With Elvia & Jeff both being from large families they knew it wouldn’t be possible to have a traditional wedding celebration with the whole family right now so they opted for an Oahu beach elopement and brought the traditions they could. Jeff wore traditional Filipino grooms wear called a barong and Elvia brought her traditional Mexican hand-cut paper banner with their names carved into it. We love these sweet touches that really make them feel at home and surrounded by the love of their families even though they couldn’t be there.

They love that Hawaii resembles both Mexico and the Philippines in our landscape and trees. Beautiful Kualoa State Park offers vibrant blue water and gorgeous mountain backdrops. You get the best of both worlds with this epic location. It was the perfect setting for Elvia & Jeff’s union.

Mahalo Elvia & Jeffrey for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to coordinate your special day! It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope to see you back in the islands soon!

OAHU BEACH ELOPEMENT – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Kualoa State Park

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Reverend Kimo Taylor

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Come see another gorgeous wedding in Oahu: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/karen-andrews-beach-wedding-photography/

After months of mandatory quarantine and shuttered hotels, we’re happy to learn that beginning on October 15th, 2020, the Hawaii Government will be welcoming visitors who test negative for COVID-19 to our islands! That means more happy couples and more beautiful Oahu weddings!

If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii during COVID-19, follow along and we’ll help you understand the regulations and avoid the quarantine.

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know for all travel to Hawaii during COVID-19:

• Get Tested for COVID-19 72 hours before travel
• Plan for additional precautions at the airport
• Consider your guests

For a very detailed Q&A from the Hawaii State Government please visit The Department of Health Travel Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Now let’s break it down, so you can start planning your dream wedding in Hawaii.

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Get Tested For COVID-19 Before Traveling to Hawaii

Beginning on October 15th, Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions will require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test in order to avoid the Hawaii quarantine.

Here’s a checklist to help you travel to Hawaii during COVID-19, so you can relax and start dreaming of your big day:

• If you travel to Hawaii before October 15th you will have to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of any testing you completed before traveling.

• You must take the test no more than 3 days (72 hours) BEFORE arriving in Hawaii – no commercial testing will be provided at the airport
  • All travelers of all ages subject to pre-test requirement
  • Individuals will be responsible for testing costs
  • After testing and before your flight, please practice social distancing and self-quarantine to help keep our islands healthy!

• You must take the test PRIOR to traveling. You will have to still quarantine for 14 days, even with a negative test result once in Hawaii if you do not take the test prior to traveling.
• You will need to have your RESULTS by the time you fly.
  • However, some tests can take between 3 – 4 days, so plan accordingly and ask your provider for their standard delivery timeline
• If the results are not ready by the time you leave, you must quarantine until your test results come in and are negative. If you do not want to test or are unable to test, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days. If your trip is less than 14 days, you must quarantine for the duration of your trip.
  • During quarantine, you can only leave your accommodation for a medical emergency, you can NOT go out to get food or go to the beach
  • Violating the quarantine can incur a $5,000 fine and/or a year of imprisonment.
  • So get tested for COVID-19 to enjoy your Hawaii vacay!

• CLIA is the federal regulatory system for regulating laboratory testing
• An antibody test will NOT be accepted

Currently approved trusted testing partners are: CVS and Kaiser Permanente. Trusted testing partners are entities that understand exactly what the State requires in terms of this program. Additionally, the state will accept test results from other sources so long as they meet the testing parameters set forth by the DOH, which are an FDA-approved NAAT test processed by a CLIA-certified lab.

Whether through CVS, Kaiser or another source, it is the traveler’s responsibility to confirm they are receiving the correct test.

Keep scrolling for more info on how to travel to Hawaii during COVID-19.

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Plan for Additional Precautions at the Airport

Even after you’re tested, there will still be more safety measures to ensure you can avoid the Hawaii quarantine and any additional COVID-19 travel restrictions. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at the airport.

✦ You’ll need to complete a travel declaration form either printed or online

✦ You’ll complete a health screening prior to boarding your flight here and again when you land

✦ If you have a fever before boarding, you may be prohibited from boarding the flight

✦ If you have a fever when you arrive to Hawaii, you will receive a further medical assessment

✦ You will also have to show your completed health form again after arriving at Hawaii

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What Does This Mean For You and Your Guests?

