A few moments before a wedding ceremony, the officiant dips a Koa wood bowl into the ocean in order to perform a Hawaiian blessing over the wedding rings.

Koa, which is one of the most treasured and valuable hardwoods on the island. Koahas been used over the centuries to build the outrigger canoes, tools and utensils.

In the context of marriage it has come to represent integrity and strength, the foundational qualities in a relationship.