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    Maleana Gardens

    4.8 (19 reviews)

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    Chalei S.

    The most beautiful venue for an intimate wedding or any event! Due to COVID and restrictions on the island, my husband and I had to change our original plans and our photographer, Joseph Esser, recommended Male'ana Gardens.  Given it was very last minute, we did not get a chance to view the property.  However, we were sold with just the pictures.   Cheri and Scott were amazing hosts!  They were so easy to work with and we cannot thank them enough for being so flexible and understanding through all of our changes.   The grounds are stunning and very well maintained.  We got ready in the enchanting bungalow which is located directly next to the main house (where Cheri and Scott live).  The bungalow had a modern beach house feel and it was very spacious and beautiful.  Best part, it had A/C!  Given we got married during the summer, A/C was definitely a plus!  We also stayed over the night of our wedding and Cheri and Scott weren't strict on the checkout time.  They wanted us to enjoy the property, walk over to the beach, grab some coffee and stay as long as we wanted.   We had our ceremony in the gardens and Cheri provided/set up an arch which was included in the costs.  Shortly after our ceremony, we took pictures all over the property.  Everyone hopes to have beautiful wedding pictures and this is the perfect place!  Every spot on the property (from the gardens, cabana, and driveway) is picturesque and Kailua beach is located steps away from the property!   For a reception, you're able to use their cabana which can host an intimate lunch/dinner.  Since we didn't have any guests in attendance, we decided to hire a private chef to cook for us.  Cheri recommended Coco Gallagher and she was absolutely amazing!  Coco was able to use the kitchen in the main house to prep and cook.  Everything from tables, chairs, plating, utensils, drinkware, decorated napkins were set up by Cheri and Scott.  You're able to bring your own decorations and/or have your florist decorate as well!  We decided to keep it simple and use my bouquet as a centerpiece and Cheri was kind enough to provide a vase.  I cannot stress enough how beautiful the cabana was at night.  It was magical and felt so romantic with all the lighting and garden surrounding us. Overall, the most beautiful wedding venue on the island and we're overjoyed with how everything turned out!   Mahalo Cheri and Scott!

    Amber T.

    I will start with, words will never be able to fully describe how magnificent everything was with our fairytale wedding at Male'Ana Gardens. The property: The Garden itself is the most enchanting place I have ever experienced. The flowers are so beautiful and vibrant. They simply made every detail so much more beautiful. You can tell just how much love and care is poured into that piece of land. It's like every corner you turn is a different photo opportunity. I had a very simple wedding gown and the flowers/ greenery made it pop in the photos. Seriously the place is right out of a storybook and you and your bride/groom are the prince and princess. The bungalow- at first we weren't going to stay because I was trying to pinch my pennies. But I'm glad we changed our mind. The pictures simply don't do justice. It is so stinking cute! And they have everything inside for you. Sooo much room for everyone to get ready! There is the cutest little indoor patio that looks into the garden! We woke up and grabbed coffee/breakfast (literally Next doors) and just enjoyed the breath taking garden. Of course the convenience- We were so tired after the wedding so it was nice to just put everything we were taking inside and deal with it the next day. Like the left over food /drinks/ the cake/florals... Our guests were tired too so we didn't want them taking stuff either. You will realize that there is a lot more to take home than you think. Especially after spending the entires day there getting ready and having fun with your people. When they say it's close to the beach, it is CLOSE! And not just like any part of the beach, it's next to this really beautiful opening that isn't crowded. We walked right down to the beach for pictures after the ceremony and also the next day just to enjoy the sight. The service: We started planning our destination wedding summer 2019 in hopes of being married summer 2020. Then Covid... Cheri was very happy to move our date to a few months later then of course covid cause more and more shut downs. As time went on Cheri helped to reschedule our wedding date 4 times! With no hassle to us at all. She simply accommodated! We were provided with a wedding coordinator (which you definitely need for a destination wedding) she was AMAZING! In those 2 years she stayed in touch with us every step of the way from updating us on the Hawaii covid conditions (shut downs/requirements). She also stayed in contact with our vendors, sent us updated preferred vendor lists as they were added. -The Vendor list is really great! I am bad at trusting people so naturally I also searched for my own vendors outside of the list to see if I would find something better. What a HUGE waste of time that was. Hawaii is sooo expensive compared to Texas. I can assure you that The businesses they have chosen have top notch customer service and literally the most fair pricing. We didn't have to worry about set up or break down of ANYTHING! Everything was taken care of by Male'Ana Gardens. And just an example- I walked inside the bungalow and they even had our cake wrapped and ready for storing/transport. Other places simply don't do that. Last thing, these people care. - we went to Maui a few days later, the news said there was a Tsunami watch because of the earthquake in Alaska. We freaked out. I didn't know what to do. At 9pm I text Cheri (the owner) because we were scared and we haven't never experienced the possibility of something like this. She called me, she talked me down, her and Scott told us what to look for and what to do if it became a threat. (Luckily it didn't) You won't find this level of hospitality anywhere else