First off, this means your dream wedding in Hawaii is about to happen!! We’re jumping for joy along with you! Take a moment to do a cartwheel or two, and then glance over these few other considerations:

• Begin making plans to get your Coronavirus test, though wait until we get a little more details from the government as September 1 gets closer (depending on your travel date)
• All travelers must be tested, including children.
• Find out if your insurance will cover the test if it’s for travel
• Make sure all your guests have all the rules so they’re prepared
• You will need to wear a mask at the airport and on your airplane as well at most Hawaii retailers
• There may be guest count restrictions from the state, be sure to check with your coordinator for the most up to date information.

Not sure if a wedding in Hawaii is within your budget? It’s much more affordable than you think! Come read our comprehensive article: Hawaii Destination Wedding Cost – Ceremony, Lodging & Airfare

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This Also Means You May Want to Adjust Your Guest Count

So why not consider a small wedding or even eloping in Hawaii?

Having an Oahu beach elopement is a beautiful way to celebrate your love. We understand that it may not be exactly what you’ve hoped for, but limiting your guest count to only a handful of friends and family may keep your loved ones healthy.

Many couples are opting for a very small celebration in the short term, with plans to host a larger celebration back home when it is safe.

To help you bridge the distance, we’ve created elopement enhancements that can be added to all of our Oahu wedding packages. With these add-ons, a professional videographer will record or live-stream your wedding so your guests back home will be part of the special moment! We can even send them leis! This way, if you decide to elope, your guests will be cheering you on in style!

So as you begin planning your gorgeous ceremony day around your travel to Hawaii during COVID-19 regulations, browse the amazing wedding photos below and remind yourself – SOON THIS WILL BE YOU! And we can’t wait to meet you and your special someone!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Keep checking back because we’ll keep this post updated as soon as any information changes!

Tucked away in a quiet community in East Oahu, Waimanalo Beach is a spacious and serene location for an Oahu beach wedding. This is one of our favorite locations for a ceremony, and we’re excited to share what makes a Waimanalo Beach wedding so special!

Waimanalo Beach is a vast 3 miles long white sand beach on Oahu’s east-facing shore. This beach is beautiful in it’s entirety, but our preferred wedding location is the area known as Sherwood Forest. This area not only has epic beach backdrops but also a lush natural forest. We will guide you to the location and instruct you on where to meet our team. Your photographer will choose the most scenic spot for your ceremony.

Conveniently Located To Waikiki

It typically takes 30-45 minutes to drive from Waikiki to Waimanalo Beach. It’s a nice option if you want to escape the crowds of the resort areas without worrying about a long, stressful drive. There is also plenty of parking and public restrooms, making it an ideal Oahu Beach wedding location for those with guests.

Once you arrive and step out of the shade of the Ironwood trees, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable for a Hawaii beach wedding.

Morning ceremonies are a definite favorite at Waimanalo Beach. The bright turquoise ocean and hues of blue in the sky paint a gorgeous backdrop as you share your nuptials. It also makes a brunch or a sunset luau later in the day fabulous reception options!

All beaches are public and therefore you will always have people on the beach, but the more remote location and size of this beach make it feel very private. It’s easy to claim your own little corner of the beach and have no one nearby.

Even on days that the clouds paint the sky, Waimanalo offers a beautiful setting for your Oahu beach wedding. We do have rain at this location from time to time, but in reality, we could say that about every location. Don’t ever let a little bit of rain ruin your day!

After your ceremony at Waimanalo Beach, it’s an easy drive back to Waikiki, where you can choose the perfect restaurant for your reception!

As you can see in the picture above, the morning offers bright and vibrant colors while sunset timing (pictured below) is very similar but just a bit more subdued.

Highlights About Waimanalo Beach Weddings

• This beach is a convenient drive from Waikiki, and especially close to rentals in Kailua or Waimanalo. If you’re staying in another area, contact us and we can see if it’s the best location for your vision!
• There is no travel fee for a Waimanalo Beach Wedding.
• If you’re looking for Palm Trees and colorful Hawaii sunsets, this beach won’t be the best option for you. If you love the look of white sand and open ocean, then we recommend this spot! There’s also the opportunity for rustic style photos in the trees of Sherwood Forest.

The sun doesn’t set over the ocean at this location so you typically won’t get the vibrant colorful sunset that some people picture for their Oahu wedding photos. It’s still very beautiful but if you are looking for that sunset shot then we’d recommend a beach on the west side of the island.

