Many people elope to Hawaii because of its relaxing vibe, and the incredibly gorgeous backdrops couldn’t be more perfect for a romantic setting and stunning photos. With so many beautiful Hawaiian Islands, it can be hard to choose where to say ‘I do.’ In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about having an epic Maui elopement experience.

Magical scenery and a tranquil atmosphere make Maui one of the best places to elope in Hawaii! But, what else does getting married in Maui entail? Keep reading to learn the nitty-gritty details about planning your big day, from the basic legal stuff to amazing Maui elopement locations and so much more.

How Do You Elope in Maui?

One thing people love most about eloping in Maui is that it’s one of the easier destinations, especially if you’re a US citizen. With that said, there are some things you need to do to prepare in terms of legal aspects and planning your dream wedding.

• Connect with a wedding planner who can help you execute your dream Maui elopement. Wild Aisle Photography (that’s me!) is a destination elopement photographer and planner who can help you with each step outlined below.
• Apply for a marriage license online or in person when you arrive in Hawaii.
• If you prefer not to go through the process of legally getting married in Hawaii, you can do this in your home state before or after you say ‘I do’ in Hawaii.
• Decide when you want to get married and book your flights and accommodation.
• Research venues and pick your perfect destination. (More on this below!)

When to Have a Maui Elopement

One thing that draws many couples to a Hawaii elopement is the incredible climate! With that said, some times of year are better than others in terms of weather and crowds.

Spring is the off-season in Hawaii. With fewer visitors, accommodations and airfare are more affordable. Temperatures range from the high 60s to the low 80s, and it’s almost always sunny.

Summer is also an excellent time to say your vows in Maui. It’s not as crowded as winter, and the weather is still gorgeous, though warm. Temperatures are usually between the mid-70s to mid-80s. During summer is when you’ll find the most humidity in Hawaii.

Fall is great for those who are interested in local events and fewer crowds. Again, the weather is awesome, with temperatures ranging from the 70s to 80s and lots of sunshine.

Winter is Hawaii’s peak season, with many visitors chasing warm weather. Because of this, prices can be higher. During winter, there is some rain, but most days are sunny with temperatures between the high 60s and mid-80s. Winter is also the whale-watching season in Hawaii, making for a cool experience! 

Maui Elopement Locations

Now for the fun part – where to elope in Maui! Are you looking to say ‘I do’ right on the beach? Or maybe, you’re more interested in chasing waterfalls for your big day. Maybe you want to get adventurous and check out a few different scenic spots. I’m going to share some of the most amazing Maui elopement locations with something for every kind of couple! 

For Easy Access & Gorgeous Scenery: Po‘Olenalena Beach

While Po’Olenalena Beach is one of the easiest to get to on this list, it’s incredibly beautiful with towering palm trees and lava rocks. Po’Olenalena Beach, referred to as Poipu Beach by many locals, is a long sandy, undeveloped beach not often visited by travelers. If you’re looking for an authentic experience and a gorgeous backdrop, Po’Olenalena Beach is perfect!

For Various Breathtaking Backdrops: Kapalua Ironwoods

I recommend Kapalua Ironwoods for the adventurous couple looking for various backdrops that are all absolutely stunning!  With just a little bit of hiking, you can find a unique rugged beach, cliffs, and a lush forest area. 

For a Well-Known Destination: Nakalele Blowhole

If you enjoy chasing popular tourist attractions, you’ll love saying your vows at Nakalele Blowhole! At the top of this iconic blowhole, you can catch breathtaking views of the turquoise ocean and lava rock formations. If you’re feeling bold, you can also take the trail down to the bottom for an unforgettable wedding day experience.

For a Waterfall Wedding: Road to Hana

The Road to Hana takes you on an incredible drive through Maui, where you can find dozens of secret waterfalls – perfect for a romantic ceremony with your loved one! While there are many ‘unknown’ waterfalls you can spot if you do some exploring, a popular spot that’ll take your breath away is Upper Waikani Falls, which features 3 large waterfalls and lush greenery.

For the Most Privacy: Kahakuloa

If you want to get off the beaten path for a remarkably intimate experience, head to the sleepy village of Kahukuloa in West Maui. This isolated community boasts picture-perfect scenery and a peaceful vibe like no other. While there aren’t accommodations in Kahakuloa, you can take a quick half-hour drive back to civilization.

For Chill Beach Vibes: Hamoa

Hamoa offers what you imagine a beautiful Hawaii beach to offer – picturesque panorama, surfers, and a nearby beach town. The best part is that it’s less crowded than similar beaches nearby, providing a good mix between an intimate and vibrant atmosphere. Say your vows surrounded by a rugged coastline and abundant green rainforest.

Are you liking these Maui elopement locations but thinking of something a little different? Let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the most perfect destination. 

Maui Elopement Photographer & Planner

To make sure you capture the moment you’ve been dreaming of and can share it with your loved ones back home, you may want to book a Maui Elopement photographer. That’s where I come in! Wild Aisle Photography offers Maui elopement packages to help you execute the wedding of your dreams. Here’s how I help couples plan their wedding day and on the day of:

• Spilling my secrets about the best elopement destinations
• Helping plan the big day with suggestions for venues, accommodations, vendors, and experiences
• Planning my own travel to be by your side for your elopement
• Snapping photos that capture your wedding moments and adventures 
• Providing you with an online gallery and highlight slideshow of your wedding photos

What Else to Do in Maui

I highly recommend you spend at least a few days on this incredible island to celebrate with your new spouse. I mean, it does make the most amazing honeymoon location! So, once you say ‘I do,’ what else is there to do in Maui? Here are some of the top activities and sites that offer an unforgettable experience (many of which are also ideal elopement destinations!):

• Haleakala National Park: features a dormant volcano that’s over 10,000-feet tall, along with picture-perfect sunrise views
• Waianapanapa State Park: peaceful park with a volcanic coastline where you can relax, camp, fish, and hike
• Road to Hana: a scenic highway that runs past waterfalls and through the lush rainforest
• ʻOheʻo Gulch: national park with magical waterfalls and pools
• Beach activities: snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, fishing, whale watching, and swimming
• Old Lahaina Luau: evening luau by the beach – so much fun!

Let’s Plan Your Maui Elopement!

Are you just as excited as I am about your special day on one of Hawaii’s most incredible islands?! If so, let’s do this! Contact me at Wild Aisle Photography, and let’s make your dreams a reality.
Ready to start thinking about your vows? If so, check out these tips & prompts to help you write your own elopement vows!