How to Elope in Maui in 2026
If your dream wedding day looks less like a traditional venue and more like exchanging vows beside the ocean, wandering barefoot along a quiet beach, watching the sun disappear into the Pacific, or exploring one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii together, Maui might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Maui is an incredible place to elope because you can experience so much within a single island. There are golden beaches, dramatic volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, waterfalls, rugged coastlines, and some seriously unreal sunsets. Your wedding day can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be, whether that means saying your vows on the beach at sunrise, spending the afternoon exploring the Road to Hana, hiking through an otherworldly volcanic landscape, or ending the evening with dinner overlooking the ocean.
But planning a Maui elopement is a little different than simply picking a beautiful beach and showing up. Hawaii has specific rules surrounding wedding permits, protected land, ceremonies, vendors, and where you can legally get married. You'll also want to think about weather, crowds, travel logistics, and choosing locations that allow you to celebrate responsibly and respectfully.
That’s exactly what this guide is here to help with.
In this How to Elope in Maui guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about planning your Maui elopement, including the best time of year to visit, where to elope, permits and marriage license requirements, where to stay, activities to include in your day, and sample elopement timelines to help you start imagining what your own Maui wedding adventure could look like.
If you're ready to trade the traditional wedding day for ocean views, tropical landscapes, and an experience centered completely around the two of you, let's start planning your Maui elopement.
How To Get To Maui
By Plane:
To get to Maui, you’ll most likely fly into Kahului Airport (OGG), which is the island’s main airport. There are plenty of direct flights to Maui from major cities throughout the mainland United States, along with easy inter-island flights if you’re visiting another Hawaiian island during your trip.
Kahului is located in central Maui, making it a convenient starting point whether you’re staying in Wailea, Kihei, Lahaina, Kapalua, or heading toward Hana. Once you land, you can pick up your rental car right at the airport and start exploring!
By Car:
For getting around Maui, I definitely recommend renting a car, especially if you’re planning an elopement or want to explore beyond your resort area.
A standard rental car will work perfectly well for most of Maui’s beaches, overlooks, towns, and elopement locations. Having your own car also gives you so much more freedom to explore different parts of the island, especially if you want to experience places like Haleakalā, Upcountry Maui, or the Road to Hana during your trip.
If you’re planning to drive the Road to Hana or explore some of Maui’s more remote roads, make sure to check your rental car company’s policies beforehand. Certain sections of road, particularly around the backside of Hana, may be unpaved or restricted by rental agreements.
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps directions before your elopement day! Cell service can get pretty spotty around Haleakalā, along the Road to Hana, and in some of Maui’s more remote areas. Having your route downloaded ahead of time will make navigating the island so much easier and save you unnecessary stress on your wedding day.
The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Maui
Choosing the best time of year to elope in Maui really depends on the experience you’re dreaming of. One of the best things about Maui is that there truly isn’t a bad time to visit! With warm temperatures year-round, incredible beaches, tropical scenery, and everything from lush rainforests to volcanic landscapes, you can plan an amazing Maui elopement during practically any season.
That being said, each time of year brings slightly different weather, crowds, ocean conditions, and experiences to the island.
Spring (March to May):
Spring is one of my favorite times to consider a Maui elopement! The island is beautifully green after the wetter winter months, temperatures are warm without being overwhelmingly hot, and crowds can begin to settle down after the busier winter travel season and spring break.
You may still experience the occasional rain shower, especially around Hana and the wetter windward portions of the island, but Maui’s weather can vary dramatically depending on where you are. While it might be raining in one part of the island, another area could be completely sunny!
March and April also overlap with the tail end of Hawaii’s humpback whale season. If seeing whales is on your Maui bucket list, planning an earlier spring elopement could give you the chance to incorporate a whale-watching experience into your trip.
Summer (June to August):
If you're dreaming of long, sunny days and plenty of time at the beach, summer is an amazing time to elope in Maui. This is generally one of the drier times of year, especially around the popular resort areas of South and West Maui.
