Maui Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Maui, Hawaii
There’s truly no place like Maui – it’s like being able to take a big, deep breath, and that’s how your wedding day should be too! No rush, no running around trying to make sure you have time for everything, and no stress… just you, your partner, and your dream elopement in an absolutely magical place. If you want to exchange vows on a sandy beach or by a cascading waterfall, if you want to hike, or surf, or fly in a helicopter on the day you get married, this guide will tell you how to elope in Maui!
Hiring a Maui Elopement Planner
First things first – hiring an elopement planner for your wedding in Maui will make every single step in this guide easier! You’ve got enough on your plate, but the good news is that you can leave all the details to me. As a Maui elopement planner, my job is to make sure your day is nothing short of amazing! I’m your local friend who knows the ins and outs of this island, all the secret spots, and everything you need for your elopement.
After we make things official, I’ll get to work planning your dream day – but this isn’t a “one size fits all” template! Your elopement will be absolutely unique to you, which means I’ll get to know you and what you’re dreaming of for your day, and get to work on personalized recommendations. I handle location scouting, booking your vendors, guiding you through permits and marriage licenses, and anything else you need to know! All you have to do is show up, get married, and have a blast.
Getting to Maui for Your Elopement
To tie the knot in Maui, you’ll need to get here! Maui’s main airport is the Kahului Airport (OGG) – and you can usually find a direct flight to the island from most major airports. Sometimes, travelers land in Oahu, at the Honolulu International Airport (HNL) before taking a quick flight to Maui – also a great option if you want to explore more of Hawaii and do some island hopping!
Once you’re in Maui, there are several options for getting around. The island has shuttles, taxis, and public transportation, but if you want to explore more of the island and stray away from the resorts, I recommend renting a car for your Maui elopement! A car will give you the most freedom, allowing you to explore all that this incredible place has to offer.
The Best Time to Elope in Maui
One of the things that Maui is best known for is its idyllic weather! There’s truly no bad time to tie the knot in Maui, but there are a few things to consider before you put a date in the calendar.
Winter in Maui
Winter is the most popular time to travel to Maui, since people are trying to get away from colder climates, so December through March you can expect more crowds and more people out and about! Flights and accommodations are typically pricier this time of year, especially around the holidays. The weather is great, and this is the best time to elope in Maui if you want to surf (the beaches will be too rough for swimming) or go whale watching!
Spring in Maui
Spring temperatures stay warm, but the tourist season ends in March, which means this time of year is great for avoiding crowds. There are several festivals in April, so this is one of the best times to elope in Maui for couples who want to learn and experience the island’s culture!
Summer in Maui
Summers in Maui, though a little warmer, don’t get much higher than the rest of the year. This season is another popular one for travelers, since families take advantage of summer vacations! This is the best time to elope in Maui if you want to swim, as the currents are less strong – great for paddle boarding, snorkeling, or swimming, but not so good for surfing.
Fall in Maui
Along with spring, fall is the best time to elope in Maui if you want to see fewer crowds, and have a better chance at finding some privacy for your ceremony! Temperatures stay in the 80s, and travel costs drop back down after the summer season ends.
Maui Elopement Locations – Where to Elope in Maui
This might just be the best part – choosing that place where you’ll stand with the love of your life and read your vows, promising the rest of your lives to each other. Maui’s full of gorgeous places, including well known spots and lesser known hidden gems! Part of my job as your elopement planner is to help you find the perfect place – so you’ll get your very own, personalized list of Maui elopement location recommendations. But, to get you inspired, here are a few options for your ceremony when you tie the knot in Maui!
Maui Beach Elopement Locations
Of all its jaw dropping scenery, the beaches are what bring most people to Maui! Whether you want to end your elopement day with a dip in the ocean or just relax on the beach, here are a few of the best Maui beach elopement locations.
