When it came time to plan their wedding, Dani and Wilfred knew they didn’t want a typical hotel ballroom or anything that felt over-produced. They were looking for a place where their guests could truly experience Hawaii—the views, the air, the energy. Holualoa Inn gave them just that.

With sweeping ocean and mountain views, this Big Island venue became the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with meaning, laughter, and a few surprises (including a traditional Filipino first dance).

Why They Chose Holualoa Inn for their wedding.

Years ago, Dani stumbled across Holualoa Inn while browsing for a potential staycation. She wasn’t engaged at the time—just bookmarking a dream spot. But once wedding planning began, the venue kept coming back into the picture.

“We searched every venue on all of the islands that could hold 150 people,” Dani shared. “We didn’t want the typical ballroom hotel venue. Holualoa Inn just stood out—it lets you be outside the whole time and really appreciate Hawaii.”

The couple also stayed at the inn for a few days around the wedding, which made it feel even more special.

Capturing More Than Just Moments

Dani and Wilfred were sure about one thing—they wanted their Holualoa Inn wedding on video.

“I feel like videos can capture memories and feelings better than just photos can,” Dani said.

They chose a videographer whose work felt authentic and cinematic—without being over-the-top.

“Your videos were very cinematic but also captured the essence of each couple,” Dani added. That mix of beauty and realness was exactly what they were looking for.

A Little About the Couple

Both Dani and Wilfred are in medical residencies—dermatology for Dani, radiology for Wilfred. Their schedules are packed, but they carve out time for what matters: good coffee, weekend walks, and meals with friends.

“I like to find moments outside of the stress of residency,” Dani said. “Just going to a coffee shop with Wilfred on a (rare) lazy weekend morning makes me happy.”

Wilfred agrees. “Food is my love language,” he laughed. “I love cooking for Dani and our friends. I’m also into espresso, gardening, wine, bourbon—basically, anything that brings people together.”

A Proposal With a Twist

The proposal happened during a weekend trip to Santa Barbara—complete with coffee, German beer, and an ostrich farm. It was casual and spontaneous, right up until sunset.

“We sat on a log on the beach, and I said something like ‘Wow, this looks like a movie,’” Dani remembered. “Then Wilfred stood up and said, ‘You know what else is like a movie?’ and pulled out the ring.”

She didn’t expect it—he had gone out of his way to throw her off by saying he hadn’t even started looking for rings. The one he proposed with? A ring they had tried on years before that Dani had completely forgotten about.

They celebrated afterward with dinner and a weekend surrounded by family.

The Wedding Day: Thoughtful and Full of Personality

Their ceremony was led by officiant Mike Eicher and included personal vows, but no formal rituals. The vibe was heartfelt and relaxed—with intentional touches that reflected the couple’s personalities.

The theme? “Moody tropical.”

They served custom cocktails inspired by their heritages and surprised guests with a tinikling first dance—a traditional Filipino dance that takes rhythm, coordination, and teamwork. Later in the evening, they wrapped things up with a banzai toast to bring everyone together.

Learn More About Tinikling Dance

A Weekend to Remember

Dani and Wilfred’s Holualoa Inn wedding wasn’t about impressing anyone. It was about creating a space where friends and family could gather, connect, and celebrate.

From the lantern-lit evening to the coffee-fueled mornings, everything about the weekend felt personal and genuine—exactly what they were hoping for when they picked this Big Island venue.

---

✅ Want to capture your Holualoa Inn Wedding on Video?

Holualoa Inn offers the kind of setting where laid-back, meaningful weddings can really shine. Whether you’re dreaming of ocean views, open-air ceremonies, or simply a space that feels like you, this venue checks all the right boxes.

LINK: https://www.holualoainn.com/big-island-weddings