Top Ceremony spots at HO’omaluhia
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Where should you have your ceremony?
We’ve spent a lot of time walking through the garden and researching locations so that you can make an easy and informed choice about exactly where to have your wedding ceremony. There are a few choice ceremony locations at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens and you will find a detailed outline of these options below. Please take some time to review the options and let us know which spot you’d like us to reserve for you, by filling out the form at the bottom. Once you’ve picked your spot we will get a permit for the park as well as a photography permit.
our top ceremony location: Kahua Nui (Mauka)
OPTION 1: Kahua Nui (Spot 1)
This is the furthest up into Ho'omaluhia and one of the prettiest spots. There are two locations here and I have labeled them on the map. There is one to the left, further in - which feels more private, and the other is right in front of the parking lot to the right (near the bench). Both are close to parking and close to a large sheltered pavilion (in case it rains). I love spot #1 - the location to the right and if you go there you will park and then walk straight out towards the white benches and mountains. Once you get closer to the benches you'll see a little dirt clearing that is the perfect size and spot for a small ceremony. See photos below.
Note: If you don't want to be in the dirt, we can easily move forward in front of the dirt space where it is grassy (photos of the 2nd couple). You still get the view but are not standing in the dirt. You are also welcome to check out the actual space when you arrive and make a decision after you've seen it in person. Keep in mind, the grass has some dirt spots, and you may get a little dirty just walking in the grass.
Kahua Nui Mauka is our Top Location spot in Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens because it is not only gorgeous, but is also very accommodating (even ground, close to parking, rain coverage options restrooms nearby).
Notes:
- Lots of parking, very close to parking area (short walk to ceremony site)
- Covered area near this ceremony spot (option for rain coverage, just-in-case)
- Ceremony overlooks a beautiful mountain backdrop
- Lots of open space (lots of spots for photo opportunities here)
- Restrooms nearby (clean and convenient)
Sample Kahua Nui (spot #1) photos below …
OPTION 2: Kahua Nui (Spot 2)
This spot is about 5m away from the first option (Kahua Nui spot#1). We have this spot in here as an option because it’s tucked away a bit more and much more private and intimate.
To get there from the parking area (same parking as Kahua Nui spot 1), you will park and then walk to the left back section, into the grassy space. Keep walking towards the back and you'll see a more private area that has the mountain backdrop. See photos below. This is a great option if you are not having an early wedding (when we’d get the garden to ourselves, or if you just want more privacy). If your wedding is first thing in the morning, any of the spots will feel private. This spot however is tucked away in the back so it’ll feel much more private and intimate.
Notes:
- Lots of parking, very close to parking area (short walk to ceremony site)
- Covered area near this ceremony spot (option for rain coverage, just-in-case)
- Ceremony location has a large mountain scape as a backdrop
- Lots of open space, this spot is ideal for larger groups
- Restrooms nearby (clean and convenient)
- You can always have the ceremony in this location (Kahua Nui spot #2) for privacy and then move over to Kahua Nui spot #1 after the ceremony for photos. The two locations are a 5m walk apart.
Sample Kahua Nui (spot #2) photos below …
lake overview ceremony spot: Kahua kuou
OPTION 3: Kahua Kuou
This spot offers lake and mountain views and is a cute little rolling hill overlook that sits high over the lake.
**This location is UNAVAILABLE ON FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY and MONDAY's
Love this option but it is open as a campground on Friday - Monday so we can't do a ceremony here unless you are getting married on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
Pros: Lake and Mountain views, but from the higher up, shorter walk about 5 minutes, trees shelter the walk and its close enough to cover so that if it did rain we could get to shelter quickly, it's a little further into the valley so there is less traffic and it will feel much more private, is an easy walk for parents, a good option incase it rains (close to cover) and less muddy overall. It’s a really sweet spot as far as privacy goes as well.
Con's: There are some telephone wires and two benches in certain areas so we would need to work around them but our photographers are pro’s at this and can angle the photo so they aren't shown. It is a short walk, about 10m from the parking area to the ceremony site.
Note: If it's not rainy that week the water should look more blue! This was a rainy week that I took the photo (below) and the water had a lot of mud run-off from the mountains in it.
Notes:
- Good amount of parking (not as much as the first option but good for smaller weddings of 20 or less, very close to parking area (short walk to ceremony site - about 10m walk).
- Tree shelter (option for rain coverage, just-in-case)
- Ko’olau mountain scape as a backdrop and the lake
- Space feels intimate and sweet
- Restrooms nearby (clean and convenient)
- Not ideal for wheelchairs or older guests who cannot make a short walk over.
Sample Kahua Kuou (spot #3) photos below …
bottom of lake ceremony spot.
OPTION 4: The Lake
Pros: Lake and Mountain views, most picturesque of all the options if you’re wanting the water/lake view.
Con's: Pretty far walk from the parking area (about 15m walk or 1/2 a mile), Mostly gravel and paved but could get muddy at the end, not a lot of shelter areas if it does rain during the ceremony or on the walk down, not as private as the other spots / the majority of visitors to the garden will go to this spot first so there is a high chance that it won't feel completely private and there will be other people around.
Notes:
- If it's not rainy that week the water should look more blue! On weeks with more rain, the water will have mud run-off from the mountains and may look more brown.
- The furthest walk of all the options. Not ideal for large groups or those who are not able to do a 1/2 mile walk down a steepish hill. Not ideal for older guests. Also, not ideal for heels, if you’re walking down to this location you would want to bring extra shoes and possibly change at the bottom.
- Very picturesque - You get the Ko’olau mountain scape as a backdrop plus the lake
- Not private feeling, unless you get lucky and it’s just an empty uncrowded day.
- No coverage for rain, if it rains on the walk down or at the ceremony there are no covered areas to hide under, we have umbrellas but only 10.
- We love this spot but highly recommend you do spot #1 for the ceremony and then book an extra hour with your photographer to go down to this spot later and get photos here. This allows you the safety and convenience that spot #1 provides and then you can still get the lake photos later if you’d like without having to make your guests do the walk or possibly get rained on.
Sample of Lake photos (spot #4) below …
Final thoughts.
Option #1 (Kahua Nui Mauka) is the best spot for a morning ceremony. It is private, close to shelter and an easy walk for everyone (especially parents and a bride in a dress/heels). Plus guests and the groom can hang out under the sheltered area until the bride arrives (keeping you cool). We don't have to worry about bystanders or crowds if we get there early and a 9:30am ceremony is perfect.
I would suggest having the ceremony here then going to some of the other spots for photos. Your photographer will take you to a few picturesque spots after the ceremony for some pretty photos, after family shots at the ceremony site.
If you would prefer one of the other locations, please let us know. There are only a few locations in the gardens that we are able to get a permit for and of all the spots, we have found these options to be the top choices.
As far as decor goes, the mountain backdrop is gorgeous here so not a lot is needed. Also, Ho'omaluhia is pretty tight with rules so no arches or arbors (nothing can be staked into the ground - it is a new rule, so if you see photos of arches at the garden online, they are probably older or from a few years ago). We can however do a floral piece on the ground like the one shown in the first photos if you want to add in some color, or do a white or purple orchid isle.
Please take some time to review all of the options and then fill out the form below to let us know which spot you would like us to reserve for you. Also, feel free to reach out to your planner if you have any questions or concerns.
Ceremony Options MAP