For as long as I can remember, Hawaiʻi has felt like home — even when I wasn’t physically there.
I was born on the mainland, but the pull back to Hawaiʻi was always present. It showed up in quiet ways and loud ones: in the music I gravitated toward, the way movement felt like prayer, the way I learned to lead with respect, humility, and heart. I stayed rooted in my culture through Polynesian dancing, performance, and community — not as a hobby, but as a responsibility.
From a young age, I had the incredible opportunity to perform around the world, dancing with Kaleo Onalani and Pride of Polynesia, and even being a friend of Moana at the El Capitan Theatre. In 2021, I was honored to serve as Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego, an experience that deepened my commitment to culture, leadership, and community.
In Hawaiian culture, we call this kuleana: a deep sense of responsibility to care for what has been entrusted to you. For me, that kuleana is cultural, familial, and now — professional.
A Connection to Oʻahu That Runs Generations Deep
Oʻahu has always been the island that feels most like home. My grandmother was from Waimānalo, and through her, I learned what aloha truly means — not the version packaged for visitors, but the lived, everyday practice of care, respect, humor, and resilience.
She passed shortly after my 18th birthday, but her presence is still very real in my life and work. She raised me with the unshakable belief that I could do anything and everything. She taught me how to carry myself with respect, how to welcome people fully, and how to feed everyone who walked through the door — usually with poi, raw fish, and a lot of laughter.
She also had a cheeky sense of humor, and that balance of warmth and honesty continues to shape how I lead Godoy Events today.
Moving to Oʻahu is not a trend-driven business decision for us. It is a return — and a responsibility — to honor where I come from while building something intentional for the future.
Why Godoy Events Is Expanding to Hawaiʻi
Godoy Events began in San Diego, and that community will always be home to our brand. San Diego remains our primary market, and we continue to serve couples there with full-service planning, partial planning, and coordination.
Expanding to Hawaiʻi allows us to:
- Serve couples who want a destination wedding in Hawaiʻi that is culturally respectful and well-supported
- Offer planning and coordination that understands both mainland expectations and local realities
- Build meaningful relationships with Hawaiʻi-based venues and vendors
- Create space for micro-weddings and intimate celebrations that prioritize presence, connection, and care
We are not here to replicate a mainland wedding in paradise. We are here to help couples celebrate in a way that honors the ʻāina, the people, and the significance of gathering in Hawaiʻi.
Planning With Cultural Awareness and Care
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, a micro-wedding, or an intimate elopement-style celebration, Hawaiʻi deserves to be approached with intention.
That means understanding:
- Permits and regulations for beaches and public land
- Vendor minimums and logistical realities unique to the islands
- Cultural considerations that go far beyond aesthetics
As a kanaka, I hold deep respect for what it means to host events on this land. Our team works closely with local professionals to ensure celebrations feel thoughtful, seamless, and aligned — not extractive or performative.
A Team Built on Values, Not Burnout
Our move to Oʻahu also reflects how we build our company: intentionally.
Godoy Events is made up of multi-talented, multi-hyphenate women who bring full, vibrant lives into this work. We believe planners who are grounded, fulfilled, and creatively nourished show up better — for our clients and our partners.
That philosophy carries into Hawaiʻi. We are here to build long-term relationships, not quick wins. To collaborate, not dominate. To plan weddings that feel good — not just look good.
Looking Ahead
Our expansion to Hawaiʻi is just the beginning. We are actively touring venues on Oʻahu, deepening relationships with local vendors, and sharing resources for couples considering Hawaiʻi as their wedding destination.
If you’re planning a wedding in San Diego, Oʻahu, or anywhere in between — we would love to connect.
Book a consultation to learn more about our planning and coordination services in San Diego and Hawaiʻi.
This work is personal. It always has been. And returning home — with intention — feels like exactly where we’re meant to be.
