How to Elope in Maui | Full Elopement Guide for 2025

Where is Maui?

Let’s get oriented first, shall we? If you’re not familiar with the islands of Hawaii, you’re about to be—and fair warning, you’ll want to book flights to all of them ASAP!

Maui is the second-largest of the Hawaiian islands, second only to the Big Island (hence the name), located in the central part of the island chain. Most famous for landmarks such as Haleakala National Park, Ohe’o Gulch, and the Hana Highway, it spans just over 700 square miles and is filled with gorgeous beaches, lava rocks, palm trees, all the goodies you’d imagine a tropical island to have!

To get to Maui for your elopement, you’ll want to fly into Kahului Airport (OGG), or fly into Honolulu (HNL) and island hop over to Maui on a smaller plane. Once you arrive, I highly recommend renting a car through one of the major companies at the airport, or an app like Turo, so you can freely explore the island on your own dime + time. Trust me—there’s a LOT to explore, and you’ll want to be able to travel as you please during your elopement experience.

Why Elope in Maui?

Maui’s laid-back culture makes it the PERFECT destination to elope, especially if you’re dreaming of a nature-focused elopement filled with outdoor adventures and gorgeous natural beauty. While all of the islands are truly amazing and each offer their own unique magic, there’s just something about Maui’s diverse landscapes + endless activities that makes it the best of all the worlds you could imagine. . . you’ve got a beautiful culture to learn about and immerse yourselves in, spectacular beaches to lounge on, bright blue waters to dive into, lush green forests and rolling hills to hike, and even wildly scenic volcanoes to climb. Sounds like a dream come true for adventure-lovin’ couples, doesn’t it? 😉

Aside from the incredible scenery everywhere you look, and the amazing opportunities for adventure, Maui is also ideal for couples who want to get away from the crowds and into nature. Whereas Oahu is a better choice for your elopement if you want a bit more of a lively experience with a bustling city, great nightlife, and pretty beaches, Maui is on the more relaxed side of things, known for its slower pace of life and focus on the spirit of aloha. It’s a lovely place to really get to know the local community, and embrace the cultural heritage + traditions of Hawaii!

Where to Elope in Maui

“Alright Melinda. . . if there are SO many beautiful places on Maui, how in the world are we ever supposed to decide where to elope?!”

Don’t worry—I got you covered. As a local Maui elopement photographer who knows the island like the back of her hand, you bet I’ve got all the best locations + top-secret tips up my sleeve—and I’m about to share them with you!

How to Choose Your Maui Elopement Location

It might feel incredibly difficult to choose your Maui elopement location, but trust me when I say that you CANNOT go wrong.

The first thing I want you to keep in mind when narrowing down your locations is that as your photographer, I’ll be right by your side to help you with the process. You do not have to do this alone; in fact, I actually recommend waiting until your photographer can help you, so you can find a location that will not only photograph beautifully but encompass all the elements that you feel connected to when you envision your perfect Maui elopement. Once I’m booked as your photographer, we will go over what kind of backdrop you want for your ceremony, and I’ll send over a curated list for you to choose from. (reach out now if you’re ready to get to it!)

Besides that, I recommend asking yourselves a few questions when looking at all of your options:

What type of landscape do you feel most connected to, or most at peace around? Beaches, oceans, mountains, greenery, etc.?
How much effort are you willing to put in to get to your dream location? Would you like to hike, or would you rather simply drive up to a pretty spot and hop out of your car?
If you’re inviting guests, what are their accessibility needs/limitations?
What’s the vibe of your elopement, and what type of mood are you looking for? Laid-back and relaxed? Adventurous and exhilarating? A bit of both?

And hey, want to know the benefit of Maui having so many incredible locations to offer? You have PLENTY of places to come back and explore for future trips—maybe to celebrate anniversaries or have a vow renewal later on.

Best Maui Elopement Locations

Let’s dive into a list of my favorite Maui elopement locations that you should definitely consider for your special day.

Po’olenalena Beach

First up is Po’olenalena Beach, one of my favorite beaches in Maui that offers gorgeous yellow sands, a long stretch of coastline, and more privacy than many of the more touristy beaches on the island. Po’olenalena is known for its stunning scenery all day, but especially at sunset—so it’s the perfect spot to visit for an evening stroll in the sand as the sun sets over the ocean. Weekdays will be your best shot at privacy here, as the beach can get popular with families on the weekends.