Whenever you’re considering the best beach location for you Oahu beach wedding, let Waimanalo Beach be at the top of that list!! You can check out more weddings at Waimanalo here!

After your beautiful Oahu wedding is photographed by our sister company, Karma Hill Photography, they’ll use a special proofing gallery to upload and share all of your stunning photos. Follow along and we’ll go over the details of how to download, use promo codes, order prints, and how to access the gallery conveniently on your mobile device.

View our short video or read through the easy steps below to download photos, see our purchasing options, and other helpful tips to make your photo experience with Karma Hill Photography even more enjoyable.

We will be reviewing:

Gallery at a Glance

Welcome to your online proofing gallery!

A welcome screen with one of our favorite images from your gallery will greet you and a button will ask you to “Open Gallery.” Upon clicking that button, you’ll be asked to enter your email address. (Tip: Be sure to enter your email address correctly. Any download/purchase receipts will be sent there.)

Next, you’ll be greeted with an Aloha pop up. This helpful information will give you the necessary instructions needed to download your Oahu wedding photos using the promo code we’ve provided in our email to you. You can always access these instructions by clicking the Info menu option on the top pink menu bar.

Inside your gallery, you’ll find your full collection of edited images from your session. At the top of your screen is a pink menu bar consisting of Home (gallery view), Info (how to use your promo codes, price sheets, and contact info), Favorites (a folder of favorited images), and Cart. Below the menu, you’ll find even more options to make your gallery experience simple and more efficient for comparing photos, the option to share images, and simple purchasing options!

As you hover your mouse over the images in your gallery, you’ll notice a bar of icons appears at the bottom of each image. Select the Star icon to favorite your image. The Cart icon is to buy the photo as a digital or print product. The Arrow icon is to share to social media.

How to Download Your Images

Depending on the Oahu wedding package you’ve purchased, you are entitled to download a certain amount or all of the images. We have a simple process to download your photos at your convenience within your proofing gallery. Here’s how to do so:

1. Favorite the images you want to keep. To favorite an image, select the Star icon on the image you wish to keep. This Star icon can be found as you hover over the image in the gallery view or by clicking on the image and selecting the Star icon found in the enlarged view.
2. When you have finished selecting the images you love, go to your Favorites folder by clicking “Favorite” in the top menu bar to review your picks.
3. Select “Buy All” to begin the download process of your favorite images.
4. At checkout, enter the promo code we provided in our latest email to you. This promo code will waive all costs towards the image count per your package.
5. Complete and submit the checkout process. Shortly, you will receive an email containing a zip folder of your digital images to save onto your desktop computer.

You’re done! Please be sure to allow enough time for the zip folder to extract or open on your desktop computer. Save your digital images in multiple storage locations if possible. Online proofing galleries will be active for 30 days. We will also keep your images backed up for one year.

Information About Your Promo Codes

We will email you TWO Promo Codes! Here’s how to use them!

We send every client two promo codes; to download your Oahu wedding digital images from your proofing gallery and for a discount towards print products for a limited time.

The promo code to download your images (at no cost) is valid for a single-use. Therefore, be sure to select and review the appropriate amount of images that comes in your package before using this promo code offer. Each additional image not included in your package will be an additional $10 per image. You are also welcome to purchase your full collection of images for a discounted price at any time while your gallery is active.

Every proofing gallery has the option to purchase professional quality print products. As a special offer to our clients, we offer 50% off prints, canvases, and metal purchases (album and digital images excluded) for a limited time. Unlike the promo code to download your images, this promo code can be used for an unlimited number of uses until it’s expired. Sharing this code with family and friends who are interested in purchasing from your proofing gallery allows them to take advantage of these savings too.

Oahu Wedding Prints and Products Available for Purchase

Karma Hill Photography has a variety of print options available in the proofing galleries. Find luster prints perfect for framing, you can also find canvases and metal print options to decorate your home, and more!!

Within your Oahu wedding photo gallery, we make purchasing these products easy to ensure you know exactly what you are ordering online. Each print has a description of our luster finish alongside the sizes we have available. 

Find our real-life photos feature for our canvas wraps to see how they size and style walls of a home! We absolutely love being able to see a size before we print!

View this blog post for more print inspiration: https://karmahill.com/hawaii-photography-inspo-epic-prints/

We guarantee satisfaction with every purchase through our proofing gallery and offer a no-hassle return or exchange policy for all of our clients because we want you to love and enjoy your photos for years to come!

