Hawaiian Wedding Checklist

Find and Book a Kahu

Book a genuine Hawaiian kahu who has experience with traditional Hawaiian wedding blessings.

Obtain Marriage License

Apply for a Hawaii marriage license. No residency or blood test is required.

Book Outdoor Ceremony Venue

Reserve a beachfront, garden or ocean-view venue, and have a backup plan for rain.

Secure Beach Permits and Insurance

Apply for the DLNR Wiki Permits and get a Certificate of Liability Insurance.

Book Hula Dancers

Engage a halau hula to perform at the ceremony or the reception.

Hire Hawaiian Musicians

Book musicians for live ukulele, slack-key guitar and Hawaiian vocal music.

Find a Lei Maker

Find a skilled lei maker for the fresh maile lei, pikake lei and guest lei.

Arrange Luau Catering

Book a caterer with experience in traditional Hawaiian cuisine.

Obtain Conch Shell

Buy a proper conch shell, or arrange to borrow one.

Confirm Lei Order and Delivery

Confirm that all the lei will be delivered fresh on the morning of the wedding.

Prepare Ti Leaves for Blessing

Get fresh ti leaves for the blessing ceremony.

Confirm Hula Performance Details

Finalize the timing, music and style with the halau hula.

Review Weather and Backup Plan

Check the forecast, and confirm your backup plan for rain.

Confirm Permit Details

Check that all your permits are printed and ready.

Receive and Store Lei

Accept the fresh lei delivery and store the lei in a cool place.

Prepare Blessing Water

Collect ocean water or spring water in a bowl for the blessing ceremonies.

Set Up Tiki Torches and Decorations

Place the tiki torches and arrange the tropical flowers, keeping within the terms of your permits.

Prepare Bride's Hair Flowers

Have fresh plumeria or pikake blooms ready for the bride's hair.

Brief Wedding Party

Make sure everyone taking part understands how the ceremony will go.