San Diego Style Weddings Oct/Nov'11
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honeymoon & travel Honeymoon destination HAWAII turn the page for two of San Diego Style Weddings’ favorite hawaiian honeymoon destinations: Kohala Coast on the Big Island and Po’ipu, Kauai SanDiegoStyleWeddingS.com | 335 paradise foundKohala Coast on Hawaii, the Big Island PICture thIS: the perfect destination engagement, wedding, honeymoon and vow renewal location all rolled into one perfect coast on one perfect island, the Kohala Coast on hawaii, the Big Island. here’s San Diego Style Weddings’ “BeSt oF” list of places to stay and things to do while on your trip. WRITTen By Holly Lafferty Best Spa experience proposing to their potential fiancées. The Lomilomi massage at The Fairmont Consider this story shared by Jaisy Jar- Orchid, Hawaii’s Spa Without Walls is a dine, Director of Public Relations: “Re- unique experience in that the technique cently, a couple was basking in the after- is Hawaiian and while, like most mas- glow of an oceanfront couples massage sages, you won’t want it to end, you’ll in one of our ocean side cabanas when a know sadly that this dreamy version canoe carrying one of our orchid Beach is not available back on the mainland. Boys arrived along the shore bearing not only that, the individual or couple’s chilled champagne, chocolate covered massages are offered by a waterfall or strawberries, and a “Puolo” (a tradition- oceanside—neither view is too shabby. al gift bundle) wrapped in ti-leaves. The Request Tami and you’re sure to get the soon-to-be bride had no idea that inside best The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii has the Puolo was a diamond ring. The ca- to offer. Four Seasons resort hualalai noe quickly departed and allowed the Another famous spa is found at Huala- soon-to-be groom to propose.” lai Resort, where guests of the Four Best opportunities Cheryl Shoemaker, the hotel’s senior The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel’s inti- Seasons Resort Hualalai find the for adventure Seekers catering manager, you’re guaranteed mate and private property and unbeat- sense of place and peace difficult to For the active and athletic couple, the heartfelt and indescribable moments able Kaunaoa Bay allows for the most surpass. Hualalai Spa’s Apothecary is hike to Puhiapele Crater on the slopes galore. From Hawaiian traditions to a private and romantic proposal your influenced by the local Hawaiian elders of Hualalai Volcano that the Four Sea- sunset ceremony, you will re-create a man can dream. The Mauna Kea Beach (the Kupuna), which means you are able sons Resort Hualalai offers its guests moment with your husband that you’ll Hotel’s small size and historic elegance to choose from more than 20 natural is the ultimate highlight. Ask for tour never forget. create a perfect atmosphere for a ro- ingredients to create the ultimate per- guide eric Bonnici and receive the trip Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows mantic proposal that won’t be topped sonalized spa treatment. of a lifetime up the active volcano. Hike is known for having both indoor and elsewhere. Kaunaoa Bay is the perfect through lava tubes, stand on the top of spot for a toes-in-the-sand proposal that Best history outdoor experiences for a variety of the volcano and look down the “mouth group sizes. With Danny Akaka doubling any woman will treasure for the rest of Local treasure Danny Akaka is the Di- of Pele”. you and your man are bound not only as a Cultural Affairs expert but her life. rector of Cultural Affairs at the Mauna to leave the experience changed pro- also as a traditional Hawaiian musician, Lani Resort, a natural oasis of warmth foundly. the spirit (or “mana”) is enchanting and and beauty. The cultural center at the Best male experience not a confident swimmer? no problem. unforgettable. When he serenades you Golf courses galore! each property Resort’s Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bun- Whether you are or aren’t, the Mauna with the traditional Hawaiian wedding along the Kohala Coast has a famous galows is filled with activities to educate Kea Beach Hotel provides a guided song on his ukulele, it is an occasion that and entertain about local Hawaiian cul- golf course (it is the golf capital of the snorkeling experience at Kaunaoa Bay will create magical memories. ture; and the mauna Lani has a real find Hawaiian Islands). Try the course at the along its distinctive coral reef that will in Akaka, whose knowledge of Hawaiian Waikoloa Beach Resort; although all stretch your capabilities while provid- history, legend, and customs is unsur- Best engagement are unbeatable for the views, challenge ing the ultimate scenery of the ocean. passed. experience and delight factor. Guided patiently, you can push yourself The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is