Akala Chapel
Waikiki, Honolulu
An Akala Chapel wedding is perfect for couples who want an air conditioned wedding venue in Waikiki with the option to hold the reception on the property. The chapel has floor-to-ceiling windows, so it is bright and well lit, and it manages to feel spacious while still being intimate. Out front there is a tranquil waterfall, and around the chapel you have a handful of photo locations for couple portraits and group shots.
An Akala Chapel wedding at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, with a reception in the Rainbow Suite.
Akala Chapel essentials.
Akala Chapel location
Akala Chapel is located in the heart of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. You can see exactly where it sits on Google Maps.
That location is the big draw. For destination weddings it is hard to beat the convenience: your guests can stay at the resort itself or at any of the nearby Waikiki hotels, and everyone is protected from the elements in an air conditioned chapel.
It also solves the reception question. The Rainbow Suite and Patio make an ideal setting for intimate receptions, and for couples with a small ceremony but a larger guest list, the resort’s bigger ballrooms can handle the crowd. Everything is a short stroll from the chapel.
What I love about Akala Chapel weddings
What I love about Akala Chapel is the convenience and the comfort. You get all the tropical beauty of Hawaii around you while staying protected from the elements, which matters more than people expect for a midday Waikiki wedding.
Everything happens on the property: the ceremony, the photos, the reception, and for many guests, the hotel stay. Nobody drives anywhere, and the day moves at a relaxed pace.
As a videographer, I also appreciate the chapel itself. It is an intimate setting, and the floor-to-ceiling windows let in beautiful natural light, which is not a given for indoor venues. The waterfall out front gives you a ready-made spot for portraits.
Things to consider
If you dream of beach photos, plan a photoshoot away from the venue. The hotel is beachfront, but the beach here is too crowded to get a variety of clean shots without other people in the frame. You will be able to find an area for some photos and video, and the lagoon is an option worth knowing about.
To be fair, the beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village is better than what you get at other Waikiki hotel venues. But it is not a spot for amazing beach photos, and those photos are often important to destination wedding couples.
My honest overall take: I prefer outdoor venues that really show off the beauty of Hawaii, like Lanikuhonua or Loulu Palm Estate. But Akala Chapel scores big points for its prime Waikiki location and its convenience. If I wanted a chapel wedding, I would definitely consider it.
Common questions about Akala Chapel weddings.
Where is Akala Chapel?
Akala Chapel is inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort in the heart of Waikiki, Honolulu. If you or your guests are staying in Waikiki, you are already there: most people can simply walk to the ceremony from their hotel room.
Is Akala Chapel air conditioned?
Yes. Akala Chapel is a fully air conditioned indoor venue, which makes it one of the most comfortable options in Waikiki. The floor-to-ceiling windows keep it bright and well lit, so you and your guests stay cool without losing that daylight feel.
Can we have our reception at the venue too?
Yes, and that is one of the best reasons to choose Akala Chapel. The Rainbow Suite and Patio work beautifully for intimate receptions, and the resort's larger ballrooms can accommodate bigger groups. Everything is a short stroll from the chapel, so there is no travel between the ceremony and the party.
Can we get beach photos at Akala Chapel?
Plan carefully here. The Hilton Hawaiian Village is beachfront, and its beach is better than what other Waikiki hotel venues offer, but it is usually too crowded for a variety of clean portraits. The lagoon area is an option, and many couples plan a separate photo session at a quieter beach elsewhere on the island.
Also worth considering.
Planning a wedding at Akala Chapel?
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