Summer is perfect for couples who want to incorporate activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, sailing, or simply spending the afternoon relaxing on the beach into their elopement experience.
Temperatures can get pretty warm during the middle of the day, so I recommend planning outdoor ceremonies and portraits closer to sunrise or sunset. Not only will you avoid some of the heat, but you'll also get that gorgeous soft Hawaiian light!
Summer is a popular time for family travel, so beaches and other easily accessible locations can get busy. If privacy is important to you, consider planning your ceremony for sunrise on a weekday and visiting more popular locations during another portion of your day.
Fall (September to November):
Fall can be such an underrated time to elope in Maui. Temperatures remain warm, summer travel begins to slow down, and September and October can still offer plenty of beautiful weather for exploring the island.
This can be an especially great time for couples who want warm weather and ocean activities without planning during some of the busiest holiday travel periods.
As you move toward November, Maui begins transitioning into its wetter winter season. Building a little flexibility into your plans is always a good idea, especially if you're planning to explore Hana, visit waterfalls, or spend a large portion of your elopement day outdoors.
Winter (December to February):
Winter is one of the most exciting times to visit Maui, especially if seeing humpback whales is high on your bucket list. Maui is one of Hawaii’s most incredible destinations for whale watching, and winter falls right in the heart of humpback whale season.
Temperatures are still beautifully warm compared to most places on the mainland, although you'll generally have a greater chance of rain. The wetter weather also helps make Maui's tropical landscapes incredibly lush and can make waterfalls along the Road to Hana especially beautiful.
Ocean conditions can also be rougher during the winter months, particularly along Maui’s north-facing shores. If swimming, snorkeling, or another ocean activity is an important part of your elopement day, always check current conditions and follow posted warnings before getting into the water.
Winter is also a popular time to escape colder weather on the mainland, so expect higher crowds and potentially higher prices around Christmas, New Year's, and other peak travel periods.
My favorite months for a Maui elopement?
April, May, September, and October are especially great options for couples looking for a balance of beautiful weather, warm temperatures, and potentially fewer crowds.
If whale watching is one of your biggest priorities, however, I would consider planning your Maui elopement during January, February, or March so you can experience one of the most incredible parts of visiting Maui during the winter.
The Best Elopement Spots In Maui
One of my favorite things about planning a Maui elopement is just how much variety you can experience without ever leaving the island. You can exchange vows barefoot on a quiet beach, explore dramatic lava-rock coastlines, wander through lush tropical landscapes, or watch the sun disappear above the clouds at Haleakalā.
The best Maui elopement location for you will depend on the scenery you love, how much privacy you're hoping for, whether you're bringing guests, and what kind of adventure you want to build around your ceremony.
Here are some of the best places to elope in Maui:
Makena Cove
If you're picturing a classic Maui beach elopement, Makena Cove, sometimes called Secret Cove, is one of the most iconic options on the island.
This tiny beach in South Maui is surrounded by dramatic black lava rock, palm trees, golden sand, and bright blue water. Because the beach itself is relatively small, it works especially well for just the two of you or a very intimate group.
Makena Cove is also an approved Wiki Permit beach location, so make sure you work with your planner or vendors to secure the appropriate permit before holding your ceremony here.
Best for: Tropical beach views, lava rock, intimate ceremonies, sunrise
Poʻolenalena Beach
If you love the scenery of South Maui but want a little more room to explore, Poʻolenalena Beach is another beautiful option.
You'll find a long stretch of golden sand surrounded by tropical greenery and rocky sections of coastline, giving you plenty of variety for portraits without needing to travel between multiple locations.
It's also an officially listed Wiki Permit beach location, making it an option worth considering for couples who want an intimate beach ceremony.
Best for: Golden sand, sunset, easy beach portraits, small groups
Maluaka Beach
Maluaka Beach is another gorgeous option in the Wailea-Makena area, with white sand, lava rock, tropical greenery, and beautiful ocean views.
