Allison writes a series of posts on Hawaii Weddings, explaining why they have been popular for decades. 

I think one of the most endearing qualities of Hawaii is its welcoming traits, such as the use of the words aloha and ho'ao, which are commonly used during wedding ceremonies. Aloha is a word that has several meanings, such as hello, loved person, respect, and sweetness, whereas ho'ao means marriage and stay until daybreak.

Another custom that is commonly used throughout Hawaii, especially during a wedding ceremony, are the leis, which are Hawaiian flower necklaces that symbolizes love. This tradition originated in Tahiti and was thought to have been brought by canoe to the islands. Leis are used in many Hawaii weddings and add a touch of nostalgia and a hint of romance to the occasion. You may also find leis made of leaves, feathers, shells, and bones, though the most typically used during a wedding is the jasmine flower lei, which a bride will wear on her head like a crown.

Two of the biggest things to remember when in Hawaii are to always except a lei when it is offered to you and always leave a lei on while the person who gave it to you is still present. To violate these customs is considered an offence and the last thing you want to do is upset anyone on your wedding day.

For those of you who seek traditional Hawaii weddings, this ceremony contains Christian elements and is often conducted in Hawaiian and English. Usually a conch shell is blown three times to signal the beginning of the ceremony. Each blow represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Families will then exchange leis with the bride and groom, placing a lei around each other's necks to signify continuous harmony. Then, rings engraved with the bride and groom's names are exchanged, along with wedding vows, before the minister proclaims the couple as husband and wife.