Why Waimea Valley Should be on Your List of Dream Wedding Venues
When on the hunt for your wedding venue on O`ahu, Hawai`i, it is easy to become overwhelmed with all of your fabulous options. From beachside estates, lush valleys, to ritzy hotels, there is a perfect backdrop out there for everyone that is looking to tie-the-knot in the Hawaiian islands! We think Waimea Valley is one that truly stands out above the rest, and here’s why:
- SEVERAL SPACES TO CHOOSE FROM
With 9 different venue spaces located within Waimea Valley’s grounds, there is a space for any wedding vision that you have in mind. Envisioning a dreamy tent surrounded by palms? Palm Meadow is where it’s at! Prefer an open-air pavilion ready to set? Pikake Pavilion is your spot. Dreaming of a breathtaking monkeypod tree backdrop for your ceremony? The Main Lawn has just that. Despite all of these amazing choices, what makes Waimea Valley so unique is that it is the only venue on O`ahu that has a natural 40-foot waterfall that you can say “I Do” next to.
- TOP-NOTCH IN-HOUSE CATERING AND CRAFT BAR
Can we talk about Ke Nui Kitchen for a minute? Chef Thomas Naylor and his amazing team of creatives deliver an outstanding experience for taste buds 100% of the time (it’s true!!) They specialize in Pacific fusion cuisine, and even have an on-site baker (we love you and your cakes, Caroline!). Also – they do travel out of their home base for outside events, so if you end up landing on another venue – they can come to you! Whenever we have couples looking to prioritize food on their big day, regardless of event location, Ke Nui Kitchen is one of our first recommendations.
- LOCATED ON THE WORLD-RENOWNED NORTH SHORE
Location, location, location! Many wedding guests end up booking their accommodations in Waikiki regardless of where your wedding is taking place, simply because there are a plethora of options for any budget. While we love Waikiki for a night on the town and getting the Waikiki beach experience, we think that showing your guests the north shore culture is invaluable. Known for being the mecca of surfing, the North Shore is home to some of the best beaches and nature on O`ahu. Even the world famous surfer and local boy John John Florence got married here recently – which ended up being a super gorgeous celebration that was featured in Vogue Australia! We’ve had guests enter Waimea Valley and say “now I feel like I’m in Hawai`i!” and we couldn’t agree more. Waimea Valley’s lush botanical gardens are nestled between steep cliffs, juxtaposed near a calm river and waterfall… all steps away from the ocean. All that’s missing is a Mai-Tai (cue, Ke Nui Kitchen)! Just be sure to organize transportation for your guests so that they can enjoy the views comfortably and safely (that’s why we are here, hello!).
- ARCHES, PHOTOSHOOTS, AND BRIDAL SUITE ADD-ONS
We are all about packaging things together from a single vendor when possible! Not only does Waimea have their own in-house catering and bar, but they also offer some rentals and other optional add-ons at their locations. They have both a rectangular and triangular arch, benches, chairs, and tables available for use at their venues. You can also add-on a bridal suite if you prefer to get ready onsite as opposed to at your accommodations. This is especially helpful for local couples who may not want everyone coming to their house to get ready during the wedding week madness. Another fun addition is the photoshoot options that they offer – how nice would it be to be whisked away in a golf cart to have a romantic photoshoot at the waterfall, or around the gorgeous botanical garden? Kim and Ke`alohi of Waimea Valley make this an unforgettable experience and we think it’s sooo worth the extra cost.
- HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE, CULTURAL SITES, AND EDUCATION
Waimea Valley is managed by a nonprofit group whose mission is “To preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship.” Waimea Valley is home to several different Hawaiian cultural sites, with one dating as far back to 1470 AD. You can learn more about the cultural and historical significance of this special valley here. Waimea Valley also offers a long list of educational outreach programs supporting our keiki (children) and our communities here in Hawai`i. What better way to learn about Hawaiian history and farming methods than to experience it where it actually took place? Chicken skin!!
We are always in favor of using your dollars to support a good cause when at all possible – which is another reason why Waimea Valley is on our list as one of the top wedding venues in Hawai`i!
Want to talk you through all of your venue options on O`ahu with our team of professional planners? Let us know what you’re thinking here, and we will get right back to you with call availability!