Price sheets for all of our products are available within the proofing gallery in the Info Tab of the top menu bar. Send us an email if you’d like us to email you a price sheet too. 

Accessing Your Oahu Wedding Photo Gallery on Mobile Devices

Feel free to access the online proofing gallery on any mobile device as well! This view is best when you want to see your photos on the go or download a single high-resolution image at a time straight to your mobile device or purchasing products on the go. The mobile view is not optimal for saving multiple images at a time as doing so on a desktop is the best way to save all of your images.

FAQ

• How long will galleries remain active?
  • 30 days because we limit the number of active galleries at a time. 

• What happens when a gallery is inactive?
  • When a gallery becomes inactive, your gallery is no longer accessible. Contact us if you ever need to reactivate your gallery to purchase and view your images at any time after the 30 days it is active.

• What are the best browsers for gallery viewing?
  • Google Chrome 63 or higher
  • Apple Safari 10 or higher
  • Mozilla Firefox 57 or higher
  • Microsoft Edge
  • On mobile devices, our proofing galleries supports the default browser for the device.
  • Unsure of what browser you’re using? Visit https://www.whatsmybrowser.org/ to find out if you need an update.

• Which photos should I print for my canvas type?
  • We will be happy to help if you need a second opinion on printing images! Simply email us to get started.

• What are my Print Release rights?
  • Print releases are available after downloading. Our print releases give your personal printing rights and are not open for resale or commercial use

• Are these high-resolution images I’m downloading?
  • Yes! The images that come in your package are high resolution images and can be  printed up to a 30×40 print to maintain it’s professional quality.

We hope this tutorial will help you navigate your beautiful photo gallery, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

While you’re here, come see who we are! Oahu Wedding Coordinators – Come Meet Our Amazing Team!

Getting married in Oahu means endless possibilities when it comes to wedding photos! Sharing your photos with everyone on Facebook and Instagram is just the beginning — now it’s time for the fun part — decorating your home!

You can go subtle with standard 5×7 prints on a shelf in a frame. Have a huge canvas of a gorgeous Oahu scene engulf an empty wall. Or have three framed prints of an image, known as a triptych set, to add to the style of your modern living room area.

Today, we’ll be sharing our favorite print inspiration with real photos from our couples getting married in Oahu! Get your inspo boards ready!

Hawaii has some of the most gorgeous scenery in the world. Sure, we might be a little biased, but when you’re surrounded with glistening ocean scapes and lush valleys, it’s hard to disagree. Getting married in Oahu means your backdrop will feature Hawaii in all its beauty. We think scenic shots are cool, but when you’re included in these epic Hawaii views, these shots are even cooler!

Consider selecting your favorite scenic shot to showcase your Hawaii wedding right in your living room. Breaking up the images adds contour and texture to your wall design and will draw the eye of all your guests to the fact that you said “Yes” to getting married in Oahu!

Most of these frames hold 20×30 enlarged photos and canvas wall art. Beautiful photos like these are meant to be seen enlarged! Trying a 20×30 metal print of majestic views is another modern option that is also one of our popular purchases from clients.

Selecting an image that highlights a tender or intimate moment of your Big Day is also a wonderful way to bring the beauty of your relationship into your home. Consider the color theme of the room or design the decor around the photo.

Scenic photos aren’t the only moments that are worth enlarging! Isn’t it obvious that these boots aren’t just made for walking? 😉 The Karma Hill Photography team specializes in capturing a variety of beautiful shots that reflect your special day. There will likely be several images that zoom in tight to highlight body language. A photo that leaves the expressions and features to the imagination works as a vivid piece of art that reflects your love.

There you have it! We hope you were in awe with the potential beauty that enlarging your photos can do for your cozy home. And when you do, send us a photo of how you decorated your living spaces – we always love seeing a piece of Hawaii throughout the world!

Love the valleys you see here? Come see our Guide to Booking Your Royal Hawaiian Golf Course Wedding in Oahu.

Hawaii is known for its beaches, but those who visit will soon discover that the lush green mountains and valleys are unparalleled in beauty. The Royal Hawaiian Golf Course is hidden in the heart of Kailua and embraced by the towering ridges of the Nuuanu Pali State Park. This location is perfect for couples who want a wedding in Oahu with an abundance of tropical greenery and a spark of adventure (Spoiler: this golf course venue comes with a cute set of mini wheels!).

