Destination Weddings in Hawaii

The many meanings of "aloha" include "peace" and "love," and Hawaiians gladly offer visitors the "spirit of aloha," a warm sense of caring and hospitality that, combined with the islands' great beauty, make a Hawaiian destination wedding truly unique. "When a Hawaiian wedding comes together, there's nothing better," says wedding planner Stephanie Shipp, founder of Pacific Coast Host.

Shipp, who spent part of her childhood in Hawaii, says her work is "deeply rooted in the spirit of aloha," both in her relationships with clients and the all-important connections she nurtures with Hawaiian vendors. Shipp's understanding of local culture comes in handy when laid-back Hawaiians take their time returning phone calls—something that would drive the mother of the bride crazy, but which Shipp takes in stride. She knows that come the wedding day, her partners will move earth and sea to make sure everything goes right.

On the other hand, Shipp is also an "L.A. girl" with experience in high-end retail and fashion; she makes frequent trips back to the mainland to stay on top of styles and trends. "My clients expect a certain level of professionalism and service," she explains.

Shipp loves sharing authentic Hawaiian culture with her clients and recommends the "Big Island" for destination weddings. "It's the closest to old Hawaii," she says. "It has the black-sand beaches, rainforest, even snow on Mauna Kea. There's so much to do if you love the outdoors."

Built over a series of ancient fish ponds, the Mauna Lani Resort at Kalāhuipua'a is deeply rooted in ancient Polynesia. Most couples want an outdoor wedding in Hawaii, but dread the idea of sharing their day with a hotel full of strangers. The 343-room resort has plenty of room for wedding guests, but couples can retreat to the private, historic Eva Parker Woods Cottage for their ceremony and reception. "You feel like you have a hidden spot, rich in culture, all to yourself," says Shipp.

The Kona Village Resort, famous for its thatched-roof cottages and Pacific-inspired dining, is another luxury resort that effortlessly blends privacy and Polynesian culture. "There are some amazing wedding sites on this property," including a private beach for the barefoot Hawaiian nuptials, says Shipp.

Couples seeking an amazing locale for their wedding with an equally enticing honeymoon suite need look no further than the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, where they can exchange vows on the grassy lawns of Turtle Point before returning to their private quarters featuring a private lanai, Jacuzzi and majestic ocean views.

While Hapuna Beach can accommodate weddings with 300 guests, many couples are looking for an intimate experience when they come to Hawaii, says Shipp. The Poli Makai estate on Maui can host weddings with up to 35 guests in an ultra-private luxury home, with the wedding ceremony held cliffside and cocktails served poolside. After the wedding day, the couple can stay to enjoy their honeymoon.

Staying over isn't an option at Honuala'i, another private estate that can be rented for weddings. Still, Shipp calls this Kohala Coast home on the Big Island "my favorite private, exclusive property." Zen gardens and statues add a Balinese flavor to Honuala'i, which boasts a large lanai for dinner and dancing and a lawn with expansive ocean views for the wedding ceremony.

Even a rare rainstorm couldn't dilute the "magical" appeal of Honuala'i, says Tanya Holland, who married husband Andy at the estate in May of last year. Locals assured the couple that the rain was a sign of good luck even though it forced guests inside the home.

"We probably had more room than we would have had at a hotel," Tanya recalled. "For the ceremony, everyone stood around us, and it gave us such an intimate feeling. In the end, we were glad the rain happened to us."

Written by Bob Curley