    Senora R.

    I stumbled upon Maleana Garden on Yelp looking for good locations in Kailua for photoshoots and am so happy I did! Working with a local photographer who's a preferred vendor for Maleana Gardens we were able to use the grounds for a couple's photoshoot. The owners were so sweet and accommodating and even offered to make us a drink if we wanted to loosen up before shooting. The location is absolutely stunning. It's so well kept and you can tell there was so much thought put into every detail on the property that it made my husband and I wish we would have gotten married there! If you're looking for a beautiful, lush, tropical yet island chic location for any type of event, Maleana Gardens is the place.

    If I had all the money in the world and the choice to choose whatever venue I wanted, I would still choose Male'ana Gardens over and over again. I fell in love with the pictures online and I seriously didn't think it could get anymore beautiful. I arrived a week before our wedding and it was even MORE beautiful in person. Cheri, Scott, & Kellie were so easy to work with and made sure everything went perfectly!!! The beach is close by for beach pictures but we stayed in the garden because we were so in love with all the greenery. All the flowers and their locations are all very well thought out and intentional. Everything went so well that I could go on and on about the details. It's the PERFECT micro-wedding venue!

    Daniel C.

    My wife and I had our wedding at Maleana Gardens in May 2019, and could not have been happier with the venue and the service provided by its wonderful owners, Cheri and Scott. We really appreciated Cheri's prompt responses to our questions in the months leading up to the wedding, and all the care and attention that the Maleana Gardens team put into making sure the gardens looked their best for our big day. Jennifer, our wedding coordinator, was also very helpful in putting together a beautiful table setting and making sure the day went smoothly. The house was clean and comfortable, and just a few steps from one of our favorite beaches on the island. We feel so lucky to have come across Maleana Gardens and would highly recommend this incredible venue for anyone looking to have an intimate wedding on Oahu.

    Misato M.

    Everyone who attended our wedding all agreed: it was the perfect venue. Gorgeous garden, lovely cabana and outdoor seating, excellent location right next to the beach park, plus Cheri and Scott are fantastic. We are so happy we had our wedding here!

    The first thing I will say is that Cheri and Scott are amazing people. My wife found their venue online and we couldn't believe where the place was located. I personally walked through here thousands of times. They were very professional and so easy to talk with like we have been friends forever. Their property is right out of any fairy tale book with a tropical twist. The gardens are so groomed perfectly that highlight every bit of your day. On the day of the event I expected to not see them at, but they were attentive and helped run the ceremony to perfection. We couldn't have asked for a better day. The cottage that you can rent is a must. It is so private and quiet and just perfect for your special day. I would and do recommend them for anyone's special day. Mahalo again Cherie and Scott for everything. Aloha

    Maya A.

    Cheri & Scott are the most generous and good hearted people, and anyone would be lucky to have this location for their event! I was lucky enough to have my wedding and reception at Maleana, and it was truly the most magical day of my life. Their property is breathtakingly beautiful, and meticulously taken care of. There is not one single angle that does not provide you with a perfect picture. The gazebo was ideal for our intimate reception, with the most amazing crystal chandeliers, and the yard was the right amount of space for our guests to feel a part of each event of the night but not too crowded. The bungalow is decorated so beautifully, you won't need to get ready anywhere else. Cheri has done an amazing job selecting just the right items to decorate the bungalow to make it feel warm and inviting, with perfect vignettes made for wedding portraits and close ups of all your details. In addition to the beauty and serenity of the location itself, you have two of the nicest and most laid back individuals to work with in Cheri & Scott. Both are professional, but so warm and personable that you really feel like you're having your event in your friend's backyard. I wish I could just redo that day all over again, just so I could wander in that yard for hours!

