Whether you had your dream wedding thirty years ago or eloped in a small ceremony two years ago, Hawaii is the perfect place to renew your wedding vows. If you are planning a romantic vacation to Hawaii, why not use the backdrop of the beautiful sunsets and sandy beaches to renew your vows? A Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony is a great way to celebrate your love surrounded by the world’s best beauty.
Why Have a Vow Renewal?
A vow renewal is a great way to honor and celebrate your marriage and your commitment to each other. It could be a way to celebrate a milestone, such as one year, five years, ten years, etc. Or it could be a way to honor your commitment to each other after a rough patch.
Or maybe, your children are finally off to college, and you want to re-focus on each other.
Honestly, though, you don’t need a reason to renew your vows – all you need is a desire! Many people plan a Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony because they’re vacationing in the islands and are inspired by the romantic atmosphere.
I think that Hawaii is the perfect place to have a vow renewal. If you are planning a trip to Hawaii and are thinking about having a vow renewal, read on because I have many ideas for you to get you started.
How Does a Hawaiian Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony Work
During a vow renewal ceremony, you will say the vows you said on your wedding day again, or say brand new vows.
A vow renewal ceremony isn’t a legal ceremony, and it doesn’t change your marriage. It is just a nice way to reaffirm your commitment to each other. It’s nice to be reminded of those vows you made on your wedding day when life gets busy.
For a Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony, you may want an officiant who is Native Hawaiian and includes Hawaiian-inspired traditions in the ceremony. Hawaii Aloha Travel can help you book a local wedding officiant.
But anyone can perform the ceremony. Since it’s not a legal ceremony, you could have a friend, family member, or even your children officiate. You can invite friends and family. Or maybe you don’t want an officiant at all. Head to a beach together, read your vows, and look into each other’s eyes. You can get dressed up, or you could wear casual beachwear.
Guests are optional too. You don’t need witnesses for any Hawaii beach wedding, including a Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony.
What it comes down to is this: the vow renewal is about you, and your spouse, so do what works for you. Ahead are a few of my favorite options to get you started.
Kailua and Lanikai Beaches
Do you embrace the early morning hours? I think that Kailua and Lanikai beaches offer the most exquisite sunrises throughout the entire island. Rise early, make your way to the shoreline, and kickstart your day with the breathtaking sight of the sun ascending above the horizon, accompanied by the soothing melody of the ocean waves.
Despite their growing popularity over the years, these beaches often maintain a tranquil atmosphere during the early hours. Kailua is a charming beach town brimming with delightful coffee shops, restaurants, vibrant farmers’ markets, and diverse shopping options.
Moreover, you’ll find numerous opportunities to rent kayaks, snorkeling gear, and bicycles for convenient exploration of the town. So, plan a full day of adventure in Kailua, followed by a return to the beach to indulge in the ideal water sports conditions that these waters have to offer.
Important Note: Commercial activity is banned at Kailua Beach, so you can’t hire a photographer, officiant, or any other professional to be a part of your Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony here.
Mount Tantalus
If you want a different view than the beach for your vow renewal, I have a great suggestion for you. Mount Tantalus is a tall mountain in Honolulu that you can drive up. Take the drive and have a Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony while overlooking panoramic views of Diamond Head and the beautiful city of Honolulu.
And of course, in the distance, you will see the beautiful crystal-clear water. This beautiful lookout point is rarely crowded, so you can have the intimacy you crave. Enjoy the beauty of the city from above. There are also picnic areas for you to enjoy some quiet time together after your ceremony.
Important Note: Commercial activity is banned at Mount Tantalus and Puʻu ʻualakaʻa State Wayside, so this location is best if you are having a private ceremony without any hired professionals (like an officiant or photographer).
Maunalua Bay Beach Park
If you’re seeking a beautiful location for a sunset vow renewal ceremony, I highly recommend this spot in Hawaii Kai. This park features a picturesque stretch of beach and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with Diamond Head Crater in the distance. Numerous wedding photographers favor this location due to its stunning vistas and excellent lighting. This setting is perfect for a more intimate Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony, whether you choose to do it alone or with an officiant.
Hawaiian Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony on a Sailboat
Are you a fan of the ocean? How about renewing your vows out on the open waters, with the picturesque island of Oahu as your backdrop? Numerous boating companies offer enchanting vow renewal experiences.
Consider embarking on a sunset dinner cruise. Onboard, you can reaffirm your love while witnessing the sun gracefully descend into the ocean’s embrace. During the winter months, keep an eye out for the majestic sight of whales.
Following your Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy a refreshing beverage while gazing out at the water.
