We sat down with Mona of Weddings by Grace and Mona, a full-service wedding planning team on Oahu, to get her scoop on Hawaii’s best offerings from food to spectacular beaches, shopping and her go-to resort for a stay-cation! “Actually, one of the things I like most about Hawaii is my mom,” she says.
“While the great weather, friendly people and beauty of the islands are huge perks to living here, it’s really my mom that is the glue that bonds me to Hawaii. Our local culture reinforces a sense of commitment to family and I am extremely fortunate to have my mom here!”
As of this year, Mona is not only leading Weddings by Grace and Mona, she is managing their sister company, Pacific Aisles, as well. “We plan to reinvent Pacific Aisles and take it in a whole new direction by shifting the focus to planning weddings for destination couples and recent transplants to Hawaii who desire a beautiful wedding, planned with the ease of a few clicks of their mouse.” We have no doubt you will be successful, Mona! Here, Mona shares her shortlist for Hawaii:
My favorite beach is easily Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island (pictured below). It is conveniently located in town, parking is plentiful, the waves are gentle, it makes a fantastic spot for a barbecue with friends and is perfect for an afternoon jog. The view of Diamond Head is spectacular!
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As for food, I like anything and everything! I love Tokkuri-Tei, Koh-no-Tori,and Sushi Izakaya Gaku but am also looking forward to trying Wada! I’m all about small portions of a variety of different dishes.
I love The Pavilion Café at the Honolulu Academy of Arts for the great food, relaxing indoor-outdoor setting, amazing architecture and beautiful works of art.
For a great date, I like to exercise what I call the “one drink/ one appetizer rule.” Instead of heading to just one place for a date, I’d rather hit several. Start with a cocktail at Rumfire Waikiki to catch the sunset, followed by some of my favorite spots: Nobu, Roy’s Waikiki, the Wai‘Olu Lounge at Trump Tower (pictured above), to name a few.
The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele is my go-to relaxing locale for a stay-cation!
Chinatown is the best neighborhood for shopping, dining, culture and nightlife. By day, Chinatown bustles with activity, with fashionable boutiques and Chinese markets offering their wares; while cafes and restaurants serve up a variety of great eats. By night, Chinatown sizzles with much to see and do, including live theater, pubs, restaurants, live music, and even an occasional block party.
I was first introduced to Anteprima, my favorite boutique, when they approached us to plan an event celebrating the one-year anniversary of their first boutique in Hawaii. The glittery metallic signature colors of their wire bags always catch my eye, and when it comes to their other accessories, I appreciate the designer’s use of clean lines and attractive combination of colors.
While I do not consider myself an outdoorsy person, surfing is my must-do adventure! For our destination couples, we have coordinated private surfing lessons for the couple and their friends which was great fun!
I admit, I have the worst score of everyone I know, but I really do enjoy golf, Hawaii’s must-do leisure. Hawaii boasts some of the most breathtaking and challenging courses in the world. A round of golf here is well worth the investment of time and money and is a great way to soak up a bit of sunshine and relaxation.
{Photos from top to bottom: Mona captured by Kris Labang; Wada restaurant image by Martha Cheng; Aerial view of the man-made lagoon at the end of Magic Island by Dwight K. Morita; Nobu sashimi via here; Rumfire Waikiki; Wai‘Olu Lounge at Trump Tower; The Four Seasons Resort Lana’i, The Lodge at Koele}