    Chandeliers in the cabana

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    Ask the Community - Maleana Gardens

    For couples who have been married here-and for those who don't mind me asking- what was your budget for your wedding (estimate)? My fiancé & I are looking into this venue, but want to make sure it's within our budget before we get too attached, lol.

    Aloha Jennifer, This is Cheri at Male'ana Gardens. I know you were asking for answers from previous brides and grooms, however, given that hasn't happened, I would be happy… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Maleana Gardens

      We decided to keep it simple and use my bouquet as a centerpiece and Cheri was kind enough to provide a vase.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

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    Aloha Bridal Connections - credits: @nikkirophoto

    Aloha Bridal Connections

    (219 reviews)

    We are beyond satisfied with Aloha Bridal Connections and would choose them again and again! We had…read morethe pleasure of working with Mackenzie, Natalie, and Sammy, with Autumn also helping on the day of -- and I truly feel like I made a genuine connection with each and every one of them. They are such wonderful people, and they helped make our day beyond special. Everything I envisioned for my wedding came to light, and it simply would not have been possible without ABC. They are organized, responsive, reassuring, and so much more. I especially appreciated how seamlessly they handled all the behind-the-scenes work and the communication with our vendors -- it let us be fully present and enjoy our day. If you're looking for a coordination team that truly cares, ABC is it. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!

    Despite the glowing reviews and many recommendations that ABC Weddings was one of the best planning…read moreand coordination teams in Oahu- I unfortunately was left very disappointed with the lack of presence/front-end coordination on the wedding day and miscommunication. For background information, we purchased their basic package for $3000 (which is only for hotel venues). The first mishap was when I wanted to schedule an appointment to discuss additional questions I had ($120 for 1 hour). They never showed up for my appointment. I did try calling their main line and the coordinators cell phone, but it all went to voicemail. In the end, it turned out that the coordinator was moving and had a lot on her plate, so my appointment fell through the cracks. They ended up scheduling me another meeting free of charge, which I did appreciate. In October, I was really feeling the pressure, so I inquired about having my coordinator start 3 weeks earlier than planned. ABC Weddings was quick to respond and have my lead coordinator, Sammy, start earlier for a $500 fee, to which I paid. Here's where things take a turn for the disappointing. When Sammy took over point of contact (POC), I still had my vendors emailing me directly for questions/info. Also, when I asked Sammy questions about my venue (i.e. rehearsal times/location, basic questions regarding catering, etc), she wasn't sure a lot of the times, which then meant I had to ask my venue directly. This wasn't EVERY time, but it was a lot of the time, which I felt defeated the purpose of taking over POC. I also felt there wasn't closed loop communication, so I was unsure of what Sammy was doing on her side with the vendors until the very end when I asked her to CC me on her final emails with timelines so I knew what they were being told. At the rehearsal, Sammy only had 2 copies of the timeline printed, which was not enough to distribute to both our parents and our maid of honor/best man. Additionally, we also learned at the rehearsal that she was NOT going to be the person actually coordinating the day. For example, letting us know where to go and when, updating the timeline if there are any changes, etc. Per our contract, it states: "We will check in with you before the professional photographer arrives to organize the important details, check in with family members, keep the timeline moving smoothly, get you out the door on time, organize requested group photos, and overall customer service throughout the day!" The huge missing pieces for us was checking in with family members, keeping the timeline moving smoothly, and getting us out the door on time. On the day of, Sammy was already confused on a decor piece that we had discussed at previous meetings, which led to me having to re-explain to her what I wanted during my hair/makeup. She did not check-in with any of my family members/bridal party. She only had communication with my matron of honor who was running the entire timeline/day, and this was largely because my matron of honor was the one checking in with her. She did not text us to let us know when to go where, so we were completely on our own. When it came time to put on my wedding gown, Sammy was unable to zip my dress, and the entire time I was clearly upset, she did not offer any reassurance or support, but rather spent time in the living room looking lost/confused. She did call the wedding shop, per my suggestion, and they came to the venue to help put on my dress which was amazing on their part (Casablanca!). Due to the issue with the dress, our timeline got pushed back by 15-20 mins, to which she told my matron of honor to let my parents know to delay our first look. Why didn't she text them and update the timeline herself? Although it worked out, this situation was not solved nor made better by Sammy. Honestly it felt like she didn't want to be there and didn't have a lot of care for our wedding day. I did share my thoughts with Lauren (CEO) post-wedding, and she was very apologetic but explained that "Our lead coordinators focus primarily on managing logistics, vendors, and timeline flow behind the scenes so couples can remain present and enjoy their day". This is confusing because that's not what is stated in our contract nor expected from our conversations. I understand she was doing the behind the scenes, but why was the timeline piece missing? There were two coordinators on site, to which I was told the 2nd coordinator would be doing setup/vendor management, but it seems like that's not the case? Irregardless, I felt the contract was not met, and that there was not any management for us, the wedding party and family members. Sadly, I would not recommend ABC Weddings if you are purchasing the basic coordination package. It definitely seemed that because I purchased the lowest tier, we were not high priority and it did not feel like they were willing to go above and beyond for one of the most special days of our lives.

