Our Hawaii Edit
Luxury Celebrations in Hawaii: A Kona Village Wedding Weekend & An Unforgettable 60th Birthday in Kauai
From a full wedding weekend at Kona Village on Hawaiʻi Island to an immersive 60th birthday celebration in Kauai, Hawaii has become one of our favorite destinations for meaningful celebrations. These recent events reminded us why the islands continue to inspire destination weddings, milestone birthdays, and multi-day gatherings centered around exceptional hospitality, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.
Along the way, we've also discovered a few favorite restaurants, hotels, and travel essentials that have earned a permanent place on our Hawaii recommendation list.
A Custom 60th Birthday Celebration in Kauai
When E approached us to plan his 60th birthday in Kauai, every detail centered around the things he loves most: puzzles, martinis, music, improv comedy, and Hawaii—one of his happiest places.
The celebration began before guests even landed. During the flight, he welcomed the 50 attendees with an interactive "guest bingo," helping friends from every chapter of his life reconnect before arriving on the island.
Guests were greeted with traditional leis before enjoying Brennecke’s Tai Chis (their must-have first cocktail in Kauai), and a sunset welcome dinner at The Beach House, one of our favorite restaurants on Kauai's South Shore for oceanfront views (The Beach House is THE sunset spot on the South Shore!).
Each morning began with a custom newspaper, The Daily, slipped beneath every guest's door. Alongside the weekend itinerary were personalized New York Times-style puzzles created by games editor Wyna Liu — including a diagramless puzzle designed specifically for the guest of honor.
The days balanced adventure with relaxation. Guests spent their time golfing, paddleboarding, hiking, painting, and lounging by the pool before gathering each evening for poke, martinis, roaming caviar service, and an unforgettable improvised performance by Baby Wants Candy who retold the birthday honoree's life story through the music of Hamilton.
The weekend concluded exactly as we hoped: dancing late into the evening with the house band from his company, surrounded by lifelong friends and family celebrating six remarkable decades.
Photography - Kristina Adams / Floral Design - Gwendolyn Scout Design
Island Time, Elevated: A Wedding Weekend at Kona Village
More recently, we returned to Hawaii's Big Island to celebrate K+C's wedding weekend at Kona Village.
From the moment guests arrived, the experience embraced everything we love about destination weddings in Hawaii. Locally inspired welcome bags, sunset cocktails overlooking the Pacific, fresh poke, and relaxed island hospitality immediately set the tone for the weekend.
Guests fully embraced island life with sunrise outrigger canoe excursions, restorative spa breathwork sessions, and a traditional luau complete with a Mai Tai bar, Polynesian dancers, and shave ice served in coconut shells.
Wedding day was equally memorable. Guests enjoyed lilikoi Arnold Palmers before the ceremony, followed by ahi crudo and a family-style dinner beneath the stars. Cafe Wha? kept the dance floor full all evening while guests enjoyed malasadas, carajillos, and trays of Swedish candy—a playful nod to the bride's heritage.
One of our favorite moments came when the couple cut into a live-assembled Swedish Midsummer cake before ending the evening around the IMU pit with the groom's favorite late-night comfort food: Crunchwrap Supremes.
The weekend perfectly captured what makes Kona Village such an extraordinary wedding destination—relaxed luxury, exceptional hospitality, and celebrations that feel deeply personal.
Photography - Erich McVey
Our Favorite Hawaii Recommendations
After spending so much time on both islands recently, we've gathered a few favorites we'd recommend to anyone planning a wedding, milestone celebration, or simply a memorable vacation.
Photography - Kristina Adams
Big Island Favorites
Our first recommendation is, without question, Kona Village. The resort offers a rare combination of barefoot luxury, privacy, and immersive experiences that make it ideal for destination weddings and multi-day celebrations.
While you're there, don't miss:
Sushi at Shipwreck inside Kona Village
Sunset cocktails and sashimi at CanoeHouse at Mauna Lai
Dinner at Miller & Lux inside Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Locally made toffee found throughout the island (worth bringing home—and yes, they ship)
Kauai Favorites
On Kauai, we're always drawn back to a few favorite spots:
Sunset cocktails at The Beach House
Fresh poke from Hanalei Fish Market
Morning açai bowls from Kauai Acai
Shave ice from The Fresh Shave (order the Caterpillar—it lives up to the hype)
If you're hiking the Nā Pali Coast, plan for an early start. The views are incredible, and so is the popularity.
What We're Packing for Hawaii
Our team has also developed a few travel essentials after countless flights to the islands:
Alison never travels without Havaianas flip flops and oversized beach towels.
Lauren's current favorite is a straw beach hat that works just as well poolside as it does exploring town.
Amy always packs a Johanna Ortiz pareos and keeps Hermanos Gutierrez radio playing on Spotify throughout the trip.
Sara's go-to is her foldable Parker Thatch shopper, paired with shimmer SPF and a great beach read for long afternoons by the ocean.
Danielle never skips reef-safe sunscreen and always packs a bucket hat for her little one.
Brooke is currently obsessed with Jimmy Fairly sunglasses, while Alison and Brooke both swear by one-size-fits-all swimsuits that somehow work on everyone.