Traditional Hawaiian Ceremonies

Hawaiian Ceremony Traditions...

Traditional Lei Exchange

A Hawaiian wedding often begins with the lei exchange for several different reasons.
One is that the Lei is a circle, like the rings that will soon be exchanged,
representing the eternal commitment and unbroken devotion of your hearts to each other.
Also, each individual flower that is woven into the Lei loses none of it's individual beauty when it forms
the circle. It's beauty is enhanced. Likewise in your marriage you do not compromise
or lose your individual identity and unique beauty.
In fact, because of the nurturing care and support of your relationship,
you become even more that special individual with whom your partner fell in love.

The Reverend hands a Lei to the Groom.
The Groom places the Lei around the neck of the Bride, and gives her a kiss as he does so.
Hawaiian weddings are special. The kissing starts right away. And likewise,
 the Bride places a Lei around the neck of her beloved with a kiss.

Ti Leaf and Lava Rock Final Blessing

The rock represents this moment and place of your marriage- made sacred by your love. Wrapped in the leaf it is a traditional Hawaiian offering, prayer and blessing. You are to place it anywhere you choose on the island before you leave. It remains here. Your rings are with you everywhere you go, a reminder of your marriage and love. The rock marks your entrance into a promised land, that of marriage, full of rich promise and unlimited potential. May the joy of your many years together far exceed even your greatest expectation.

Source: Rev. Dard Aller from
Beach Weddings Hawaii

Quotes with Hawaiian text

I ho'okahi kahi ke aloha.
Be one in Love.

O ke aloha ka 'iu.
Love is paradise.

Ua ola loko I ke aloha.
Love gives life within.

E lei kau, E lei ho'oilo I ke aloha.
Love is worn like a wreath through
the summers and winters;
love is everlasting.

Ho'okahi makamaka o ko aloha.
Our love begins the union of
our life together.

Mahalo nui loa na ho'olaule'a me la kaua.
Thank you for celebrating with us.


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