Magic happens every evening on the south side of Koloa Landing Resort, near Spouting Horn in Poipu on the garden island of Kaua’i. The serenity and beauty of the property and grounds is just a precursor to brilliant sunset views at Koloa Landing’s very own Sunset Wall. This is where locals and tourists alike gather from all sides of the island to take in what can only be named the most spectacular sunset ever.
Prepare to experience an unforgettable trip to paradise. This idyllic destination is the backdrop for one of the most romantic settings for destination weddings. The lush island of Kaua’i is the picture-perfect place to escape for a luxurious wedding and honeymoon getaway.
The twenty-minute drive along the two-lane road from the Lihue Airport is filled with sites of organic farmlands waiting for the harvest of sugar beets, the islands alternative to sugar cane fields. Paris, our driver, was the perfect guide touring us through Old Town Kaua’i and pointing out historic buildings and landmarks along the way, like the quaint Historic Waimea Theatre home to the Hawaii International Film Festival.
As we approach the resort, we become enveloped in a breathtaking sprawling canopy of Albizia trees, cascading into a perfect tunnel as we approach the entryway. With its lush landscapes and naturally manicured grounds, Koloa Landing Resort exudes romance from the moment we step onto the property.
If one is in search of an all-encompassing, stunning wedding destination that includes pampering, relaxing, adventure, romance, and luxury, you would do well to reserve a stay. Rita Moore, Director of Sales and her team create a perfect celebration of love, as they orchestrate a stylized wedding ceremony and reception shoot, showcasing and bringing together over twenty preferred vendors for the occasion. Venue sourcing and travel arrangements were made by Raelyn Batacan of Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations.
It is easy to understand how one can get lost in a romantic fantasy as the island breeze whispers across the rolling green lawn and tropical gardens, both ideal settings for a luxurious island wedding and honeymoon getaway. The Ocean Lawn of the property is the setting for the styled wedding, boasting a spectacular, panoramic view of turquoise blue and green waters, where guests take their seats for the ceremony and drink in the most remarkable Kaua’i sunset backdrop.
Surrounded by hibiscus, plumeria, anthurium and orchids, the bride and groom exchange vows under the beautifully adorned alter, designed by Alene Carbonnel of Blue Orchid Florist. In regal island style, Tommoy Tokioka of Royal-T Entertainment officiates making sure not to spare any of the rich customs of island culture, complete with a conch shell blowing serenade.
A picturesque cocktail reception held under the stars on the Garden Lawn surrounded by tiki torches follows the ceremony. Tropical music vibes from DJ Mike Dandurand of Kustom Sounds welcomes reception goers as they mingle, enjoy specialty cocktails, champagne, and shaved ice provided by vendor Mindy Hibbitt of Riptides Shave Ice.
With a colorful range of bridal décor and design options, guests seamlessly transition from the tranquil reception lawn to the dazzling Koloa Ballroom Lanai, where they experience an amazing reveal of rustic candlelit tablescapes, streaming twinkle lights and dreamy place settings exclusively designed for the occasion by Lotus Events and Kaua’i Event Design.
The sumptuous night continues to pleasantly unfold as, Executive Chef Gavin Onishi, presents his personalized menu of melt in your mouth Surf and Turf, accompanied by a divine four-course presentation blending flavors from the island and starting with handcrafted amuse bouche, or in the language of Hawaii, pū-pū’s.
As the wedding celebration winds down and the lingering sun sets on the day, newlyweds can awake refreshed the day after their and choose to start a romantic, post-wedding immersion with a visit to The Spa at Koloa Landing for the ultimate indulgence to relax mind, body, and soul in the island spirit of aloha.
Seeking a bit of romance? The spa has exclusive, tranquil couples’ treatment rooms complete with private lanai, rainfall shower heads and the island’s only Japanese Ofuro soaking tub. Prepare to transcend to another level as the journey begins amongst the natural elements and sophisticated modern design of the spa. An ideal respite and retreat to unwind, where one can reserve a luxurious treatment leaving all cares behind, filling the void with a calming wave of serenity and peace.
From a relaxing spa treatment, to exploring secluded beaches, to hiking through verdant rainforests, to dining in intimate restaurants, at Koloa Landing, there is something for everyone. Steps away, honeymooners can relax, revel, and bask in the quiet, tranquility pool with a cascading waterfall escaping in a beautiful oasis, nestled amid the tropical foliage. This is the ideal haven for sunbathing, reading and indulging in some serious relaxation.
The main swimming pool at Koloa Landing Resort swimming pool has received the honor of the islands “Best Pool” two years in a row. It certainly is one of the largest and finest pools on Kaua’i. The main pool features an infinity edge, swim-through waterfalls, a grotto, waterslides, multiple Jacuzzis, and private poolside cabanas outfitted with flat screen televisions, overhead fans and comfy chaise lounge chairs.
On property, Holoholo Grill is a definite palate pleaser. Must try items are the burger and the Zensai Unagi Pokefest Crunch, Chef Shaun Kawamura’s mouth-watering winning dish from the 2022 Kaua’i Poke Fest.
Love Poke? The Koloa Landing Resort is host to the annual Poke Festival where 20 amazing and talented poke chefs compete, preparing over 500 pounds of ahi for more than 600 hungry fans to enjoy. The winning dish lands a coveted spot on the Holoholo Grill’s menu until recapturing the title or being dethroned the following year. Holoholo Grill features a beautiful bar where no one leaves thirsty, especially after enjoying one of the island-infused, creative cocktails. The signature Pina Colada or the Lavender Piki Champagne Float comes highly recommended.
Dining and shopping are a short walk just up the road from the resort. The seaside Shops at Kukui’ula Village offer a variety of specialty stores, art galleries, and boutiques where you can find almost anything you desire, from high-end clothing to souvenirs, designer clothes and accessories. Feast at over a dozen restaurants from casual to fine dining that serve traditional Hawaiian fare and international cuisine. If luck has it, you may even come across one or two popular local food trucks serving up fresh, local island fare.
Seeking adventure? The island of Kaua’i offers a wide range of activities to suit any personality. The concierge at Koloa Landing will happily arrange a tour of fun and adventure filled with your choice of exhilarating hikes, surfing at Poipu beach, a fast-paced ATV adventure ride or a charter boat ride to explore even more of the island.
With its lush rainforests, dramatic mountains, and pristine coastline, Kaua’i is a nature and adventure lover’s paradise. As the oldest and only unconquered of Hawaii’s four major islands, Kaua’i has a rich cultural heritage and stays the least developed, thanks to a longstanding law that no building be taller than a coconut tree.
Watching yet another day come to an end, one by one, in pairs and groups, visitors start the short walk to convene at Koloa Landing Resorts Sunset Wall, where they revel in the moment while taking in the purple and orange hues of sunset in paradise.
Visit koloalandingresort.com for more information.
>Written By: Veronica Bonazza
