Deb and Ben's Wedding
Big Island of Hawai'i
July 2, 2005
The wedding will be held in the Waimea Nature Park in the town of Waimea (also known as Kamuela). We are not going to the Kapa'a Beach Park as previously posted. There is a small chance that we'll switch back to Kapa'a in case of major rainstorm, but don't worry, you'll hear from from us if that happens.
DIRECTIONS to WAIMEA NATURE PARK:
- Drive to the town of Waimea.
- Consult the map below which shows the location of the Nature Park in the town.
For those who prefer written instructions to the maps above, see the driving directions.
We're currently planning on having the ceremony at 4:30pm, followed by reception in the same location. It will be over when the sun sets, around 7 o'clock. Reception will include fresh island fish and other things To Be Determined.
We're not asking for presents. No need to bring anything but yourselves. However, there is something Deb and i want very much, and that is buy a land and house for us to live in. For this, we have opened a joint ING Orange Savings Account specifically for the purpose of making our down payment. If you would like to give us a wedding gift, you can write a check to either of us, and we'll deposit it in this specific account.
Mainland folks will want to fly into the Kona Airport (symbol: KOA).
We found a tourist guidebook we really like: Hawai'i: The Big Island Revealed ($10 from buy.com, or if you see us before then we'll just hand you a copy). The people that make the book, Wizard Publications have a excellent set of Big Island Links for the visitor.
Out-of-towners can stay anywhere on the northern part of the island, or you could even stay close to us (Ben and Deb) in Ahualoa. The island has lots and lots of wonderful B&Bs. There are many sites which provide directories. Here are some pointers:
- Hotel Honokaa Club ($50-$95, or as little as $18 for a hostel bed) is in Honoka'a town, an old building but nice location.
- The Log Cabin ($60-100/night) is right next to us in Ahualoa - a 3 minute drive or 12 minute walk from our house.
- Kamuela Inn ($60-100/night). A nice average place in a central location - Kamuela is another name for Waimea.
- Kamuela Cottage ($90/night)
- Aaah, the Views ($65-$145/night)
- Hawai'i B&B Association site, you can stay anywhere they list under Kohala and Hamakua.
- If you'd like a wonderfully luxurious place, Waianuhea ($170-350) is also in Ahualoa.
- Hale Ho'onanea ($100-130/night) and Cabin in the Treeline ($155-up) are very close to the wedding site, but farther from us (in Ahualoa).
- If you want the classic tourist experience with big hotels, palm trees and drinks by a beach, then there are plenty of choices ($$$) on the dry side (Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Price Resort, Hilton Waikoloa, and so forth).
If all that sounds too expensive, talk to us (ben@vterrain.org). There are options for those of you who can be more flexible, including this like staying together with other guests in a group.
You will need a car, or carpool with other guests. There is no bus, and taxis are nonexistent. :)
Please plan to spend a little time on the island - there is so much to see and do! In the summer, the ocean is usually more calm, so the water is good for swimming and snorkeling. The mountains, forests and volcano are all there to be explored. Activities we can highly recommend include hiking tours with our friends at Hawaiian Walkways.
Deb and Ben would love to use this rare opportunity of having our Mainland friends all together to spend time with you in our island paradise!