It is no secret that Hawaii, recognized for its incomparable natural beauty, is one of the favorite wedding destinations. Not only is it abundant with beautiful beaches where your love can be crowned, but there are also many gardens, forests, and dramatic cliffs with enchanting scenery. No matter where you choose to tie the knot, these islands have a rich culture that can elevate your special day. That said, you will discover many Hawaiian wedding customs, which can bring a whole new experience to your celebration of love. After all, not many couples can say that they’ve eternalized their union here and even incorporated some of the iconic traditions!
So, if you are one of them, in this article, we’ll talk about Hawaiian wedding customs and how to blend them with modern ceremonies. By the end of it, you will be inspired with all kinds of ideas to make your marriage unique and truly memorable!
Hawaiian Wedding Customs
Below, you will discover some of the most popular Hawaiian wedding customs. However, if you wish to combine several or even introduce another element, as a Hawaii wedding officiant, I will be honored to guide you in choosing the customs that will perfectly reflect your story,
Oli Aloha Chant
Since no textual language was spoken in the past, Hawaiians used chants and poetry to communicate. This is also why Oli Aloha is used at the beginning of wedding ceremonies. This chant is used to welcome guests and the couple and bless the ceremony site.
If you are considering a traditional Hawaiian wedding, starting a ceremony like this is a great way to immerse yourself in its culture. It will make the celebration more exciting and joyful.
Pu
As one of the most famous Hawaiian wedding customs, Pu is used to draw attention to important moments or to announce the couple’s arrival by blowing in a conch shell. Depending on the Hawaii marriage officiant you choose, they may decide to do this tradition during the first kiss.
Blessing the Rings
This Hawaiian wedding tradition includes Ti leaf, water, and Koa, each with its symbolism. The officiant places your rings in a wooden bowl full of water. Then, they dip the leaf into the water, sprinkle it three times, and say a chant. The blessing ends with the actual exchange of rings.
In addition to this, there is also a Hawaiian wedding custom where the rings are placed in a bowl of salt. Symbolizing the preservation and eternity of their love, the rings are in touch with the essence of the Hawaiian sea.
Exchanging Leis with Your Partner
This is another well-known Hawaiian wedding tradition we have seen in many movies. Namely, exchanging leis with your partner signifies a gesture of eternal love. This custom begins after the ring exchange. The bride receives a lei of jasmine or so-called pikake.
The leis decorations will differ depending on where you decide to have your traditional Hawaiian wedding; in Oahu, the leis will be enriched with yellow flowers, while in Maui, they will be decorated with roses.
Taking Sand from the Beach
If you are planning a beachfront ceremony under a sunset glow, you should definitely consider this tradition. Namely, the newlyweds take sand from the beach and put it in a small bag, marking their union and a wonderful memory that will be remembered forever.
The Hula Dance
From ancient times, this mesmeric and elegant dance has been a popular Hawaiian wedding custom. It has become a staple in many movies showcasing the islands’ beauty. The hula dance can be performed in several ways. This includes the bride dancing with the groom or the couple hiring a dance troupe to perform this unique Hawaiian dance.
The Fire Knives Dance
The fire knife dance is an excellent choice for entertainment during the ceremony. It originates from the Samoans and involves dancers throwing flaming knives in the air and playing to the beat of drums. Talk about an exceptional way to impress your guests!
Hawaiian Music
Music plays an essential role in the wedding experience. Therefore, while you’re in Hawaii, enjoying their music, you can also completely immerse yourself in their culture. You can pick many famous Hawaiian songs for wedding ceremonies. For this purpose, you can decide to do your first dance with a Hawaiian song. The sound of the ukulele and the slack guitars will make a great ambiance throughout your party.
A Feast
Feasts are part of every wedding and have a special place in Hawaiian culture. During this feast, couples usually serve popular dishes of the Island State. This includes a kalua pig that is slow-roasted in an underground oven. Then, you can find tuna and Hawaiian fish stews mixed with tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya.
If you’re thinking about dessert and wondering whether to have a traditional wedding cake, consider Lilikoi. It’s a Hawaiian variant of passionfruit, making it a great wedding cake. Of course, you can have different types of cakes to incorporate Hawaiian culture and a modern wedding into one. Finally, consider hiring a local chef to create a wonderful atmosphere showcasing Hawaiian delicacies.
How to Blend Hawaiian Wedding Customs in Modern Ceremonies
Even if you opt for a traditional Hawaiian wedding, you don’t need to include every custom. Instead, you can choose which ones you like best and incorporate them into your ceremony. As I mentioned in the beginning, you can choose a mix of modern ceremony elements and Hawaiian traditional moments.
All these Hawaiian wedding customs are fascinating, and it is difficult to choose from the many appealing choices. However, consulting with your Hawaii marriage officiant will surely be of great help! This way, you will get a unique wedding experience that you will remember forever.
If you liked this article, don’t hesitate to check out our other blogs. There, you will learn more about Hawaiian weddings, including the best locations and the services we offer. Finally, fill out the contact form and let the wedding euphoria begin!