Baldwin Beach
This beach on Maui’s north shore is further away from the resorts, which means it’s usually a little less popular than some of the other beaches! That’s a major bonus, since you probably want some privacy when you exchange vows. This is a great place for swimming, as there are spots that are protected from the break (which is better suited for surfing) – Baby Beach to the west and Baldwin Cove to the west are popular spots for families to go for a dip!
Ironwoods Beach
Ironwoods Beach is a quiet beach that’s a little harder to find, which means it’s not as popular. The sandy shoreline is bordered by towering cliffs made of lava rock, creating a stunning backdrop for your ceremony!
Po’olenalena Beach
This beach is an amazing place to go at sunset, and is often pretty empty at the end of the day. The rocky outcroppings are home to coral and other marine life, and when the sea is calm, this is a great place to snorkel!
Maui Waterfall Elopement Locations
Maui has some incredible waterfalls – but unfortunately, ceremonies and photos at waterfalls are off-limits, with the exception of one spot! You can elope at Twin Falls, where two waterfalls cascade side by side into a pool of water. This location is at the beginning of the Road to Hana, and is easy to reach!
Maui Mountain Elopement Locations
You can venture a little further off the beaten path to explore Maui’s mountain peaks and volcanoes!
Haleakala National Park
Haleakala Crater towers over Maui, and it can be seen from almost every point on the island – and this dormant volcano is surrounded by a national park, where you can find some of the most incredible views. The sunrises and sunsets are jaw dropping!
West Maui Mountains
These mountains have some of the most stunning views in Maui – but many of them can’t even be reached with a hike. The best way to experience the West Maui Mountains is with a helicopter tour! You’ll fly over gorgeous summits, and see the “Wall of Tears” – a wall with 17 waterfalls tumbling over.
Maui Elopement Permits
Many places in Maui require an elopement permit to allow you to have a ceremony! Even if it’s just the two of you, depending on the Maui elopement location you choose, you may have to apply for a permit. Don’t worry – as your Maui elopement planner, I’ll handle this and make sure you know the rules for your spot!
How to Get Legally Married When You Elope in Maui
Adventures and amazing experiences are just one part of your elopement in Maui – there’s also the slightly-less-fun part, which includes getting a marriage license and signing paperwork to officially tie the knot!
To get married in Maui, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license from the state of Hawaii. You can fill out the application online, but you’ll need to go to an office in person once you arrive in Hawaii to pick it up. You and your partner will need to bring your IDs and go together, within 30 days of your ceremony.
Once you get the marriage license, there’s no waiting period – which means you can get married right away! However, I definitely recommend arriving a little early to pick up your marriage license before the day of.
No witnesses are required in Maui, but an officiant needs to sign your marriage license. We’ll match you with the perfect officiant who can create a personalized ceremony for you!
Things to Do When You Elope in Maui
The adventures are endless in Maui – so whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or you’re more of a chill on the beach kind of couple, there’s something for you! Your elopement should be an experience, and it should be unique to you. It’s more than a ceremony – you’ve got a whole day to celebrate tying the knot, and a honeymoon to spend on the island! Here are some things you can do when you elope in Maui.
Fly in a Helicopter
Imagine soaring through the sky, taking in the views from above. There’s no better adventure than flying to a remote peak and having the place all to yourself, and a helicopter tour will get you to the most jaw dropping scenery!
Drive the Road to Hana
The Road to Hana (or the Hana Highway) is one of the most iconic things to do in Maui. This long, winding mountain road will take you along the mountain side through lush rainforests, countless waterfalls, and beautiful beaches. You can drive this road yourself, or book a tour with a guide who will show you all the best spots!
Go Surfing
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, surfing is tons of fun. In Maui, there are countless beaches with perfect waves – so for a fun way to spend some time together, you can take a surfing lesson and get in the water!
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
The magic of Maui doesn’t end at the shoreline. Under the surface of the sea, you’ll find tons of marine life – including sea turtles, stingrays, and even sharks and dolphins! Hawaii is one of the best places in the country (and even in the entire world) for scuba diving and snorkeling, so don’t miss it!
