At midnight this morning, same-sex couples began taking advantage of Hawaii's newly enacted marriage-equality law.

Six couples tied the knot at a special ceremony at the Sheraton Waikiki: Keola Akana and Ethan Wung, Gary Bradley and Paul Perry,  Shaun Campbell and Tony Baijnauth James Singh, Donna Gedge and Monica Montgomery, Saralyn and Isajah Morales and Richard J. Rosehill and Shawna Okami.

Hawaii's marriage laws allow couples to register for a license and be married the same day. The group ceremony commenced with a special chant (or oli) by trans activist Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu. Afterward, the resort was open to any couples looking to get married, for no additional charge.

"It's just exciting and historic and we wanted to be a part of it," said Honolulu resident Maria Gallo, who was at the Sheraton to marry her partner. "This is like a confirmation with a group of people here who are sharing our joy."

Reports estimate the Aloha State will net $217 million over the next three years as a result of gay marriage.

Hawaii is often credited as the birthplace of the marriage-equality movement, as a gay couple's attempt to apply for a license in 1990 led to a court battle and eventually spurred the recently overturned Defense of Marriage Act.

"We started this battle 23 years ago and we get to finish it tonight," said Honolulu Pride's Michael Golojuch.