If you’re hoping to say “I do” at this gorgeous venue, or if you’d like to learn more, follow along and we’ll go over all the details of booking your wedding in Oahu at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club!

✦ Royal Hawaiian Golf Course Booking Details

We offer morning ceremonies at 8:30 am & sunset at this venue. The Royal Hawaiian Golf Course arranges its own schedule, so we will inquire about their availability on behalf of the couple. Just like with any wedding in Oahu, it’s best to have at least three dates in mind for your ceremony.

We will take care of all communication with the venue, so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation. The only time you may need to reach out is if you’re interested in a reception at their clubhouse restaurant — if so, we’ll be happy to put you in contact with the event planner at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club.

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✦ Royal Hawaiian Golf Club Package Details

Our Royal Hawaiian Golf Club Oahu wedding package starts at $4000 +tax and includes all of the following: 

• The site fee
• Oahu minister/officiant
• Bridal bouquet of your choice. See Bridal Bouquet Options
• Leis for ceremony exchange
• 1.5 hours of photography coverage by the  Karma Hill Photography team
• 100 retouched high-resolution images included. Additional edited images, professional prints, and albums available for purchase a la carte.
• Up to 30 brown wood chairs (pictured)
• Small Bamboo Arch, Wood pillars, and Sound System
• On-site coordinator to ensure your ceremony goes smoothly
• Our list of top recommended vendors for hair & makeup, caterers, car service restaurants, etc.
• Complimentary Consultation with a Travel Specialist.
• Complimentary Concierge service to book activities, dining, and more!

Sunset ceremonies are timed within the allotted photography time, so your actual “I do” will shift according to the season and when the sun sets. If you’d like beach portraits, the Karma Hill Photography team can add 1 hour of additional photography to capture newlywed photos at Waimanalo Bay Beach.

Other perks about having your wedding in Oahu at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club:

• The venue also has a bridal suite that the couple has access to prior to the wedding ceremony to get ready in. 
• The venue comes with a small golf cart/trolly that will take you around the property to take couples photos with your photographer. See more below!

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✦ Royal Hawaiian Golf Club Ceremony Options

Our package for this venue comes with a simple arch that elegantly draws the eye to the couple during the ceremony. However, if you’d like something more simple, you can opt to have no arch and let the tropical backdrop do the framing for you, or you can upgrade to include flowers and drapery for $600.  

Custom arches and Oahu wedding upgrades are also available. Pricing for custom arches depends on how elaborate the design is as well as individual quotes from our florists and vendors. Browse the photos above to get an idea of all the beautiful ceremony options that are available to you!

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✦ Portrait Options at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Perhaps the biggest perk to having your wedding in Oahu at this venue is the sheer variety of gorgeous backdrops. The venue comes with a small golf cart/trolly that will whisk you around the property to capture you and your loved one against spectacular locales that will take your breath away. A rustic rock wall, rainforest greenery, stone bridges, and a serene pond are all part of the adventure!

Even the ceremony terrace itself has an abundance of photo opportunities! When you choose the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club for your wedding in Oahu, you’ll have the opportunity to sign your wedding license while the sacred valleys of the island bear witness. There’s also a variety of backdrops for group portraits just beyond the ceremony site that are easily accessible for guests of all ages.

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✦ Reception Options at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

This venue has an onsite restaurant known as the ‘Olena on the ground level of their clubhouse. Receptions at the ‘Olena need to be made directly with the venue, so we’ll happily connect you with their events manager.

We do not plan receptions but would be thrilled to add reception flowers such as centerpieces or table garlands to add some “wow” to your reception decor. The Karma Hill Photography team also offers additional reception photography.

If you have any questions about this venue or your wedding in Oahu, please don’t hesitate to contact us! While you’re browsing, come check out our guide to Booking your Kualoa Ranch Wedding on Oahu.

As you know, here at Simple Oahu Wedding, we LOVE all things wedding!! We love coordinating your special day and we love learning about our sweet couples!! We thought in this downtime it might be nice to give you the chance to learn a little about our team of Oahu wedding coordinators.

Aysha is the head of our fabulous crew! From the moment you contact us, she’s your go-to gal. She’s behind all the emailing and phone calls, and her goal is really to make your wedding day perfect!

If you’d like to learn a little more about Aysha, here you go….

