How to Elope in Maui

Eloping in the Hawaiian Islands is such a magical experience! Whether you are thinking of having an intimate wedding in Kauai or eloping just the two of you in Oahu, you really can’t go wrong. But if you are thinking of where to elope in Hawaii and the island of Maui has caught your eye, you’re not alone. A Maui elopement can be an incredible adventure. If you find yourself wondering how to elope in Maui, or wanting some tips on planning your elopement in Maui, I’ve got you.

Tips on Eloping in Maui

• When planning your Maui elopement, you should opt for a sunrise ceremony if privacy is your thing. Maui is the second most populated island in Hawaii. Everyone loves to come out for Maui sunsets, so scenic areas of the island can become more crowded during that time of day. It’s always helpful to book a Maui elopement photographer who knows the island well – I can direct you to my favorite secret spots for your Maui wedding if you want a more secluded location. Having a morning elopement in the islands can offer such magical lighting – check out this Mauna Kea elopement for inspo!

• Maui is the windiest of all the Hawaiian Islands. That being said, I recommend asking your hairstylist to style your hair in an updo for your Maui elopement! Your hairstylist can also help with other tips for eloping in Hawaii. If you’d rather wear your hair down on your wedding day, I’ll place you facing into the wind. The winds of Maui can soon become your best friend when it comes to incorporating movement into your elopement photos. The windiest part of the island? The North Shore of Maui.

• It makes sense to know a bit about each region of the island in order to determine what spot is the best fit for your elopement ceremony! South Maui and the towns of Kihei and Wailea are known for being dry and sunny, with lots of beaches. West Maui and the towns of Lahaina, Kapalua, and Kāʻanapali are a bit of a drive from the airport, but worth it for the charming beachfront towns and gorgeous views of Lāna’i and Molokaʻi. North Shore of Maui has rugged, epic geography and incredible surf and one of my favorite towns, Pāʻia. Upcountry Maui and the towns of Makawao and Kula have a different energy from Maui’s coastal regions. This area is lush and filled with beautiful rolling hills and farms. At a higher elevation, you will get an unbeatable sunset with panoramic island views. Upcountry Maui is the perfect base for exploring Haleakala National Park. East Maui boasts the Road to Hana – a scenic drive with dozens of waterfalls and greenery. The Big Island isn’t the only place to have a black sand beach elopement – in Maui, you can take advantage of a beautiful black sand beach nestled in Wai’ānapanapa State Park.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Maui

Visiting Maui for your elopement can happen during any time of the year. However, the most popular time to visit Maui is September to October. During certain parts of the summer, the island will be busy and bustling with tourists. And as a top tip, if you’re wanting to go whale watching while you’re in Maui for your elopement, you’ll want to visit the island from November to March. Maui is one of the best places to see whales during this time. This is because it has the warmest and safest waters for these sea animals!

Maui is a popular destination for weddings and vacations. There will be people year-round, so visit Maui when it feels best for you!

How to Plan a Maui Elopement

When you’re eloping in Maui, you’ll want to know how to make your marriage legal in Hawaii. After you’ve determined that your paperwork is in order, chat with me, your Maui elopement photographer! We will explore ideas and concepts on how to make your elopement Maui truly special to the two of you. This includes locations for the perfect backdrop to your elopement ceremony, dining experiences to take advantage of the delicious food that Maui has to offer, and I’ll offer my custom tips on how to incorporate things you love doing together (as well as fun adventures and activities that you can only find in the Hawaiian Islands!).

Fun Activities for Your Maui Vacation

Whale watching, exploring waterfalls, surf lessons, and hiking are just some of the adventures that you can include while you’re eloping in Maui. 

Consider visiting other small islands while you’re here! Maui is a uniquely oriented island. This tropical paradise is surrounded by other islands, and has a ferry to Lanai. During your Maui elopement or wedding, you can do day trips out to Lanai, or consider honeymooning there! There are two Four Seasons Resorts, cool off-roading beaches, and a cat sanctuary (talk about a unique experience!) on the small island of Lanai.

Dreaming of other places to have some fun during your Maui elopement? Consider hanging out on Molokaʻi to see absolutely epic views. An amazing elopement activity can be to take a helicopter tour on Molokaʻi, because this island is home to the world’s highest sea cliffs. If you want to do a day trip, there is a ferry you can take from Maui to Molokaʻi. 

Boat tours and snorkeling tours abound on the island of Molokini, but that’s not all! For your elopement, you can also kayak here, and take in the views on a catamaran or sailboat.

Where to Stay in Maui

When you elope in Maui, staying at an Airbnb can be a cozy option that will really transport you to island life. Here are a few of my fave places to stay in Maui, just to get you started!

Where to Stay in South Maui (Kihei and Wailea)

• Sugar Beach Resort Penthouse
• Luxury Cottage with Salt Water Spa in Kihei
• Beachcomber Beauty Cottage in Kihei
• Boho Condo in Kihei
• Charming Artist’s Studio in Kihei

Where to Stay in West Maui (Lahaina, Kapalua, Napili)

• Napili Nani Cottage
• Studio in Napili
• Oceanfront Condo in Lahaina
• Remodeled Garden View Condo in Lahaina

Where to Stay on Maui’s North Shore (Paia, Makawao, Haiku)

• Adorable Garden House in Makawao
• Tropical North Shore Cottage in Haiku-Pauwela
• Hawaiian Dream Temple in Haiku-Pauwela
• Star Lookout with Private Hot Tub
• Rainbow Lookout with Private Hot Tub

Where to Stay in Upcountry Maui (Kula)

• Private Luxurious Cottage
• Upcountry Villa with Breathtaking Views
• Kula Jacaranda Studio on the Slopes of Haleakala

Where to Stay in East Maui (Hana and Hamoa)

• Romantic Hamoa Bay Bungalow
• Ocean View Lofted Studio at Hana Kai Maui
• Hana Oceanfront Paradise
• Hamoa Beach House

If this will be your first time visiting Maui or Hawaii, check out my tips for what to bring during your trip to the Hawaiian Islands.

Enjoy The Best Maui Elopement!

Now that you’ve gotten a little peek into planning an elopement in Maui, it’s time to get excited! Learning how to elope in Maui can feel a little daunting at first, but I am here to help you plan an effortless day for you two to enjoy.

Contact me and I can assist you in planning your ultimate elopement in Maui.