Kalaekilohana: Get Off-The-Beaten-Path on The Big Island

The first time I saw photos of Kalaekilohana, my breath was literally taken away. You know those people whose dream about being stranded on a deserted island to live out their days in total freedom? I'm one of those. When I go on vacation, I want to be around as little people as possible. Consequently, I'm always seeking out off-the-beaten-path accommodations and places to go. So when I saw images of Kalaekilohana in Hawaiian Style magazine about a year ago, I said to myself, 'Someday I'll stay there'.


I actually featured Kalaekilohana on our blog about a year ago (you can read the post here) and was so ecstatic when innkeeper and owner Kenny got in touch. He and partner Kilohana recently hosted several destination weddings on the property and are eager to welcome bride and grooms to be (including their friends and family) to their home.


Where is this amazing slice of Hawaiian heaven you ask? Thankfully, Kalaekilohana is world's away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki- a quick 45 minute flight to Kona on the Big Island and you're there. Book the entire inn for an extended wedding weekend, barbecue on the wide veranda, lounge about with your friends in the living room and celebrate your Hawaii wedding on the rolling lawn.


Innkeeper Kilohana is an accomplished and award-winning lei maker and regularly conducts workshops with his guests. Maybe you could even convince him to whip up beautiful lei for your and your beau? Kenny is the carpenter, planner, occasional plumber, and all-around handy man at Kalaekilohana. Their website says, 'He's happy to do most of the cooking'- my kind of guy! Can't wait to meet these two someday soon!


Just down the road... The Big Island's South Point called Ka Lae. Don't you wish you were spending your weekend here? Ah, I do.

On the lookout for Inn's and B&B's in Hawaii? Check out our faves here...

pacific bride guide
The guide to planning your wedding in the Pacific
interior and exterior images by Hawaiian Style Magazine

The Pacific Wedding Guide Collection: New Additions

To say this week has been a long week would be an understatement. On Sunday I was lucky enough to be helping Pacific Aisles with a wedding in beautiful Hawi on the Big Island... and the bride was none other than avid reader Betty Lee! Congratulations again to Betty and new hubby Kent- I can honestly say, as tiring as putting a wedding together is, I never get tired of being there for such a special moment. Tear. P.S.- this isn't Betty and Kent... I'm waiting on the pics but promise to post as soon as I get them!

Ok, back on Oahu and back to work! I believe in giving you the honest low-down on all things wedding in the islands and what I can tell you is I do know Pacific Wedding Guide's Caterers. Well. Why? Because I've tasted their food before I decided 'yes, oh yes!' I must stalk them to be a part of our humble website. Ginniberries? Yum and yum. Big G? Bread pudding- amen. Downtown? Hello, I'm at sister restaurant Town all the time. So a couple of weeks ago at a Kualoa wedding...


... I got the chance to sample Memoirs Hawaii. Uh-mazing! Chef Peter (though he looks quite young) knows his way around an outdoor kitchen and cranks out amazing food right on site. There was a veggie saute station, lobster-on-the-barbie, pasta and more! His right hand gal and event manager, Heather, was onsite to make sure the whole food experience was seamless. Good food made by cool people? Check. Another amazing catering experience? Check. The fact that I get to give YOU personal recommendations for all of our caterers? Priceless.


Let's take a quick hop back to the Big Island and one of my favorite small towns in the State... Pahala! Just south of the Big Island's Volcanoes National Park, the tiny town of Pahala is a like taking a trip back in time. If you're familiar with Hanapepe on Kauai or Hawi on the Big Island, Pahala is an old sugar town too, filled with too-cute plantation houses and a super chill Old Hawaii vibe. When photographer James Rubio posted his pics of the Pahala Plantation House and Cottages I fell out of my seat. Hawaii's version of a deep-south plantation mansion, Pahala Plantation House is both venue and accommodation. Another tip: Rent out the House for your wedding and the Cottages for your friends and family. You've got volcanoes up the road and black sand beaches down the road- hello! Make a weekend of it, you won't be disappointed.

We've got a bunch of surprises in store next week, my friends! It's time to say goodbye to Summer and hello to Fall!

Have an awesome weekend,
Tara

pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your destination wedding in the Pacific

wedding images by Pacific Wedding Guide's James Rubio

Been On My Mind, Lately

Just a few fun things that have been on my mind lately...


Yep, I'm blogging about booties. When I first saw this trend a couple of months ago, I was like, 'no and no'. But then I spied these Steve Madden zipper bootie/pumps and Nordstorm and found myself going, 'yes and yes'! Totally a departure from my normal style, but I really like these!


I popped into Sephora last week to restock my supply of DERMAdoctor products and came across this sugar and lemon fragrance by Fresh. When I first sprayed it on I thought it smelled a lot like lemon-scented kitchen cleaner but as the day wore on, I really started to like it. It's something I'd probably spray on before hitting the beach or running around town in a little floral romper.


It's been a couple of months of reminding myself next time I was in Kailua to go into Crepes No Ka Oi and I finally made it there last weekend. Now, I love crepes and I'm so happy we finally have a creperie in Hawaii! It's a couple of doors down from uber-popular Boot's and Kimo's but the thing is- no wait! The past two times I've been, there are huge lines out the door at Boot's and Kimo's and room to spare in Crepes No Ka Oi. They've got a simple but cheery dining room and even serve Illy coffee! Next time you're on the hunt for breakfast in Kailua...


I spotted this pic of Natalie Portman in Lanvin last week on People.com. To me, this is a total do for a Hawaii destination wedding. Love the bright floral print, huge flower, bubble chape and red lips. How cute would your bridesmaids be in a getup like this? Too cute.


After a weekend in Kona, I've totally got the area on my mind. One place I can't wait to check out for next time is Kona Beach House. Right on the water, I'm loving the two plantation style houses and huge lawn just begging for an intimate wedding by the sea. Put your family up in one house and the groom's family in another and voila! Instant intimate seaside wedding. And hello? Love the interiors...


And... drumroll, please... finally! A shave ice truck at a wedding! I'm so stoked! I've been waiting for the day and James Rubio is the photographer who captured it! I'm loving the look of this laidback local-style wedding. There's more to come on this one, friends...



pacific wedding guide
The guide to planning your destination wedding in the Pacific