Your Hawaii Beach Wedding ? Do You Really Need A Permit?

Many of our Hawaii wedding clients want the class Hawaii experience – getting married on the beach. Who wouldn’t want to do that? The weather is usually cooperative here on the Islands and it’s one time when fully dressed people don’t mind some sand and water exposure.

One thing to keep in mind when planning your Hawaii beach wedding is that the State now requires a permit for them. That means every wedding on the beach, no matter how small (more on that later).

Why this new requirement? We can’t do any better than to quote to you the actual, official reasons:

(1)  “protect our natural and cultural resources”,

(2)  “provide for public resident recreational access that does not damage those resources”, and

(3) “allow commercial activity that does not damage the natural and cultural resources, or negatively impact the publicﾕs recreational use.” (Violations may result in a ,000 fine.)

Basically they want to apply some regulation because of the growth in the beach wedding industry here in Hawaii. Understandable as the growth of the Internet has made it easier to hire local wedding coordinators and, yes, wedding photographers to arrange these very popular ceremonies.

There are a few beaches that are off-limits for weddings because they’re located at or near sites that have cultural or historical importance. At certain times, Hawaii may restrict other beaches for other reasons, but the vast majority of locations are open as long as you get your permit.

Another thing to note is that you must get the permit application in at least 1 week before the ceremony. There may be an expedited online option when you read this, but as of this writing it is not available. Make sure you check to see if that has been implemented should you want to accelerate the process.

Lastly, we have noticed that a few vendors are stating that you don’t need a beach wedding permit if you have only a certain number of people attending. Not true.

To the State of Hawaii, a wedding is a wedding, no matter if it’s just you + minister or if it’s your entire extended family and all their friends, too. So get the permit or make sure your wedding coordinator does. Better safe than feeling very sorry as you’re chased off the beach!

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Ensure Your Hawaii Beach Wedding Goes Off Without a Hitch

Many brides have always dreamt of having a fantasy Hawaii beach wedding complete with a beautiful sun-filled sky, tropical flowers, a pristine beach, and waves crashing in the distance. This amazing image is one of the reasons so many people choose Hawaii for their wedding day and honeymoon destination.

When planning your wedding you will want to be sure you cover all aspects of the ceremony before hand to ensure that when you arrive, only some minor final details will need to be addressed.  What no bride wants to be doing is putting out a bunch of fires when you arrive or stressing out because something fell through.

Location

Be sure to fully research the various locations available for your Hawaii beach wedding. There are a number of beautiful offerings, each with a different appeal. If you are looking to have a sunset wedding for example, you want to make sure you choose the beast location for this.

Vendors

Making sure that all vendors are nearby your wedding location is vital to insure on-time arrivals. You don’t want to have your beautiful wedding cake traveling an hour and potentially running into a plethora of traffic or related obstacles which could cause a delay. Try to get all of your vendors from the same area. If you can find just one, say the DJ, very close, than you can look to them to make recommendations for the rest.

Accommodations

If you are having family arriving from areas outside of Hawaii than finding great accommodations without breaking the bank can be a challenge. You may want to start this process well in advance to allow for negotiating. If you are trying to book rooms at the last minute you are going to pay a lot more than if you book them 6 months or a year in advance.  Most hotels are willing to negotiate when they are assured future revenue.

Photography

One of the most important factors to consider will be your wedding photographer. They will be responsible for memorializing your very special day forever. When considering photographers for a Hawaii beach wedding, it is best to choose a local photographer who is familiar with the lay of the land, the daily weather occurrences, and can quickly adapt to them. You should look for photographers who have portfolios online so you can see how other beach weddings were photographed. It may even give you some great ideas for your wedding photography.

Doing your research will be crucial when planning a Hawaii beach wedding and in ensuring your sanity when you arrive. Afterall, no bride needs one more thing to worry about on her very special day.

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Getting married on a beach in Hawaii was a dream come true for me. Since the moment my fiancé and I discussed getting married I knew it would be on the island of Kauai. Then the real work began: at which beach would we get married and who would we use as a wedding photographer?

