“The Life” Cel e b rating t h e a r t s, cu l t u re, a n d s u s t a i n ab i l i t y o f t h e Hawa i i a n Is la nds
Weddings and Special Occasions
Aloha from the Publisher
E komo mai, welcome to the debut of Ke Ola magazine’s first biannual Wedding and Special Occasion issue. After more than five years of publishing bi-monthly Hawaiian arts, culture and sustainability stories, we are excited to be publishing our first special issue. We are particularly happy to provide a unique product, telling stories about Hawai‘i Island (nicknamed the Big Island) wedding customs, rituals and unusual locations, as well as ways to have sustainable receptions and parties by serving locally sourced island food and drinks. With so many varied locations and eco-systems on Hawai‘i Island, there truly is something for everyone here! In the interest of inviting bridal parties and anniversary couples to consider having their dream wedding or vow renewal on this special island, we’ve mailed complimentary copies of this issue to travel agents and event planners in major cities in Washington, Oregon, California, plus Las Vegas, Nevada, and also to our world-wide subscribers (who already have a love affair with this island). We’ve also shipped boxes to several hula hālau in Japan. This issue we included a Japanese translation of our Traditional Hawaiian Wedding story on page 12. This magazine is also available in “flip-book” format on our website, so please share this with everyone you know. Hawai‘i Island is “da kine” place to get married or celebrate any special occasion! The advertisers in this issue are well qualified to answer all your questions about special occasion planning. Give them a call and thank them for bringing you this lovely keepsake of our beloved island home, Hawai‘i Island. Let us give you a warm welcome when you arrive! Me ke aloha pumehana (with warm aloha) Barbara Garcia, Publisher
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Contents
5 Traditional Hawaiian Weddings By Leilehua Yuen
11 A Royal Wedding By Leilehua Yuen
12 Traditional Hawaiian Weddings in Japanese By Leilehua Yuen Translated by Yuko Ka‘iualoha Usui
14 Island-Style Touches for Your Hawai‘i Island Wedding 19 Hawai‘i Wedding Receptions, from Farm to Table By Sonia Martinez
22 Wedding Lei By Leilehua Yuen
28 Want to Get Married in an Unusual Place on Hawai‘i Island? By Denise Laitinen
cover photo
On location at Waipio Rim B&B Photo courtesy Sarah Anderson Photography SarahAndersonHawaii.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
By Denise Laitinen
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“The Life” Celebra ting the a r ts, culture, a nd susta ina bilit y of the Hawa iia n Is la nd s
Summer/Fall 2014 • Kauwela/Hā‘ulelau 2014
Publisher, Managing Editor Barbara Garcia Bowman, 808.329.1711 x1, Barb@KeOlaMagazine.com
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Renée Robinson, 808.896.3950, Renee@AWealthOf Wisdom.com
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Sharon Bowling
Japanese Translation Yuko Ka‘iualoha Usui, Yokahama, Japan
Ambassadors
Eric Bowman • Fern Gavelek • Kathleen Akaka • WavenDean Fernandes
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
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.
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Ke Ola is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Ke Ola is a member of Hawai‘i Alliance for a Local Economy (HALE), supporting the “Think Local, Buy Local” initiative. Submit online at KeOlaMagazine.com (go to Contact menu) Editorial inquiries or story ideas Request advertising rates This is the first bi-annual Weddings and Special Occasions issue of Ke Ola Publishing. Ke Ola magazines regular bi-monthly issues which celebrate the arts, culture, and sustainability of Hawai‘i Island are available for reading on our website, in addition to ordering back issues and subscriptions. © 2014, Ke Ola Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved
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David Chavarria and Jackie Amezquita Officiant Rev. Janette Kanalani Trombley Photo courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
Traditional Hawaiian Weddings | By Leilehua Yuen
one woman would “forsake all others and cleave unto” each other for their entire lives. Higher-ranking chiefs practiced polygamy and polyandry, and both men and women were free to change partners for any or no reason. If a couple decided that their relationship was no longer productive, they simply parted ways. As children were reared by the entire extended family, there was little, if any, disruption in the life of the youngsters. The maka‘āinana, the landsmen, or common people, had traditions which varied from island to island, district to district, and family to family. “Marriage” could be as simple as deciding to share a sleeping mat and starting a family, or as elaborate as the two families getting together, exchanging gifts, and hosting an ‘aha‘aina, a feast, to celebrate. Today, we know these kinds of common-law marriages as nohopū. Lacking an expectation of attachment, jealousy was rare. It did, however, exist, and was notable enough to provide the core of the conflict in several of the great Hawaiian romance epics, such as that of Lu‘ukia, or the story of Kahalaopuna. Of course, there were individuals who had life-long romantic attachments
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
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oday’s beautiful and romantic Hawaiian weddings are a blend of traditions from many cultures, and often incorporate unique personal elements created by the bride and groom for their special day. Our modern weddings draw on traditions from Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and, of course, Polynesia. As an officiant, I have been asked to help couples craft ceremonies which honor their blended backgrounds. I have helped couples design their ceremony which juxtaposed dancing flames and Hopi reflecting water, Hawaiian ho‘āo and Shinto sake ritual, Mexican lazo, and Hawaiian lei. While the Hawaiian Islands are synonymous with romance, and many of our ancient tales are based on, or at least liberally seasoned with, seduction and romantic intrigue, marriage as it is known in the Western world did not enter the Hawaiian culture until after 1820. In ancient times, there was no ceremony comparable to the modern wedding. What we think of today as marriage did not exist. There was no government licensing, no legal requirement, and no divorce. There was no expectation that one man and
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1908 Hilo Drug Co. postcard with nose flute player and hula dancer
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
HE ALOHA KAUA A LOVE BETWEEN TWO
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with each other, and these relationships also are treated in song and story. The romances of ‘Ōhi‘a and Lehua, and of ‘Umi and Kulamea come immediately to mind.
Courtship
While each family Leonard Staley and Kathey Wyckoff is different, a typical with nose flute player and chanter. courtship might begin with Officient Rev. Janete Kanalani Trombley photo courtesy the young man taking Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials choice fish from his catch, or beautiful vegetables from his farm, to the girl’s family. He might begin spending more time helping the men of her family with their daily tasks. If they enjoyed his company, he might stay and help prepare the imu, then remain to eat. At last, he would cease going to his own home, and simply remain as part of the household of his sweetheart. Their relationship would be looked on as a natural part of the evolution of the family. Probably the most famous form of courtship among traditional Hawaiians is playing the ‘ohe hano ihu, the nose flute. Young men would fashion a flute from the local thin-walled bamboo, Schizostachyum glaucifolium, and compose a melody unique
to themselves. They would play this melody for that special someone, who would recognize it as composed for herself, alone. Sometimes, the young lady would craft a nose flute for herself, and they would play duets, or play in a call-andresponse fashion. Other stories talk about sweethearts crafting lei, not only for their beloved, more importantly for the grandparents of their intended. After all, as the kūpuna say, “If you’re in with the grandparents, you’re in!” Surfing also played a role in courtship, and several of the celebrated romances in Hawaiian history and legend hinge on surfing contests. Men and women both enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, displaying their skill in riding the waves, body surfing, board surfing, and canoe surfing. In the romance of Kelea, the surfing chiefess of Maui, her skill at surfing draws the attention of Lolale, chief of O‘ahu. Though he is not a surfer, and prefers the cool uplands to the seashore, they marry, then eventually she leaves him to be with his surfer cousin, Kalamakua.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Kumu Keala Ching with Lulie and John Cottle photo courtesy Kumu Keala Ching
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On occasion, exceptionally high-ranking children would be paired with each other from infancy, if a kahuna skilled in the family genealogies determined that it would be an auspicious match. In general, though family might have hopes and make suggestions, as long as the chiefs provided children of sufficient mana, choice in liaisons was the prerogative of the individuals. Same-sex relationships were also common. High Chief Līloa of Waipi‘o Valley had an male paramour, as well as an official “wife,” the mother of his highest ranking child, and a liaison with another woman which produced his more famed son, ‘Umi, who became an ancestor of Kamehameha Pai‘ea. Interpretations of some stories indicate that his wife had her own hale, and Līloa lived with his paramour until the chief’s peaceful passing in old age.
