When thinking of destination weddings, it’s easy to forget that we have some amazing places within the United States. The Hawaiian islands are just a 5 hour flight from the West Coast, and offer the convenience of English language, and all the things we take for granted here, such as good roads, clean sheets, and flush-toilets. Events start on time, vendors show up, and in general, you can expect professionalism from start to finish.
But there is something different about the islands. The moment you step off the plane, you will walk across the tarmac instead of being funneled into an airconditioned walkway. The air is tropical and the smell of plumeria is unmistakable – exotic and enticing. Friendly faces welcome you, and your rental car is waiting nearby, making exploration easy. Food is often freshly caught fish, or you may happen upon an “honor system” fruitstand, an unattended roadside farm stand, where you put your money in a box and take the fruits or veggies (and even exotic flowers!) that catch your eye! Shoes stay outside, and a relaxed attitude prevails.
While Maui and Kauai have long been popular for destination weddings and honeymooners, the Big Island (Hawaii) is a relatively undiscovered paradise. There are some big resorts, but you could also have your wedding on a deserted beach, or up in the hills on a coffee plantation, looking down toward a spectacular sunset. The very daring may want to visit active lava flows for truly unique vows.
Other adventures include hiking to a green sand beach (Mahana) at the southernmost tip of the United States. A swim in the warm water after a long hike is a delight, and if you’re tired you might be able to hitch a bumpy ride back to the parking lot.
If you’re going to the Big Island, instead of staying in a glitzy hotel, you can rent a whole house using a service like VRBO and for a very reasonable price you can house your guests and yourself somewhere with a view of the ocean and setting sun. Almost all homes in Hawaii have a lanai (an outdoor patio) for dining alfresco and watching the scenery of the sky. You may have exotic tropical birds visit your yard, or even a herd of wild goats and their tiny kids. Certainly you will see the bright green geckos (actually from Madagascar) that eat mosquitos and insects.
Mehndi in Paradise 