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AYSHA

Aysha was born in NYC and moved here when she was just 6 years old. She’s practically city-glam meets Aloha spirit! And it reflects in her epic style — when she was younger, Aysha wanted to be a designer! Her 12-year-old daughter, Presley, is as beautiful and smart as can be, pretty much a little mini-me of her mama — but soon this dynamic duo will be a trio! In the next few weeks, Piper, a golden retriever puppy will be welcomed into the fam!

Aysha comes from a surfing family and grew up bombing waves competitively. It’s little wonder her favorite hangout spot on Oahu is the North Shore — the waves don’t get much better than that! She’s ah-mazing at catching those waves, but she says her little brother (who’s on his way to becoming a pro) makes her look like a rookie! She’s still #1 in our book!

Our lead coordinator has a standout personality! Aysha’s always laughing and full of energy — and her food faves are just as popping! Give this queen anything spicy! If you’re on Oahu, drop by her favorite restaurant, Doraku. And if you’re planning a trip around the world, maybe one day you’ll spot her at Greek Islands or Madagascar, the two places she’s set on visiting!

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Other Coordinators

Oli

Hau’olilani, AKA “Oli,” is another one of our fantastic Oahu wedding coordinators. She’s a local girl to the core. Originally from Hale’iwa, Hawaii, her grandmother received Hawaiian Homestead in Princess Kahanu Estates located in Nanakuli, and she’s lived there since 1995.

Oli lives with an adorable fur baby. Her 5 lb black Pomeranian is named Ikipea, which means Little Bear in Hawaiian because he looks like a small bear cub! We wonder if he’s as good at bodyboarding as she is! Bodyboarding is this Oahu wedding coordinator’s thing! If you see a bright neon green board and a female bodyboarder in bright orange and blue, that’s Oli! This goddess is dedicated to the craft! She studies female bodyboarders on Youtube to learn their tricks!

After a great boarding session, you might find Oli at Tanioka’s because they have the best poi and li hing mui Gummy bears on the island!

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MAI

Samai goes by her nickname “Mai.” She’s got a heart of gold and is truly a world traveler! Mai was born in Laos and spent 3 years living in a refugee camp in Thailand until her family immigrated to California when she was 6 years old. After growing up in Santa Barbara, Mai lived in Japan for 4 years and then moved to Hawaii where she’s been for the last 2 years.

Mai has a 19-year-old son named Keanu and two fur babies: a 6-year-old cockapoo named Kintai, and Kozu, a 3-year-old poodle she rescued while she was in Japan (we told you she had a heart of gold!).

If Mai could travel anywhere in the world she’d visit East Asia because there’s so much to explore! And the food is also incredible! Mai’s favorite cuisines are Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean. This Oahu wedding coordinator is a foodie and knows her way around her spices! Mai hosts a themed dinner every month. June was a seafood boil and July will be taco bar night. (Sorry, she doesn’t sell tickets!). Mai’s other hobbies include making macrame, creating Haku lei po’o, and tending to her plants. (Check out the pics above for some of her creations!)

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Vy

Vy is an Oahu girl, born and raised! She knows all the ins and outs of the island and grew up using Oahu as her playground. But if she could travel anywhere in the world, she’d visit France, which is understandable because there’s so much to see there! We’d LOVE to get some pics of Vy on the top of the Eiffel Tower! This awesome Oahu wedding coordinator belongs on the top of the world!

Mochi is Vy’s sweet Shih Tzu. The fact that Vy named her fur baby “mochi” is no surprise because Vy LOVES Japanese food! Her favorite Oahu restaurant is Sushi ii, and she enjoys cooking as a hobby and checking out new restaurants for surprise favorite dishes!

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Photographers

Now that you’ve met our Oahu wedding coordinators, come meet our photographers! Our team consists of 4 amazing photographers. They’ve all been trained by and work under Karma Hill Photography, bringing the iconic gorgeous airy style into their photos to capture the joy of your special day!

MEGAN

Megan is from Kauai, and her family and friends know her as “Megs.” She has two cats, Ollie (no relation to our own Oli) and Nugget (no relation to a chicken).

Megan loves all food as long as it’s not too spicy! Her favorites are Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, and Greek, and her favorite Oahu restaurant is the Curry House. If you haven’t tried the Japanese-local style curry at this Oahu fave, you should totally make it a pit-stop!

