A HAWAII DESTINATION WEDDING MIGHT BE PERFECT IF YOU . . .
- Want to marry on a beach, even knowing you may not have it all to yourselves
- Have been practicing the hula since you were about four years old
- Prefer an exotic destination – that’s within the U.S.
LAY OF THE LAND
Hawaii is popular for destination weddings because it is both exotic and easy. There’s the adventure of being far from home, without the hassle associated with international travel. Overall, the setting is tropical, with beaches, palms, and the rhythm of islands. But each major island – there are six of them – has its own distinct style, giving you the enviable task of deciding which most perfectly matches yours. Oahu, home to Honolulu and famed but frenzied Waikiki Beach, is about as urban chic as tropical islands get. Because the majority of Hawaii’s population lives on Oahu, the majority of wedding vendors are there, too. But getting from one island to another is relatively easy, so the vendors will usually travel. Maui, which has a fair number of its own wedding vendors, is about shopping and dining, especially in Lahaina, against the background of Mount Haleakala, Hawaii’s highest peak. Its hotel-lined beach, Kaanapali, is a favorite, too. The Big Island of Hawaii is hot with the glow of one of the world’s most active volcanoes. The rugged beauty of Kaui is a standout, especially, as any hiker will tell you, along the Napoli Coast. Lanai, a favorite of celebrity couples, is quiet luxury. Molokai is the Hawaii of an earlier, slower time.