Reaffirming Vows Hawaiian Style

Couples wishing to reaffirm their commitment to each other and rekindle the romance can participate in the Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony program, a free activity for guests staying at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach or Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. These two Outrigger properties welcome all couples to participate, whether they are newly married or celebrating an anniversary. They can keep it as intimate as a ceremony for two or invite their children, family and friends.

"The non-denominational ceremony called "Ho'i Hou Ke Aloha," which translates into "fall in love all over again" begins at 8 a.m. with a welcome by the Kahu (Hawaiian priest), followed by a traditional Hawaiian chant. Then couples walk down a flower-covered path, and once at the water's edge, they are honored with a beautiful Hawaiian hula and a Hawaiian song. Next, they are lightly sprinkled with ocean water, a Hawaiian tradition of blessing, and vows are recited. The ceremony concludes with a final gift of another hula dance performed to rhythms of the haunting Hawaiian Wedding Song.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, each couple receives a vow renewal certificate with an image of the ocean tide meeting the sand with a picture of plumeria flowers at one corner of the certificate. The design signifies that the couple has "fallen in love all over again."

As Luana Maitland, events and activities manager of the Outrigger Waikiki notes: "I've heard many, many stories of how couples would've liked to have gotten married in Hawaii on the beach, but weren't able to because their families wanted the wedding to take place back home, or because they couldn't afford a trip to Hawaii back then. Some of them have waited 50 years to take their first romantic trip to Hawaii."

Each ceremony is open to only 15 couples a day in order to retain a sense of intimacy, though up to 50 couples can say their vows on Valentine's Day. Private ceremonies can be arranged by inquiring at the Ho'okipa desk. Since the program's inception, more than 4,000 vows have been exchanged on the sands of the famed Waikiki Beach.

Kimberly Agas, Outrigger's vice president of operations overseeing both the Outrigger Reef and Outrigger Waikiki, credits the Hawaiian Vow Renewal Ceremony's popularity to its location and the authenticity of the cultural experience. This ritual was developed with the guidance of a Hawaiian cultural expert, and draws upon an ancient custom called ho`ao pa`a, in which a man and woman formed a lasting union together. "For couples, it's more than just a beautiful place; it's Waikiki Beach, legendary as one of the most romantic places on earth," Agas says with a smile.

For reservations or information, log on to visit www.outriggerwaikiki.com or www.outriggerreef.com.