I scoured the internet for wedding sites on Kauai and became fascinated with the Hanalei Colony Resort. Its remote location is perfect for the intimate wedding we wanted and the lush landscaping provides the tropical touch that was so important to me in my decision to marry in Hawaii.

We wanted these elements to be showcased in the wedding photography. And Timory was able to pull it all together. Of course it’s impossible to depend on the weather to cooperate on Kauai’s north shore, but Timory worked with us and our small wedding party through wind and rain to capture our event forever in the best possible way. She focused on the other elements that made the day so special for us, such as family, location, incorporating the lush grounds, and the wedding party’s attire.

She exceeded our expectations with her determination and dedication to provide us professional pictures capturing that special moment in time, from the formal photos of my husband and I in the grassy garden area to the ensemble on the beach during the ceremony. I am thrilled with the outcome of our wedding and anticipate the day we return for additional fond memories.

For more information visit: http://www.alohaeverafter.com

Are you in the process of making your Oahu travel plans? If so, you may be looking for that perfect island destination or you may be looking for unique attractions to visit. If so, Lanikai Beach is a must examine.

Did you know that Lanikai beach is rated as one of the best beaches in Hawaii? It is. Not only does it come highly rated and recommended by locals and other tourists, but a number of well-known travel magazines and television programs have rated this beautiful beach a must visit.

Another reason why Lanikai Beach is a must visit is because it is off the beaten path. Although it is increasing in popularity, it is still relatively private and overcrowding typically isn’t a problem, especially on the weekdays. If loud, overcrowded beaches are a turn off of yours, this beach is definitely a must visit.

What makes Lanikai Beach a hidden treasure is that it is located in a residential area. Unfortunately, many tourists make the mistake of believing this means the beach is off limits to them, but it isn’t. Don’t make this mistake, as you will miss out on an amazing opportunity. Although surrounded by residential homes, you can use numerous public access paths to gain access.

As previously stated, Lanikai Beach is surrounded by residential homes. While this does mean no Oahu vacation resorts, it does mean Oahu vacation rentals. If you have yet to make reservations for your overnight accommodations, you may want to examine private Oahu vacation rentals near Lanikai Beach. Booking a reservation gives you easy access to the beach and if you are like most travelers, you won’t want to spend your vacation anywhere else.

If the above mentioned reasons weren’t enough, there are even more reasons why Lanikai Beach is a must visit for those on Oahu vacations. One of those reasons is the pictures that you can take home and show off to friends and family. Lanikai Beach is, literally, picture perfect. The clear water, white sandy beaches, and the twin islands of Mokumanu and Mokulua, which are not far from the shore, make any picture breathtaking. That is one reason why beachside weddings are increasing in popularity in the area.

The beauty of Lanikai Beach is perfect anytime of the year and all day long, but one activity that you must do is make it in time to see the sunrise. It is one of the biggest recommendations made by travelers, just like you. Many state that you will never experience something so amazing or wonderful in your life. If you arrive to watch the sunrise in the week, you may be surprised just how quite and peaceful the beach is. Not having to travel far to watch the sunrise is another benefit to booking a stay at a nearby Oahu vacation rental.

Another reason why Lanikai Beach is considered a must visit attraction is because of the fun activities that you gain access to. Before focusing on these activities, a word of caution is needed. Due to being relatively secluded and off the beaten path, there are no onsite facilities. This means no restrooms and no on-duty lifeguard. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy Lanikai Beach, but it means that you need to display caution and use your best judgment.

As for the activities that you can enjoy, a few great beach and water activities include kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. In fact, when kayaking, you are encouraged to visit the above mentioned twin islands. They are beautiful bird sanctuaries. Rental stations for kayaks and snorkeling gear are located not onsite, but nearby.

As it was previously stated, it is important to display caution when entering the waters of Lanikai Beach, due to no lifeguards; however, you may be surprised how inviting the water is. The beach is protected by a coral reef. This helps to reduce the surf and make the water calm most of the time.

So, doesn’t Lanikai Beach sound like a great place to visit? If in the area, stop by and see for yourself, as you will be glad that you did. If you have yet to make reservations for your overnight stays, examine Lanikai Beach vacation rentals. They are well-worth the already affordable rental rates!

