With its perpetual paradise-like setting and pleasant climate, it’s little wonder why Hawaii remains a top choice for couples looking to host their dream wedding. But to truly make the most out of this tropical experience, understanding the local culture is crucial. For those who are new to Hawaiian wedding customs, rest assured that you’re about to learn some valuable insights that will elevate your special day to new heights!
A rundown of traditional Hawaiian wedding practices awaits, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on your big day.
What are Hawaiian Wedding Customs?
For over six decades, the islands of Hawaii have been deeply influenced by American culture. As a result, traditional Hawaiian weddings have evolved to incorporate many familiar elements. To delve deeper into the cultural nuances and customs surrounding these special occasions, we invite you to explore our comprehensive guide on YeahWeddings.
Wear Hawaiian Wedding Attire
For Hawaiian weddings, the beachside setting provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, making airy and carefree attire a natural choice for both the couple and their guests. For the bride, a holuku offers an elegant and cultural alternative to traditional wedding gowns. This loose-fitting gown with long sleeves and high neckline originated from Christian missionaries and has since become a popular choice for Hawaiian brides.
Beyond holuku, other beach-inspired wedding gown styles can also create a stunning visual effect. In a nod to the island’s rich cultural heritage, it’s not uncommon for brides to replace their veil with a haku lei during the ceremony. This beautiful floral arrangement is typically reserved for special occasions like graduations and adds a touch of tropical elegance to the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Japanese influences have contributed to the growing popularity of kimonos as Hawaiian wedding attire, often worn by both the bride and groom. For the groom, a more formal option can be achieved by swapping out his Aloha shirt for a collared button-down shirt and pair of slacks. To elevate his outfit further, suspenders or a bowtie can add a touch of sophistication to his look.
Commence with a Chant
In ancient Hawaii, where oral storytelling reigned supreme until the 1820s, chanting remained an integral part of celebrations on these sun-kissed islands. To this day, Hawaiian weddings continue to honor this tradition. Typically, a Hawaiian wedding ceremony commences with the powerful chant known as “Oli Aloha,” which serves as a warm welcome for guests and the newlywed couple alike.
This sacred opening is believed to purify the space, setting the stage for the officiant’s blessing and the unity rituals that follow.
Blow a Conch Shell Horn
In Hawaiian weddings, a distinctive conch shell horn, locally referred to as a pū, plays a crucial role in drawing attention to the joyous occasion. This ancient custom, used in both secular and religious ceremonies, is a cherished tradition that adds depth and meaning to the celebration of love. As the wedding officiant blows the conch shell, it serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of this moment for the couple.
It’s a time-honored opportunity for newlyweds to share their first moments together, creating lasting memories amidst the beauty of Hawaiian surroundings.
Exchange Leis
In Hawaiian wedding customs, the tradition of exchanging leis has remained a cherished practice. As an integral part of the ceremony, these fragrant flower garlands are revered as a symbol of respect, love, and commitment. The act of interchanging leis signifies the blending of two lives, much like the weaving together of the strands in a lei itself.
Following the exchange, it’s customary for the newlyweds to share a warm smile and a gentle kiss on the cheek, sealing their union with affection and affection.
Tie Your Hands Together
Elevate your Hawaiian wedding ceremony by incorporating a unique and meaningful element – handfasting, a tradition inspired by the island’s rich cultural heritage. This ancient practice, known as ‘Pili ā Nai Kealoha,’ translates to ‘love that binds.’ As part of the ceremony, a wedding officiant will adorn the hands of the bride and groom with a stunning maile lei, crafted from dark green vines and often embellished with white orchids or arabian jasmine.
This beautiful floral arrangement has been a symbol of royalty and good fortune in Hawaiian culture for centuries, making it a truly unforgettable addition to your special day.
Participate in the Sand Ceremony
While a traditional candle ceremony may not be the right fit for your beach wedding, there’s another way to incorporate sand into your special day. The concept is simple yet meaningful: have the bride and groom fill their own jars with sand before combining them in a unity vase. Some couples choose to retain a small amount of sand in their individual containers as a reminder that they’re still two unique individuals within their marriage.
This beautiful tradition, although originating from Christian wedding customs, has been embraced by couples from all walks of life. The unity vase often becomes a cherished memento of the couple’s Hawaiian wedding celebration, serving as a romantic reminder of their special day.
