Hilton Hawaiian Village - Parking Situation :(

starlite7378

My ceremony will be at the Hilton Hawaiian Village property, but the ceremony is with a separate company than the hotel itself.  Therefore, they do not offer parking validation for the guests of the ceremony.  I was informed of this when I signed the contract, of course, but didn't think much of it until I started focusing on details.

I've read many online boards and many mainlanders (sorry to segregate!) believe that it is rude and unacceptable to have guests pay for parking to attend your wedding.  I understand the principle, but in Hawaii, we are pretty accustomed to paying for parking when we are a guests at a wedding. 

But now that the tables have turned, I feel really guilty.  Even MORE guilty because I found out how much parking costs!!!  It's $24 for self-park and $30 for valet parking.  It would only be $8 and $13 IF they could get validation.  I feel TERRIBLY about ANY guest having to pay $24+ for parking for my wedding!!  

One caveat is that if the guests mosey over to the bars on site (or Starbucks!) or retail stores, they can get validation from those establishments.  But it's not exactly appropriate to include instructions on "how to cheat the system" in the invitation...

I can't afford to sponsor the parking cost for each guest, so that idea is out.  My reception is at a different location, so there's no way to get the validation that way.

Have any of you been to a wedding at HHV?  Are there any alternative places to park nearby that are more affordable?

Anyone have any ideas on what I should do??

kaesha

FWIW, I've been to weddings where we've had to pay for parking on site, it doesn't really bother me, but if there're a few public lots with cheaper rates that you can recommend to your guests, or, at the very least give them options, then I think you've done all you can do.

Tanq&Tonic

I kind of agree with Alyson, although I think $24 is pretty steep.  I would do the following:

- Check with Starbucks if you could do something like buy coffee for your guests after the ceremony in exchange for a booklet of validation -- maybe like a refreshment table.  You could also order some bulk carafes of coffee which are cheaper.  $2/pp to save them $16 per car is worth it, IMO. 

- Let your guests know on the website the cost for parking.  Also let them know if they'd like to carpool, you can put them in touch with another set of guests in the same area.

- I really like Alyson's idea of offering options such as local options for more affordable parking, etc.

- I don't think you have to explicitly say "to get around the parking fee, shop at Starbucks".  You could, however, add a note that says "Validation is available with any purchase at Starbucks and retail shops.  Validated rate is $8".  That's just being helpful, not really instructing them to break the rules.  I would leave this off the invitation, but maybe on an insert or website if you have those.

I would be really annoyed to show up and be surprised with $24 in parking.  However, if you had warned me and given me some other options, then it's nobody's choice but my own.

kimmykupcakes

I don't think you are responsible to pay for parking.  If we were to have our wedding at home in downtown Portland, everyone would have to pay for parking.  You should talk to the hotel and see if you can work out a deal. 

angelia12

Are most of your guests staying in hotels within Waikiki? If so, they could walk if they didn't want to pay for parking, it's an easy walk from many Waikiki hotels.

How long will your ceremony be? If it's only an hour or two, then they could park at The Hale Koa parking garage on Saratoga, which is very close to Hilton Hawaiian Village - cost would likely be under $8 for 2 hours. There are also many parking meters on Saratoga (same st. as the hotel) that are just a short walk.
You could offer them a few options and from those they could make the decision whether to pay the $24 parking fee for convenience, or save the money and either walk or park in a garage or meter nearby.
Good luck!

starlite7378

thank you for all of your suggestions!!!

I am totally looking for alternative parking spots - the Hale Koa one is a great one!!  thank you so much   I think utilizing the Web site and being very professional about it is an excellent suggestion.  I loved the "Validation is available with any purchase at Starbucks and retail shops.  Validated rate is $8" <-- !! BOMBSKIES!

I also will include that taking a taxi or carpooling can be more affordable ideas. 

If the parking was $10 or less, I would definitely feel less guilty.  But I, myself, would flip out at a $24 parking rate.  I guess I wouldn't if the wedding was in NYC or SF, though?

You ladies are amazing!!!

PugTails3602

I think you've gotten some good suggestions...I'd also use close family to help spread the word through word of mouth...