When she was just a kiddo, Megan wanted to have a career that allowed her to be “rich enough to help everyone in need”… how sweet is that?! When she grew a little older and realized that it would be hard for any single person to do, she decided she wanted to be an astronomer, or a paleontologist, or an architect… or a painter… or a photographer! We see a theme here… discovery meets art! Which makes a whole lot of sense because Megan has loads of skill when it comes to discovering unique personalities and moments and then capturing them behind the lens!

But Megan’s drive to create doesn’t just stop at the lens — she’s currently getting her hands dirty with woodworking and concrete! This is a woman of talent!

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MIKE

Mike is our only guy on the team — and this Oahu wedding photographer is a king! Hailing from Campbell, California Mike likes to keep it simple. He has no nickname, no kids, and no pets, but he’s got endless skills behind the lens! Who needs all the complications when your Oahu wedding photos are as streamlined and gorgeous as Mike’s??

Mike is happy on any beach in Oahu and would love to visit Bali or New Zealand, maybe even while visiting some of their best Indian restaurants!

When Mike was little, he wanted to be either a designer or an architect, which is reflected in his carefully designed photos. But now he busies himself by playing drums, surfing, gardening, cooking, and cutting his friends’ hair! These are essential skills to have during the lockdowns! As far as we know, Mike is not taking reservations for his epic barber creations!

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JASMINE

Jasmine (AKA Jazz) was born in Iowa and came to Hawaii with a college internship. She doesn’t have any pets, but she has two amazing little boys named Kainoa and Kekoa (see the pics above for all the cuteness!).

When you meet Jasmine, you’ll notice how energetic and lively she is. In case you’re curious, her special secret is her diet, which consists of 3 foods: chocolate, coffee, and pizza from Bob’s in Kailua. Sweetness from the chocolate, check! Endless energy from the coffee, check! And a well-rounded personality from the pizza, check! No wonder why this queen is so easy going and on top of it!

Jasmine loves to spend the day riding bikes around Kailua or hanging at the beach with her boys. If she could travel anywhere in the world it would be to Petra, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. She surfs everyday and she’s always sure to bring a book. This photographer reads 2 books… A WEEK!

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Pinky

Pinky (Yep, her nickname is Pink… how cool is that?!) was born and raised on the island of Kauai. She moved to Oahu in 1998 for college and fell in love with the atmosphere!

She may not have any fur babies, but she has human ones! Cole and Mia are her adorable kiddos and the loves of her life. If she could travel anywhere, she’d take her fam to Italy. And her kids would probably LOVE it (Pizza, anyone?)

Pinky loves Filipino and Japanese food, but she can’t choose just one favorite Oahu restaurant. Any eatery in Haleiwa will hit the spot!

Besides photography, she loves fitness. She was obsessed with Zumba and even got certified to teach it! But this go-getter didn’t stop there… Pinky also got certified in a handful of other formats! There’s no stopping her!

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We hope you enjoyed getting to know us as much as we adore getting to know you! If you’re planning on an Oahu wedding, come read our comprehensive article on how to travel during the pandemic: Avoid Hawaii Quarantine – Having a Wedding in Hawaii During COVID 19

We can’t wait to meet you!

If you’re planning a wedding on Oahu, there’s no venue more intimate or more secluded than Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island. Tucked away in the sacred valleys and bordered by a white sand beach, this Oahu wedding location is family owned and operated, which means consistent quality and a true Aloha experience. All of our Oahu wedding venues offer unique beauty and charm, but a Kualoa Ranch Wedding is unparalleled in its ability to create a once in a lifetime experience enveloped in the authentic beauty of Old Hawaii.

Set away from the world of commercialism, Kualoa Ranch is a pristine nature reserve, and as such, booking a reception here requires a few unique steps. Follow along and we’ll guide you through the process of having your dream wedding on Oahu at this gorgeous location.

Kualoa Ranch Wedding Setups

Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island is one of the few privately owned beaches in Hawaii. This means the state’s beach wedding restrictions don’t apply, so there’s an abundance of flexibility, which means arches and seats are allowed on the sand. You can choose one of our gorgeous ceremony arches or simply go with the down-to-earth appeal of going arch-less.

Keep in mind at this Oahu wedding venue the direction of your ceremony is incredibly important when determining your wedding setup. With sweeping panoramic views, Kualoa Ranch’s Secret Island offers unique and breathtaking backdrops. You can choose to have your ceremony face a tropical shoreline, the rustic lush valleys, or the glistening aqua ocean. If you prefer soft greenery beneath your feet, there’s even a grassy ceremony area that overlooks the oceanfront.

