Venue Spotlight – Kualoa Ranch!

Hawai’i is magical for many reasons!

The people, the culture, the oceans, ecosystems, but especially within ʻĀina (land). One particular space within the sacred lands of O’ahu, is Kualoa Ranch! 

Today, Kualoa is a working cattle ranch, established in 1850 roughly around 4,000 acres today. The ranch is also a private nature reserve and a living memory of what O’ahu looked like over 150 years ago. The name Kualoa means “long back” in Hawaiian, which refers to the ranch’s deep valleys and soaring mountainous peaks.

This renowned land has become one of O’ahu’s most sought out Wedding Venues. Tropical Moon Events has had the pleasure of working at Kualoa for 5 years and is one of our favorite venues. (landscape, ka’awa valley, secret island, ko’olau mountains) Mahalo August Aloha for this perfect reflection of the Kualoa’s Mana:

He ‘ohu ke aloha, ‘a’ohe kuahiwi kau ‘ole. 

Love is like mist—there is no mountaintop that it does not settle upon. “Love comes to all.”

Honoring the peaks & valleys, ocean views & soft breeze, hosting a wedding on this land is a once in a lifetime kind of experience! The team within Kualoa provides an array of different venues (i.e. Paliku Gardens, Moli’i Gardens, Jumanji, Low Camp, & Secret Island). 

For couples who seek out these extraordinary venues for their wedding we like to share fun tid-bits from Kualoa’s perspective about each venue (see below).

Paliku Gardens 

Located at the base of the sacred 1000 ft high Kanehoalani mountain peak, , Paliku Gardens provides guests with beautiful views of Kane’ohe Bay, rolling pastures, green gardens, and iconic Mokoli’i Island aka “Chinaman’s Hat.” The site consists of two large lawn areas, an upper garden, as well as an open air pavilion

Moli’i Gardens 

Moli’i Gardens is a beautiful two-tiered garden setting that borders our 800-year-old Hawaiian fishpond, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior since 1973. Site also includes use of a premium open-air cottage, which has been featured in various films and television shows.

Jumanji & Low Camp

An array of Hollywood Hit films have been filmed in these spaces. Some films include, Jumanji, 50 First Dates, Jurassic World, and so much more! It’s also important to note, because of the remote valley location, all services and products such as water, lighting, electricity, restrooms, tent rental, tables, chairs, etc will need to be brought in to Jumanji by the client. Security and transportation is also required for this venue.

Secret Island 

Secret Island is an intimate white sand beach, accessible by a 5-minute catamaran boat ride across our 800 year old Moli’i Fishpond.  The 135 acre pond has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the US Department of the Interior since 1973. Upon docking at Secret Island, guests take a short walk into a labyrinth of trails through native hau trees, which creates an exciting entrance to the pristine waters and white sands of Kane’ohe Bay.

Photography Credit: Tropical Moon Team Member