It's especially great if you want your elopement to have that quintessential Hawaiian beach feeling while still having a variety of different backgrounds for your photos. The beach is fairly long, which also gives you more room to wander and explore together.
Best for: Classic Maui scenery, tropical greenery, ocean views
HaleakalA National Park
If the beach isn't really your thing, Haleakalā National Park gives you an entirely different Maui elopement experience.
At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, the summit area feels almost otherworldly. Instead of palm trees and beaches, you'll find volcanic landscapes, massive views, incredible skies, and the possibility of standing above a sea of clouds.
Weddings inside Haleakalā National Park require a Special Use Permit, and ceremonies are only allowed in certain approved locations. Current approved summit locations include Puʻuʻulaʻula (Red Hill), Pā Kaʻoao Overlook, Kalahaku Overlook, and Leleiwi Overlook. The park currently limits wedding groups to 25 people or fewer.
If you're dreaming about a sunrise ceremony, there is some additional planning involved. The National Park Service requires couples requesting a Special Use Permit during sunrise to also obtain a sunrise reservation.
Best for: Adventure elopements, volcanic landscapes, epic views, sunrise or sunset
Road to Hana
If you want your Maui elopement to feel like an entire adventure rather than simply a ceremony, it's hard to beat the Road to Hana.
The Road to Hana winds through Maui's lush eastern side, passing tropical rainforests, waterfalls, rugged coastline, black sand beaches, bamboo forests, and countless scenic stops along the way. Instead of choosing one backdrop for your elopement photos, you can spend an entire day experiencing completely different landscapes together.
You could start your morning exploring the rainforest, stop at waterfalls and coastal overlooks along the way, grab banana bread or fresh fruit from a roadside stand, and eventually make your way toward Hana for even more exploring.
One of the most iconic stops is Waiʻānapanapa State Park, home to Maui's famous black sand beach and dramatic volcanic coastline. If you're planning to actually hold your ceremony within a Hawaii State Park, you'll need to obtain the appropriate Special Use Permit. Other locations along the Road to Hana can fall under different jurisdictions or be located on private property, so don't assume that every beautiful roadside location can legally be used for a wedding ceremony.
The Road to Hana also takes significantly longer than it looks on a map. Between the winding roads, one-lane bridges, traffic, and all of the stops you'll want to make, I recommend treating this as a full-day adventure rather than trying to squeeze it into a couple of hours.
This could also be perfect for a two-day Maui elopement. You could have your ceremony and sunset portraits along the coast on day one, then dedicate your second day entirely to exploring the Road to Hana together.
Best for: Waterfalls, rainforests, black sand beaches, adventurous couples, full-day or multi-day elopements
Pro Tip: Don't try to pack too many Road to Hana stops into your timeline! Choose a handful of locations you really love and leave plenty of room for spontaneous stops along the way. The experience of exploring together is just as much a part of your elopement as the photos.
Iao Valley
If you're dreaming of dramatic green mountains instead of a traditional beach backdrop, ʻĪao Valley State Monument offers some of the most incredible scenery on Maui.
Located in Central Maui, ʻĪao Valley is known for its towering emerald mountains, lush rainforest, streams, and the iconic ʻĪao Needle rising above the valley. The scenery here feels completely different from Maui's beaches and volcanic landscapes, making it an incredible option for couples who want their elopement experience to showcase the greener, more tropical side of the island.
It's also relatively easy to explore, so you don't need to plan a huge hiking adventure to experience some seriously beautiful mountain scenery.
Because ʻĪao Valley is a Hawaii State Park, you'll need to look into the appropriate Special Use Permit if you're hoping to hold your actual wedding ceremony here. Non-Hawaii residents also currently need advance reservations to enter ʻĪao Valley State Monument, including parking reservations if you're driving into the park.
Even if you decide to hold your ceremony somewhere else, ʻĪao Valley could be an amazing additional portrait or adventure location to incorporate into a multi-location Maui elopement day.
