Helpful  Hints

Photography
These days most everyone has a digital camera, and although it might be an excellent camera, a professional is highly recommended.  Our photographers are expert at beach and sunset lighting, as well as romantic poses and group arrangements. They also know the best angles and lighting to flatter you and make the most of the surroundings.   If you are looking to cut costs, we suggest  you do this elsewhere.  Many couples opt for family amateur photographers with disastrous results, from harsh shadows and dark faces, to dead batteries and full memory cards.  Allow your friends and family to casually take photos and not feel the pressure of being  responsible for "the wedding pictures."   Our photographers do not mind guests taking pictures as long as they do not get into their way.  Let  guests be guests and leave the precious pictures to an expert.  We feel so strongly about this that we have lowered our prices for photography  packages.
 In our photo packages, all images are included.  You will receive a edited photo CD of your special day.  This disc belongs to you to use however you want;   prints, B&W, enlargements, and email capabilities.  This is really a bargain.  Some wedding companies will draw you in with a cheap package offering you a few prints, but you will end up paying much more in the long run for pricey prints or enlargements.

Hair and Makeup - 
Some of our beach locations can get windy, especially in the Spring and Fall; Feb., March and April seem to be the windiest months.  Keep this in mind when your are considering hair styles and veils.  Large veils can be very distracting.  We can face the bride towards the wind so the veil is not blowing in her face, but we have had them blow off bride's heads.  (Not to be too concerned.  That has rarely happened. ) Styled hair needs plenty of hair spray.   A good suggestion is for a haku  lei or floral head lei.  This very attractive Hawaiian headpiece  keeps hair out of the eyes and goes well with short or long hair. Besides, it looks Hawaiian, smells wonderful,  and you can save on a hairdresser.  We will be happy to help arrange this for you.
Waterproof mascara is a must.  Even if you think you're not going to cry, our ceremonies are very moving and tears of joy are frequent.  Sometimes, tears will leave streaks in makeup, so be aware of that as well when planning your foundation.  Really, you will cry.

Footwear  -
Heels are not recommended for sand or lava.  If you want to have  heels for photos, bring a pair of flip flops (or Slippers and they are referred to in Hawaii.) for walking to the location.

Locations
Permits are required for all beach locations.  They run from $25 - $50.  We  will obtain the permits for you, as we carry the proper insurance, etc.

Kikaua Point Park at Kukio   (We refer to this as KP) and Kukio beach at Ka'upulehu, are among our most popular sites.   KP limits its functions to one per time period.  It is a popular wedding spot, so it tends to book up.  If  you love this location, it is best to plan early or be flexible on the date. 

Right next door, is Kukio beach, which is near the Four Seasons and the Kona Village. Events are not limited  but we rarely see another wedding.  It  is a shorter walk out to the beach than KP.  This is a lovely little spot with very few people as it is not a good swimming beach due to the shallow reef.  Turtles are often among the guests.  Both  KP and Kukio are 6 miles north of the Kona Airport at mile marker 87.

Turtle sightings are guaranteed at Kaloko-Honokohau Harbor beach, also known as Turtle Beach..  This is slightly north of Kona, at the Honokohau Marina,  and is a National Park. Beautiful sunsets and not very windy.

Anaeho'omalu Bay  (A Bay) is at Waikoloa so it is closer to the resorts in that area such as the Hilton, and the Marriott, as well as the Mauna Lani, Fairmont Orchid, and the Mauna Kea Hotel, etc.     A Bay tends to be a busier beach, so it is not among our favorites but it is still very nice.   KP and Kukio are only a 15 - 20 minute drive to the south.

Kings Knoll at Anaeho'omalu Bay is part of the Waikoloa Marriot and is a private location near the bay, with a nice grassy area.    There is a fee of $350.  One of the few locations where chairs are allowed.  New laws do not allow chairs on the public beaches except for those who cannot stand.

Windiest spots are Anaeho'omalu Bay, Kikaua Pont Park at Kukio  (KP) and Kukio Beach at Ka'upulehu, (Kukio). 

Less windy are the National Parks - Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, (The Place of Refuge, which hardly ever has wind) and Kaloko Honokohau Harbor Beach Park.  For St Peter's church, wind is never a problem, but the chapel gets quite warm later in the day as the window facing the ocean does not open.  Even by noon, it is pretty hot in there.  The fee for St Peter's church at Kahalu'u in Keauhou,  is $400.

Pu'uhonua O Hunaunau (The Place of Refuge) is a very special, sacred place and a National Historical Park.  Since they charge admission  (only $5 per car)  there are very few beachgoers so it seems private.  You really get the feeling of old Hawaii here.  It is not resort-like.   The atmosphere is peaceful and it has a variety of landscape; a small sandy cove, lava pools, and beautiful coconut trees on the sandy trail. Ceremonies are not allowed within the walls of the "park proper."   We walk down the trail at the end of the picnic area.  For a low budget reception or even a catered picnic, this place is perfect.  Wind is never a problem , but there can be  late afternoon showers in the summer, which usually clear by sunset time.  We were married here ourselves, in a  morning ceremony.  Highly recommended.  We do give a discount for morning ceremonies at this location.