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Royalty might have more elaborate ceremony when pairing off, yet it was not intended to consecrate the unity of the couple. The ceremony was to ask the blessing of the gods on the children of the royal pair, to assure that these offspring were born with perfect bodies and minds, and great mana, or spiritual power. These ho‘āo ceremonies varied according to locale and family, and could be as simple as the royal couple being escorted to their new sleeping hale (house) and wrapped together in a sheet of pure white kapa with their family priests and chanters offering prayer and song for the union and offspring, to elaborate ceremonies of several days length involving exchange of ceremonial gifts, participation of the courts’ priests and
chanters, relatives, and interested parties, and the preparation of much food at a great ‘aha‘aina. In some ‘ohana (families), a new hale would be built for the couple in which to conceive a child. This would prevent the possibility of any negative mana from previous uses of the building affecting the child. New kapa would wrap the couple, and new dishes held their food, for the same reasons. Sometimes, if a family heirloom such as a great-grandmother’s moena (sleeping mat) had seen the birth of many children of great mana, that might be used so that its mana would be added to the conception. All parts of the ceremony were focused toward giving the children-to-be the greatest mana possible, for their health and success was the health and success of the entire community.
The Modern Hawaiian Wedding
After the introduction of Christianity in 1820, people began to “male.” This Christian style wedding was adopted by many families and eventually became the legal form. The term is simply transliterated from the English word “marry.” Spelled in Hawaiian, which has no written “r,” and must end in a vowel, the word become “male” pronounced (MAH-lay). The early Christian-style marriages were as austere as the Calvinist Missionaries who brought the ceremony. Records of some of these marriages can be found starting around 1826. A typical wedding might take place at the end of a regular church service. The minister, the couple, and two witnesses would stand at the door of the church and make their vows before the congregation. Afterwards, the minister would scribe the marriage into the church records, with the couple and witnesses signing.
The main change at this time was not the outward form of the wedding ceremony; it was that the focus was now on the couple as a unit, “one flesh,” rather than as a channel to provide children of mana for the community. As time went on, the ceremony became more elaborate, especially after the Hawaiian royalty began to travel to Europe and join the Anglican Church. By the heyday of the Hawaiian monarchy, in the mid to late 1800s, weddings of royals and highly placed families rivaled the pomp and splendor of any European fête. After the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, weddings again became more simple affairs. Then, with the Territorial Era, Hawai‘i was marketed by companies such as Matson and Pan Am as a romantic destination for honeymoons. Local families again celebrated lavishly, often beginning to save for a daughter’s wedding at her birth. The baby lū‘au, a major production in its own right, is only a foreshadowing of the wedding pā‘ina. When Bing Crosby starred in Waikiki Wedding in 1937 and sang Blue Hawai‘i, and later in 1961 when Elvis Presley created a remake and named the film Blue Hawai‘i, Hawaii’s role as a wedding destination was set. An entire industry began to build around creating “dream weddings” and honeymoons.
Weddings Today
As the different ethnic groups came to settle in our islands, people brought their customs from their homelands. As people met and intermarried, they shared their customs. Today, brides and grooms often select traditions from their ethnic backgrounds and from their life experiences, then blend them Callie and Tony Matulonis Officient Kumu Leilehua Yuen photo courtesy Erin Summit
Ring Blessing photo courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
together to create beautiful and unique ceremonies that are especially meaningful for them. When I am asked “Is this okay?” or “Do you think I should?” I tell the couple, “Your wedding marks the beginning of your lives together. You will remember this day for the rest of your lives. Create the wedding that you want to remember.” Sometimes, two or more traditions are blended to create a new tradition. The lei is a much loved part of Hawaiian ceremony and celebration. The lazo, a special kind of rosary used in Catholic weddings, is an important part of many Portuguese, Filipino, and Mexican weddings. In the past several years, I have seen a beautiful blending of these traditions. The rosary is replaced by a lei which is wound about the clasped hands of the bride and groom, or placed around both of their necks, linking them together. Today’s couples have the opportunity to interview a number
of wedding officiants before deciding on which one will best help them to create their own unique ceremony. I encourage couples to take advantage of this. Whatever traditions and customs a couple are heir to, in the end, a wedding should be an expression of their love for each other and their dreams and hopes for their future together. ❖ Leilehua Yuen is a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, historian, author, artist, kumu hula, and kahu, licensed to officiate marriages in the state of Hawai‘i. Contact Leilehua Yuen: Leilehua@LeiManu.com Bibliography . Beamer, Winona; Interviews, 1997-2007 . Beckwith, Martha: Hawaiian Mythology . Carando, Joanne; Hawaiian Royal Incest, A Study in the Sacrificial Origin of Monarchy
