━ Hawaii Wedding Officiant · Kahu ━
Kahu Tom Fernandez
Bringing the Hawaiian values of aloha and ʻohana to every ceremony — blending English and Hawaiian vows for couples on the Island of Hawaiʻi.
Since
2012
happily marrying couples
At a Glance
Role
Licensed Hawaii Officiant
Style
English & Hawaiian
Ceremony Length
15–20 Minutes
Ceremonies
1,000+ Since 2012
Senior Pastor (Ret.)
Kalāhikiola, Kohala
Born & Raised
Oʻahu
Now Lives
Kailua-Kona
Officiant Bio
Kahu Tom Fernandez
Hawaii Wedding Officiant
Kahu Tom Fernandez has lived on the Island of Hawaiʻi since 1988. Born and raised on Oʻahu, he moved to Kailua-Kona, where his family has lived for three generations. A licensed minister and retired Senior Pastor at Kalāhikiola Congregational Church in Kohala — where he served for more than 20 years — Kahu Tom has dedicated himself to working with each ʻohana to create celebrations of life, love, and new beginnings.
With deep roots in the islands and decades of pastoral experience, Kahu Tom brings a calm, grounded presence to every ceremony. His voice carries the warmth of someone who knows this land — its language, its people, and its sacred traditions — and shares it generously with every couple he marries.
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Kahu Tom's ceremonies beautifully blend English and Hawaiian vows, sharing the Hawaiian values of aloha and ʻohana.
— A Ceremony Style That Feels Like Home
Since 2012, Kahu Tom has been privileged to officiate more than 1,000 weddings, vow renewals, and blessings across the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. Whether it's just the two of you on a quiet beach at sunrise or a small gathering of family at sunset, he shapes each ceremony around the couple in front of him — never the other way around. Ceremonies can be personalized with lei exchanges, sand ceremonies, readings, or special touches to honor loved ones, creating a meaningful 15–20 minute celebration.
Kahu Tom's love for the Polynesian culture extends well beyond the wedding aisle. He is also a celebrated Siva Afi / Samoan Fireknife dancer, performing at resorts along the Kona and Kohala Coast — a living tribute to the island traditions he carries into every ceremony he leads.
Where Kahu Tom Officiates on the Big Island
As one of the most experienced Big Island wedding officiants, Kahu Tom regularly performs ceremonies up and down the Kona and Kohala Coast — from the white sandy beaches of Kuki`o, Kua Bay, and Hapuna, to the iconic black sand shores of Punaluʻu and Kiholo Bay, to private resort estates, oceanfront chapels, and historic Hawaiian sites. His bilingual ceremonies are equally at home at an intimate Kailua-Kona elopement, a small destination wedding in Waikoloa, or a private celebration at a Mauna Lani or Four Seasons resort.
A Hawaiian Wedding Minister for Every Kind of Celebration
Whether you're planning a beach elopement for two, a small destination wedding, a 10th, 25th, or 50th anniversary Hawaiian vow renewal, or a traditional blessing ceremony for an anniversary, baby, or new home, Kahu Tom brings the same calm presence and reverence to every gathering. As a trusted Hawaii wedding minister and one of the most beloved kahu on the Big Island, he is a treasured part of the Kona Wedding Officiant® team.
For couples seeking an officiant who can honor the Hawaiian roots of their wedding day with authenticity and reverence — while keeping the ceremony heartfelt, personal, and unmistakably yours — there is no finer choice on the Island of Hawaiʻi.
The Full Team
Meet the Rest of Our ʻOhana
Kahu Tom is one of several beloved officiants on our team. From kahu rooted in Hawaiian tradition to ministers who specialize in non-religious and interfaith ceremonies, we'll match you with the right voice for your day.
