5 Hawaii Faves: Pre and Post-Wedding Festivities Your Guests Will Love

Getting married in Hawaii creates an opportunity not only for a memorable wedding ceremony but also for an array of events that will stay with you and your guests forever. From pre to post-wedding festivities, there are endless opportunities to spend time with your guests exploring one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Having insider knowledge and connections on all Hawaiian islands, we love nothing more than to help our couples create unique and unforgettable events that escalate the celebrations to the next level while also bringing everyone closer.

Destination Wedding Festivities Your Guests Will Love

Every couple is different. While some choose to have only one or two activities, we've also had couples opting to take full advantage of their gorgeous setting with a week of festivities ranging from tropical luaus to sailing trips in the dazzling blue waters surrounding the islands. The possibilities are endless, and we love creating bespoke occasions for our couples celebrating their destination weddings in Hawaii.

You have arrived at your gorgeous destination wedding location in Hawaii, and whether getting married on Oahu, Maui, Lana'i or the Big Island, it's time to start celebrating. That's easily one of our favorite things about Hawaii (among others, for sure) - it feels both familiar and so exhilaratingly out of the ordinary.

1. Welcome Reception

Putting together a welcome party is a great opportunity to kick off your wedding celebrations in style. Once all guests have arrived, it is a wonderful chance to thank them for traveling to celebrate your wedding. Moreover, a welcome party is a chance for you to let your hair down, relax, connect with your guests, while also giving them a chance to mingle.

Destination wedding welcome receptions are incredibly fun, and this is one of the best opportunities to play around with creative ideas and design features. Beach or tropical-themed receptions look fantastic infused with matching decors like surfboards, tropical greenery and fruit (think coconuts and pineapples), gift bags for your guests, and some tempting food. Consider handing out leis to your guests upon arrival - they will love it, and it's also such a sweet Hawaiian tradition to include.

2. Aloha Luau

When in Hawaii... you have to have a tropical wedding luau! A luau, while still a traditional party or a celebration, also features entertainment, and it's a fantastic opportunity to allow yourself to be immersed in Hawaiian culture and traditions - something both you and your guests will love.

Design-wise it's another great opportunity to play around with ideas that go well with a tropical theme - seating options in various sizes and layouts work really well, and if you plan to have the luau continue after the sunset, some gorgeous lights will beautifully enliven the setting.

For a true luau, you'll want music and hula dancers, and once the sun has dipped below the horizon, fire dancers will leave you in awe. This is also the perfect chance to get your guests involved in activities, bringing everyone closer.

3. Sailing Excursion

Hawaii with its year-round perfect weather, stunning beaches, and monumental green-capped mountains is as close as you can get to paradise. While there are endless opportunities to explore Hawaii's natural beauty on land, it's completely something else to witness it while sailing the waves. Embark on a luxurious catamaran to witness the naturally striking appeal of the volcanic islands, the colorful reefs, and the gentle ocean breeze. 

Set sail from Maui to the smallest publicly accessible inhabited Hawaiian island Lana'i and explore its spectacular Hulopo’e Bay or enjoy an unforgettable sunset sail, watching the sun dipping below the horizon and perhaps even witnessing a wale or two! These sailing excursions are an amazing opportunity to offer your guests the chance to explore while still enjoying good company and craft cocktails celebrating the special occasion.

4. Beach Day

All Hawaiian islands are renowned for their alluring appeal, white-sand beaches with volcanic rock formations, the most remarkable backdrops, and clear blue waters are what draw most people in. Even if you are having a beach wedding, more likely than not you and your guests would surely enjoy a relaxing day on the beach without a worry in sight. After all, there are so many gorgeous beaches dotted around the islands!

Create a luxurious beach day for yourself and your guests with colorful deck chairs, loungers, and umbrellas. Picnic-style nibbles and cool drinks will be the perfect accompaniment for a day on the beach, even though you could take it further with refreshing signature cocktails or coconut water.

5. Farewell Brunch

Farewell brunches are one of our all-time favorite post-wedding activities. What better way for everyone to come together swapping favorite moments from the wedding, and enjoying Hawaii's gorgeous landscape before jetting back home? It's all about relaxed vibes in a beautifully decorated setting with refreshing food and drinks. You're in Hawaii, after all!

Whether your guests are all staying in the same hotel or not, a private post-wedding farewell brunch will be a much better way for everyone to come together than meeting during breakfast at the hotel. Keeping things light and easy is key as you can finally relax after the wedding, and it's also worth considering that everyone will be setting off on medium to long-haul flights home.

Farewell brunches are the perfect opportunity to play around with some fun and bright tablescape designs - from brightly-colored glassware to unconventional tableware, and bold napkins.