Here are some Hawaiian Wedding Traditions you may want to discuss with your Hawaii Officiant or Minister.
The exchange of leis – A traditional Hawaiian wedding often begins with the bride and groom exchanging leis. The lei is an unbroken circle, symbolizing life-long commitment and devotion.
Ring Blessing -
Native to the Big Island of Hawaii, the Koa wood and Ti leaf ring blessing has a lovely meaning, and is beautifully simple. Koa wood is treasured and valuable and represents integrity and strength. The Ti leaf symbolizes the health of the body, mind, spirit and prosperity. The wedding officiant dips a Koa wood bowl into a body of water. The leaf is dipped into the bowl and the water sprinkled three times over the rings while this chant is recited: “Ei-Ah Eha-No. Ka Malohia Oh-Na-Lani. Mea A-Ku A-Pau,” which means: “May peace from above rest upon you and remain with you now and forever.” The water signifies two things: Any hindrance of the relationship washing back into the ocean and a new beginning as husband and wife.
Light of Love - The traditional ceremony of lighting a candle together just before the wedding couple is pronounced husband and wife. The tropical breezes and location of a Hawaii wedding can present somewhat of a challenge to this custom. Instead, the bride and groom can light Hawaiian tiki torches during the ceremony for a similar effect. This creates a dramatic effect if you are having a sunset wedding on the beach, and it has been a part of Hawaiian weddings for centuries.
Did you know? - You are not legally required to have witnesses present at your ceremony. Although some wedding planners and officiants will offer to provide you witnesses (for an extra fee), they are not required by Hawaii state law.
