A destination wedding in Hawaii is a dream for many couples looking to tie the knot. To make the most of the wedding venue location, incorporate some of these Hawaiian traditions into your ceremony.

4 Local Wedding Traditions in Hawaii

1. Lei

Giving and receiving lei is a gesture of aloha, which conveys love and respect. Plus, lei make beautiful accessories for any wedding. It's a Hawaiian tradition for the bride and groom to exchange lei at the beginning of the wedding. You can also have the flower girl present the lei during the ceremony. If you're looking at a small wedding venue, you can even have all of your guests "lei'd" during the ceremony.

2. Music

Including Hawaiian music will add to the serene atmosphere of your destination wedding. "Ke Kali Nei Au” or the "Hawaiian Wedding Song" by Charles King is the go-to ballad for the ceremony or first dance. There’s an English version as well, made famous by Elvis Presley. Even if you’re not familiar with Hawaiian songs, local musicians can play your favorites with slack key guitars or ukuleles for an island vibe. 

3. Attire

Conventional Western weddings have the groom wearing a black tuxedo and the bride in a white dress. Hawaii wedding traditions are a little different, with both the bride and groom wearing white. Grooms also wear a colored sash around their waist. While this tradition isn't mandatory, it's a fun way to break away from mainland norms, especially if your wedding venue is under the tropical sun.

4. Ceremony

A traditional Hawaiian wedding includes a ti Leaf and lava rock ceremony. The lava rock symbolizes the commitment you make with your partner. Once wrapped in a ti leaf and left at the ceremony site, it marks the beginning of your marriage with a prayer for happiness together. 

If you're looking for a wedding venue in Honolulu, HI, Manoa Grand Ballroom is the banquet hall for you. They’ve hosted weddings and events for five generations, plus they offer on-site catering and audio/visual equipment. Visit their website or call (808) 946-6758 to request a quote today.