Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Perfect for your Hawaii Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Queen Kapiolani Hotel - Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your dream wedding comes with plenty of questions, and we’re here to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers the most common inquiries we receive about weddings at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel—from ceremony details and vendor options to booking timelines and weather plans. Whether you're just getting started or finalizing the finishing touches, you'll find helpful answers and insights to guide you every step of the way.

Ceremony Questions

  • Yes, $5 for an additional chair.

  • We can fit up to 100 chairs outside.

  • Height is 83in, Width is 65in, Depth is 13in.

  • Dogs are permitted on the Leahi Lanai as long as they remain on leash and do not cause a disturbance. $125/pet (for up to two pets)
    $500/event (for more than 2 pets)

Reception Questions

  • White table linens, white napkins, silverware, glassware, and plates are included.

  • Two hours before your event.If vendors arrive prior to that time, there will be a fee.

  • Your onsite coordinator.

  • The Queen Kapiolani Event Manager.

  • Round tables are 70” in diameter or Long tables (6ft).

  • We recommend 8 guests per round table. We can accommodate up to 10 guests per table with a place setting restrictions.

  • Rectangle tables are 6ft:”72.00" x 29.75" x 29.13" (L/W/H).

  • Round tables are 30” diameter, 30” height (low table), 42” height (high table).

  • Yes, we offer a commercial Bluetooth speaker set for rental to play your own music, or please consider hiring a DJ.

  • Dancing / DJ music is allowed inside the ballroom with the doors closed after dinner. No loud music can be amplified on the lanai. Ceremony music, and “first dance” music is allowed on the lanai.

  • Yes.

  • 15 minutes before scheduled end time.

Bar Questions

  • When planning an event, the bar setup significantly shapes the guest experience. Understanding the distinctions between an open bar, partially open bar, and cash bar is crucial for making the right choice.

    Open Bar: Ultimate Hospitality

    An open bar is a generous offering where all drinks are complimentary, covered entirely by the host. It creates a relaxed atmosphere but requires careful oversight to ensure responsible drinking.

    Partially Open Bar: Balancing Generosity and Budget

    This option provides a middle ground, offering some complimentary drinks or covering a limited time frame. It balances hospitality with cost control, allowing hosts to manage expenses while still providing a degree of free service.

    Cash Bar: Guest-Paid Beverages

    In a cash bar setup, guests pay for their drinks. While it might seem less hospitable, it’s practical for budget-conscious events and gives guests more control over their choices.

  • No, the satellite bar set-up and bartender is included in the package.

  • No, the bar is a separate business and drinks from the restaurant cannot be brought into the Leahi Room & Lanai.

Reservation Questions

  • Our site tours are done Monday - Saturday from 11::00 am - 4:00 pm. Site Tour Reservations are required.

  • We start booking 12 months before your wedding date. You are able to book earlier than 12 months with a room block with the hotel.

  • After you have selected one of our venues, wedding date and time of ceremony, one of our reservation agents will email you a proposal/contract. Due to our high interest in our properties, dates and venues are not officially held or confirmed until a 50% non-refundable deposit and signed contract is received. Once the signed contract and deposit is received, you will receive a confirmation 24-48 hours officially confirming your booking.

  • We do not hold dates due to our high interest in our properties. Dates and venues are not officially held or confirmed until a 50% non-refundable deposit and singed contract is received.

  • After we’ve received your signed contract and 50% non-refundable deposit, one of our on-site ceremony specialists will contact you via email to start the exciting process.

  • The damage deposit check will not be cashed unless needed. If not needed we will destroy the check.

Food & Beverage Questions

  • The Queen Kapiolani Event Manager.

  • Your Food & Beverage minimum based on your guest count is due 30 days prior to the Function

  • LUNCH
    1-50 Guests: $2,000
    51-80 Guests: $3,000
    81-100 Guests: $4,000
    101+ Guests: $5,000

    DINNER
    1-50 Guests: $4,000
    51-80 Guests: $6,000
    81-100 Guests: $8,000
    101+ Guests: $10,000

  • Yes, we have white linen and napkins, round white plate (10.5 inches in diameter) silverware, and glassware.

  • We will take the dietary request two weeks prior to the event.

  • Inside on the East side of the room

  • Leftovers from a buffet will not be removable due to State of Hawaii Health Regulations.

  • No.

  • Yes. We require wedding cakes that will be served to be produced in a commercial bakery that has liability insurance.

Parking Questions

  • There is limited valet parking upon availability which is $10.00 with validation. Additional public parking is available directly across the street at The Honolulu Zoo which is $1.50 per hour.