Aloha Nuptials: Hawaiian Traditional Wedding Customs Explored

Planning a wedding in Hawaii? You're in for a treat! Hawaiian weddings are steeped in ancient traditions and rituals that honour the island's rich cultural heritage. From the blowing of the conch shell to the exchange of leis, there are many unique elements that make a Hawaiian wedding so special. In this blog post, we'll explore the history and significance of traditional Hawaiian wedding practices and provide suggestions for incorporating them into your big day. So, get ready to embrace the spirit of 'Aloha' and create a memorable celebration filled with aloha, love, and cultural appreciation.

Hawaiian wedding attire

When it comes to wedding attire, Hawaiian weddings tend to be less rigid and more relaxed. The dress code will depend on the couple's preferences and the setting, with most weddings taking place on the beach, but some held indoors or even on a yacht.

For those attending a Hawaiian wedding, here are some outfit ideas to consider:

• Maxi Dresses: Flowy maxi dresses with spaghetti straps or an elastic off-shoulder neckline are perfect for the tropical climate.
• Floral Prints: Embrace the tropical setting with a floral-print jumpsuit or a dress with Hawaiian-style prints.
• Rompers: A one-shoulder solid-colour romper is a great way to stay comfortable and stylish.
• Sundresses: Go for a button-front or halter sundress, perfect for warm weather.
• Linen Suits: For men, a linen suit with white slacks or a monochromatic linen suit-and-trouser set can add a touch of tropical elegance.
• Khakis: Pair a rustic coat or a short- or long-sleeve button-down shirt with khaki trousers for a more casual look.
• Hawaiian Prints: Aloha shirts or dresses with island and tropical motifs are a perfect way to reflect the Hawaiian destination and show appreciation for the land.

As for footwear, it's essential to consider the setting. Flats or sandals are generally more practical for walking on the sand, and heels or leather shoes are more suitable for indoor or yacht weddings.

For those planning their own Hawaiian wedding, here are some attire ideas for the happy couple:

• Formal Attire: Some couples choose to wear formal attire, with grooms in three-piece suits or tuxedos and brides in elaborate ballgowns.
• Semi-Formal Attire: This can include slacks and a collared button-down shirt for the groom and a casual wedding gown or a pretty white/off-white dress for the bride.
• Casual Attire: Go for comfort with a short-sleeve button-down shirt and khakis for the groom and a sundress or a casual wedding gown for the bride.

Remember, the weather in Hawaii is warm year-round, so choose breathable fabrics to stay comfortable.

Chanting and the Oli Aloha

The Oli Aloha chant is as follows:

> Onaona ka hala me ka lehua, He hale lehua no ia na ka noe, `O ka’u no ia e `ano’i nei, E li’a nei ho’i o ka hiki mai, A hiki mai no ka kou, A hiki pu no me ke aloha… Aloha e! Aloha e! Aloha e!

The chant is translated as: "This is the sight for which I have longed. Now that you have come, love has come with you." It expresses a sense of longing and joy, welcoming the couple and marking the start of their union.

Chanting has a rich history in Hawaiian culture. Before the 1820s, Hawaiians relied on oral traditions like songs, chants, and poems to record their history and pass down stories. Chanting, or "oli", was used to record important events, births and deaths, and to preserve prayers and tales of love, triumph, and genealogy. Chanting holds spiritual significance and is believed to connect people with their ancestors and their values.

In a Hawaiian wedding, the Kahu may also blow the pū (conch shell horn) to announce the arrival of the couple and call attention to the significance of the event. This ancient custom was historically used to announce the arrival of canoes, the entrance of Hawaiian nobles, and to communicate between villages.

The inclusion of chanting and the Oli Aloha in a traditional Hawaiian wedding adds a layer of cultural significance and connects the couple and their guests to the rich history and spiritual traditions of Hawaii.

The lei exchange

Leis are visually appealing and often fragrant, made from local tropical flowers such as plumeria or orchids, and worn around the shoulders as a necklace. The unbroken circle of the lei represents unity, fullness, and completeness. The circle also symbolises the coming together of separate elements to make a whole, with each flower in the lei enhancing the beauty of the others.

The lei is a symbol of the "spirit of Aloha", with "Aloha" meaning a greeting, farewell, love, joy, and hope. The exchange of leis is a way to demonstrate this spirit by extending love and honouring the beauty in another person.

The Lava Rock ceremony

The ceremony is a way to honour the couple's relationship and commitment and is believed to strengthen their union. The lava rock is left as an offering to nature, commemorating their union. The Ti leaf is also said to bless the mind, body, and spirit.

> "May this Ti Leaf and Lava Rock represent [couple's names] committal to a life that is content."

The hula dance

Hula can be performed in two overarching styles: hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (modern hula). Hula kahiko is traditionally performed as part of a ceremony, accompanied by an oli (chant) and percussion instruments. Hula ʻauana is less formal and is performed without ceremony, often with song and Western-influenced musical instruments such as the guitar, ʻukulele, and double bass.

Hula is a complex dance form, with many hand motions used to represent the words in a song or chant. For example, hand movements can signify aspects of nature, such as the swaying of a tree in the breeze or a wave in the ocean. Foot and hip movements are often pulled from a basic library of steps, including the kāholo, kaʻo, kāwelu, hela, ʻuwehe, and ʻami.

Hula can be performed in either a sitting (noho dance) or standing (luna dance) position, and some dances utilise both forms. The dance can also be performed with different vocal techniques, such as kepakepa, which is a conversational patter performed swiftly, and olioli, a melodic style with sustained pitches.

In the context of a Hawaiian wedding, the hula dance can be performed in several ways. Sometimes the bride dances the hula for the groom, or the couple may hire a troupe of dancers to perform during the ceremony. The hula dance is a beautiful and meaningful way to honour Hawaiian culture and traditions during a wedding celebration.

Frequently asked questions