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel Is Located In Kamuela, Hawaii.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel offers the perfect location on the sunny Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Situated on a beautiful crescent beach, the luxury resort offers guests the ideal setting for a relaxing getaway in paradise.

Take a look at the “new” Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a luxury Hawaiian resort in a class by itself. You’ll marvel at the way John Hara Associates Inc. of Honolulu artfully melded three guestrooms into two in the main building, and created spacious new floorplans with vast, glamorous baths-where you can soak up the sunny ocean view or golf vista, right from the tub! All of our luxury hotel rooms have beautiful new interiors by Barry Design Associates Inc. of Los Angeles with large flat screen TVs, media hubs, bedside iPod dock with clock radios, updated bedding, luxury L’Occitane amenities, elegant furnishings, solid doors and a few surprising touches you will love.

258 luxury guestrooms and suites, some enhanced with serene golf or ocean-view baths Natural white sand Kauna‘oa Beach, one of Hawaii’s best ranked beaches by top travel authorities Enhanced beach and pool services, new padded chaise lounges, beach umbrellas, cabanas, thick orange beach towels, new beach activities and equipment Newly renovated 18-hole championship Mauna Kea Golf Course New golf clubhouse and restaurant “Number 3″ created by John Hara Associates and Pro Shop by Procraft Heritage Creations Manta & Pavilion Wine Bar, with dramatic exhibition kitchen and extensive wine program, including the innovative Enomatic wine experience Weekly Luau, traditional Sunday Brunch and Clambake on the beach Hau Tree~Beachside at Kauna‘oa for casual lunch, snacks, sweets and cocktails The Copper Terrace for sunset ceremony, music and cozy firepits for conversation, cocktails and pupus 11-court Seaside Tennis Club New 2,500 square-foot fitness center with 43 Life Fitness exercise machines The Mauna Kea Salon for beautiful hair and nails New boutique shopping enclave along the meandering koi ponds Hawaiian culture shared through lei-making, hula, crafting classes, music, luau and more Indoor and outdoor group function spaces and meeting rooms, as well as picture-perfect wedding sites for a Big Island wedding Museum-quality Pacific and Asian art collection, over 1,600 pieces gathered by Mr. Rockefeller and Davis Allen for The Mauna Kea in 1965 Complimentary inter-resort shuttle service to Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Soul-soothing therapies and beatific body treatments at the transcendent new Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara

Recreational facilities;

Tennis

Along the stunning ocean coastline north of Kauna‘oa is the 11-court Seaside Tennis Club, one of the largest and most sought-after tennis experiences in Hawaii.

Golf

Guests of the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel can take advantage of the golf course’s superior amenities including world-class practice facilities that feature a driving range, and putting green. Brush up on your technique with a private lesson or group clinic at the golf resort, and elevate your game while enjoying epic views of the Kohala Coast’s rolling waves.

Water Sports
History says the mesmerizing natural crescent beach of Kauna‘oa, with its soft white sand and easy access to the ocean, was an ideal spot for ali’i “vacationers” to store canoes, relax and play in the surf. Today, as in centuries past, Kauna‘oa embraces sun-worshippers and swimmers, sandcastle-builders, surfers, sailors, and those who prefer their strolling hand-in-hand under moonlight. Coupled with H?puna Beach to the south, these picture-perfect Hawaii beaches are often rated among the best in the country by The Travel Channel, “Dr. Beach,” Condé Nast Traveler and many others.

Whether you want to wiggle your toes in the sand or make a big splash, there’s a world of water activities waiting for you during your Hawaii family vacation:

Swimming Snorkeling Scuba diving Sailing Boogie boarding Kayaking Deep-sea fishing Seasonal whale-watch Canoe rides Stand-up paddle boards The Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara

Transcend. Transform. Trust the Moment.

The Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara offers a combination of Balinese and Hawaiian-inspired therapies. Choose from a variety of massage, body treatments, aromatherapy and skincare services featuring our signature Elemis product line. Our full service facility offers five luxurious treatment rooms including a couples suite with balneotherapy.

Awards:

Worlds Top 10 Spas, Mauna Kea Spa by Mandara - Shape Magazine, August 2009

Tennis Resorts USA