. Diamond, Milton, PhD; Sexual Behavior in Pre Contact Hawai‘i: A Sexological Ethnography . Finney, Ben; Surfing in Ancient Hawai‘i . Gutmanis, June; Na Pule Kahiko, Ancient Hawaiian Prayers . Handy, ES and Pukui, Mary Kawena; The Polynesian Family System in Kā‘ū . ‘I‘i, John Papa; Fragments of Hawaiian History . Kamakau, Samuel; Ruling Chiefs of Hawai‘i . Kamakau, Samuel; The People of Old . Kamakau, Samuel; Tales and Traditions of the People of Old . Kamakau; Samuel; The Works of the People of Old . Kanahele, George S; Emma: Hawai‘i’s Remarkable Queen . Malo,David; Hawaiian Antiquities . Thrum,Thomas G; Hawaiian Folktales . Westervelt, WD; Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes
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| By Leilehua Yuen
ne of the best documented royal weddings of Hawai‘i’s monarchy is that of Alexander Liholiho (King Kamehameha IV) and Emma Na‘ea Rooke. Their wedding captures the height of that romantic era in Hawai‘i’s history. On the morning of June 19, 1856, the Hawaiian government declared a public holiday. Honolulu’s streets were covered in rushes and grass to keep down the dust. Soldiers stood at attention, lining the street’s sides. Led by a cavalry escort, several carriages drove out in procession down King Street. One carried the bride and her three bridesmaids, Victoria Kamāmalu, Lydia Kamaka‘eha (who would later be known as Lili‘uokalani), and Mary Pitman. The other carriage bore the king, his brother, Lot, and their father, Kekūanao‘a. These royal carriages were flanked by kāhili bearers on foot, protecting the mana of their charges with the stately feathered emblems of rank. Uniformed aides-de-camp on horseback followed their king. The procession closed with more of the cavalry escort. The route was thronged with spectators, and a local newspaper noted that many of the Hawaiians, in a return to ancient custom, prostrated themselves as their chief passed by, “until their foreheads touched the ground.” Arriving at Kawaiaha‘o Church, 500 people filled the building, and another 3,000 thronged outside. It was possibly the first recorded interdenominational wedding in Hawai‘i. The Anglican service was held in the Congregational church, where the Reverend Richard Armstrong performed it in Hawaiian and English. As grooms have done before and since, the young king forgot the wedding ring. Fortunately, Chief Justice Elisha Allen quietly slipped his own gold band to the king, and the ceremony continued. The bride’s Parisian wedding gown showed the influence of Queen Victoria’s choice of white, which had set the fashion world on end 16 years earlier. Since Victoria of England had worn her white satin and lace to marry Albert, anyone who was someone wanted white for her wedding. Emma’s elegant choice was of lustrous heavy white silk, trimmed with three richly embroidered flounces. Her veil of Brussels point lace was affixed to her hair by a garland of roses and orange blossoms. Her jewelry was a set of diamonds. After the ceremony, the royal pair returned to the palace and were toasted by the Diplomatic and Consular Corps. That evening, a royal ball and supper was held at the palace for 500 invited guests. While the palace and its grounds were decked out in lights, the new queen shone more brightly in an evening dress of lace embroidered in white silk and silver. Marabou feathers completed the ethereal effect. The new Queen of Hawai‘i was also a queen of fashion! At the end of the evening, fireworks from the summit of Puowaena (today known as Punchbowl) lit the night sky. Yet, the festivities were not over! The Americans, the Germans, and the Chinese business communities each gave a ball in honor of the royal couple, and the king reciprocated with yet another ball, which concluded the grand state festivities. Privately, Queen Emma’s parents, Dr. Rooke and his wife Grace, wishing to acknowledge those who had been part of Emma’s life, hosted a pā‘ina for their tenants, retainers, and household servants. At last, the royal couple was well and truly wed! ❖
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Pū Ceremony Brian and Charlotte Dingman Officiant Janette Kanalani Trombley photo courtesy Jay Trombley, Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
A Royal Wedding
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トラディショナル ハワイアン ウェディング （カヒコ ウェディング）
Traditional Hawaiian Weddings translated for our Japanese readers.
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
by Leilehua Yuen (リリフア ユアン) ハ ワイ州公認カフ （結婚式の司祭） ハワイ文化の伝承者、歴史 家、作家、 アーティスト、 クムフラ
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今日の、美しくロマンチックなハワイアンウェディングは、多 様な文化や伝統が織り込まれています。同時に新郎と新婦の人 柄や、彼らの希望を組み込んでつくりあげる特別な式でもあり ます。現代におけるハワイのウェディングにはヨーロッパやアメ リカ、 アジア、 アフリカ、 そしてポリネシアなどの伝統が取り入れ られています。私は司祭者として、 カップルたちに依頼され、 それ ぞれの文化や信仰をとりいれた式をつくりあげるお手伝いをさ せていただいています。両者と話し合い、 デザインさせていただ いた式には、燃えおどる松明の炎とホビ族の水瓶、 ハワイアン 式の結婚式と神道の盃の儀式、 メキシコのロザリオのコード （ラ ゾ） と、 ハワイの花のレイを同時に行うなどの独創的な結婚式が あります。 ハワイの島々は多くのロマンスがあることで知られており、 古代の物語の数々は、誘惑やロマンチックな興味をそそるよ うなテーマに基づいて伝えられていることが多いですが、西洋 式の結婚がハワイの文化にとりいれられるようになったのは 1820年以降からのことです。 古くには、現在のような結婚式に匹敵するものはありませ んでした。今日のような結婚というカタチは存在しなかったので す。行政の許可も、法的な要求も、 もちろん離婚もありませんで した。一人の男性と一人の女性が「他をすべて見放し、 お互いに 忠実に」 すべきという期待もありませんでした。高い地位にある チーフたちは一夫多妻制や一妻多夫制をとり、 男女ともに、何の 理由が無くとも、 それぞれいつでも自由にパートナーを替えるこ とが出来ました。 お互いに、夫婦関係に生産性が無くなったと感 じれば、彼らは単純に別の道へと進みました。子供たちは大家 族で育てられていたので、夫婦が別れても、子供達の人生に影 響を与えることは、 ほとんどありませんでした。 ハワイ語のマカアイナナ （土地の人） という、 いわゆる一般 の人々は、島から島、地域から地域、家族から家族で別々の伝統 を引き継いでいました。 「結婚」 とは、同じマットで寝て、家庭を 築いていくという単純な決めごとの場合であったり、二つの家族 が互いに集い、贈り物をしあい、 アハアイナというご馳走でもっ て祝う宴を催すことでもありました。現代では、 このような慣習 法に基づく結婚は、 ノホプー、 とよばれています。 お互いへの執着が少なかったため、嫉妬は稀でした。 しか し、 そのような感情は存在し、恋愛を語るいくつかの伝説では、
