ALOHA Elopement Planning Worksheet

Design your Hawaiian elopement around kindness, unity, joy, humility, patience, and forgiveness, while embracing authentic Hawaiian traditions.

A – Akahai (Kindness & Tenderness)

Infuse your day with gentle care for each other and your loved ones.

Prompt: How can we show kindness and tenderness during our elopement? What gestures—small or large—will make our partner feel truly loved and supported? Consider incorporating:

• Honi Ihu (Greeting): Press noses and foreheads to share breath and spirit.

• Lei Giving: A meaningful lei exchange to honor your connection.

• Omiyage: Thoughtful gifts for friends or family present or supporting from afar.

Reflection/Notes:

Action Step: Circle one that will make the biggest difference and plan to include it in your ceremony.

L – Lōkahi (Unity & Harmony)

Bring your partnership into alignment and ensure your day feels harmonious.

Prompt: Which elements make us feel most connected and in sync? Consider rituals that strengthen unity:

• Pule (Prayer) and Chanting: Open your ceremony with gratitude and connection to ancestors.

Reflection/Notes:

Action Step: Pick your top 3 rituals that resonate with your love story and plan how to include them meaningfully.

O – ‘Olu‘olu (Agreeable & Pleasantness)

Keep the day relaxed, joyful, and stress-free.

Prompt: What can we simplify or delegate so the day feels light, fun, and full of aloha? Which traditions spark happiness and which feel stressful? Consider:

• Environmental Protocols: Honor sacred sites (wahi pana) with silence, permission, and respect.

• Choosing intimate traditions like a private Honi (Hawaii Kiss) or lei exchange instead of a large formal ritual.

Reflection/Notes:

Action Step: Identify 2 things to let go of or simplify so you can focus on joy and connection.

H – Ha‘aha‘a (Humility & Modesty)

Focus on what truly matters and celebrate with gratitude.

Prompt: Which parts of our day are for us, not for appearances? Which Hawaiian traditions help us stay grounded and humble? Consider:

• Conch Shell Blowing: Announce your union with humility and reverence.

Reflection/Notes:

Action Step: Release anything unnecessary or pressure-inducing, keeping only what aligns with your heart.

A – Ahonui (Patience & Perseverance)

Take intentional steps toward your ideal Hawaiian elopement.

Prompt: What is one actionable step we can take today to move closer to our dream elopement? Consider timing for:

• Booking a Kahu for blessing ceremonies or prayers.

• Planning a lei exchange or Honi

Reflection/Notes:

Action Step: Commit to this step with patience and joy, knowing it brings you closer to an authentic Hawaiian celebration.

Forgiveness Practice – For Couples

In the spirit of aloha, couples can use this simple practice to release negative energy and strengthen their bond:

1. I’m Sorry: Acknowledge responsibility for the issue or pain caused.

2. Please Forgive Me: Ask for forgiveness to release the negative energy.

3. Thank You: Express gratitude for the lesson, growth, or your partner.

4. I Love You: Reaffirm your love and restore harmony.

Activity: Practice together before or during your elopement, or reflect on past conflicts to bring closure and aloha energy into your union.

🌺 Bonus Reflection

List your top 5 priorities for your elopement that capture aloha, love, and forgiveness:

🌴 The Meaning of Aloha

Aloha is more than a greeting—it is a philosophy.

• “Alo” translates to “in the presence”

• “Ha” is “the breath of life”

Aloha reminds us to be fully present, share the breath of life and celebrate love with kindness, unity, joy, humility, patience, and forgiveness.