By Luana Maitland

This past Sunday was a meaningful day for 34 couples who gathered at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach for a special Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal Ceremony. The 8 a.m. ceremony drew upon an ancient Hawaiian custom, Ho‘ao Pa‘a, in which a man and woman are bound in a lasting union. The ceremony began with the blowing of the conch shell, followed by a Hawaiian chant by the kahu (priest), traditional hula, and song. A gentle sprinkling of seawater blessed each couple before they recited their vows in the Hawaiian language.

This day was especially significant for Outrigger Reef guests Peter and Arlene Lecce, who were celebrating 62 years of marriage. They couldn’t think of a better way to spend their Valentine’s Day than to watch the sunrise on Waikiki Beach, as they renewed their love for each other all over again.  We wish that all the couples who participated have as happy and long a marriage as the Lecce’s!