Wash Your Wedding Rings
In Hawaiian weddings, couples often incorporate rituals that symbolize the transition from individual lives to their new union as husband and wife. A common practice is for the newlyweds to place their wedding rings in a Koa wood bowl filled with saltwater, a custom steeped in tradition and meaning. This ancient rite is believed to cleanse the bride and groom of past relationships, clearing the way for a fresh start as they embark on this new chapter together.
Leave a Ti Leaf and Lava Rock
For those seeking a straightforward yet meaningful concept for their Hawaiian wedding ceremony, consider presenting a lava stone wrapped in ti leaf at the altar. In Hawaiian tradition, lava rocks embody strength and resilience, while ti leaves hold sacred significance as an offering to the God of Fertility and the Goddess of Hula. By combining these symbols, couples can express their reverence for the natural world and its spiritual forces, creating a powerful and enduring tribute to their love.
Hire Hula Dancers
In a traditional Hawaiian wedding, the entertainment often takes center stage in the form of hula dancing. This captivating performance usually accompanies chanting and features varying tempos to create a unique and memorable experience for guests. A skilled Hula dancer will carefully craft their rhythm to pay homage to the natural world, weaving together a mesmerizing display that complements the joyous celebration.
Play Hawaiian Music
Pay homage to the Aloha State’s rich cultural heritage by crafting a playlist that embodies the spirit of Hawaii. A timeless classic like Elvis Presley’s rendition of ‘Ke Kali Nei Auaha’ – made famous in the iconic film Blue Hawaii – is an undeniable must-have for any destination wedding on these sun-kissed islands. The song has been covered by notable artists such as Bing Cosby, Brook Benton, and Tammy Wynette, but Elvis’s version remains a crowd-pleaser.
Another romantic staple is Andy Williams’ soothing ballad ‘To You Sweetheart, Aloha,’ which is sure to leave your guests enchanted. For a more local flavor, consider Keali’i Reichel’s soulful voice on the track ‘Kawaipunahele.’ Your wedding party will be swept away by the gentle rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, making it an excellent choice for any Hawaiian-inspired celebration.
Serve Hawaiian Food
Make your tropical wedding celebration truly unforgettable by infusing it with the vibrant flavors and traditions of Hawaiian cuisine. One popular dish often featured at such weddings is laulau, where tender meat is wrapped in taro leaves for a unique and savory main course. For an authentic taste experience, consider serving Kalua Pig as a show-stopping centerpiece.
This classic Hawaiian delicacy is typically slow-cooked in an underground imu oven, imparting a rich, smoky flavor that’s sure to delight your guests. Even those who have never attended a traditional Hawaiian wedding will be drawn to the allure of this beloved dish. To further transport your guests to the islands, consider offering poke as an hors d’oeuvre or appetizer.
This delectable raw fish dish is similar to sashimi, but with a unique twist – the fish is cut into bite-sized cubes for easy snacking. And while you’re planning the culinary aspects of your wedding, don’t forget to keep in mind local laws regarding alcohol consumption on public beaches and parks.
Incorporate Hawaiian Words
Elevate your traditional Hawaiian wedding by incorporating elements of the Polynesian language. Think outside the box and substitute everyday terms with Hawaiian words, such as kahi, luau, or kolu, to add a unique touch to your special day. When crafting your personalized vows, consider expressing your joy in being together using ‘hau’oli.’ To further personalize your ceremony, replace conventional phrases like ‘kiss’ with ‘honi,’ and ‘sweetheart’ with ‘ipo.
‘ Finally, conclude your solemn promises by saying ‘ho’olaule’a’ instead of ‘celebration,’ ensuring a truly unforgettable Hawaiian experience.
Follow Hawaiian Superstitions
As you plan your dream Hawaiian wedding ceremony and reception, it’s essential to be mindful of local superstitions that might impact your special day. One interesting custom is the handling of traditional leis. When they become worn out, it’s believed that cutting the flowers and tossing them into the ocean is a way to respectfully dispose of them. For nautical-themed weddings, another consideration is the inclusion of bananas on the menu.
According to local lore, these fruits are thought to cause mechanical issues with the vessel. Furthermore, if you’re serving rice at your reception, be sure that guests don’t leave their chopsticks standing upright in the bowl, as this is a custom typically reserved for honoring the deceased.