嫉妬が争いのもとであっとも描かれています。例えば「カハラオ プナ」 の伝説であるルウキアで伝えられています。 もちろん中に は、互いに生涯の愛を貫く人々もいました。 これらの関係もまた 歌と物語の中で扱われています。代表作のオヒアとレフアの伝 説や英雄ウミとクラメアの伝説は、心に響くロマンチックストー リーです。 求愛 各家庭によって違いはありますが、好きな娘の家族のため に、青年が、魚捕りの腕前やや、見事な野菜を収穫出来ることを 示すことが、典型的な求愛の始まりと言えるかもしれません。青 年は、彼女の家の男性たちの、 日々の仕事を手伝うことに多くの 時間を費やし始めます。 もし娘の家族が、青年の同席を喜んだ なら、彼はイム （ハワイの伝統的料理） の準備を手伝い、 それを 食べるために滞在することになります。 そうして、彼は自分の家 に戻らなくなり、恋人の家族の一員として、 そこに残るようにな ります。彼らの愛情関係は、家族の発展の自然な一部とみなさ れるのです。 おそらく、 もっとも有名なハワイの伝統的求愛に、 バンブー ノーズフルートを吹くことがあります。青年は、 その土地にある、 楽器を作るのに適した竹からフルートを形づくり、独特の曲を 作ります。彼らはその曲を、特別な相手のために奏でます。 そし て、 その曲を聞き分けることが出来るのは、特別な相手、 ただ1 人でした。時には、若い娘たちも自分のためにノーズフルートを つくり、 デュエットをしたり、相手を呼んだり、答えたりするため にフルートを吹きました。 他の物語では、最愛の人にだけでなく、 その祖父母にもレイ を手づくりする恋人について語っています。 つまり、 クプナ （年配 者） が言うように、相手の祖父母があなたを好いていれば、結婚 を助け、 サポートしてくれるかもしれないということです。 サーフィン競技にも求愛の役目があり、 ハワイの歴史と伝 説の要となる有名なロマンスのいくつかには、 はサーフィン大会 が関係しています。 男性も女性も、 ともに長く楽しむことが出来 き、体や板、 カヌーを使って、波に乗る技術を発揮し合いました。 マウイ島のサーフィンをする女性支配者、 ケレアのロマンス では、彼女の波乗りの技術がオアフ島のチーフ、 ロレアの注目を 浴びました。 しかし彼はサーファーではなく、 また海岸よりも涼 しい高台を好んでいました。 そこでケレアは彼のいとこでサーフ ァーの、 カラマクアと共に彼のもとを去りました。 時に、並外れた高い地位にある子供たちは、幼い頃から将 来の相手を決められています。家族の家系に熟練したカフナ （専 門家） が決定するならば、 それは幸運と言えるでしょう。 同性の関係も知られていました。 ワイピオ渓谷で高い位に あったチーフ、 リロアには、 男性の愛人がいましたが、公式な 「 妻」 で最高位の子供たちの母親と、彼の最も有名な息子ウミ （カ メハメハ パイエアの祖先） を産んだ別の女性と、連携をとらせ ていていました。 いくつかの物語の解釈では、彼の妻は、彼女自 身の家を所有したことを示しており、 リロアは彼の愛人と、 チー フとして年老いるまで、平和に暮らしたとありました。
Kapa ceremony with Kim and Sean Rupley photo courtesy Molly Irene McLaughlin Green Flash Photography Hawaii
For more information: Japan.KaaheleHawaii.com
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
結婚式 式の全てで、子供たちに可能な限りのマナを与えることに また同時に、 そこには西洋式の結婚式に匹敵するものはあ 集中しました。彼らの健康と成功はコミュニティ全体の成功を りませんでした。王族は結婚する際、 とても念入りな式を催すか 収めることを意味するからです。聖な力を備えたことを保証する もしれません。 しかしそれは夫婦の結束を捧げることを意味し ために、王族夫婦の子供たちに神の祝福を受けられるように願 たものではありませんでした。式では、 これらの子孫が完璧な体 いました。 と心を持って生まれてくるように、 また偉大なマナ、 もしくは神聖 これらハワイ式の結婚式は、場面と家族に応じて変化しま な力を備えたことを保証するために、王族夫婦の子供たちに神 す。王族夫婦が、眠るための新しい家に付き添われ、純白のカパ の祝福を受けられるように願いました。 （木の皮で作った布） のシーツに一緒に包まれ、一族の司祭や これらハワイ式の結婚式は、場面と家族に応じて変化しま 祈祷師が、同盟と子孫のために祈りと歌を奉納する、簡単なも す。王族夫婦が、一族の司祭や祈祷師に付き添われ、眠るため だったかもしれませんし、儀式用ギフトの交換や、王室の司祭た の新しい家で、純白のカパ （木の皮で作った布） のシーツに一緒 ちと祈祷師、親戚や利害関係者を参加させ、盛大な宴のために に包まれ、同盟と子孫のために祈りと歌を奉納するような、簡素 十分な食べ物を準備し、数日におよぶ式を念入りに仕上げたか なもだったかもしれませんし、儀式用ギフトの交換や、王室の司 もしれません。 祭たちと祈祷師、親戚や利害関係者を参加させ、盛大な宴のた いくつかの家庭では、子供を妊娠するために、夫婦に新しい めに十分な食べ物を準備し、数日におよぶ式を念入りに仕上げ 家を建てます。 これは以前から利用されている建物の消極的な たかもしれません。 マナ （力） が子供に影響を及ぼす可能性を妨ぐためでした。夫婦 いくつかの家庭では、子を生すため、夫婦に新しい家を建 が新しいカパに包まれること、新しい皿に食べ物を盛ることも同 てます。 これは以前から利用されている建物の消極的なマナが、 じ理由です。曾祖母のモエナ （ベッド） や寝るためのマットが、偉 子供に影響を及ぼす可能性を妨ぐためでした。夫婦が新しいカ 大なマナ （力） を持つのたくさんの子供たちの誕生を見ていた場 パに包まれること、新しい皿に食べ物を盛ることも同じ理由で 合、時に、家宝として使用されるかもしれません。 す。曾祖母のモエナ （ベッド） や寝るためのマットが、偉大なマナ 式の全ての部分では、子供たちに可能な限りのマナを与え を持つ、 たくさんの子供たちの誕生を育んでいた場合、時に、家 ることに集中しました。彼らの健康と成功はコミュニティ全体の 宝として使用されたかもしれません。 成功を収めることになりました。❖
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Island-Style Touches for Your Hawai‘i Island Wedding | By Denise Laitinen
Alena and Giovanni Griffey photo courtesy White Doves of Hawaii
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awai‘i is often considered the melting pot of the Pacific, so it’s no surprise that couples of different Pacific Rim nationalities have been adding cultural touches to their weddings for generations, whether it is through decorations, dress, or dance. Destination bridal couples who choose to get married on Hawai‘i Island are also keen on incorporating Hawaiian elements to their wedding. After all, they’re getting married here because they have a strong affinity for, or connection to, Hawai‘i Island. The good news is that it’s easy to add cultural touches in a meaningful way to make your wedding day extra special. Here are some ideas if you’re looking to incorporate Chinese, Japanesse, Filipino, or Hawaiian touches to your wedding.
Hawaiian Wedding Touches
The giving of lei is one of the most common wedding traditions found in Hawai‘i. Men traditionally wear a maile lei, while women might wear lei of roses, pīkake, or tuberose. (For more on wedding lei, see story on page 22.) Other Hawaiian elements added to a wedding ceremony
or the reception include the use of kāhili (feather standard) bearers, pū (conch shell) blowers, and hula dancers. When selecting your wedding location, ask if the venue offers Hawaiian or other cultural elements for your ceremony. On the Hāmākua coast, The Palms Cliff House Inn offers several Hawaiian wedding elements, including the wrapping of the bride and groom in traditional kapa cloth. For an additional fee, couples can have the kapa cloth customized with specific patterns and colors. Or they can have feather lei custom made in their wedding colors. In Hawai‘i, water has miraculous power or mana. Fresh water is seen as the symbol of life and the sharing of water is symbolic of the blending and sharing of two lives together. In ancient Hawai‘i, water was used in all sacred ceremonies. The symbology represents releasing anything the couple is ready to let go of. They may choose to forgive any grievances with each other or anyone else and replace them with the love they share. Water is the great purifier. By pouring water over the couples hands, all negative energy is washed away. Once that is complete, the bowl that contains the remaining water
Bride and Groom with Custom Kāhili Palima photo courtesy The Palms Cliff House Inn
photo courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Weddings
symbolizes the couples pure unconditional love and their future together. They pour the remaining water on the ground, releasing it to the earth. This water blessing is used in many different cultures and it takes different forms. Sometimes it is the guests who pour water over the couples hands.
