How many guests can Papa Kona Events accommodate for a wedding?

Papa Kona Events hosts intimate weddings as well as large celebrations. We can comfortably accommodate smaller gatherings of fewer than 20 guests and celebrations with well over 150 guests depending on the venue layout and event style. Whether you're planning an elegant seated dinner, a cocktail-style reception, or a beachfront celebration, we'll help recommend the best floor plan to maximize comfort and views while creating an enjoyable experience for your guests.

If you're unsure whether your guest count will fit your vision, our event coordinators can recommend layouts and seating arrangements that work best for your wedding size and preferred atmosphere.

How much does a wedding cost?

Every wedding is customized, so pricing depends on your guest count, menu selection, beverage package, rentals, and any additional services you choose. We work with couples planning everything from simple sunset ceremonies to full luxury wedding weekends.

Our team provides detailed proposals with transparent pricing so you know exactly what's included. There are no surprise charges, and we'll help build a package that fits both your vision and your budget.

Our wedding packages range in price from $2,500 for ceremony only, to $8,500 for a ceremony and reception package that goes until Midnight with a DJ, dance lighting, uplighting and included late-night snacks.

Our catering menus are priced per person and range from $45 to $85 per person with plated and buffet options available.

WHat is included with wedding coordination?

Our coordination services begin long before your wedding day. We assist with timeline planning, vendor recommendations, menu planning, floor plans, seating arrangements, and logistics to ensure every detail is organized.

On your wedding day, our team manages the schedule, coordinates vendors, oversees setup, directs the flow of the event, and helps keep everything running smoothly so you can focus on celebrating with your family and friends.

Can we customize the wedding menu?

Absolutely. Every menu is customized based on your preferences, dietary needs, and event style. Whether you're dreaming of an elegant plated dinner, a buffet featuring island favorites, family-style service, or creative chef stations, we'll work with you to create a menu that reflects your tastes.

We also pride ourselves on accommodating vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy-conscious guests.

Can we have live hawaiian entertainment?

Yes. Many couples include traditional Hawaiian entertainment as part of their celebration, including hula performances, fire knife dancing, Hawaiian musicians, ukulele performers, DJs, or live bands.

Our coordinators can help incorporate entertainment into your timeline so performances flow naturally throughout cocktail hour, dinner, or the reception.

Can you help with vendor recommendations?

Yes. Over the years we've built relationships with many of Hawaiʻi Island's most trusted photographers, florists, DJs, musicians, officiants, rental companies, hair and makeup artists, transportation providers, and specialty entertainers.

We're happy to recommend vendors whose style and pricing match your wedding vision.

WHEN ARE FINAL PAYMENT AND FINAL NUMBERS DUE?

The final guest count and payment are due 7 days before the event.

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS OUTSIDE OF WHAT WAS PROVIDED TO ME (RENTAL, FOOD, BAR, ETC.)?

There is a $200 early access fee if we will need to make the upstairs private more than 2 hours before the start of your event for outside vendor deliveries of furniture or additional lighting. DJs can come in early without making the space private or any additional fees.

IS THE COST FOR CHILD’S MEAL THE SAME AS AN ADULT?

Children between 0 and 4 years old eat for free and children between 5 and 12 years old are half price. We can also prepare special Keiki plated meals upon request.

WHEN ARE FINAL PAYMENT AND FINAL NUMBERS DUE?

The final guest count and payment are due 7 days before the event. The final balance due is based on that guaranteed guest count, which can increase or decrease from your estimate without penalty.

CAN WE HAVE ALCOHOL ON THE LAWN SPACE?

We are not able to provide alcohol on the lawn space outside of our building. You are welcome to apply for a permit through Hawai’i County, but cocktail hour and the reception are held on the second floor lanai, where we have our full bar.

CAN PEOPLE STAND IF THERE ARE MORE THAN 50 GUESTS AND WE DO NOT WANT TO RENT ADDITIONAL CHAIRS?

We have 150 total event chairs and you can use any number for the ceremony and reception. Guests can stand if you do not want to rent additional chairs. To ensure there are no interruptions or delays, we do not move chairs during an event.

WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT CAN BE SEATED AT ONE LONG TABLE ON THE LANAI?

You can have a total of 36 people at one long table on the lanai.

ARE THERE ADDITIONAL ROOMS AVAILABLE TO STAGE THE WEDDING PARTY BEFORE AND AFTER THE CEREMONY?

