Serena and Andrew’s 10 Year Wedding Anniversary Party

March 13–14, 2026 · Hilo, Hawaiʻi

We are so excited to celebrate our ten-year wedding anniversary with our nearest and dearest in one of our favorite places in the world. Thank you for traveling to Hilo to share this weekend with us. We can’t wait to celebrate and make new memories together!

Serena and Andrew

10 Years and Counting!

We met in 2014 on a night when Serena may or may not have had a second date lined up, but quickly realized she wouldn’t be needing it. Andrew showed up early to SRO, a tiny ten-seat secret bar hidden inside Oddjob in San Francisco, just to make sure we had seats together. That thoughtful gesture ended up setting the tone for everything that followed.

As we talked, we learned our lives had been full of almost connections. We were both from El Cerrito, grew up less than a mile apart, and somehow never crossed paths until we were both living in San Francisco in our twenties.

From there, things moved fast. We got married at San Francisco City Hall with every intention of planning a reception “soon”
 and then life kicked in. Serena started her PhD, Andrew dove into startup life, we got Soma and Kuma, we moved, we traveled, we bought a house, and somehow ten years went by in the blink of an eye.

So here we are, finally throwing the celebration we always meant to. We’re excited to mark ten years of marriage with the people who have been part of our lives and supported us through every twist, turn, and adventure.

Thanks for celebrating with us, better late than never!

Welcome Party

Date: Friday, March 13th

Time: Evening

Location: TBD

Attire: Smart Casual

Join us for drinks, bites, and a relaxed kickoff to the weekend. This is an informal gathering where everyone can meet, catch up, and ease into Hilo time.

Anniversary Celebration

Date: Saturday, March 14

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Jackie Rey’s Ohana Gril Hilo, 64 Keawe St, Hilo, HI 96720

Attire: Elevated Aloha (Semi-Formal)
Think bright colors, flowy fabrics, and fun prints. No beachwear, please.

This is our main celebration! Join us for dinner, drinks, and good company as we celebrate ten years together.

Travel

There are no direct flights from the SF Bay Area to Hilo, but interisland flights are very convenient. We typically connect through Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, or Maui and then fly into Hilo.

You can also fly directly from the SF Bay Area to Kona, on the other side of the Big Island. If you choose this route, we recommend renting a car and driving across the island to Hilo. The drive takes about two hours and is very scenic.

Ubers and taxis are available in Hilo, but the town is small and availability can vary. Renting a car is the most convenient option, though not absolutely necessary.

Accommodations

We will be staying at SCP Hilo Hotel and have arranged a block of rooms for our guests at a special group rate of $165 per night. This rate is available for stays between March 12–15, 2026, and can be booked directly through the link below.

Group Rate Booking Link:
Book the SCP Hilo group rate $165/night

Hotel Address:
SCP Hilo Hotel, 126 Banyan Way, Hilo, HI 96720

If you would like to arrive early or extend your stay beyond the main dates, please make a reservation for the standard March 12–15 window using the link above, and then contact the hotel to request additional dates. The hotel team will manually extend your reservation at the group rate if availability allows.

If you prefer an upgraded room, the hotel asks that guests call them directly at (866) 244-2084 to book.

Explore Historic Hilo

Whether you’re arriving early or staying a little longer, Hilo is full of beautiful places to see, great food, and relaxed local spots. Here are some of our favorite recommendations for exploring the area.

What to Expect in Hilo

  • Relaxed, local vibes — Hilo isn’t a resort town; it’s laid-back, friendly, and full of small local businesses.
  • Rain and humidity — the lush scenery comes from frequent showers, so pack something light for rain.
  • Comfortable, casual dress — aloha wear is everyday clothing, and even nicer restaurants lean casual.
  • Slower pace — things run on “Hilo time,” which is part of the charm.
  • Easy access to nature — beaches, waterfalls, gardens, and volcanoes are all within a short drive.

Things to See & Do

Rainbow Falls

Iconic waterfall just minutes from downtown. Best in the early morning.

Liliʻuokalani Gardens

Peaceful Japanese garden by the water with walking paths and photo spots.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

About 45 minutes away — lava tubes, steam vents, and unique volcanic landscapes. A must if you have time.

Carlsmith Beach Park

Calm, clear water for swimming and snorkeling. Sea turtles often visit.

Richardson Ocean Park

Black sand beach with tide pools and great sunrise views.

Hilo Farmers Market

Open daily, with the biggest market days on Wednesday and Saturday. Local fruits, snacks, and handmade goods.

Big Island Candies

Iconic Hilo stop. Visit the flagship store to sample cookies, watch candy being made, and stock up on their famous shortbread (Serena’s favorite!).

Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station (VIS)

About 1 hour from Hilo. Incredible stargazing, sunset views, and guided programs.
Note: The summit requires a 4×4 vehicle and tolerance for high altitude; most visitors stay at the VIS unless joining a guided tour.

Places to Eat, Drink & Treat Yourself

  • Suisan Fish Market — super fresh poke bowls by the water
  • Pineapples Restaurant — open-air dining, cocktails, and live music
  • CafĂ© 100 — home of the original loco moco
  • Two Ladies Kitchen — famous fresh mochi (go early!)
  • Conscious Culture CafĂ© — great coffee, smoothies, and bowls
  • Ola Brew — local brewery with a fun, casual vibe
  • Hawaiian Style CafĂ© — huge portions and classic Hawai‘i comfort food
  • Hilo Bay CafĂ© — relaxed upscale dining with great sushi and bay views
  • Booch Bar — kombucha on tap, plant-forward bowls, great vegetarian/vegan options
  • Vibe CafĂ© — creative, colorful plant-based dishes
  • Big Island Candies — iconic shortbread cookies and chocolate-dipped treats (yes, it’s listed twice because it’s that good)
  • Blaine’s Drive Inn — classic local spot with nostalgic slush floats — a fun, refreshing treat on a hot Hilo day, full of Red Dye 40 energy

Easy Half-Day Ideas

Morning Swim + Poke

Carlsmith or Richardson → poke bowls at Suisan.
Not into poke? Pick up a plate lunch from CafĂ© 100 and have a picnic at the beach! Finish with a slush float from Blaine’s.

Volcano Adventure

Explore Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park → stop in Volcano Village.

Downtown Hilo Stroll

Shops and cafĂ©s → LiliÊ»uokalani Gardens → drinks at Ola Brew.

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt

A fun way to explore town at your own pace (details coming soon).

Getting Around

  • Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore beyond town.
  • Ubers and taxis are available but limited at peak times.
  • Most major sights are 5–15 minutes from SCP Hilo Hotel.