Japanese Wedding Touches photo courtesy Short n Sweet Bakery
Few Japanese brides in Hawai‘i today wear formal wedding kimono. Instead, they might add a silk sash in a Japanese print to their wedding gown. Anne Namba Designs on O‘ahu creates one-of-a-kind gowns made from vintage Japanese kimonos and obis. And whether their wedding is at a Shinto shrine or a contemporary western ceremony, 1,001 origami cranes are de riguer for Japanese American couples getting married in Hawai‘i. Traditionally, the bride makes the first 1,000 cranes and the groom makes the last crane. Symbolizing happiness, longevity, and good fortune, the cranes are displayed at the reception and can then be shaped into different designs and mounted on a display with the couple’s name and wedding date. Cranes, like many other cultural symbols, can also be incorporated into wedding cake designs. Maria Short, owner of Short n Sweet Bakery Market Café in Hilo, says she sees a lot of bridal couples looking to incoroprate unique cultural elements in their wedding cake. Popular requests include the use of tropical flowers, the color red, or bamboo motifs. “They’re either coming home to Hawai‘i for their wedding or coming to Hawai‘i for their wedding and they want to incorporate tropical elements,” says Maria. She once designed a cake for a couple who wanted origami cranes on their cake, but origami paper is not grease proof, so she made edible cranes out of sugar. Mochi, a Japanesse rice cake symbolizing long life, is another way to add a flavor of Japanese culture to your wedding festivities. Many island couples seek out the small Japanese Two Ladies Kitchen mochi photo by Denise Laitinen
photo courtesy Short n Sweet Bakery
photo courtesy The Palms Cliff House Inn
confection shop named Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo for mochi wedding favors. “Just the presence of the mochi is very spiritual,” says Nora Uchida of Two Ladies, noting that strawberry mochi is one of their more requested flavors for wedding favors.
Filipino Wedding Touches
When it comes to incorporating culture into Filipino weddings, it’s the groom who wears tradtional garb. The groom wears a barong tagalog, a button down embroidered thin white shirt, made from banana or pineapple fibers. It’s worn untucked with a white undershirt and black pants. The releasing of doves during the ceremony is also a Filipino wedding tradition. A birdcage is decorated as a wedding bell with white doves inside. The newlyweds typically release the doves after the exchanging of the rings during the ceremony. They release the doves together symbolizing love, peace, and harmony. The release also symbolizes fidelity since doves mate for life. South Kona-based White Doves of Hawaii offers dove releases on Hawai‘i Island. Another Filipino tradition found at wedding receptions is the money dance. Guests fold money, usually dollar bills, and press them to the lips of the groom who then passes them to the lips
Pū (Conch) Blowers photo courtesy The Palms Cliff House Inn
Chinese Circle of Double Happiness, symbolizing the wedding celebration
of the bride. The smaller the money is folded the more likely the groom has to kiss the bride to pass her the money, which symbolizes prosperity and abundance. Money may also be tucked into the groom’s pockets, shirt or the bride’s dress, but the goal is to get the couple to kiss.
Chinese Wedding Touches
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
35 Pi‘i Mauna Drive Volcano, HI 96785
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TOLL FREE (877) 967-7772 www.volcanowinery.com Open 10-5:30 every day of the year Except Christmas
Couples of Chinese descent may want to include a lion or dragon dance as part of their reception. The popular New Year’s tradition for good luck includes a dragon or lion dance for the bride and groom and may also include drums, gongs, and loud symbols that help scare away evil spirits. Red money envelopes collected by the dragon are later presented to the newlyweds. In Chinese culture the color red symbolizes good luck and is used in a variety of ways in weddings. Some Chinese brides opt to wear a traditional red silk dress for the ceremony and change dresses for the reception. Others opt for a white wedding gown and change into a red dress for the reception. The color red can be incorporated into your wedding décor by using paper lanterns, parasols, flowers, table linens, even red Chinese take-out boxes containing custom made fortune cookies as wedding favors. Cultural symbols can also be used to add special meaning to your wedding. In China, the double happiness character is used specifically for marital happiness and can be found on everything from wedding invitations to cakes. In ancient China, couples were expected to acquire a new bed to sleep in as a married couple. Today, couples might settle on preparing a bed with new red linen to symbolize good luck. Adding cultural elements to your special day is a great way to acknowledge your family ties while displaying your own personal style. Whatever cultural traditions you decide to incorporate into your wedding and reception, the key is to select traditions that are meaningful to you and your fiance. The special touches will make your wedding all the more memorable for all involved. ❖ Contact writer Denise Laitinen: Denise@deniselaitinen.com
On location at Daylight Mind, Kailua-Kona Table settings by Gail Armand Flowers by Grace Flowers photo by Sonia R. Martinez
Hawai‘i Wedding Receptions, from Farm to Table | By Sonia R. Martinez
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
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he allure of fiery golden sunsets over the ocean brings hundreds of couples to our lovely islands to have their weddings, as well as those who have lived here all their lives and appreciate what it means to have their wedding on their beloved island, with their ‘ohana. More and more people value the idea of locally sourced foods at their weddings and other special occasions, understanding that to sustain the land is to sustain the people. In the past 25 years, the cuisine in Hawai‘i has emerged as a serious contender in the food world. The availability of year-round fresh, locally grown produce, abundance of many exotic tropical fruits, just-caught fish, two fresh goat cheese dairies, plus the emergence and longevity of several on-island cattle and sheep ranches makes farm-to-table wedding fare easy and affordable to accomplish. Hawai‘i Island also boasts its own winery and several on-island breweries, so keeping it local is easy! When working with a caterer or a venue’s chef, be sure to request locally sourced ingredients for your reception menu. There are many restaurants that have embraced this concept, either growing their own food, or buying it from locally based businesses that work with local farmers and ranchers. One of them is Daylight Mind in KailuaKona, where they grow their own microgreens in seed flats on the premises, in addition to sourcing the largest percentage of food they offer from local farms and ranches. For this special occasion, we were offered a sampling of pūpū (appetizers) especially created by Chef Connor Butler. ‘Ahi Sashimi with Wasabi Peas, Micro Greens, and Pickled Ginger—a fun twist on classic sashimi, consisting of thinly sliced local ‘ahi tuna loin, served chilled with crunchy crackseed peas, house grown baby microgreens and spicy pickled pink ginger. Locally fresh caught Ono with Ginger Root Gastrique, served on Kalua Pork and Cabbage—another fun play on local favorites. Kalua Pork and Cabbage serve as a base for the delicious ono which was seared with salt and pepper and smothered in a delicious fresh ginger sweet and sour sauce. Big Island Beef Short Rib with Brown Rice, Fresh Heart of Palm and Sesame—slowly braised local short ribs, rolled on the bone and served with a sesame teriyaki glaze, scallions and crunchy fresh locally grown heart of palm slices stuffed with brown rice. Mac Salad and Flowers—another take on a favorite: local macaroni salad. This recipe uses rigatoni pasta instead of elbow macaroni. Fresh edible flowers such as nasturtiums, violas and fuchsias add color and a deliciously piquant taste. Carrying the elegant tropical theme, the place settings at