Best for: Lush mountains, tropical scenery, easy exploring, adventurous portraits
Maui's North Shore
If you want your Maui elopement to feel a little wilder and less resort-focused, consider exploring the North Shore.
This side of the island is known for rugged coastline, tropical vegetation, surf culture, and a completely different atmosphere from Wailea and the resort areas of West Maui.
Spreckelsville Beach and Tavares Bay are among the North Shore locations currently included in Hawaii's Wiki Permit beach list.
The North Shore can also be windier, particularly later in the day, so sunrise and morning ceremonies can be a great option.
Best for: Rugged coastline, fewer resort vibes, adventurous couples
A Private Maui Estate or Venue
If privacy is one of your biggest priorities, don't overlook renting a private wedding venue or estate.
Maui's beaches are public, which means you can't guarantee that other people won't be nearby during your ceremony. A private property can give you much more control over your experience while still offering incredible ocean, mountain, or tropical views.
This can be especially worthwhile if you're inviting family and friends, want to set up chairs or décor, have a private dinner afterward, or simply want somewhere where you can slow down and celebrate without worrying as much about crowds.
Best for: Privacy, guests, dinner celebrations, décor, intimate weddings
How To Get An Elopement Permit For Your Maui Elopement
Permits are one of the most important things to consider when planning a Maui elopement. The exact permits you'll need depend on where you're holding your ceremony and where you're taking professional photos, since beaches, state parks, Haleakalā National Park, private properties, and other public lands can all have different requirements.
For many couples, there are two separate things to consider:
A permit for your ceremony or wedding activity
Permission or a permit for professional photography
If you're planning to exchange vows on public land, you'll need to look at the regulations for that specific location. Some of the most beautiful places to take photos on Maui aren't necessarily locations where you can legally hold a wedding ceremony, so I don't recommend choosing your ceremony spot until you've confirmed that weddings are actually permitted there.
Beach Elopement Permits
For many couples, having your ceremony on the beach is one of the simplest options for a Maui elopement.
Commercial wedding activities on qualifying public beaches generally require a Wiki Permit through Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). These permits apply to approved unencumbered shorelines, meaning you can't simply choose any beach or stretch of coastline on Maui and assume a wedding ceremony is allowed there.
Popular Maui elopement beaches like Makena Cove, Poʻolenalena Beach, Maluaka Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Polo Beach may fall within the Wiki Permit system depending on the specific ceremony location.
Your wedding professional will typically obtain the Wiki Permit for your ceremony. There are also rules surrounding group size, chairs, arches and other structures, decorations, and how much space your wedding can occupy.
It's also important to remember that Maui's public beaches remain open to everyone. A wedding permit does not reserve the beach or give you exclusive access to it.
This is one of the reasons I love recommending sunrise or weekday ceremonies on Maui. You'll generally have a much better chance of finding a quieter stretch of beach, and you'll get to enjoy the gorgeous morning light before the heat of the day sets in.
HaleakalA National Park Elopement Permits
If you're dreaming about exchanging vows above the clouds or surrounded by Maui's incredible volcanic landscape, Haleakalā National Park has its own permitting process.
Wedding ceremonies within Haleakalā National Park require a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service and are limited to specific approved locations within the park.
The park also has rules surrounding group size, ceremony setup, decorations, flowers, photography, and other wedding activities. If you're hoping to have your ceremony around sunrise, you'll also need to pay attention to Haleakalā's sunrise reservation requirements in addition to your wedding permit.
Because national park regulations can change, I always recommend checking the current National Park Service requirements before finalizing your ceremony location or timeline.
State Parks & Other Public Lands
If you're dreaming of exchanging vows somewhere other than the beach, permitting can get a little more complicated.
Locations managed by Hawaii State Parks may require a Special Use Permit for a wedding or elopement ceremony. This is especially important if you're considering places like ʻĪao Valley State Monument or Waiʻānapanapa State Park along the Road to Hana.
Each location can have its own rules surrounding weddings, professional photography, group size, where you can hold your ceremony, and what you're allowed to bring with you.
