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Outdoor Weddings & Romantic Spots
RecommendationsFolks have asked about the best places to hold a wedding which incorporates the gorgeous outdoor environs of Oahu. Who can blame them - what a beautiful way to usher in a new time in two people's lives by declaring your vows before the very awesome power and beauty of nature. The warm sunshine in your face, the misty winds sweeping over blue ocean and green mountains.But hold on! As terrific as it sounds, remember these limitations: Unless you are employing the use of a helicopter (seriously!), can all of your friends and family hike to the chosen location? Even the littlest of mud may freak out some family members! Not like you'd want grandma and grandpa huffing by the third step! Remember, the general rule: more beautiful it is, the more difficult and hazardous it is to get there - even for experienced hikers. For sunny days, that can always change without notice into heavy showers! For clear views, that too can change due to low, passing clouds frequent on Oahu. Expect to get wet and/or muddy! You weren't thinking of wearing a tux/wedding gown, were you? A lot of nice viewpoints are not very wide (for groups of people to collect)! Now, with the "white wedding" out of the picture, that doesn't mean you can't have one out there! But consider using the outdoors for the wedding proposal than for the wedding itself. Avoid places like Diamond Head: too many people, too little privacy! However, you may be able to steal a few private moments along the Honolulu Mauka trails at some very nice viewspots such as the bench along Manoa Cliffs Trail or the Nuuanu Valley Overlook at the end of Pauao Flats Trail. Although a lot more difficult, what about the 360-degree view from the first peak of Olomana? Another 360-degree view a tad safer and easier would be the top of Koko Crater. Both peaks offer that exhilarating "on-top-of-the-world" feeling! Can't hike that far, high, or want a shorter trip to the top of such soul-inspiring views? Consider the spectacular white-crested, blue Pacific Ocean "plains" as a backdrop from top of the Makapuu Lighthouse Road. Or, hike to the top of Lanikai Ridge to watch the full-moon rise from one of the bunkers. For those that aren't going to let muddy slopes or hard climbs stop them, some of the most spectacular backdrops would be the ends of the Poamoho Trail, Schofield-Waikane Trail, and from Puu Kaaumakua which is accessible from the Waikane Trail. Be forewarned, however! To give you an idea of how difficult the areas these trails cross are, the Army uses them for wilderness training! Despite this, they represent some of the most beautiful natural vantage points on the entire island. Believe it nor not, Oahu's highest peaks, such as Mt. Kaala and Konahuanui, which are the highest points on the Waianae and Koolau Mountains, respectively, may not make the best of wedding sites even for the most rugged of hikers. This is because they tend to be in the clouds most of the time and the views (even on clear, hazeless days) are never 360-degrees. |
