Ready to plan the Maui elopement of your dreams?
Maui is the perfect location for those looking for an unforgettable destination wedding. With its stunning beaches, lush tropical forests, and world-famous waves, Maui wins the hearts of all who vacation here.
In this guide, we will provide everything you need to know about planning a Maui elopement. We’ll cover costs, locations, permits, photographers, and more. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on how to have the best possible experience while on this stunning Hawaiian island.
So read on and start the planning process for your perfect Maui elopement!
How To Plan A Maui Elopement
Maui is the perfect place to elope! With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and towering waterfalls, Maui is a truly one of the most magical locations to exchange vows.
But how do you go about planning a Maui elopement? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Step #1: Location – Where To Elope In Maui
Maui is an incredibly scenic island, and there are endless opportunities for breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re looking for dramatic lava cliffs overlooking the ocean, otherworldly volcanos, or long sandy beaches, Maui has it all.
Here are five of the most beautiful spots on the island:
📍 Haleakala National Park
While Maui has plenty of popular wedding venues, Haleakala National Park offers a unique and romantic setting for couples looking to elope.
The park is home to Haleakala, a 10,000-foot volcano that offers stunning panoramic views. Couples can exchange their vows at one of many scenic overlooks, or even at the summit of the volcano! (Talk about beautiful photos!)
The park also features a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches, making it the perfect place to connect and begin your life together.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony in a remote location or a wildly adventurous honeymoon, Haleakala National Park is one of Maui’s best places to elope.
📍 Maui Tropical Plantation
Located in the heart of the island, Maui Tropical Plantation offers beautiful tropical surroundings, with lush gardens, waterfalls, and a variety of the island’s iconic flowers.
This plantation also offers plenty of activities to keep you busy, from zip-lining and hiking, to ATV tours and Plantation Village tours. The plantation is also close to a number of Maui’s best restaurants, making it easy to celebrate your wedding day in style.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate setting for your ceremony or a dramatic backdrop for your wedding photos, Maui Tropical Plantation is one of the best wedding locations on the island.
📍 Lahaina
Eloping in Lahaina is the perfect choice for couples looking to have an intimate and beautiful ceremony. The town is picturesque, with its charming historical buildings and quaint shops.
With its sandy beaches, towering palm trees and stunning sunsets, Lahaina is an ideal place to have an intimate beach ceremony. Plus, Lahania is a bit more off the beaten path, so you’ll be able to avoid crowds of tourists that flock to Maui beaches.
And for something truly unique during your Maui elopement, consider spending the afternoon on a coconut farm tasting tour at Punakea Palms, located just outside of Lahania town.
📍 Hana
The little town of Hana is a great place to elope for a number of reasons. The town is nestled between lush rainforests and dramatic coastal cliffs, making it the perfect setting for an romantic Maui elopement.
Hana is relatively isolated, meaning you’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly focus on your special day. And you’ll get to experience some of the best that Maui has to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its delicious food and wine.
So if you’re looking for an intimate, hidden gem that will make your elopement unforgettable, Hana is definitely worth considering.
📍 Wai’anapanapa State Park
There are few places more gorgeous than Wai’anapanapa State Park for eloping in Maui. The cliffs and dramatic coastline make for an absolutely breathtaking backdrop, whether you’re exchanging vows at sunrise or saying “I do” under the stars.
Maui is well known for its dramatic sunsets, and there’s no better place to watch the sun dip below the horizon than from Wai’anapanapa.
The black sand beaches are also a unique and stunning setting for your ceremony. Just envision your stunning white wedding dress juxtaposed on the captivating black lava rocks at your Maui beach wedding.
And if you’re looking for an adventure-filled elopement, there’s no shortage of activities to choose from in Wai’anapanapa State Park. Hike to the top of the lava tube, take a swim in the freshwater pools, or explore the sea caves.
Step #2: Timing – When To Elope In Maui
There is no wrong time to elope in Maui! Many couples choose their wedding date in the off-season, when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. However, eloping during the peak season has its own advantages.
The weather is usually better during the summer months, and there are more activities and attractions open. Plus, eloping during the busy season means that you’ll have your pick of wedding vendors. – Just be sure to book in advance!
However, if you’re eloping on a budget, or simply want to avoid the crowds, the fall off-season from September to November (before Thanksgiving) is also a wonderful time of year for your romantic getaway.
So whether you’re eloping for the adventure or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Maui is a beautiful place to tie the knot at any time of year.
Step #3: Set A Budget – How Much Does An Elopement Cost In Maui?
Eloping in Maui sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? And it can be!
But before you get too ahead of yourselves, you’ll need to sit down and figure out how much it’s actually going to cost.
The first thing you need to do is set a budget. How much are you willing and able to spend on your elopement?
The average cost of a Maui elopement is between $3,000 – $5,000. But the final price can vary greatly depending on travel costs, type of accommodation and number of guests.
It is possible to elope on a tighter budget. For example, consider getting married during the off-season (March-April or October-November), avoiding popular wedding venues, and opting for a simple ceremony with just a few close friends and family (known as micro weddings).