Some state parks also have separate visitor reservation systems. For example, non-Hawaii residents currently need advance reservations to visit ʻĪao Valley State Monument and Waiʻānapanapa State Park, so you'll want to account for both your wedding permissions and regular entry requirements when building your timeline.
Road to Hana Elopement Permits
The Road to Hana isn't one single park or property, which means there isn't one permit that covers every location along the drive.
You might pass state parks, public beaches, privately owned land, roadside areas, and locations with completely different management and regulations during a single Road to Hana adventure.
This makes researching your exact locations especially important.
For example, you may be able to explore and take portraits at a particular stop but not legally hold your wedding ceremony there. Other locations may require advance reservations, photography authorization, a Special Use Permit, or permission from a private landowner.
If you're planning a Road to Hana elopement, I recommend choosing your actual ceremony location first and then building your adventure stops around it rather than trying to find somewhere to exchange vows spontaneously along the drive.
Photography Permits
Your ceremony permit doesn't necessarily cover professional photography everywhere else you visit during your Maui elopement.
Depending on the location and how the photography is being conducted, your photographer may need separate authorization for commercial photography. This becomes especially important if you're planning a multi-location Maui elopement.
For example, you might have a permitted beach ceremony in the morning, explore ʻĪao Valley in the afternoon, and head somewhere else for sunset. Those locations can all be managed by completely different agencies with different rules.
This is why I always recommend deciding on your general elopement experience first and then researching each individual location before locking in your timeline.
And if your dream portrait location doesn't allow wedding ceremonies, you don't necessarily have to remove it from your plans! You may be able to hold your actual ceremony at a permitted beach or private property and visit your dream location afterward for portraits, as long as professional photography is permitted there.
What About Private Property?
Private properties can be one of the easiest options if you want more privacy or flexibility with your Maui ceremony.
Private estates, wedding venues, resorts, farms, and other properties may allow ceremonies and setups that wouldn't be possible on public land. This can be especially helpful if you're inviting guests, want chairs or more substantial décor, or simply want a ceremony space that feels a little more secluded.
You'll still need permission from the property and may need to pay a venue, wedding, or photography fee, but you won't be navigating the same public-land permitting process.
Pro Tip: All of my photography packages include permit assistance! I'll help you determine which permits apply to the locations we're considering so you don't have to navigate all of Maui's different rules completely on your own.
How To Get A Hawaii Marriage License
To get a marriage license in Hawaii, the process is simple and very elopement-friendly. You’ll start by completing the online marriage license application through the State of Hawaii. After submitting the application and paying the fee ($65 total), you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Once you arrive on the island, both partners must appear together in person to meet with a licensed marriage agent to verify your IDs and finalize the license. Marriage agents are available throughout Hawaii, including on Maui, and meetings are typically quick and easy to schedule.
There is no waiting period, so you can legally marry the same day you pick up your license. That said, for a more relaxed experience, I recommend completing the in-person meeting at least one day before your ceremony. Marriage licenses in Hawaii are valid for 30 days from issuance and can be used anywhere in the state.
You will need a Hawaii-licensed officiant to legally marry, and no witnesses are required, making this an ideal setup for elopements.
Just So You Know: I am an ordained officiant and can legally sign on your marriage certificate in most U.S. states. Certain states may require additional paperwork and/or processing fees but I’m happy to help! However, if you would like an actual celebrant to verbally walk you through a ceremony, I know some great people who can do that for you.
Where To Stay For Your Maui Elopement
Where you stay for your Maui elopement can completely change the feel of your trip. Maui has several distinct areas to choose from, whether you're dreaming of a luxury oceanfront resort, a laid-back beach town, a peaceful Upcountry escape, or a tropical stay surrounded by the lush landscapes near Hana.
I recommend choosing your accommodations after you've narrowed down your ceremony and portrait locations. Maui may not look huge on a map, but getting from one side of the island to another can take a lot longer than you expect. If you're planning an adventure along the Road to Hana or a sunrise at Haleakalā, where you stay becomes even more important!
