Hawaii’s Wedding Professionals Show #17 Hale Koa Hotel and Windward Jewelers

Dora Young and Lucy Lau of the Hale Koa Hotel

Hella Allerstorfer-Meek of Windward Jewelers

Host Kahu Kalehua Featheran dispels the myth that the Hale Koa Hotel facilities are only for members of the military.  Marketing Coordinator Lucy Lau explains that the use of the hotel facilities are for the military and their families, but she also adds that 1 out of 2 households in Hawaii could use the services of the Hale Koa Hotel because they can be sponsored by an eligible active or retired military personnel or Department of Defense member.  How great is that?

The Hale Koa Hotel is at the gateway of Waikiki and offers lots of parking.  Catering Manager Dora Young talks about the 3 venues for wedding ceremonies while viewers can see photos of the locations.  Information can be found by going to the Hale Koa Hotel website and clicking on the Catering tab.  The one great benefit of holding your wedding and reception at the Hale Koa Hotel is that they are a federal facility with tax exempt status so couples need not pay the Hawaii general excise tax…which can be a great savings for couples just starting out in married life.

For his second guest, Kahu Kalehua chats with Hella Allerstorfer-Meek, award winning designer and goldsmith for Windward Jewelers.  Windward Jewelers began their business in 1954.  Hella’s Dad, Herman Meek bought the company in 1966 (44 years ago) and Hella came into the business in 1980.  This family’s business spans 3 generations as Hella’s daughter, Amber is also studying jewelry design and entomology.  Viewers see some of the beautiful and unique designs created by Windward Jewelers as the interview progresses.

As designers, Windward Jewelers are able to create unique wedding rings for brides and grooms.  For those who aren’t sure where to start, Hella will ask the bride to think about what really excited her about a particular ring she saw and what it looked like and they can start from there…or the couple can view designs and styles at the store and suggest changes that they would like to see for their own rings.  The Lanikai Collection is an original design of Windward Jewelers and is particularly meaningful to couples who decide to get married on the beach at Lanikai.  To help the newlyweds, Windward Jewelers offer layaway plans and this information is available on their website.