With a little planning, you can have the perfect Maui elopement without blowing your budget. That Hawaiian beach wedding doesn’t have to be just a dream after all!
Step #4: Do I Need A Permit To Elope?
Eloping in Maui is the perfect way to start your marriage off on an intimate and adventure-filled note. Before you elope, though, there are a few things you need to know.
First of all, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the State of Hawaii. You can apply for Hawaii marriage licenses online or in person. You’ll need to submit a valid US government-issued ID and pay a $65 fee.
Once you have your license, you’re free to elope anywhere on the island. But if you’re planning on having your wedding ceremony location be a beach or state park you will need to obtain a separate “Special Use Permit” from the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The same goes for all US National Parks. So if you want to elope in the beautiful Haleakala National Park mentioned earlier, you will also require a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service.
Step #5: Hire A Photographer – Maui Elopement Packages
Planning your dream elopement can be so exciting and stressful at the same time. This is why many couples go down the elopement package route to have everything taken care of by a professional Maui wedding planner.
Luckily, as Hawaii is growing so popular among eloping couples, there are elopement packages galore! Local vendors and professional photographers can customize their Maui wedding packages to suit any budget and wedding style.
From planning your traditional Hawaiian lei exchange, to capturing every sweet moment of your dream wedding by camera, let the professionals ease your stress with their expertise.
If you need help finding the perfect elopement package or the best vendors, shoot us an email at: [email protected]
We’re here to make your dream elopement come true!
Step #6: Book Accommodations – Where To Stay In Maui
Maui is one of the best places to elope, with its stunning beaches, lush rainforests and dramatic volcanic landscapes. And there are plenty of unique places to stay on the island, from treehouses and villas to yurts and tipis.
Here are three of the most unique accommodations in Maui:
➡️ Kula Star Dome
Located just 21 miles from Haleakala National Park, the Kula Star Dome is an outstanding place to stay. The property includes a terrace, balcony, free private parking and, you guessed it, a star dome!
The Kula Star Dome offers guests stunning views of the island landscape and Maui night sky. This accommodation consists of a cozy cottage with a rooftop dome designed for stargazing. The dome itself has a comfy bed in it for 2 people.
This unique accommodation is located in the heart of Maui, providing easy access to all the island’s best sights and experiences.
➡️Adventure in Paradise Guest House
Located on Maui’s north shore in the town of Haiku, this charming guest house features two units, each with a private hot tub and stunning ocean view. From the private patio, guests can also enjoy views of Haleakala Summit.
The hosts are very friendly and welcoming, making sure snacks, water and sunblock are provided each day. The property itself is in a private and quiet area, perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.
Each morning a delicious continental breakfast is provided with fresh island fruit, but guests can also cater for themselves in their private kitchen.
➡️ Montage Kapalua Bay
This luxurious resort offers guests the best of Maui, from its beautiful accommodations to its world-class amenities.
Situated on Maui’s famed West Maui shoreline, Montage Kapalua Bay overlooks the glistening blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views from the private balcony of their hotel room, or take a dip in one of the resort’s three pools.
There are also two championship golf courses on site, as well as a tennis club and a spa. In addition, the property is located just minutes from Kapalua Bay Beach Park, which offers amazing snorkeling and swimming.
Things To Do In Maui
Maui is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. – But that’s probably why you’re planning your elopement here! So, we don’t want to state the obvious and tell you to hike to Haleakala crater or have an epic beach day.
Instead, here are three fun activities that aren’t so mainstream:
✔️ Go whale watching
Every year, from November to May, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off Maui’s coast. Maui’s location in the Pacific Ocean means that there are a variety of whale species to see, including sperm whales and pilot whales.
Maui is also home to a number of dolphins and turtles. Whale watching tours leave from Lahaina, Ma’alaea, and Kihei, and there are a variety of options to choose from, including catamaran tours and kayak tours.
✔️ Take a helicopter tour
One of the best ways to see all that Maui has to offer is from the air on a helicopter tour. Helicopter tours provide an unforgettable way to experience Maui’s natural beauty.
Getting above the clouds also allows you to see Maui’s diverse landscape from a unique perspective, avoiding traffic and crowds on the ground. Helicopter tours give you the opportunity to see Maui’s famous landmarks, such as the Haleakala crater, up close.
✔️ Go on a local food tour
Maui is home to a thriving food scene, with a diverse range of local dishes and ingredients. If you’re looking to get an authentic taste of Maui, there’s no better way to do so than to go on a local food tour.
Maui food tours offer a unique experience to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the culture and history behind them. You’ll get to visit some of Maui’s best restaurants and meet the chefs who create these cultural meals.
Conclusion: Planning Your Perfect Maui Elopement
With its beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and lush tropical forests, Maui is truly a paradise for lovers. It’s no wonder so many couples decide each year that this is the right place for their big day! And with so many activities and enchanting culture, the beautiful island of Maui offers something unique for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a dramatic setting for your vows or a relaxed atmosphere for your reception, Maui is the perfect destination for your elopement.
So what are you waiting for? Maui is calling!