Hawaiian Wedding Traditions and Etiquette – Complete Guide

Looking for wedding traditions in Hawaii? We’ve gathered the complete guide for Hawaiian wedding traditions – including how they celebrate, gifting etiquette, traditional clothing, food and drink, and more.

Weddings are filled with unique traditions and festivities. Add to the celebrations with a memorable gift experience or a thoughtful gift.

To help you explore Hawaiian traditions, this article is organized into:

Unique Hawaiian Wedding Traditions

Hawaiian weddings are rich in cultural heritage and symbolism, incorporating ancient customs and traditions passed down through generations. Here are some unique Hawaiian wedding traditions:

• Lei Exchange: The lei exchange is a cherished Hawaiian tradition where the bride and groom present each other with leis, garlands of flowers, shells, or leaves. The lei symbolizes love, respect, and aloha spirit, and exchanging leis is a beautiful way for the couple to honor each other and express their commitment.
• Hawaiian Chant (Oli): Before the wedding ceremony begins, a Hawaiian chant, or oli, may be performed to bless the couple and set the tone for the celebration. The oli is a sacred tradition that calls upon the ancestors and deities to bestow blessings and protection on the couple as they embark on their journey together.
• Hawaiian Blessing (Ho’oponopono): The ho’oponopono is a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony performed by a kahu, or Hawaiian priest, to bless the couple and their union. The ceremony may include the sprinkling of water, the burning of sage or ti leaves, and the recitation of prayers and blessings in the Hawaiian language.
• Honoring the Elements: Hawaiian weddings often incorporate elements of nature, such as the ocean, sun, and land, as symbols of the divine and the interconnectedness of all living things. The ceremony may take place on a beach or in a lush garden setting, allowing the couple to commune with nature and draw strength from the natural beauty of the islands.
• Sharing of ‘Ohana (Family): Family plays a central role in Hawaiian culture, and weddings are often occasions for bringing together ‘ohana, or extended family, to celebrate and support the couple. Hawaiian weddings may include special rituals or traditions to honor family members and ancestors, such as presenting lei or offering blessings.

Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Attire

Hawaiian weddings are known for their vibrant and elegant attire, reflecting the beauty and cultural heritage of the islands. Here’s a glimpse into the traditional Hawaiian wedding attire:

• Bride’s Attire: The bride often wears a stunning white or ivory wedding dress made of lightweight and flowing fabric, such as silk or chiffon. Traditional Hawaiian wedding dresses may feature delicate lace or floral embroidery, evoking the natural beauty of the islands. Many brides also choose to adorn their hair with fresh flowers, such as plumeria or hibiscus, in a beautiful bridal lei, or crown.
• Groom’s Attire: The groom typically wears a white or cream-colored dress shirt paired with lightweight trousers, often in a neutral color like beige or tan. Instead of a formal suit jacket, the groom may opt for a lightweight guayabera or aloha shirt, adorned with tropical motifs or subtle patterns. To complete the look, the groom may wear a lei or maile lei, a fragrant garland made from the leaves of the maile vine.
• Lei Exchange: A central part of Hawaiian wedding attire is the lei, a garland of fresh flowers, leaves, or shells that symbolizes love, respect, and aloha spirit. The bride and groom exchange leis during the ceremony as a gesture of affection and commitment. The bride may wear a lei po’o, or floral crown, while the groom wears a lei around his neck or draped over his shoulders.
• Barefoot Bride and Groom: Many couples choose to go barefoot for their Hawaiian wedding ceremony, embracing the relaxed and natural beauty of the islands. Walking barefoot in the sand symbolizes a connection to the land and a sense of grounding, as well as a willingness to embrace the laid-back spirit of aloha.
• Traditional Hawaiian Print Fabrics: Some couples incorporate traditional Hawaiian print fabrics, known as “muumuu” or “pau hana” fabric, into their wedding attire. These vibrant and colorful fabrics feature floral and geometric designs inspired by the natural beauty of the islands. Bridesmaids and groomsmen may wear clothing made from these fabrics to complement the bride and groom’s attire.
• Haku Lei (Floral Crown): In addition to wearing a lei around their neck, the bride and groom may also wear a haku lei, or floral crown, as a symbol of beauty, love, and fertility. These exquisite crowns are made from fresh flowers and foliage, carefully woven together to create a stunning and fragrant accessory that enhances the couple’s natural beauty.

How to Say “Best Wishes” in Hawaiian

In Hawaiian, to express “Best Wishes,” especially in a wedding context, you can say:

“Nā hau’oli makana”

This phrase conveys warm wishes and blessings for happiness and success. It’s a heartfelt sentiment often shared during special occasions like weddings in Hawaiian culture.

Need more wedding wishes? Here is our full article on Wedding Wishes in Other Languages.

Hawaiian Wedding Gifting Etiquette


Gifting is an important part of Hawaiian wedding culture. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do’s in Gifting


• Gifts are not necessary, but they are appreciated. The couple’s presence is the true gift.
• If you do want to give a gift, focus on sentimental or experiential items rather than traditional household goods. 
• Avoid bringing physical gifts to the wedding itself. Instead, ship the gift to the couple’s home before or after the wedding. 
• Consider a cash gift or contribution to a honeymoon/travel fund, as the couple may have limited space to transport physical gifts home. 
• At a minimum, bring a card to express your congratulations and well wishes, even if you can’t afford a physical gift.

Don’ts in Gifting

• Don’t bring physical gifts to the wedding itself. The couple likely won’t have a way to transport them home. Instead, ship the gift to their home before or after the wedding. 
• Don’t feel obligated to give an extravagant or expensive gift, especially if you’ve already spent a lot on travel and accommodations. The couple’s presence is the true gift. 
• Don’t give a gift if the couple has explicitly requested “no gifts” on their wedding website or invitation. Respect their wishes. 
• Don’t just sign a card without writing a personal message inside. A thoughtful note is appreciated, even if you can’t afford a physical gift. 
• Don’t bring up or complain about the gift you gave or didn’t receive from others. Focus on celebrating the couple, not the gifts. 

Blowing of the Conch Shell (Pu)

The blowing of the conch shell, or pu, is a traditional Hawaiian ritual that marks the beginning of the wedding ceremony. The sound of the conch shell is believed to purify the space and call upon the spirits to bless the couple as they exchange vows.

Sand Ceremony (Hō’ike Ha’ole)

The sand ceremony is a symbolic ritual where the bride and groom each pour colored sand into a single vessel, creating a beautiful and intricate pattern. This ritual represents the blending of two lives into one and the creation of a new family unit. The finished sand artwork serves as a lasting memento of the couple’s union.

Pūnana Leo (Language of Love)

Some couples choose to incorporate the Hawaiian language, or ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, into their wedding ceremony as a tribute to the culture and heritage of the islands. Vows, blessings, and readings may be spoken in Hawaiian, adding an authentic and meaningful touch to the celebration.

Conclusion

Celebrating weddings in Hawaii goes beyond vows and rings. It’s a time to honor love, cherish family, and embrace timeless traditions.

Weddings are imbued with cultural richness and meaningful rituals. Enhance the festivities with an unforgettable gift experience or a thoughtful gift. So, here’s to a traditional way of celebrating weddings!