The wedding party should arrive dressed and ready for the wedding. We have restrooms but none large enough for getting wedding-ready. Typically, if one doesn’t want to be seen before the ceremony, they will come directly upstairs while guests are directed to the ceremony site outside on the grass until the ceremony begins. These arrangements are typically made at the rehearsal with your event coordinator before the wedding. Please speak to your event coordinator with any specific questions – we are here to help!

HOW MANY PARKING SPACES DO YOU HAVE? IS THERE A PARKING FEE?

The parking garage below the building has plenty of spots for events of up to 100 guests and is privately owned by Diamond Parking. There is additional paid parking in the surrounding areas to accommodate a guest count larger than 100.

DO YOU HOST REHEARSAL DINNERS?

We do! Groups of 25 people or fewer can make a group reservation in the restaurant, sometimes requiring a pre-order for smooth service. Groups of 15 or more are recommended to rent the upstairs private event space.

IS THERE A NOISE CURFEW?

We do not have a sound curfew- a benefit of being right on the water in downtown Kailua-Kona! We do have a liquor curfew and we must have everyone who is not part of our service team out of the building by 1:30 am.

WHAT IS YOUR POSTPONEMENT POLICY?

Our postponement policy is that you will not lose your deposit if the date is rescheduled within a 12-month period from the original event date. Our dates are first come first serve basis. You also have the option of moving your deposit to another type of event altogether, like a reception only, or a family reunion. 

CAN WE EXTEND BEYOND 10:00 PM?

Yes! Papa Kona Events is the only venue on the Kona - Kohala Coast that can extend up to 1 AM! Ask your Event Coordinator for more details on pricing and availability. 

WHAT IS THE PRICING OF ONE OF YOUR WEDDING CAKES?

We can provide pricing for our multi-tiered cake with filling and buttercream frosting that is based on your guest count. Pricing starts at $165 for a 1 Tier Cake and goes up to $650 for a Large 4 Tier cake. The cost can be less or more depending on the complexity of the design, fondant work, or custom flavors. Please inquire for complete pricing.

DO YOU HAVE A CAKE STAND AND CAKE CUTTING SET AVAILABLE THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE? IF SO, HOW MUCH WOULD THIS COST?

Yes! We have a white porcelain cake stand available for your use. We also can provide a basic sterling silver cake cutting set. There are no fees for using our cake cutting set or cake stand.

DO YOU HAVE ANY GLUTEN-FREE/VEGAN CAKE OPTIONS?

Yes! All of our cake flavors can be made gluten-free and we can also create vegan cakes.

CAN YOU PROVIDE US WITH A HOSTED BAR DRINK MENU AND PRICING?

Yes. We offer professional bar service with customizable beverage packages including hosted bars, cash bars, signature cocktails, local craft beer, premium wine selections, and non-alcoholic options.

Our experienced bartending team helps create an enjoyable experience while ensuring responsible alcohol service throughout your event.

We have bar packages with three tiers:

• Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages

• House brand cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages

• Premium brand cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages

Please inquire for pricing. Ask us about signature cocktails, as well as local beer brewed here on the Big Island!

CAN I BRING MY OWN DECORATIONS?

Yes! We love DIY items and we also have several talented florist and event designers on the island who can help you create the mood and feel of your event. Contact us for more details.

WHAT ABOUT CANDLES AND SPARKLERS?

Candles are allowed; however, tall candle holders are recommended to prevent a breeze from blowing them out.

Sparklers/fireworks/fire dancers must be on the grass beside our building, not within our walls.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR CHAIR RENTALS?

Chair rental pricing depends on the type of chairs requested and ranges from about $6 to $12 per chair.

WHAT SIZE ARE THE TABLES AND CHAIRS?

Height of the chairs: Floor to the seat, 17.5″, and to the back of the chair is 31″. Length of the tables: Our 8-10 person tables are 34″x94″ and our 12 person tables are 30″ x 144″.

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF RAIN, ARE TENTS OR INDOOR ACCOMMODATIONS PROVIDED AT NO ADDITIONAL COST?

Our upstairs private event space is mostly outdoors and uncovered to allow the best view of the bay and unencumbered sunset views. If it does rain, we will move the wedding indoors and also add additional coverage to the lanai to keep you and your guests dry.

WHERE ARE THE CLOSEST PLACES TO STAY?

There are many accommodation options in Kailua-Kona, including resorts, hotels, condos, and house rentals.

Kailua-Kona Accommodation (10-15 minute walk to Papa Kona):

• King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel – Courtyard by Marriott

• Royal Kona Resort

• Holiday Inn Express

• Kona Seaside Hotel

30 minute walk/5 minute drive

• Aston Kona by the Sea Condominiums

• Kona Reef Resort Condominiums

• Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Resort

10-15 minute drive:

• Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa

• Holualoa Inn

Vacation Rental Websites:

• VRBO

• AirBnB

• Home Away

Can you help plan a vow renewal ceremony?