Staying relatively close to your main elopement locations means less of your wedding day spent sitting in the car and more time actually experiencing Maui together.
Wailea
Best for: Luxury resorts, beaches, sunsets + honeymoon vibes
If you want your Maui elopement to roll seamlessly into your honeymoon, Wailea is one of my favorite areas to consider.
Located in South Maui, Wailea is known for beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, incredible restaurants, and gorgeous sunsets. You'll also be close to several popular South Maui elopement locations, including beaches around Makena.
This is an especially great option if you want the convenience of staying at a resort where you can spend your mornings at the pool, head out for your elopement adventure, and come back for an amazing dinner overlooking the ocean.
A few beautiful options include:
Kihei
Best for: Convenience, beaches, restaurants + more accommodation options
Just north of Wailea, Kihei is a great option if you want to stay in South Maui without necessarily committing to a luxury resort.
Kihei has tons of restaurants, beaches, vacation rentals, condos, and hotels, making it one of the easiest home bases for exploring the island. You'll also be conveniently located for accessing Wailea and Makena while remaining relatively central for adventures elsewhere on Maui.
If you're planning a beach-focused elopement and want plenty of dining and accommodation options nearby, Kihei is definitely worth considering.
A few beautiful options include:
Kapalua + Kaʻanapali
Best for: Resorts, beaches, snorkeling, sunsets + West Maui scenery
If your elopement plans revolve around West Maui, Kapalua or Kaʻanapali can make an amazing home base.
Kapalua has a quieter, more luxurious feel with beautiful beaches, dramatic coastline, golf courses, and some incredible resorts. Kaʻanapali offers a little more activity with beachfront resorts, restaurants, shopping, and easy access to the ocean.
Both areas can work beautifully for couples who want their elopement trip to feel like a relaxing Hawaiian vacation while still having easy access to beaches and outdoor adventures.
A few beautiful options include:
Upcountry Maui
Best for: Haleakalā, mountain views, peaceful stays + something different
If beaches aren't your main priority or you're planning to spend a significant portion of your elopement exploring Haleakalā National Park, consider staying in Upcountry Maui.
Areas like Kula and Makawao offer a completely different Maui experience. Instead of large beachfront resorts, you'll find rolling hills, farms, cooler temperatures, mountain scenery, and a quieter atmosphere.
This can be such a fun option if you're planning a Haleakalā sunrise or sunset adventure because you'll already be much closer to the park than you would be staying along the coast.
Upcountry is also perfect for couples who want their accommodations to feel a little more intimate and removed from Maui's larger resort areas.
A few beautiful options include:
Hana
Best for: Road to Hana adventures, rainforest, waterfalls + slowing down
If the Road to Hana is going to be a major part of your Maui elopement experience, consider spending at least one or two nights in Hana rather than trying to drive there and back in a single day.
Staying overnight gives you so much more time to actually enjoy this side of Maui. Instead of rushing between stops, you can explore waterfalls, tropical forests, rugged coastline, and black sand beaches at a much slower pace.
It can also make an incredible addition to a multi-day elopement. You could stay in South or West Maui for your beach ceremony and then spend the next night or two in Hana for an entirely different adventure.
A few options to consider include:
Pro Tip: If you are planning to be having guests at any point of the day for either a ceremony, intimate dinner, or reception, be sure to get an event-friendly rental! Not all vacation rentals are event friendly and nothing would be worse than getting kicked out by your host mid elopement experience! For all my tips on finding an event-friendly rental, view my blog on how to plan your Airbnb elopement.
Before booking your accommodations, send your photographer the listing! Your getting-ready space will likely be the first location photographed on your elopement day, so I always recommend looking for somewhere with large windows, plenty of natural light, neutral interiors, and enough space for both of you to comfortably get ready.