We have a roster of tour companies that we’re familiar with and trust to assist you in bringing this unique experience to life.
Ko Olina
An aerial view of the Ko Olina resort area shows the various lagoons, perfect for vow renewals.
People are drawn to Ko Olina on the west side of the island because it offers a more tranquil and secluded escape. Despite its distance from the bustling city of Honolulu, Ko’Olina provides a wealth of activities, ranging from serene lagoon swimming to shopping and dining experiences.
Furthermore, Ko Olina boasts numerous luxurious resorts and amenities. The pristine, calm waters and secluded beach coves of Ko Olina are renowned for being less crowded than those in Waikiki.
Disney enthusiasts often find joy in Aulani, Disney’s resort on Oahu. Meanwhile, the most discerning travelers discover everything they desire at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. If your budget permits, indulging in a retreat at one of the resorts in Ko Olina may be the perfect setting for your vow renewal ceremony.
Another Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony option in Ko Olina is Paradise Cove Luau, which rents out its lawn for events just before the luau begins. Enjoy your vow renewal and then settle in for an onsite luau.
Sunset Beach (North Shore)
Sunset Beach graces the north shore of the island, conveniently situated approximately 10 minutes from Turtle Bay by car and just over an hour from Waikiki.
As its name aptly suggests, Sunset Beach offers some of the most stunning sunsets on the entire island. Opt for a simple sunset ceremony if you wish to renew your vows in this idyllic setting.
Here, you’ll find no resorts, only the serenity of a pristine beach. Even if you decide not to hold your vow renewal here, it’s still an excellent spot to pause and witness the breathtaking sunset.
During the winter months, surfers gather here to challenge the formidable waves, creating a spectacle unlike anything you’ve ever witnessed before. It’s truly an awe-inspiring sight. While many beautiful beaches on the North Shore would make for a lovely Hawaiian wedding or vow renewal location, I highly recommend Sunset Beach due to its exceptional beauty.
Turtle Bay Resort
Many hotels offer vow renewal ceremonies to their guests, which will keep you from having to travel across the island for your celebration. This is especially helpful if you are dressing up, inviting guests, and hiring professionals.
The North Shore of Oahu is a great place for vow renewals because there are so many beautiful beaches. Turtle Bay is the only resort on the north shore, so that would be my first pick. This is where you will get amazing sunsets and fewer people than the other parts of the island. I have stayed there a few times with my wife and, to me, it’s the most romantic resort in Oahu.
Because it’s smaller and a bit tucked away from the crowds, it feels more intimate. Plus, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from. The restaurants onsite give you a beautiful view of the ocean and offer island-fresh food in a romantic setting.
Turtle Bay has a “secret beach” where you just might be the only people around. That’s what I call romantic. Stay in one of their rooms overlooking the water to make it feel even more special. Turtle Bay is known for catering to weddings, honeymoons, and vow renewals, so you know you will be in good hands.
Free Hawaiian Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremonies at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort
If you are staying at The Outrigger Reef, you can take part in their vow renewal ceremony for free. The only drawback is that this ceremony is done for many different couples at once, all renewing their vows together.
If you are on a budget, though, this could be a great option for you! The theme for the Hawaiian wedding vow renewal ceremony at The Outrigger is “Ho’i hou ke aloha.” This translates to “fall in love all over again.”
Vow renewal ceremonies are held on Tuesdays and Friday mornings at 7:45 am. Ho‘ao Pa‘a was the ancient custom by which a couple was bound in lasting union, and many of these elements are used in Outrigger’s vow renewal ceremony.
Registration is required, click here to register and for more information.
Book a Hawaiian Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony and Romantic Vacation with Hawaii Aloha Travel
If you are interested in having a vow renewal while in Hawaii, give our travel advisors a call at 1-800-843-8771. We will work with you to find out what ceremony will work best for you, and we will make it happen. Whether you want to renew your vows on a sailboat or the beach, we will work with you to plan a ceremony that you will never forget.
To make your time in Hawaii even more special, talk to us about booking one of our romantic packages. Of course, our local travel agents can easily customize any aspect of your trip.
Our Hawaii All Inclusive Romance/Honeymoon Package includes five nights at a top four-star hotel, all breakfasts and dinners, daily excursions and private tours, private airport transfers, VIP hotline service, and our signature Hawaii Aloha Travel Welcome pack.
We will take you on a 5-star dinner cruise, a spa day, and a private Romance Tour. And we know that dining experiences are all part of the romance. So, we will make sure you have a romantic breakfast in bed, a private picnic on a beautiful beach, and dinner at one of Hawaii’s top restaurants specializing in Asian Hawaiian cuisine.
