December 24, 2011
Grand Wailea Celebrates Legal LGBT Civil Unions in Hawaii
Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.
WAILEA, MAUI, HAWAII - Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, invites LGBT couples to enjoy an authentic aloha welcome and celebrate their partnerships in Maui with the launch of "Civil Unions Plus" packages developed exclusively for the resort's gay and lesbian guests.
Grand Wailea's Civil Unions Plus packages include ceremonies for legal civil unions, commitment ceremonies and vow renewals for lesbian and gay couples, and other special occasions for LGBT groups. Packages are available on the resort's newly launched Civil Unions Plus web page at GrandWailea.com/LGBT.
From modest to opulent, events for LGBT couples and their guests may also incorporate exotic Hawaiian traditions from lei exchanges and conch-blowing to lu'au. Settings include the intimate Wailea Seaside Chapel with beautiful stained glass, the colorful Chapel Gardens and the warm sands of Wailea Beach. The first 10 couples to reserve a Civil Union package in 2012 will receive a complimentary 16 GB iPad 2.
"Grand Wailea is excited to offer services specifically geared to lesbian and gay celebrants with the legalization of civil unions in Hawaii," said Matt Bailey, managing director of Grand Wailea. "Our Civil Unions Plus specialists craft the perfect romantic experience for couples ready to tie the knot, publicly express their commitment to one another or renew their vows."
Prices start at $2,500 for the Ho'i Hou Ke Aloha (Let's fall in love all over again) Vow Renewal package. Other packages include: the Pilialoha (Beloved companion) Civil Union or Commitment Ceremony; the Mahina (Moon) Celebration, which starts after sunset; and the Haleakala (Beautiful) Celebration.
The 780-room Grand Wailea delights guests -- gay and straight -- with a smorgasbord of irresistible conveniences, including:
Proximity to Little Beach, Hawaii's best gay-friendly beach, located three miles away.
Many LGBT guests, especially those traveling in small groups or with their families, also love the resort's sister property, Ho'olei at Grand Wailea, located a few minutes by foot or convenient shuttle van up the sundrenched slopes above the main resort.
This quieter, more intimate facility offers 70 private, elegantly appointed 3,000-square-foot, 3-bed/3.5-bath vacation homes - with full access to the services at Grand Wailea -- perfect for LGBT couples, groups or families traveling together.
Since opening its doors in 1991, Grand Wailea adopted a philosophy of corporate citizenship, becoming an active member of the Maui community. Grand Wailea provides open spaces for the active vacationer, beauty for romantic getaways and fun for groups.
Built to portray the richness of Hawaii's culture, people and nature, Grand Wailea is the ultimate Hawaiian resort providing an extensive selection of amenities and activities.
For more information about Civil Unions Plus, visit www.GrandWailea.com/LGBT
To book any of these packages, visit www.GrandWailea.com/LGBT or contact a Civil Unions Plus specialist at 800-232-4604 ext. 2804.
For more information about Grand Wailea, call 800-232-4604 or visit www.grandwailea.com
Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.