Maui Elopement Activity Ideas
Eloping on Maui gives you the chance to make your wedding day feel like an entire experience rather than simply a ceremony and photos. Between the turquoise water, volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, waterfalls, incredible food, and scenic drives, there are so many ways to create a day that actually feels like you.
Whether you want to spend your elopement adventuring across the island or keep things slow and intentional, here are some of my favorite Maui elopement activity ideas:
Watch the sunrise or sunset from Haleakalā
Spend the day exploring the Road to Hana
Take a private catamaran or sailboat out on the water at sunset
Go snorkeling together at Molokini Crater
Take a helicopter tour over Maui's waterfalls, valleys, coastline, and Haleakalā
Go whale watching during humpback whale season
Explore waterfalls and tropical scenery along the Road to Hana
Visit the black sand beach at Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Watch the sunrise from the beach
Have a picnic overlooking the ocean
Go surfing or take a surf lesson together
Go paddleboarding or kayaking at sunrise
Go snorkeling with sea turtles
Explore ʻĪao Valley together
Hike through Maui's volcanic or tropical landscapes
Take a scenic drive through Upcountry Maui
Visit a local farm or farm-to-table experience in Upcountry
Go horseback riding through Maui's mountains or countryside
Grab fresh poke from a local spot
Get shave ice together
Stop for fresh banana bread along the Road to Hana
Visit a botanical garden
Spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing at the beach
Take a private boat charter for snorkeling, sailing, or sunset
Hire a private chef to cook an intimate dinner at your accommodations
Book a traditional Hawaiian lūʻau for the evening
Have a private dinner overlooking the ocean
Go stargazing after sunset at Haleakalā
Spend a morning exploring a local Maui town together
End your elopement day barefoot on the beach watching the sunset
And remember, you don't need to pack your Maui elopement day with activities for it to feel adventurous. Your experience could be as simple as exchanging vows on the beach at sunrise, grabbing breakfast together, spending the afternoon snorkeling and swimming, and finishing the evening with dinner and sunset by the ocean.
Or you could turn your celebration into a multi-day Maui elopement. Have your ceremony and beach portraits on day one, then spend the next day driving the Road to Hana, sailing along the coast, exploring Haleakalā, or doing something completely different together.
The goal isn't to do everything Maui has to offer. It's to choose a few experiences that you're genuinely excited about and build a wedding day that feels less like a checklist and more like an incredible vacation where you also happen to get married.
Maui Elopement Timeline Examples
One of the best parts about eloping in Maui is that your wedding day doesn't have to follow a traditional timeline. You don't have to squeeze everything into a few hours or spend the entire day posing for photos. Your timeline can be built around the experiences you actually want to have together.
Maybe that means exchanging vows on the beach at sunrise and spending the rest of the morning snorkeling. Or maybe you want to make an entire day of it with getting ready photos, a private ceremony, exploring the island, and sunset portraits. You can even spread everything across two days if you want to experience completely different parts of Maui without feeling rushed.
Here are a few examples of what your Maui elopement timeline could look like:
8 Hour Elopement
1:00 PM – Getting ready separately at your accommodations
2:00 PM – First look + private vows
2:30 PM - Head to your ceremony location
3:00 PM - Intimate ceremony with your closest people
3:30 PM - Family photos + celebration
4:00 PM - Picnic, cake cutting, or champagne
4:45 PM - Head out for an adventure together
5:30 PM - Explore the coastline + portraits
6:30 PM - Sunset beach portraits
7:15 PM - Private dinner or drinks together
9:00 PM - Photography coverage ends
Two-Day Maui Elopement
Can't fit everything you want to experience into one day? You don't have to! A two-day elopement gives you the freedom to include your family while still having an entire adventure that's just for the two of you.
