Planning your Elopement.

Maui is one of the best places to have an elopement. The island has beautiful scenery and easy access to most of the stores and off-the-beaten-path spots on the island.

Firstly, great food (which I love to try, so ask me for the best spots) is a winner. Luxurious accommodation also takes the stress off planning a destination wedding. In addition we have huge range of activities here on Maui which make for a really fun place to have your wedding! Above all Maui is only a short flight away from the west coast, and so it is pretty easily accessible.

Eloping is a great alternative to a big wedding in this modern age. You get to explore somewhere new, escape the stress of a big wedding and if you want to, you can always plan a big reception for next year.

If you’re wondering where to start and how to plan your elopement, I’ve put all you need to know down below.

Where to find the cheapest flights to Maui?

I like to use Google flights to check flight prices. Inside tip – if you have searched prices on flights to the same place a bunch of times, Google knows and puts the prices up. If you are on chrome you can go to file, open an icognito window and start your search again you will get the freshest up to date prices. I also use Skyscanner from time to time, prices for a roundtrip flight in September from San Diego to Kahului are currently around $297 . The good thing about elopements is that planning the time of year for both of your to come here is much easier than planning around 50 or more people!

Which are the best hotels to stay at in Maui?

Maui has loaaads of places to stay all at different price points. First of all you need to decide which side of Maui you will be eloping on, and from there you can pick your accommodation. Whether you want a romantic small bnb or a luxury hotel for your post-elopement stay Maui has plenty of choice.

Westside (Lahaina/ Kapalua area)

MAUI ELOPEMENT LOCATION – IRONWOODS BEACH

Budget- you can usually find a condo for around $100 a night on airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/

Mid-range – The Aston Mahana around $250 a night. Great location, close to Ka’anapali, Lahaina, breezy accommodation and great facilities. https://www.aquaaston.com/hotels/aston-mahana-at-kaanapali

Baller – The Ritz Carlton Kapalua – starting price for rooms is around $650 per night but obviously varies greatly throughout the year depending on the season. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/kapalua-maui

Southside (Kihei/ Wailea area)

MAUI ELOPEMENT LOCATION – CHANGS BEACH

Budget – Kamaole Sands, you can usually find deals to condos in the Kihei area for around $100 a night, take this one for example –https://bit.ly/2XgxLRv

Mid-range – Wailea Beach Resort (Marriott) around $360 a night https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/hnmmc-wailea-beach-resort-marriott-maui/

Baller – The Andaz Maui $600 a night https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/hawaii/andaz-maui-at-wailea-resort/oggaw The Andaz Maui is a super modern, aesthetically pleasing hotel in Wailea. Some of the hotels in Hawaii can be a bit ‘old school’ in their design, so if you appreciate a modern vibe you’ll love this place. The rooms are clean and sophisticated and there are four pools with amazing poolside service.

Eastside (Hana)

MAUI ELOPEMENT LOCATION – RED SAND BEACH

Budget – www.airbnb.com Look for locations close to Hana town where you will find all the conveniences you need.

Baller – Travaasa around 700 a night https://travaasa.com/hana/ Staying in Hana really feels like you have taken a break, the cell reception is patchy. You barely use your phone, the water is warm and the days are long. There is really only one full service hotel in Hana which is Travaasa. Love it or hate it, the rooms do not have radios, tvs or clocks, encouraging you to really ‘switch off’!

Where to get married in Maui?

I know I’ve listed some great Maui elopement locations along with the hotels above, but the selection of places in Maui you can get married is endless. We have beaches, jungles, waterfalls, mountaintops and dormant volcanos and you can get married at them all! The best thing to do is speak to your photographer and let them know your likes/ dislikes and they can point you in the right direction.

The legalities.

To get married in Maui, you first need a marriage license. Arrange an appointment with an agent for the day after you arrive, and bring your license to be made official by your minister the day you say your ‘I dos’. Here’s the link to book your license appointment https://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/

Minister

You legally need a minister or someone who is ordained (such as myself) to sign your paperwork to make your wedding official. I have a list of vendors I have personally worked with and can send you my recommendations.

AND THAT’S IT! YOU’RE MARRIED!

Now for the good stuff –

The best things to do in Maui –

• Drink a cocktail by the beach while listening to live music. What’s better than good music, good food and drink and a view of the ocean?! – https://www.hulagrillkaanapali.com/

• Go on a snorkel cruise to Lanai. I love this company, they treat you like family, their boats are the best, and they teach about Marine conservation at the same time! https://sailtrilogy.com/

• Hike to a waterfall – many of the waterfalls on Maui are either on protected or private land. Wailele Farm aka Twin Falls has kindly opened their waterfall to the public – https://www.twinfallsmaui.net/ You can swim in the water and there are three waterfalls at various stages to checkout. (You can get married here too!)

• Visit Big Beach in Makena. https://hawaiistateparks.org/parks/maui/makena-state-park/ This is my favorite beach, it is beautiful, huge and there are no buildings on the beach. Make sure you check the conditions before you go, watch out for the shorebreak and make sure you pay attention to the lifeguards, the waves can get crazy big here!

• See Haleakala. Maui’s dormant volcano is worth a trip, the sunrise view from 10,000 feet up is unreal. You need a parking permit before you go, book in advance https://www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/haleakala-sunrise-reservations.htm) Stop at Kula lodge for some breakfast on the way back down!

• See a Luau https://www.oldlahainaluau.com/ Want to learn a little more about the local Hawaiian culture and keep if fun and family friendly? Luau’s are a great way to spend an evening, and I’ve heard on good authority that Old Lahaina Luau is the best!

Where to eat on Maui

My favorite eating places are here –

• Fresh fish and the best Poke for lunchtime spot! https://fishmarketmaui.com/

• Nuka Maui – THE BEST SUSHI – my mouth starts watering every time I drive past this place – http://nukamaui.com/

• Merrimans – really good farm to table food, this place is great for a more romantic / swanky dinner. https://www.merrimanshawaii.com/kapalua/

• Hula Grill – great for live music, pupus (appetizers) and an ocean view https://www.hulagrillkaanapali.com/

• Monkeypod Kitchen – great for Pizza and cocktails/ brews a ‘gastropub’ if you will. https://www.monkeypodkitchen.com/

I have soooo many more ideas for your Maui Elopement, so reach out! If you want to chat more about planning your Maui Elopement email me here