For Waipio Valley, mornings are best as it tends to rain in the afternoon.  If you love this location, and it is spectacular, we do recommend staying there as there is no fee for the ceremony if you stay there.  Check out Hale Kukui on our site.  It overlooks the majestic valley.

For the black sand beach at Punal'uu,  sunsets are not viewable most of the year.  It is a popular tourist spot as well but a unique area.

Highly recommended are Vacation Rental Homes where you are more wind and rain protected, as well as the benefit of privacy.   We list many on our site, as well as listing agents and VRBO.

Sunset  vs.  Morning  -
 Yes we have beautiful sunsets here, but we can't order a perfect one for you.  Sometimes, the emphasis on the sunset becomes more important than the ceremony itself.  Your commitment to each other is the main purpose of your ceremony.  So, hope for a beautiful Hawaiian sunset but don't allow yourselves to be disappointed if it was not everything you expected.   Sunset is around 5:30 in the Winter and 7:00 in the Summer.    We  start our ceremonies at least an hour before the sun sets.

There are many benefits with a morning wedding.   First of all,  the weather is almost always calm and clear; no wind or rain (unless we have an island wide storm, which is not very often.) When we say morning we suggest before 9:00 or 10:00 at the latest. Sunrise on the Kona side of the island is between  6:30 and 7:00.   In the middle of the day, the sun is harsh and bright.  It is hot here in the middle of the day no matter  what the season.  Keep in mind as well that beaches are busier in the middle of the day.  They do tend to clear out before sunset, though.  Most beach goers begin arriving a little after 9:00 am.

With the time difference, for those coming from East of Hawaii,  which is most of you, you will find yourselves rising earlier.   Children, especially.   Mid summer weddings, with sunset around 7:00 make for late dinner or receptions and many guests  feel tired earlier than they would the same time on the mainland.

Breakfast is a more affordable reception than dinners.  Some hotels do have nice daily brunches, or can make arrangements for you to have a private breakfast.  Not only is this less expensive than a dinner, but it gives you and your guests the rest of the day free.  Or, you can plan an earlier reception and enjoy the sunset there.  Start your reception earlier so you have more time to party.

Ceremony
We list several ceremonies on our site as well as a resource library of readings, etc.  Our Hawaiian ceremonies, both Non-denominational or Christian, are performed by heart.  This allows us to better relate to the couple and also gives us the ability to use our hands for blessings, etc.  For our other ceremonies, such as the Civil or your own personal ceremony,  we do have to read them.  Adding personal vows or readings is never a problem with any ceremony.

When we perform a joint ceremony, we do a "tag team" switching off between us.  For this,  Penei plays the guitar and sings, blows the conch shell and includes Hawaiian chants.  These elements are including in all her ceremonies, but not the guitar, when she is the sole Officiant.  For larger weddings, it is nice to have both of us to coordinate.  Also, Penei will play the guitar and serenade your guests as they await your arrival.  Music is also included while you are having your photos taken.  Again, this is included in our joint ceremony only.

Penei's ceremony is more musically oriented: A Cappella singing, chanting, and the conch shell.
Dard's is more nature oriented, with references to the sea and mountains, etc.  Unfortunately, he does not blow the conch shell.  He does have a very resonant voice, which carries far, and is a good singer but doesn't know it.

Rain
We get many questions regarding what to do in case of rain.   We are on the dry side of the island.   Locations out by the airport such as Kukio and KP get only 5 inches of rain a year.  As you travel  south, the chances of late afternoon showers increase but it  usually clears by sunset.  We have a couple of backup locations and also very colorful rainbow umbrellas if it is a light rain.  (which is very good luck in Hawaiian culture.  The greatest blessing, actually, is water the  sustainer of life and very precious.)  But, no bride wants rain on her wedding day.   Summer is our rainy season but we still do not get much rain on the West side of the island.  No worries, okay?

Please be on time
It is essential that  you and your guests arrive on time.  There is nothing worse than watching the sun go down as you await late arrivals.  If you can, visit the location beforehand so you will know where it is.  We will give you very specific directions as sometimes it can be confusing.  Be sure to give those directions to all your guests.

Our  participating professional's time is valuable, as is yours.  If they have to stay for additional time due to a delayed wedding, late charges will apply. 

Arriving late for the wedding is also very stressful.  Do yourselves a favor and plan to be a little early.  Usually, delayed weddings are due to late guests or it is a "hair issue."  Start early in your preparations.

Chairs
Chairs are not allowed at public beaches, with the exception of KP and Kings Knoll.  Guests who cannot stand are allowed to use chairs.

Champagne and cake
Alcohol is no longer allowed on public beaches.

If you want a wedding cake, we suggest you enjoy it at your reception, or dinner.   Wind, heat, and insects can damage cakes.  In addition, transporting a cake to a public beach is also risky and  time consuming.   You will have more time to enjoy it following your meal.  It is really not worth just for a couple photos of you feeding each other cake.    This is the time to bring out the digital cameras.