    Gentry Events - Wedding Event

    Gentry Events

    (10 reviews)

    We couldn't have asked for a better wedding coordinator than Gentry. After speaking with several…read morecoordinators who didn't quite feel like the right fit, I knew immediately after our first conversation that she was the one. She's warm, energetic, and genuinely passionate about what she does--without ever feeling overwhelming or intrusive. Gentry stepped in about two months before our wedding and took so much off our plate. She was incredibly responsive, handled vendor communications seamlessly, and managed last-minute updates with ease. Throughout the entire process, I felt completely taken care of and confident that she would bring our vision to life. What really stood out was her attention to detail and proactive approach. She suggested things we hadn't even considered (like renting microphones), but was never pushy and always respected our decisions. Anytime I had a concern, she had either already handled it or immediately jumped into action--like when I worried about muddy transportation on our rainy wedding day, and she had already coordinated with the vendor. Despite the pouring rain, Gentry showed up with the most positive energy and made everything feel effortless. She truly made our dream wedding possible, and I can't imagine doing it without her. Highly, highly recommend!

    Gentry is a total gem! She made the entire planning process so much fun. From our very first…read moremeeting, she brought such warmth, excitement, and genuine care--it felt like we had a built-in cheerleader from day one. She helped us finalize plans, but also reminded us to take a step back and celebrate why we were doing this in the first place! Gentry has a true gift. She turns checklists into celebrations, decisions into delights, and somehow makes even the most overwhelming moments feel magical. Her attention to detail, calm under pressure, and boundless creativity blew us away. Her energy is infectious, and no task or request is ever too much. On the day of the wedding, she didn't let a single detail go unnoticed. We truly felt like we had a best friend looking out for us--not just on the big day, but in the days leading up to it as well. Gentry is simply amazing. She radiates positivity, lifts everyone around her, and genuinely cares about the people she works with. She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes. I cannot imagine our wedding without her.

    Love Letter Weddings - Photo Credit: Chelsea Abril Photography

    Love Letter Weddings

    (74 reviews)

    Downtown

    Louise and her team were organized, passionate, knowledgeable and most importantly timely with…read moreassisting with planning our wedding in 2023. We would Highly Recommend that you look no further and immediately book with Louise and her team!

    Working with Louise at Love Letter Weddings and the LLW team was truly one of the greatest…read moreblessings of our entire wedding experience. From day one, her organization and unmatched attention to detail put us completely at ease. Louise is the perfect blend of professional, intentional, warm, and reassuring--everything you could ever hope for in a wedding planner. Louise not only guided us through a smooth, stress-free planning process with easy, consistent communication, but she also created the most incredible florals and overall wedding design. Our floral arrangements were absolutely breathtaking--regal, romantic, and so magical that it truly felt like stepping into a fairytale. She did an exceptional job using her creativity to showcase our personal style in every detail, and her design recommendations fit our personalities, and our vision so perfectly. She brought everything together so cohesively that the entire day felt beautifully curated and deeply personal. When we had to unexpectedly change venues just a couple of months before the wedding, Louise handled the transition with such calm confidence, and care that we weren't even worried. From the start we already knew we were in the best hands, and Louise proved it once again by making the transition to a new venue totally seamless and helping us secure new vendors who were a perfect fit for our new space. What could have been a stressful setback ended up creating an even better outcome than we ever could have imagined. And on the wedding day itself? If there were any hiccups, we had no idea--because Louise and the LLW team had planned, executed, and managed everything so flawlessly behind the scenes. All we felt was pure joy and excitement. Louise really brought our dream wedding to life more beautifully than we ever could have envisioned. We are forever grateful to Louise and wholeheartedly recommend Love Letter Weddings to anyone wanting a seamless, stunning, and heartfelt planning experience. Louise is truly the BEST of the best. She made our fairytale a reality. We will cherish this special day forever.

