Hawaiian Traditions You Can Implement in Your Wedding

Planning your big day is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create unforgettable moments that reflect your unique love story. If you're inspired by the beauty, culture, and spirit of Hawaii, incorporating traditional Hawaiian elements into your wedding can transform it into an extraordinary celebration. These traditions, known for their connection to nature, love, and community, bring a sense of authenticity and meaning to modern weddings. 

Whether you're hosting a beachfront ceremony, a tropical-themed reception, or simply want to honor Hawaiian customs, this guide will introduce you to authentic Hawaiian wedding practices that you can weave into your special day. 

What Makes Hawaiian Wedding Traditions Unique? 

Hawaiian wedding traditions are rooted in the island's deep respect for nature, ohana (family), and aloha (love and compassion). These rituals are often spiritual and symbolic, emphasizing harmony, unity, and the profound connection between two individuals. 

Couples who incorporate Hawaiian customs into their wedding often find that these traditions create a deeper emotional connection—not only for them but also for their guests. By honoring the Hawaiian way of life, you can invite your loved ones to share in genuine moments of love and warmth that feel timeless. 

Hawai'i-Inspired Wedding Traditions to Include 

Here are some beautiful Hawaiian traditions you can integrate into your wedding to create an unforgettable celebration.

1. Exchange of Leis 

The lei exchange is one of the most iconic Hawaiian wedding traditions. Couples exchange leis as a symbol of their love, mutual respect, and commitment. The lei itself, often made from fragrant flowers, ti leaves, or kukui nuts, represents a circle of unity and is a deeply symbolic gesture. 

How to Include It 

• Begin your ceremony with the lei exchange instead of a traditional vow reading.

• Use custom-colored leis or flowers that hold personal significance to you and your spouse.

• Offer leis to your bridal party, parents, or even all guests as a warm and welcoming gesture of aloha.

2. Blowing of the Pū (Conch Shell) 

A Hawaiian wedding ceremony typically begins with the blowing of the pū, a conch shell, to announce the start of the sacred union. The conch shell has been used for centuries to signify the start of important events or to call people together. 

How to Include It 

• Have your officiant, or a family member trained in the tradition, blow the conch shell to signal the beginning of your ceremony.

• Consider using the pū for other ceremonial transitions, such as signaling the start of your vow exchange.

3. Honi Ihu (Traditional Hawaiian Greeting) 

“Honi ihu” means “exchange of breath,” a traditional Hawaiian greeting that involves pressing foreheads and noses together while taking a shared breath. This practice symbolizes the sharing of life energy, or “ha,” and a spiritual connection between two people. 

How to Include It 

• Incorporate honi ihu into your ceremony after the exchange of vows or as a moment between you and your spouse before the ceremony.

• Use this gesture with family or close friends after the ceremony to share a heartfelt, cultural way of expressing gratitude and connection.

4. Oli (Hawaiian Chant) 

An “oli” is a Hawaiian chant often performed at weddings to bless the union and honor the couple. The chant is typically delivered by a kahu (Hawaiian officiant) or singer with a deep knowledge of traditional blessings. 

How to Include It 

• Have a kahu or Hawaiian chanter open and close your ceremony with a meaningful oli.

• Choose an oli that reflects your intentions as a couple, such as a chant for blessings, prosperity, or unity.

5. Hawaiian Ring Blessing 

The Hawaiian ring blessing involves placing your wedding rings on a fresh ti leaf, followed by a special Hawaiian prayer or blessing. This ritual not only blesses the rings but also symbolizes their sacred role in your marriage. 

How to Include It 

• Ask your officiant to perform a ring blessing as a meaningful addition to the ring exchange.

• Use locally sourced ti leaves for an authentic touch.

6. Water Ceremony 

Hawaiians have a strong connection to water, viewing it as a symbol of life and purity. A traditional Hawaiian wedding ceremony often incorporates elements of ocean water as a blessing for the couple. 

How to Include It 

• Have your officiant sprinkle purified ocean water over your hands or feet as a symbolic act of cleansing and unity.

• Exchange vows or blessings at the water's edge to invoke these natural elements.

7. Aloha Attire 

Hawaiian-inspired wedding attire can help set the tone for a more casual, relaxed, and tropical celebration. Hawaiian brides often prefer flowy gowns or muumuus, while grooms wear aloha shirts or lightweight suits. 

How to Include It 

• Choose floral or tropical prints for the bridal party, whether that means vibrant muumuus or aloha shirts for groomsmen.

• Encourage guests to dress in aloha attire to tie the theme together beautifully.

8. Luʻau-Inspired Reception 

No Hawaiian-inspired wedding is complete without a celebration that honors the spirit of aloha. Incorporate elements of a luʻau (Hawaiian feast) into your reception, with traditional dishes such as kalua pig, poke, haupia, and fresh tropical fruits. 

How to Include It 

• Set up a Hawaiian-themed buffet with traditional dishes for guests to enjoy.

• Hire hula dancers and musicians to entertain your guests and bring a touch of culture to your celebration.

• Use tropical decor, such as floral arrangements, tiki torches, wood accents, and palm leaves, to transport your guests to the islands.

Why Choose Hawaiian Traditions for Your Wedding? 

Including Hawaiian traditions in your wedding is more than just aesthetic or thematic; it adds a deeper layer of meaning to your big day. It allows you to honor the values of nature, love, and togetherness while offering your guests an unforgettable experience. 

These traditions are also an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of Hawaiian culture. By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, you pay respect to a rich heritage and carry forward its timeless wisdom into your modern love story. 

Make Your Wedding Truly Your Own 

Every couple's love story is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to incorporating Hawaiian traditions into your wedding. Whether you exchange leis, host a luʻau-style reception, or begin with the blowing of the pū, take time to choose elements that resonate with you and your partner. 

Start small, make thoughtful decisions, and most importantly, ensure your wedding reflects the love and values you share as a couple. 

Are you planning to get married in Hawaii? If so, contact us today and see how we can make your Hawaii wedding a day that is truly unforgettable!