another The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is filled The Hilton Waikoloa Village’s outdoor farther out than you ever imagined to fabulous historical locale. The oldest ho- with creative stories and ideas for men activities are also sure to keep your man the ocean and experience glimpses of tel on the coastline, it is also the small- endemic sea turtles, octopuses, and mauna lani resort est and was founded by Laurance S. numerous different fish and sea urchins. Rockefeller back in 1965. The hotel has the island’s oldest and most diverse art collection, a perfect place to experience Best Wedding locations culture at its finest. The hotel is also an The Hilton Waikoloa Village provides architectural revelation, because Rock- a charming white chapel set back off efeller made certain the design would the edge of a seaside cliff. Working with be innovative. 336 | SanDiegoStyleWeddingS.com entertained. Try something you’ll both like, such as a glass-bottom boat tour, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding with ocean Sports. you can always sun on the beach and enjoy the sight of his attempts at perfection with a mai tai in My Wedding, Revisited When I mentioned to Cheryl Shoemaker, the hotel’s senior catering manager at the Hilton Waikoloa Village that my hus- your hand. band and I were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary while on our trip to the Kohala Coast, she immediately offered the chance of a lifetime: She would put together a vow renewal ceremony for us virtually overnight. naturally, we were Best Group experiences overcome with her generosity and couldn’t possibly refuse the offer. If you’re planning a destination wedding We made a stop at Tommy Bahama at The Shops at Mauna Lani, where they generously provided us with beautiful white and need a fun, active place to accom- “casually elegant” attire for our special occasion. everything seemed to be coming together perfectly. Then my husband modate a large group, look no further and I realized that the next morning, our itinerary included a four hour hike to Puhiapele Crater before our vow renewals. no problem, we thought. We’d enjoy the experience and then enjoy the vow renewal. than the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The Well, of course we got sunburned and were exhausted. But after showering and a little pampering for me from the Hilton open spaces, water slide, grotto and Waikoloa Village’s Kohala Spa, where they did a beautiful job putting my hair in an updo, we were ready to slip into our pet dolphin make for a good time to be clothing from Tommy Bahama and meet the “crew” at the small white chapel on the beachside cliff for our vow renewals. had by all. The Hilton Waikoloa Village Little did we know how completely special the event coming was to be. The wedding staff at Hilton Waikoloa Village had also offers a twice-a-week luau full of literally put a beautiful, intimate event together overnight. I was given a breathtaking bouquet courtesy of nicco’s Designs; fantastic food and entertainment that the fantastic staff at Hilton Waikoloa Village had made us a small passion fruit cake (DeLICIoUS); and they also surprised will leave you amazed. It accommodates us with professional photographers from the talented Photo Event Solutions. In addition, we were blessed with Pastor groups of various sizes for destination Keith Elliott from Aloha Kiss, who took care to acknowledge our religion while incorporating special Hawaiian touches weddings, family reunions, and a vari- into the ceremony. I must say that the vow renewal experience nearly overshadowed my large 200-guest church wedding five years prior. ety of other events. Because the Four Perhaps it was the vows taking on a whole new meaning the second time around; perhaps it was the generosity and loveli- Seasons Resort Hualalai strives for ness of everyone involved in putting the event together for us; and perhaps it was just the unbeatable location, but it was the complete resort experience, couples truly an experience my husband and I will never forget. and groups of 20 or 80 can be com- There is no possible way to say enough about our vow renewals. There is nothing quite like feeling like a bride for a second fortable at one of their many pools or time but knowing what you’re getting into on this occasion. All I can say is that if you are looking for the ideal place to get restaurants, depending on their social engaged, married, or renew your vows, look no further than the Kohala Coast. our time with the wonderful staff at the needs. Hilton Waikoloa Village was absolutely overwhelming in the best possible way. In short, you can’t go wrong with vir- tually any of the properties along the Kohala Coast. each resort has its own perfect niche that will serve couples or wedding parties in its own way.