Where to Stay When You Elope in Maui
You need a place to sleep, so when you elope in Maui, choose a place to stay that will add to your wedding experience! Here are some options for lodging when you tie the knot in Maui.
Resorts
While I super duper recommend venturing outside the resort to find your elopement location and to really experience Maui, the resorts can make a convenient, luxurious place to stay! You’ll often find all inclusive packages that make the resorts a great home base for your adventures.
Airbnbs
An Airbnb is often more private than staying at a resort or hotel, and it can allow you to get a more “authentic” experience of Maui! You’ll find lots of beachside condos, cute cottages, and more.
Maui Elopement Photographer and Other Vendors
All inclusive, remember? My job as your elopement planner is to make sure you don’t have to worry about a thing! I’ll be by your side throughout the entire process, handling details and logistics and crafting a completely unique experience for you.
On your elopement day, I’ll be the photographer – snapping photos while Alex, your day of coordinator, makes sure everything runs smoothly! During the planning process, I’ll match you with all the best vendors in Maui, who will work to create your perfect wedding day.
Tips for Eloping in Maui
Maui’s a one of a kind place – and that means there are some things to consider as you plan your elopement! Here are some tips to keep in mind for your day.
Practice Leave No Trace When You Elope in Maui
It’s no secret that Maui, and all of Hawaii, is a popular destination for travelers – and while I absolutely love sharing my home with couples like you, the truth is that all that tourism can take a toll on our ecosystems. A lot of damage happens just because folks aren’t aware of the impact they can have, so the best thing you can do is be aware!
Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of seven principles created to help us reduce our impact and protect the landscapes we love. Here are the principles, and how they can apply in Maui.
- Plan ahead and prepare – be ready for trail conditions, have offline maps downloaded, and have safety supplies. Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in and bring all the necessities!
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces – don’t go off the trails, and avoid trampling plant life. Hikes often get muddy, but walk through the mud, not around it!
- Dispose of waste properly – pack out anything you bring in.
- Leave what you find – rocks, shells, and little souvenirs can be tempting, but don’t take anything from the outdoors! These things are often important to the ecosystem, and if everyone took something, Maui would soon start losing its beauty.
- Minimize campfire impacts – if you start a fire, make sure it’s allowed first. When you’re done, always be sure to put it out completely.
- Respect wildlife – never approach or feed animals! Whether it’s on land or in the water, remember that this is their home.
- Be considerate of other visitors – when you elope outdoors, you might share the space with other people! Keep music to a minimum, yield to uphill hikers, and respect locals and travelers.
Another thing to know for Leave No Trace in Maui is that reef safe sunscreen is important, especially if you plan to get in the water!
Wear Layers When You Elope in Maui
While Maui’s climate is warm and tropical year round, it’s always a good idea to pack a jacket or a sweater. Higher elevation spots can get chilly, and even by the ocean, that breeze can be more like a wind sometimes! Mornings and evenings are colder as well, so be prepared.
Try the Local Restaurants When You Elope in Maui
Supporting local businesses is always a good idea, and when it comes to food, there are some amazing local spots to try, from coffee to seafood! I’ll tell you about all the best ones!
Maui Elopement Packages – Ready to Elope in Maui?
As soon as you step foot in Maui, it’ll have your heart like it has mine. And if you want to tie the knot amongst the white sand beaches, get married in the mountains, explore the jungles, waterfalls, and all the jaw dropping beauty that the island has to offer, I’m ready to help you plan it!
My Maui elopement packages are all inclusive, with absolutely everything you need for a perfect day. I’ll handle it all – location scouting, permits, marriage licenses, vendors, photography, tips, advice, snacks… so all you have to do is relax, enjoy the day with the love of your life, and experience the magic and beauty of Maui?
Ready to start planning your dream elopement day? Contact me!