Day One – Wedding Day
2:00 PM - Getting ready photos
3:00 PM - First look + private vows
4:00 PM - Ceremony with your closest family and friends
4:30 PM - Family portraits + celebration
5:15 PM - Explore the coastline together
6:30 PM - Sunset portraits
7:30 PM - Private dinner with your guests
Day Two – Adventure Day
6:00 AM - Start your adventure
7:00 AM - Explore the Road to Hana, Haleakalā, or another part of Maui
9:00 AM - Hiking, snorkeling, waterfall exploring, or another activity
12:00 PM - Picnic lunch
1:00 PM - Continue exploring
3:00 PM - Take a break + enjoy the island together
5:00 PM - Sunset sail, beach portraits, or another adventure
7:00 PM - End your Maui elopement experience
4 Hour sunrise Elopement
5:30 AM – Meet at your accommodations for getting-ready photos
6:15 AM – Head to your ceremony location
6:45 AM – Private sunrise ceremony on the beach
7:15 AM – Explore the beach and take portraits
8:00 AM – Head to a second location with mountain views
8:30 AM – Explore + take portraits
9:30 AM – Finish the morning with coffee, breakfast, or shave ice together
Full-Day Adventure Elopement
7:00 AM - Getting ready together
8:00 AM - First look + morning portraits
9:00 AM - Breakfast or coffee together
10:00 AM - Explore ʻĪao Valley or Upcountry Maui
12:00 PM - Lunch + downtime
2:00 PM - Get refreshed at your accommodations
3:30 PM - Head to your ceremony location
4:30 PM - Private beach ceremony + vows
5:00 PM - Celebrate with cake, a picnic, or champagne
5:45 PM - Explore the coastline together
6:30 PM - Sunset portraits on the beach
7:30 PM - Private chef dinner or oceanfront dinner
9:00 PM - Stargazing or a slow ending to your elopement day
Road to Hana Adventure Elopement
6:00 AM - Leave your accommodations
7:00 AM - Begin exploring the Road to Hana
8:00 AM - Waterfall + rainforest portraits
9:30 AM - Stop for coffee, fruit, or banana bread
10:30 AM - Explore another scenic stop
12:00 PM - Picnic lunch
1:00 PM - Continue toward Hana
2:30 PM - Explore the coastline or black sand beach
4:00 PM - Head to your permitted ceremony location
4:30 PM - Private ceremony + vows
5:00 PM - Just-married portraits
6:00 PM - Sunset adventure
7:00 PM - Dinner + celebration
Pro Tip: The Road to Hana takes significantly longer to explore than it appears on a map! Don't try to squeeze every waterfall, beach, and viewpoint into one day. Choose a handful of places you're genuinely excited about and leave plenty of breathing room in your timeline.
Your Timeline Doesn't Have to Look Like a Traditional Wedding Day
These timelines are only starting points. You can completely customize your Maui elopement around the locations you love, the people you want there, and the experiences you want to have.
You don't have to spend eight straight hours taking photos, either. We can build breaks into your timeline, split coverage between sunrise and sunset, or spread everything across multiple days.
Your elopement day should feel less like a photoshoot and more like the best day of your trip to Hawaii — with getting married right in the middle of it.
Maui Elopement Packages
I’m much more than a photographer, I’m someone who is super passionate about supporting couples on their big day, from scouting hidden gems for the ideal location, stress-free planning, and of course capturing raw, authentic moments. As a photographer specializing in adventure elopements, you’ll be in safe hands. So, are you ready to say yes to Maui?! More information on my packages below:
Packages
4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, or 2 Day elopement photography
Photography on digital, film, and drone (where permitted)
A personalized elopement planning experience with unlimited assistance
Personalized elopement location recommendation list
Vendor, lodging, and activity recommendations
Custom-built-for-you elopement timeline
Assistance to help you with permits and licenses
90+ page elopement planning guide with my best tips & tricks
Optional complimentary officiant services
Online gallery with full resolution images and printing rights
5-7 day sneak peeks
Travel fees to anywhere in the United States are already included
Starting at $7,000
Video Add-Ons
For an extra special, immersive reminder of your special day, I now offer the following options for video add ons to your elopement packages:
Documentary style highlight reel
Super 8 film
Starting at $3,000