Custom arches add stature and grace to any ceremony, and when these beauties are placed on the shore of Secret Island, you’ll have a beach wedding that perfectly incorporates the traditional elements of a venue. Because of the remote location and the time it takes for our vendors to travel to the island for set-up and break-down, arch pricing starts at around $1,200 and goes up from there depending on the selected florals.

Traveling to the Island

Because of the vast size of the reserve, the shore of Secret Island is only accessible via boat. You’ll sail over an ancient Hawaiian fish pond and soak in the beauty as you approach the lush green valleys. This stretch of water is calm and tranquil like a lake — so it should be gentle on even the most sensitive of stomachs! When you arrive, you’ll follow a short trail through a forest to find your ceremony location: a pristine sandy shore with the breathtaking ocean in the backdrop.

You have the option to accommodate your party with separate boat rides, and we’ll help you coordinate the order of who reaches the island first. You may want to take the voyage with your entire crew, or have them sail first and reserve the second trip for just the two of you, or have the bride journey last and keep her bridal look a secret until the very last moment.

To give you an idea of how things are usually arranged, here’s an example of the timing during a Kualoa Ranch wedding on Oahu:

• 2:30 pm Coordinator, rental company, and florist take the boat over to set up the chairs and arch 

• 3:30 PM- Guest arrive at the fish pond and take 1st boat to Secret Island (the groom may also choose to go at this time if a “first look” during the ceremony is preferred).
  
• 3:45 PM -Couple (or the bride) arrives at the fish pond to take the boat to Secret Island
  
• 4:00 PM- ceremony/photography begins (30 min)
  
• 4:30 PM- group portraits (20 min)
  
• 4:50 PM- couple’s photos on the beach (40 min)
  
• 5:30 PM- photography ends and newlyweds are ready to leave the beach!!

Kualoa Ranch Payment Details

Kualoa Ranch prefers to collect the site fee directly from the clients, so once you book our Secret Island Package, we’ll put you in contact with the ranch and help you coordinate your payment.

This site fee is calculated directly into our Secret Island Wedding Package, which means the total cost will not increase. For example, as of June 2020, our Secret Island Wedding Package costs $5,695 and the site fee for the venue is $2,095 plus the 50 chairs at $5 each. After you’ve paid these charges directly to the venue, we will deduct it from your package cost and bring the remaining price down to $3,600. 

There are a couple of things to keep in mind as you book:

• There is a separate $1,000 damage deposit in addition to the site fee.
• This is refundable as long as everything is in good shape after the wedding, but keep it in mind as you budget.
• The fee is returned to you 14 days after the event.
• You’ll be responsible for paying the site fee in time, but we’re here to help! We’ll remind you as the time gets closer, and it never hurts to set automatic reminders on your phone or calendar as well!

Kualoa Ranch Portraits

The options for family and group portraits at this venue are endless! One of the many perks of having a wedding on Oahu is the opportunity to capture unforgettable portraits with all of your closest loved ones. We work exclusively with the talented Karma Hill Photography team, so if you have any “dream shots” we’ll communicate with your photographer to turn those dreams into a reality. Family portraits on the boat, on the shore, in front of the valleys, on the dock — there’s no limit to the stunning backdrops!

Of course, a wedding at Secret Island wouldn’t be complete without spectacular couples portraits! This venue is unparalleled in its beauty and is perfect for a couple who wants to surround themselves in a true tropical oasis.

Kualoa Ranch not only has glistening white sands, but this locale also has endless greenery and rustic natural backdrops to give your photos a touch of wild wonder. If you’re seeking a wedding on Oahu that captures both the forest and beach atmospheres of Hawaii, Secret Island can’t be beaten.

Other Considerations

Kualoa Ranch requires that the same coordinator that plans your ceremony also plans your reception.

However, because we only plan ceremonies, hosting a reception at this venue is not an option. But this works out great for couples looking for a reception that’s special yet simple — and affordable! Save some change and plan a nice dinner at a nearby restaurant after your ceremony with us. All the restaurants we refer to have a great staff that can help you arrange your reception details, and you can reserve a private or semi-private space with them. This way you don’t have to bring an entire restaurant to a separate location, and you don’t have to pay someone to plan it for you!

If you have any questions about this venue or any of the other services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’d love to hear from you as you plan your wedding on Oahu!