Traditional Hawaiian Weddings

People come from all over the world to get married on the beautiful beaches of Hawaii. Why not include some of the elements of a Traditional Hawaiian Wedding to make it all complete? When it comes to a Traditional Hawaiian Wedding there are several things couples can include. Here are some of the most popular:




Aloha

Aloha isn't just a warm greeting; it also means love. The word features heavily in traditional Hawaiian wedding vows, as the bride and groom vow to expand their aloha through the rest of their lives together.

Bride and Groom Lei Exchange

Before the vows are spoken, the bride and groom often exchange leis--Hawaiian necklaces made of flowers strung together. The couple vow to let the fragrance of the lei linger in their hearts as a reminder of the sweetness of true love.

Family Lei Exchange

Because of the importance of extended family in Hawaiian culture, family members often exchange leis, vowing to honor the marriage and to welcome new relatives into the family.
Conch ShellAt a traditional Hawaiian wedding, it is also customary to blow a conch shell three times. This action pays homage to Christianity, as the three sounds represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and the couple's intention to include Christian values into their new home.

Hawaiian Wedding Song

"Ke Kali Nei Au" is the traditional name of the most popular song for Hawaiian weddings. The song, more commonly called "Hawaiian Wedding Song," was composed by Charles King in 1926. Elvis Presley made it famous in his 1961 film, "Blue Hawaiian." It is usually played following the exchange of rings in a wedding ceremony, and is often accompanied by hula dancers.
Other Songs and ChantsOther songs and chants refer to Hawaii's "aloha spirit" of giving thanks for all that is sacred in life. Sometimes, the wedding will include the "E Ho Mai" chant at the beginning of the ceremony, which calls upon the divine power (Mana) to bless the location with wisdom and power. The bride and groom often exchange leis at some point during the ceremony. During the Lei exchange, the "Lei Pikake" song is usually sung a capella by the Kahu and guests. During the ring exchange, the priest will often chant, "Eia iha no ka maluhia o na lani me kakou a pau," which bestows blessings from the heavens onto the couple. The chant "Kumu Tis'a Kalili, Kahula o ka Moana Pakipika" is performed at the end of a ceremony and wishes the couple a wonderful life together.

Kauai Wedding Planners who do Traditional Hawaiian Weddings