our Daylight Mind sampling consisted of Lenox British Colonial ‘Tradewinds’ dinner plate and ‘Shutter’ salad plates on lacquer and rattan woven square chargers; mixed patterns of vintage flatware and gold cloth napkins with plumeria blossom accent; gold-banded champagne coupe and plain glass wine stems. Besides the traditional wedding cake, dessert tables are becoming popular, allowing the creativity of pastry chefs to give free reign to their imaginations. Our dessert sampler tray consisted of: . Financier Mini Cakes topped with White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry . Liliko‘i Opera Gateau . Tahitian Lime Tart with Swirled Meringue . Strawberry Shortcake with Half Strawberry Topping and Sugar Icing . Chocolate Dipped and Rolled Strawberry If you’re having a casual wedding, consider using compostable or reusable products, rather than single use plastics for your table settings. There are products available on Hawai‘i Island at Sustainable Island Products in Hilo, and they can also be ordered online. Also popular are reusable “shabby chic” or “vintage glam” table settings and centerpieces, which can include mismatched china, mason jars or other miscellaneous recycled jars containing fresh or dried flowers, old milk crates and old books, all which can be purchased from thrift stores, garage sales or found online at such sites as Etsy or eBay. Pinterest has photos of great ideas others have used. Most importantly, offering locally sourced foods and recycled, repurposed or compostable products at your reception sets a clear intention of not only your commitment to each other, it shows your guests your commitment to contributing to a sustainable planet. What a great way to start your new life together! ❖ Wedding Planner Gail Armand, Mahinui Hawai‘i Island Weddings & Celebrations MyHawaiiIslandWedding.com Food courtesy of Daylight Mind Coffee Company, Kailua-Kona DaylightMind.com/weddings Flowers courtesy of Alison Higgins of Grace Flowers, Honoka‘a Facebook.com/GraceFlowersHawaii Contact Sustainable Island Products: SustainableIslandProducts.com Contact writer Sonia R. Martinez: SoniaTastesHawaii.com
Chef Connor Butler's creations: 窶連hi Sashimi with Wasabi Peas, Micro Greens, and Pickled Ginger
Decadent dessert tray
Mac Salad and Flowers All photos in this story by Sonia R. Martinez
Wedding Lei
| By Leilehua Yuen
Maile with ‘ilima and five-strand pÄŤkake Photo courtesy Leilehua Yuen
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Lei for the Wedding Party
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
he lei, that iconic symbol of our islands, is actually roughly equivalent to wearing pearls. The momi ke‘oke‘o or lāiki found in many cultures. Swiss maidens, Hindu priests, Thai ke‘oke‘o (small white shells from Ni‘ihau), and lei hulu kāmoe brides and grooms, the flower children of the 60s, and or poepoe (traditional styles of feather lei) would be roughly Neanderthal of 60,000 years ago all have been noted for their equivalent to wearing diamonds. flower garlands. Hawaiians, however, may have developed the These floral lei provide an especially lovely effect in long concept into a more diverse cultural role than many others. strands on a traditionally cut holokū. With a more modern For traditional Hawaiians, and those who love Hawai‘i, lei grace gown, choker length would be elegant. The final decision every ceremony, celebration, and commemoration. Lei are should be made based on the actual gown and taste of the tangible and intangible. They are form and metaphor. They are bride. Of course, if the bride is blessed with an heirloom lei imbued with historical, cultural, and spiritual importance. hulu or lei lāiki ke‘oke‘o, she might wish to choose the gown to In a mo‘olelo, a story, that I learned as a child, the art of the suit the lei. At the other end of the spectrum are the brightly colored, lei was brought to our islands by Kuku‘ena, a seeress, a sister lushly petaled lei such as plumeria, Thai orchid, and lei of of Pele, and goddess of lei making. Before leaving her southern mixed flowers and colors. In general, the brighter the colors homeland, she carefully tucked the seeds of her beloved lei and more flamboyant the petals, the less formal the lei. These plants into the rolls of her pā‘ū, her beautifully crafted skirt. lei are ideal with Arriving in her informal wedding new home, she Couple is wearing lei po‘o of lehua, liko lehua, dresses, sarongs, shook out her and ferns. He is giving her a lei pīkake. photo courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials and weddings with pā‘ū, scattering a bright, festive the seeds to the theme. winds, which The lei lā‘ī, or ti carried them leaf lei, is always throughout the appropriate, and islands so they can be made in would thrive and any number of benefit humanity. styles, from a It is interesting to simple twist in the note that lei are hilo style to ornate used in healing ropes of baby ceremonies, and roses fashioned many of the from the leaves, traditional plants themselves. used in lei making Some people are also used like to make the in lā‘au lapa‘au, lei an integral part herbal medicine. of the wedding Probably most ceremony. associated with all Borrowing from things romantic the Catholic is the lei maile. tradition of our It’s heady scent Latin community, evokes images of and blending with lovers wooing each Hawaiian, the lazo, other in a tropical or wedding rosary, bower. Indeed, is sometimes throughout replaced with a lei Hawaiian history, of maile or fragrant small white blossoms such as pīkake. myth, and legend, it is associated with courtship and romance. Other couples choose to exchange lei in lieu of, or in addition Often, both the bride and groom will wear maile, either alone to, rings or other symbolic gifts. Often, the lei are open style, or with floral lei kui (strung lei) intertwined. Sometimes only such as maile, and then tied closed at the end of the ceremony the bride will add a floral lei. Sometimes the bride will wear a to symbolize their unity, wholeness, and unending devotion. fragrant floral lei intertwined with the maile, and the groom will wear ‘ilima intertwined with his lei maile. There are no hard and fast rules. Just as the ceremony should reflect the individuality of the bride and groom, and their hopes and dreams together, Generally, if the bride and groom wear lei, so does the rest the lei chosen to adorn them should do the same. of the wedding party, though their lei will be less elaborate and That being said, it is nice when the lei and the attire of the either of different materials, or in different styles, from those of wedding party compliment each other. In general, lei such as the bride and groom. white or yellow ginger, gardenia, carnation, crown flower, loke, Lana Haasenritter of Ah Lan’s Lei Stand, says, “If they are pīkake, and ‘ilima, would be among the more formal flower lei,
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
photo courtesy Leilehua Yuen
from here, normally the bride or her mother comes and orders her lei. Sometimes it’s the in-laws. The most popular is pīkake and maile. It’s nice if it’s a 3-strand because pīkake is small.” Flowers are dependent on the weather and other conditions, so sometimes crown flower will be substituted for pīkake, if they are not available. Fathers and grandfathers (or those who fill those roles) of the couple are often presented with lei maile or cigar flower lei. The maile can be worn alone, or wrapped around ‘ilima. It would not be wrapped around a cigar flower lei, because it would hide the intricate designs so carefully stitched with the tiny flowers. Cigar flowers come in a range of salmon, orange to red, and rust colors, and the designs can be fine or bold, so they can be coordinated to look well against the man’s shirt or coat. Mothers and grandmothers (or those who fill those roles) often are given mauna loa style orchid lei, carnation lei, or Micronesian style ginger lei. It’s a good idea to find out what they plan to wear and coordinate the lei with them. The carnation lei can be tinted to match or contrast with their attire. When a lei is worn, there is no need for a corsage or boutonniere. If a woman does receive a corsage when she plans
to wear a lei, if it goes with her hairstyle, it can be lovely in her hair. If not, it can be pinned to a scarf or her wrap. While there are few “rules” regarding lei in weddings, since about World War II, certain customs have come into use. As a lei is such a special gift, many people over the years probably gave them with a kiss, and it was not until World War II that this became a “custom of Hawai‘i.” The story goes that some USO entertainers were teasing each other, and encouraging one of their performers to give a kiss to a good looking young serviceman. Looking for an excuse, she gave him her lei, with a kiss, saying, “This is an ancient custom of Hawai‘i.” The new “ancient custom” caught on, and has become part of the popular culture. So, when giving a lei, many people place it over the recipient’s head and give a kiss. If everyone is comfortable with kissing each other, this is fine. Sometimes the wedding is the first meeting of many members of the bride’s and groom’s families. In that case, they may not be comfortable kissing. An older tradition for giving the lei is to hold it in both hands just above the heart, and offer it to the recipient. The recipient will then take it and put it on. This tradition avoids placing one’s hands over another’s head, which is considered disrespectful by many traditional Hawaiian people.
