How to Elope in Maui – Your Guide to Planning a Maui Elopement
There are some places that just feel like they hum with a frequency all of their own – and Maui is one of those places! The island is lush, sculpted by lava and surrounded by ocean, but beyond the beauty, there’s also a spirit of connection to the island. Whether you’re drawn to the cliffs of Honolua Bay, the stillness of a Haleakalā sunrise, or the wild curves of the Road to Hana, this guide will tell you how to elope in Maui.
Dreamy Maui Elopement Locations
Maui is vast, with a varied landscape – there are the postcard-perfect beaches, along with cliffs, rainforests, and volcanic peaks. Narrowing down the perfect place to elope might just be the hardest part! Here are a few incredible elopement locations to consider.
Oneloa (Ironwoods) Beach
Oneloa, or Ironwoods Beach is located on the north shore of West Maui, between Kapalua and Napili. This beach is a little bit more tucked away, and quieter than some of the more popular spots – though it can still get busy. The beach is bordered by lava cliffs, where you can tie the knot overlooking the ocean! You can also get married down on the beach, but the cliffs are more private, and even when the beach gets busy, the cliffs offer a quieter spot.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay is an incredible place to snorkel – the water is calm in the summer, and clear, allowing you to see corals and marine life. And even if you stay on the shore, the marine preserve is gorgeous, with blue water, white sand, and a lush coastline.
Haleakalā
Haleakalā is the volcano that makes up most of Maui, and it has one of the biggest craters in the world. It means “House of the Sun,” and there are some truly breathtaking sunrises! In Hakleakalā National Park, you can explore lush waterfalls and streams, or stunning red desert landscapes as you get higher in elevation.
Twin Falls
If you want to tie the knot in front of a waterfall, Twin Falls is actually the only place on Maui where you can do that! In order to protect the land, there are regulations about elopement ceremonies, so this is the only waterfall elopement location. Located along the Road to Hana, it’s a popular spot, so timing is key – but it’s worth it for the tropical setting and the cascading water.
Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is a 52 mile winding road – the drive is incredibly scenic, and there are tons of gorgeous places to stop along the way. Beaches, waterfalls, and more! While this isn’t a singular location, it can be a fun adventure and you can find plenty of incredible spots on this road or by it.
Choosing the Best Time to Elope in Maui
Maui is known for warm, tropical weather year-round, but it does vary throughout the seasons, and there are some considerations when it comes to choosing when you should elope.
Winter (November – March) is the rainy season, but rain showers are usually short, passing quickly. After they pass, you’ll often be rewarded with a rainbow! Longer storms are relatively rare, so as long as you’re prepared with rain gear and for muddy trails, eloping in the winter can be a great experience. Keep in mind that while summer is the busiest season overall, the time over Christmas and the New Year are the busiest times on Maui! The activities you want to do will be a factor too – winter is the best time for surfing if you have some experience, because this is when the waves are the biggest. It’s also the best time for whale watching!
One of the best times to elope in Maui is in the spring (April – June). There are fewer crowds, the weather is warm and sunny, and there are a lot of spring festivals and events.
June through November is technically hurricane season, but hurricanes and tropical storms are actually pretty rare on Maui – so it’s not something you usually need to consider. However, summer is the most popular time to visit, so you can expect more people to be around, and prices to be higher. July through August is also very warm, with temperatures getting up into the high 80s. Summer is good for snorkeling, since the water is usually calm, and the warmer temperatures mean the water is warmer, too!
September is actually one of the best times to elope in Maui, because the summer crowds are dwindling! The weather stays pretty good until around mid-November, so fall is a good time for an elopement if you want to avoid some of the peak crowds while still getting to enjoy good weather.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the different regions of Maui can experience different weather, and the climate does vary. While the above is a good general overview, there are also some specific microclimates to be aware of – for example, on top of Haleakalā, at 10,000 feet, it can sometimes snow in the winter!
Things to Do When You Elope in Maui
Your elopement isn’t just the ceremony – it’s an entire day (or a few days) of wonder and intentional moments! Here are a few ways you can make your time extra magical, and some things to do when you elope in Maui.
- Sail into the sunset on a catamaran
- Stargaze after dark – Maui’s night skies are gorgeous
- Snorkel or paddleboard in the calm blue water
- Get a couple’s massage at a resort or tucked away spa in the jungle
- Have a picnic on the beach
- Take a whale watching tour
- Drive the Road to Hana – there are tons of landmarks and scenic stops along the way!
The best elopement day is the one that feels like you! So plan a day that’s exactly what you want it to be.
Leave No Trace and Respect for Maui’s History
Maui is an incredibly special place, and part of what makes it so special is the rich culture, history, and connection to the land. So, when you’re here, it’s important to honor that!
This includes getting a permit for your elopement, and following local laws. The permit process, and permit requirements depend on where you decide to elope. For most beaches, you’ll need a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources, but make sure to check who manages the location where you want to elope to find out if you need a permit! For example, to tie the knot at Haleakalā, you’ll need a Special Use Permit from the National Parks Service.
It sounds confusing, but don’t worry, I’ll help you with this! I’ll help you figure out whether you need a permit and where to get it, and make sure that we’re compliant with local laws and regulations – these rules are in place to protect the land, so it’s important to show respect for the island and for its people, and to practice Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace means leaving locations better than you found them – staying on designated trails, avoiding disturbing wildlife or ecosystems, and picking up trash. We want this place to stay beautiful!
Maui Wedding Ceremony Traditions
If you want to elope in Maui in a way that honors this place, you can incorporate some Hawaiian traditions into your ceremony – just make sure to read up on the ceremony and what it represents, and ensure that you incorporate it respectfully. Here are a few traditions.
- Lei exchange – the lei is a symbol of joy, worn for joyous occasions. Exchanging leis is a symbol of sealing your promises, and sharing your joy.
- Handwashing – washing your hands before the ceremony represents forgiveness, and washing each other’s hands is a promise to hold forgiveness for each other throughout your lives.
- Ring blessing – with this ceremony, the officiant blesses the rings, sprinkling water over them while chanting a blessing.
Whenever you incorporate cultural elements into your ceremony, the most important thing is intention and respect. I can help you find local officiants who can honor these traditions authentically!
Food to Try When You Elope in Maui
The food in Maui is part of the experience – and there are so many amazing restaurants to try! Here are just a few spots:
- Huihui – one of the best spots for poke!
- Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice – with several locations across the island, they have the most incredible shaved ice.
- Ichiban Okazuya – this is a mom and pop shop, and a must-visit for authentic Japanese food
Why Elope in Maui With Me
As an elopement photographer, my goal is to make sure you have an incredible, stress free wedding experience. Eloping in Maui isn’t just about the pretty location – it’s about being intentional with how you get married! My photography is rooted in that same idea – I want to capture your day with honesty and emotion.
I’ll help guide you through planning, scout the perfect location, recommend vendors, and witness the quiet in-between glances, the wind in your hair, and every moment that makes your elopement day unlike any other. I’ll be more than your photographer – I’ll be your cheerleader, your guide, and someone who sees your love story and documents it the way it really happened.
If this sounds like your kind of day – wild, beautiful, and rooted in meaning – let’s start planning! Contact me, and we’ll start dreaming up your elopement day.