Absolutely. Whether you're celebrating five years together or fifty, we'll help create a meaningful ceremony that reflects your relationship.

Many couples combine their ceremony with a private dinner, sunset reception, or family celebration, creating an unforgettable experience in Kona.

can you cater to any part of the big island?

Yes, we can cater to any part of the Big Island! Our Delivery Fee Ranges from $100-$500 depending on the distance from our Papa Kona Events venue. 

What does full-service catering include?

Our full-service catering includes food preparation, transportation, setup, service staff, buffet or plated service, buffet tables with linens, and our staff will set your dining tables with white china plates, flatware, water glasses, and white linen napkins. Our staff will provide service with aloha through clean up.

Whether your event is at a private home, wedding venue, farm, or beachfront location, our experienced team manages every detail so you can enjoy your event.

How much does catering cost?

The cost of catering depends on several factors, including your guest count, menu selections, service style, venue location, and any additional staffing or rentals needed for your event. Our full-service catering packages begin at $44 per person for professional service, with food menus typically ranging from $45 to $85 per person, depending on your selections. Whether you're planning an elegant wedding reception, a corporate dinner, or a casual backyard celebration, we'll help create a package that fits your vision and budget.

After learning more about your event, our team will prepare a detailed proposal outlining all costs so you know exactly what to expect. We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden surprises, and we're happy to customize your menu and services to create an unforgettable event while staying within your desired budget.

What types of catering service do you offer?

We offer a variety of catering styles to match the atmosphere and flow of your event. Whether you're looking for an elegant plated dinner, a beautifully presented buffet, passed hors d'oeuvres during cocktail hour, interactive chef-attended action stations, or a combination of service styles, our team can help design the perfect dining experience for your guests. We work with you to determine the best option based on your guest count, venue, timeline, and overall event vision.

Many events combine multiple service styles to create a memorable experience. For example, couples often choose passed appetizers during cocktail hour followed by a plated dinner, while corporate events may feature buffet service with chef-attended carving or poke stations. Whatever your event calls for, we'll help create a seamless dining experience that keeps guests engaged and well cared for from beginning to end.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Absolutely. We believe every guest should enjoy an exceptional meal, regardless of dietary preferences or food allergies. Our culinary team regularly prepares vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy-conscious meals, and we're happy to work with you to accommodate other dietary needs whenever possible.

We encourage clients to share dietary restrictions in advance so our chefs can carefully plan appropriate alternatives. Whether you're serving a handful of guests with special dietary requests or creating an entirely plant-based menu, we'll ensure everyone has a delicious meal they can enjoy with confidence.

Do you offer bartending services?

Yes! We offer professional bartending services for events of all sizes, from intimate private parties to large weddings and corporate celebrations. Whether you simply need experienced bartenders to serve beverages or you're looking for a complete bar setup, we offer flexible packages that can be customized to fit your event and budget.

Our premium bartending packages can include professional bartenders, mixers, garnishes, glassware, ice, bar equipment, and everything needed to provide a seamless beverage service. You provide the alcohol, and we'll take care of the rest—allowing you to enjoy your event while our team handles setup, service, and cleanup. We can also help you estimate the appropriate amount of alcohol to purchase based on your guest count and event timeline.

Can you offer pick up or drop off catering?

Yes, pick up or drop-off catering is ideal for office lunches, family gatherings, meetings, and casual celebrations. We prepare your food fresh, deliver it ready to serve, and provide disposable serving utensils when needed.

This option offers the quality of professionally prepared food without the additional staffing required for full-service catering.

How do I book catering with Papa Kona Events?

Booking your catering is simple. Once we've discussed your event details and prepared a customized proposal, you'll receive a catering agreement outlining your menu, services, pricing, and event logistics. To reserve your date, we require a deposit equal to $2,000 or 50% of the total event cost, whichever is less. Once your deposit is received and the agreement is signed, your event is officially on our calendar.

From there, our team will guide you through every step of the planning process, including menu selections, timeline planning, staffing, rentals, bar service, and any final details leading up to your event. Our goal is to make planning as easy and stress-free as possible so you can focus on enjoying your celebration while we handle the details.

is rubbish hauling included?

Rubbish Hauling is an additional service that we can provide for your catered event. Most venues on the island require this service from outside caterers. 

can you provide tableware and glassware?

We can provide water, wine, champagne, and disposable glassware for your event in addition to the flatware & white China included in your catering package.