Couple wearing floral lazo photo by Renée Robinson
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Mauna Loa style Thai orchid lei photo courtesy Leilehua Yuen
After the ceremony— a profusion of shell and flower lei spilling off the bride’s great-great grandmother’s ‘umeke–kou wood calabash photo courtesy Leilehua Yuen
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KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Lei of mixed orchids, rosebuds, carnation, and other flowers photo courtesy Leilehua Yuen
For all fresh lei, there are a few things to remember:
When choosing: Make sure none of the wedding party are allergic or sensitive to the flowers. Make sure the lei will not stain the garments you are wearing. When transporting/storing: Keep them cool, not cold. Too cold can brown the blossoms. Allow the lei to breathe before putting them on. A lei fresh out of the florist bag is cold, wet, uncomfortable to wear, and can stain clothing. To Save the Wedding Lei Many lei, such as maile, dry beautifully and keep their fragrance for a long time. They can be hung over a wedding photo, the bride and groom’s bed, or the door of their home. It can also be placed in a desiccant and then once preserved, placed in a sealed container. When it’s time to dispose of the lei Eventually, though, all floral lei will become too fragile to keep. No lei should be casually thrown away. They should be returned to the land. Some people hang their lei in a tree in a special place, others have a kuahu (alter) or perhaps some kind of mound. Others take the lei apart and cast the crumbling petals into the wind. Whatever way preserves the memory of the meaning of that lei is the best. The most important thing to remember about lei is that they are to be made, given, and received with aloha. �
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Maile Lei Maile Lei photo courtesy photo courtesy Leilehua Yuen Leilehua Yuen
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Want to Get Married in an Unusual Place on Hawai‘i Island? | By Denise Laitinen
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hen it comes to unusual wedding locations, Hawai‘i Island has them all: tropical rainforests, lava flow settings, world-renowned beaches, luxury resorts, and beautiful parks. There are also a variety of picturesque bed and breakfast inns, historic sites, botanical gardens, and ranches that offer intimate settings with spectacular views. For all brides, whether local residents or visitors planning a destination wedding, the wedding location sets the tone and feel of your special day, as well as takes up a large part of the budget. Non-traditional wedding settings need not be expensive. In fact, the permit fees for many unusual wedding sites is very reasonable compared to a resort or hotel locale, you just need to do your homework to learn what rules and permits govern different locations around the island. This is the first in a series of articles where we explore the variety of unique Hawai‘i Island wedding locations. For the inaugural issue of Ke Ola Weddings and Special Occasions magazine, we look at what you need to know if you want to get married at an unusual location, such as a beach, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, at a state park like Hapuna Beach or Akaka Falls, or at a county park, such as Queen Lili‘uokalani Gardens. In upcoming issues, we’ll feature other unique wedding sites, off the beaten path. First, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your ceremony for an unusual wedding site. The number of guests is an important factor in deciding your wedding venue. Some locations have limited capacity and can only handle a small amount of people. Another consideration is where you will hold the reception and the number of guests. Some unusual locations, such as Akaka Falls, do not have space for a reception on site, requiring guests to travel between ceremony site and the reception. If the drive between the ceremony and the reception is a long one (say Akaka Falls to Waimea), it affects the flow of the festivities. And consider the terrain. Will you have to hike to get to your wedding site? If you have elderly or disabled guests will they have trouble reaching the unusual location you selected? Keep in mind, many places like state and county parks are open to the public and cannot be closed for your exclusive use.
several excellent beaches including popular wedding spots Hapuna Beach and Anaeho‘omalu Bay. Since August 2008, the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has required a permit for any weddings on a beach statewide. This includes all waterfronts, harbors and beaches, including those that front hotels. If you’re planning a beach wedding, it’s worth checking out the rules online at Hawaii.gov/dlnr/land/administrative-rules. Called Wiki Permits, the State charges a fee based on the size area you request (100 square feet vs. 500 square feet and so on) with a minimum fee of $20. In order to apply for a permit you need to submit proof of comprehensive liability insurance of at least $300,000 that specifically names the State of Hawai‘i as additionally insured on the policy. It’s a good idea to apply for a permit at least two weeks before the date of your wedding. There can be delays with the permit if the State is not mentioned specifically as an additional insured party on the liability insurance and you want to give yourself time to ensure everything goes smoothly. The permits are good for only two hours (including set up and breakdown) and limit the amount of people allowed in the area to 25. Typically, if you have a wedding coordinator, they will pull the state permit. However, you can apply for the permit yourself if you do not have a wedding coordinator. You will need to arrange for the liability insurance yourself (if you’re a homeowner you can arrange it through your homeowners insurance.) It’s important to note that the State severely restricts “stuff” that can be used during your beach ceremony. This includes arches, kāhilis, alters, tables, chairs, tents, or tarps. Event signage, banners, posts, ropes, or stanchions to demark the area of the wedding are not allowed. No chairs are allowed
State Beaches
Hands down, one of the most popular places to get married in Hawai‘i is on the beach. And Hawai‘i Island is blessed with
NPS Photo/Mark Wasser
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Rainbow Falls Brian and Charlotte Dingman photo by Jay Trombley courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
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either, except for a limited number of seats for the elderly or disabled. Keep in mind that beaches are public places and if you do receive a permit from DLNR, there’s a possibility that other people may have reserved the same beach at the same time. Since you can’t limit beach access, there’s a very real possibility of having members of the public enjoying the beach adjacent to your wedding. Some people may say you don’t need a permit. Please be aware that those not getting a permit run the risk of a $5,000 fine.