    Haiku Gardens Weddings - Photo captured by: L'Amour Photography & Video

    Haiku Gardens Weddings

    (168 reviews)

    Woah I was so impressed and grateful to have so much help before and during my wedding. We worked…read morewith Morgan virtually and she was very knowledgeable and had great ideas. Rehearsal and day of wedding I had Kat helping me. She was a breath of fresh air, intuitive and kept people on a schedule. She helped me feel calm and that everything was in order. Day of the wedding we also had Kim helping and she brought a great energy and made sure I had a drink in my hand at all times. Also the male servers were very kind and proactive. (I wish I knew their names.) I appreciate how nice and accommodating the staff was to my dog Chili. He loved being apart of our special day I'm very happy he was able to be there. The food was insane, the drinks were tasty, and the atmosphere was incredible. It smelled so amazing and we had great weather. There's not a bad spot on the property to take photographs. I can't wait to see my photos I took behind the pond in the greenery. I'm very glad I picked this venue for my wedding. The staff did us a solid and boxed up some food for my husband and I and we ate it right after we left. That was really cool of them. We had an issue with an unprofessional vendor after our wedding and they were able to help us resolve the problem and understood our concerns. Mahalo again Haiku Gardens we appreciate you!

    We had our wedding ceremony and reception here with 140 people. We could not have chosen a better…read morevenue. You cannot beat these views. They are full service venue, they offer a lot of services booked by them which makes planning easier. I booked the solo guitarist thru the venue for the ceremony I don't know his name but he did an amazing job! I got the bride suite to get ready and definitely recommend, it's comfy and has AC. I booked my hair and makeup with the venue her name was Emily, she was EXCELLENT. My hair and makeup stayed put all day! The staff there was great, Kat and Kim were our coordinators that day. I booked the DJ thru the venue it was Bliss DJs, the DJ was Kembo and he was so friggging amazing. I did my cakes thru Sam's Club and my mom just put flowers on them. I recommend doing this if you're on a budget, the wedding cake and sheet cake were like $45 each. My mom did the wedding arch and ceremony chair flowers. We ordered pupus, buffet lunch and added the roast pig. The food was good, the pig was delicious. The best entreee on our menu was the sweet sour chicken.

    Fred + Kate Events - The best of the best! Thank you again Tessa, Henry, Lauren, and Midori!

    Fred + Kate Events

    (71 reviews)

    We rarely post reviews--unless something is truly awful (buyer beware) or absolutely exceptional…read more In the case of Fred and Kate Events, our experience was nothing short of exceptional--and that's putting it mildly. From start to finish, Tessa and her team made our wedding unforgettable. It's been seven months since our big day (February 23, 2025), and my wife, myself, our friends, and family still talk about it constantly. We laughed, cried, ate, drank, danced, socialized, and snapped countless photos. Most importantly, we were able to relax and truly enjoy ourselves. Fred and Kate Events had everything under control. The only thing we had to focus on was getting married--which is exactly how it should be. Tessa is phenomenal, and her staff is top-tier: professional, attentive, and kind. If you try to step in, they'll gently remind you to let them handle it--and trust me, you'll be glad you did. We can't thank them enough for managing every detail so we could stay present in the moment. That gift alone was priceless.

    We couldn't be happier with our experience working with Fred and Kate! From the very beginning,…read morethey were organized, easy to communicate with, and always made us feel heard and supported. No matter how many questions or requests we had (and we had plenty!), Tessa, Henry, Midori, and Lauren were consistently accommodating, friendly, and incredibly quick to respond. On the day of the wedding, the planning team showed up in full force. They were professional, efficient, and totally on top of everything--firm when they needed to be, but always brought the right energy and hype to keep the day exciting and fun. Everything ran so smoothly that we hardly even noticed they were there, which is a true testament to how well they had everything under control. We're so grateful for their dedication and would highly recommend Fred and Kate to any couple looking for a seamless and joyful wedding planning experience!

    Maleana Gardens - wedding_planning - Updated August 2026

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