Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/171645
Manta rays and hammerhead sharks swim gracefully through the ponds around the gazebo, and the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall accentuates the tropical ambience. "We have a lagoon lawn for weddings that's totally private and has a gorgeous sunset backdrop," he says, gesturing to an expanse of grassy space dotted with palm trees and gorgeous ocean views. Petals lie scattered on the lawn from a wedding that took place just hours earlier. The lawn has a private entrance for a bride's debut, so there's no walking through a busy hotel thoroughfare filled with other hotel guests. "That's important to the brides who come here," Donato explains. "They don't want to feel like they're sharing their wedding with uninvited hotel guests." The Ihilani's gazebo is another oft-used setting for wedding ceremonies and photographs. A winding path surrounded by lush landscaping and water on either side of it leads to the gazebo. At night, the area is illuminated by tiki torches that add a magical glow to the outdoor space. Manta rays and hammerhead sharks swim gracefully through the ponds around the gazebo, and the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall accentuates the tropical ambience. Many couples have their ceremony and reception on the lawn and gazebo, but for those who want the added weather protection there are two ballrooms with 5,000 square feet and 15,000 square feet respectively, accommodating anywhere from 40 guests to 850. The Ihilani is literally steps from the ocean, located metres from a shallow lagoon with soft, white sand and Top: Diamond Head mountain prograssy banks shaded by palm trees. The vides an invigorating 1.75-mile hike property has an airy, outdoor feel with with a view from the top that's well worth the elevation in heart rate. understated, elegant décor and newly Middle: The spa at the Ihilani is a updated rooms. Accommodation options bright, modern space with a private suite that caters food and customizvary from residential suites with full able salon services and easily ackitchens to 600-square-foot rooms with commodates a bridal party. Right: The Ihilani is on the quieter large bathrooms, flat screen televisions and side of Oahu, a location that offers comfy king beds. The hotel also boasts a seclusion, beauty and magnificent coves for swimming. 25,000-square-foot spa with a private suite perfect for an intimate gathering before the wedding, where brides and their closest friends and family can prepare for the big day. The suite features customizable salon services and optional food, and opens out to the spa swimming pool so the celebration can move outdoors to enjoy Oahu's idyllic weather. Hawaiian Spirituality at Kahala It's one thing to have a wedding in Hawaii, but something quite different to have a Hawaiian wedding. If the latter's what you're looking for, consider exploring the wedding menu at the Kahala Hotel and Resort, where the rituals and protocols of a Hawaiian wedding ceremony grounded in ancient Hawaiian spiritual and cultural traditions are honoured. The ceremony begins with the blowing of a conch shell in all four corners of the site, a ritual that summons the ancestors, alerting them to the pending mar- RW21_part 2.indd 101 9/19/11 3:46:03 PM