Isles feel the love from India

>> Click here for more pictures of Kaul’s Hindu ceremony

When Rajeev Kaul, a 36-year-old technology consultant with roots in Kashmir, India, met New Delhi-born Gitika Ahuja, he knew she was the sun, the stars and the moon.

It wasn’t hard for Ahuja, also 36 and an ABC-TV producer, to convince him during a trip to Kauai that marrying in Hawaii, known for its swaying palm trees, aquamarine waters, sparkling sands and green mountains, would add to their picture of wedded bliss.

"Having the wedding in Hawaii made it more special for us," Kaul said.

After the New York-based couple exchanged rings Feb. 1 during a sacred Hindu ceremony at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua, Hawaii’s visitor industry pronounced them part of its most coveted new wedding market.

Hawaii brides average 77 guests at their weddings and spend about $31,461, according to recent data from TheKnot.com.

But the sky is the limit for Indian weddings, as evidenced by the helicopter flyover and orchid drop at the Kauls’ recent ceremony. Not to mention the weeklong revelry, which included a welcome party at the Sheraton Waikiki’s RumFire, a musical night at an exclusive East Oahu estate, traditional henna-ink body art, a Bollywood-style reception at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and a next-day brunch.

"This one brought in about 150 guests," said Sheraton Waikiki General Manager Kelly Sanders.

"We’ve even had one with 500 guests." 

Given their scope, Indian weddings create hundreds of temporary jobs and are estimated to cost anywhere from $40,000 to more than $1 million. Is it any wonder, then, that Hawaii is falling in love with these couples, too?