State Parks
If you want to get married at any of the 14 state parks on-island, like Kalopa, Wailoa River, or Hapuna Beach State Recreation Areas, you will need to apply for a special use permit from the Division of State Parks at least 45 days before the date of your wedding. Group use permits are required for groups with more than 26 people regardless if it’s a wedding or other event. There’s no fee for the permit, but a $75 fee and $100 security deposit is required if you want to reserve the large pavilion at Wailoa River State Recreation Area. You’ll need to submit your request in writing and specify
which park you want to use, the date, time, number of people attending, and contact information for the adult permit holder. According to Dean Takebayashi, Parks District Superintendent, island-wide the department receives less than a dozen requests a year for weddings at state parks. Takebayashi points out that at most state parks, like Hapuna Beach, the pavilions have a capacity of 60 people and are shared use, meaning they cannot be reserved exclusively for a specific party. The one exception to this is the large pavilion at Wailoa River, which has a capacity of 500 people and can be rented for the day. It’s not surprising that Takebayashi says Wailoa River is hands down the most requested state park for weddings. He adds that while there is a grill at the Wailoa pavilion, there are no kitchen facilities. “If you have a wedding reception there you would need to have everything brought in.” Takebayashi also adds that no decorations are allowed at state parks.
Hawai‘i County Parks and Pavilions
If you’re looking to have your wedding at a county park you need to contact the Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation. According to Parks and Recreation staff, you need to submit a special request form to use a pavilion at one of the community parks for any event that’s out of the norm, including weddings. County staff will need the date and time of your wedding to make sure there are no scheduling conflicts with other events. It also enables them to determine there are no safety issues involved and that there are enough restrooms available. They also need to know the number of people attending since the amount of attendees cannot exceed the size of the space. The special request form is not a permit and no permits are needed for weddings at Queen Lili‘uokalani Gardens in Hilo, one of the more poplar wedding locations on island. Queen
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Lili‘uokalani Gardens Ngone Mbaye and Augustine Diji photo by Jay Trombley courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
Country Inn & Restaurant Since 1988
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Pauoa Bay, Kohala Coast: James McNabb, Jacqueline Rogers, Kealoha Sugiyama (Kahu) Randall Ka‘aihue (musician) photo courtesy of Jacqueline Rogers, provided by KonaWeddings.com
Lili‘uokalani Gardens also has a small pavilion, which is reserved on a first come, first served basis. Special use fees for weddings at county parks vary per location. Pavilion rental fees start at $25 ($50 per day if you use the kitchen) and County staff remind you that you can not bring any tables, chairs, balloons, or arches. Not all county park locations allow wedding ceremonies. For instance, weddings are not allowed at Pana‘ewa Zoo, although the facility’s pavilion can be rented for informal parties, including wedding receptions. If you want to hold your reception at the Zoo, bear in mind that the pavilion can only hold 50 people and alcohol, live music, and balloons are not allowed. If you want to hold a wedding or a reception at one of the several community centers on-island you need to contact the community center directly.
Mauna Kea
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Another important consideration is whether or not your wedding location is culturally appropriate. To some, getting married atop Mauna Kea at sunset sounds dramatic and romantic. There are even wedding coordinators on island
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Hapuna Beach State Park By Footwarrior (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)] via Wikimedia Commons
that promote wedding packages featuring a ceremony at the summit. It’s important to keep in mind that native Hawaiians consider Mauna Kea a culturally sensitive site, and many consider it the most sacred location in all of Hawai‘i. “It is a sacred site,” says Stephanie Nagata, director of the Office of Mauna Kea Management (OMKM), which has oversight of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and the Mauna Kea Access Road. She adds that Kahu Kū Mauna (Guardians of the Mountain), a volunteer council that provides input on cultural issues to OMKM, fully discourages people getting married at the summit. Safety is also an important factor to consider when selecting an unusual wedding location, and is one of the reasons wedding ceremonies are discouraged at the summit. “From a safety perspective, we don’t encourage people getting married on Mauna Kea because of the high altitude,” says Nagata. Nagata adds that many people, especially visitors to Hawai‘i, tend to not realize the impact of the high altitude on the elderly and children. The elevation of Mauna Kea’s summit is more than 13,000 feet and being at that elevation can cause altitude sickness.
Lili‘uokalani Gardens Shane and Shannon Jacobson photo by Jared Trombley courtesy of Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
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Brown's Beach, Keaukaha Shane and Shannon Jacobson photo by Jared Trombley courtesy of Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
According to Nagata, OMKM is currently in the process of creating administrative rules to limit the amount of commercial activities that are allowed at the summit. ❖
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
Some couples looking for locations steeped in Hawaiian culture or who have strong connections to Kīlauea Volcano, may opt to get married within Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The Park’s website provides detailed instructions about getting married in the Park. Weddings held in the Park should be small in size and held away from high-use areas. Ceremonies can be held anywhere that is easily accessible with the exception of Halema‘uma‘u Crater and the hula platform near the Kīlauea Visitor Center. According to the Park’s website, most couples choose overlooks with a view into Kīlauea Caldera or Kīlauea Iki Crater, or forested areas like Kīpukapuaulu. Before your wedding, you’ll need to submit and receive approval of a special use permit application, as well as submit a $150 non-refundable application fee. In addition to the permit fee, keep in mind that park entrance fees also apply for you, your wedding party, and guests, with the current fee at $10 per car. According to Jessica Ferracane, public affairs specialist for Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, the Park receives about a dozen wedding permit applications a year, usually from couples who have strong ties to Hawai‘i’s volcanoes.
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Holoholokai Beach Hōlualoa Beach Kaimū Beach (aka New Kalapana Beach) Kahalu‘u Beach Kauna‘oa Beach Ka‘upulehu Beach Ke‘ei Beach Kikaua Point Beach Kukio Beach Mahai‘ula Bay Beach Makaiwa Bay Beach Manini‘owali Beach (aka Kua Bay) Mauna Lani Beach Mau‘umae Beach Pauoa Bay Beach Pahoehoe Beach Park (fronting Ali‘i Drive) Puako Bay (fronting residence) Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Spencer Beach Waialea Beach DLNR.hawaii.gov/ld/commercial-activities Permit request for a wedding in a state park: Division of State Parks, 75 Aupuni St., Hilo, HI 96720 808.587.0300 For a list of all 14 state parks on-island: HawaiiStateParks.org/parks/hawaii Permit request for a wedding at a county park or community center: Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Hilo office, 808.961.8311 Kailua-Kona office, 808.323.4322 Permit request for a wedding at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park: For more information contact Walt Poole: 808.985.6027 Download the application: Nps.gov/havo/parkmgmt/weddings.htm Mail the completed form to: Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Attn: Walt Poole, PO Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
These are just a few of the unusual locations to get married on Hawai‘i Island. Our future bi-annual issues will feature other unusual Hawai‘i Island wedding locations. If you would like to suggest other unique on-island locations to get married, please contact us! Contact writer Denise Laitinen: denise@deniselaitinen.com Wiki Permits for beach weddings: DLNR.ehawaii.gov/permits/welcome.html The website offers live help during weekday business hours (HST). For possible suggestions about how to proceed given your type of event: 808.587.0439 Wiki permits from DLNR are required for weddings at the following beaches: Anaeho‘omalu Bay (aka Waikoloa Beach) Hakalau Bay Beach Hapuna Beach (fronting State Recreation Area)
Lokoaka Wilderness Trail tide pools Neil and Cristina Mock photo courtesy Intimate Hawaiian Nuptials
KeOlaMagazine.com | Weddings | Summer/Fall 2014
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HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com/weddings
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PHOTO BY TOBY HOOGS