March 2015
“All of our couples have been ecstatic,” she reported, remembering the extraordinary wedding of James and Amy Crowe. “We were surrounded by nature,” reflected the Crowes. “The opportunity to have an outdoor wedding—to be framed by Hawaiian history and still be in a church—meant the world to us. Our wedding was unique to us—filled with passion and love. Trinity is an amazing location to have an elegant, spiritual wedding.” Amy chose the day before the wedding for a bridal photo shoot at Trinity. “It was fun to walk the sanctuary in my wedding dress, dreaming of the day and savoring the location,” she said, noting the photos of that day are among her favorites.
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“We brought in our own Hawaiian practitioner in addition to the Episcopal priest to reflect the spirit of the environment,” said James. “In addition, the lei exchange between our mothers brought tears to many eyes as it symbolized our families’ journey as one,” Amy added. “Being married at Trinity-by-the-Sea is a most beautiful and unique opportunity on the island of Maui,” the Crowes agreed. “There are not enough words to completely express our thanks and appreciation for all that Mary and Trinity-by-the-Sea did to make our day the best in our lives. We hope that the Trinity venue will be enjoyed by many more couples in the future.” The sanctuary is only closed to the public when it is reserved for ceremonies. It is a spiritual place to visit and sit quietly and
listen for the inner peace that most certainly can be found in these surroundings.❖ For more information, visit www.trinitybts.org or call 808.879.0161 Trinity-by-the-Sea is located at 100 Kulanihakoi St. in Kīhei. Contact writer Cindy Schumacher through the editor: mceditor@keolamagazine.com
Flower girls enhance the Crowe wedding.
“There is a direct line to the heavens with no roof to obstruct God’s beauty.”
Trinity-by-the-Sea provides day and evening opportunities for cherished moments.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Maui County, February/March 2015
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