Undoubtedly we love beach weddings, and adore military weddings, so when Paige and Leland reached out for us to plan their Oahu beach wedding we just knew it would be smooth sailing!!

We met them and their close family at Waimanalo Beach last week for their intimate wedding ceremony. It was a perfect day, with thin cloud cover, soft white sand, and barely another soul on the beach. The slight breeze to keep them cool and heartfelt ceremony to warm the heart; it was everything this pair had asked for and more!

I mean they nailed that iconic sailor dip kiss pose! Do you know the one with the nurse that was taken at the end of world war 2? Nice work guys! We do love our Oahu military weddings; there is nothing better than getting married in paradise.

Mahalo to you both Paige & Leland for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to be a part of your wedding day!

OAHU BEACH WEDDING – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Reverend Kelehua Kawai

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographers: Orig Media

Check out another recent Oahu beach wedding on the blog here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/elvia-jeffs-oahu-beach-elopement/

We were excited to meet Michelle & Kenneth for their Oahu venue wedding last week! This sweet couple met 3 years ago by “saying Hi” as Ken puts it! They were just passing by each other in Waikiki when their eyes met! That quick little hello eventually led to a lifetime commitment!

View this gorgeous couples beautiful photos at one of Oahu’s most picturesque wedding venues.

Their Oahu wedding day was like that of royalty! The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club offers gorgeous green lush backdrops that stretch for miles making it the perfect Hawaii venue wedding location. With the round arch set in front of all that gorgeousness, adorned in orchids, its beauty is unmatched. That is, until Michelle came walking down the aisle. Scroll down to see what we mean!

The gorgeous floral arch framed the newlywed couple perfectly with the lush valley vegetation adorning the background.

After their Mauka (towards the mountain) wedding ceremony, this sweet couple headed Makai (towards the ocean). Waimanalo Beach really showed out as well this particular day. Her soft pastel colors and dreamy light really add to the perfection of Michelle & Ken’s Oahu wedding.

Mahalo Michelle & Ken for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to coordinate your Oahu wedding day! You were such a pleasure to work with!!

OAHU VENUE WEDDING – SESSION DETAILS

Hawaii Wedding Planner: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photography: Megan of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kawena

Arch: Aloha Artisans

Oahu Wedding Venues: Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Oahu Wedding Portrait Location: Waimanalo Beach

Time of Day: Early Evening

See another Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, Oahu wedding here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/laura-makoto-oahu-venue-wedding/

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.