Oneloa Beach

Located right next to the Ritz Carlton and Kapalua Resort, Oneloa (or “long sand”) Beach is a haven for couples seeking an uncrowded beach with spectacular views, great swimming opportunities, and a rural atmosphere. It’s a beautiful place to go snorkeling if the surf is low enough, or to simply relax on the shore and enjoy the views! Keep in mind that due to its location on the southern coast, Oneloa can get super windy in the afternoons, so you may be better off visiting in the morning when it’s a bit calmer.

Makena Cove

Makena Cove is also referred to as Secret Beach, and for good reason—it’s an incredibly picturesque, secluded gem that’s become popular for beach weddings. You’ll get all the beauty of Maui’s beaches without the overcrowding, making it the dream spot to hold a private elopement ceremony!

Haleakalā National Park

If you find yourselves dreaming of dramatic volcanoes and hilly landscapes rather than hidden coves and beaches, you’ll love Haleakalā National Park—the home of the highest peak on Maui. Haleakalā is a gorgeous volcano that actually takes up more than 75% of the island, and offers some of the most otherworldly views you can get! It’s a must-visit whether you elope there or not, offering over 30 miles of hiking trails, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic ocean views.

When to Elope in Maui

Almost as important as your elopement location is the time of year you elope in Maui. The season of your elopement will have an impact on many parts of your day, such as:

What you wear
Activities you include
Where you have your ceremony
Costs of vendors, airfare, accommodations, etc.
Lighting and colors
Location accessibility
Privacy (or lack thereof)

When is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Maui?

So, when is the best time of year to elope in Maui? This answer is very nuanced, as every couple and their dream elopement looks completely different. What’s “best” for another couple may not be “best” for you and what you’re envisioning.

Peak tourist season in Maui lasts from mid-December to mid-April, which is good to keep in mind for privacy’s sake on your elopement day. If you really value privacy and would like to have your ceremony at a popular destination, without being surrounded by massive crowds of tourists, I’d recommend eloping during the shoulder seasons—late spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). These are the times of year where you’ll get beautiful weather, yet not as many crowds as the winter months, which is when most people like to visit Maui as an escape from cold weather on the mainland!

Here are a few important things to consider when picking a time of year to elope in Maui:

—Dry season: Dry season lasts from April-October, with warmer temperatures and less rain. This is the most popular time of year to visit Maui, because obviously everybody wants that good sunshine + infinite opportunities to swim, snorkel, surf, you name it. Who wouldn’t want to spend time in the turquoise blue waters under the warmth of the island sun? Just beware of an increase in prices thanks to the many tourists who visit this time of year, as well as the more crowded destinations.

—Wet season: On the opposite side of things, wet season lasts from June-November and (obviously) brings a whole lot more rain. You’ll often find that rain showers around the island can be quite heavy, but usually don’t last too long, the windward (north and east) side of the island getting the brunt of the rain. This also means that the scenery is much more green and lush, so it’s an amazing time of year to explore the tropical rainforests and waterfalls. Prices are also lower this time of year due to fewer tourists!

—Hurricane season: Hurricane season lasts from June-November (same as the rainy season), but most of the time hurricanes pass by the islands. However, it’s good to keep in mind as a possibility!

Sunrise vs. Sunset: What is the Best Time of Day to Elope in Maui?

Now let’s get a little more specific: you know what time of year is best to elope in Maui, but what about the best time of day?

Picking the right time to elope is crucial in determining not only what your elopement experience + itinerary will look like, but how your photos will turn out, too. Lighting is a super important aspect in what your photos look like, with golden hour being the best time of day for soft, flattering light and beautiful sun flares. The fun thing is we get golden hour around sunset and sunrise, both of which offer their own unique beauty—so here are the pros and cons of eloping at sunrise and sunset in Maui!

Eloping at sunrise

Pros:

Beaches tend to be less crowded—we may even have the whole beach to ourselves! No need to worry about other people walking around in the background of our shots, or disrupting your private vow exchange.
It’s calmer—the wind and waves tend to be lighter in the morning before the trade winds pick up.
You can get nerves out of the way—if you’re feeling nervous about your vow exchange, why not have your ceremony done first thing in the morning? That way you won’t be thinking about it all day and can enjoy the rest of your elopement with the official stuff already checked off your list.
It gives you more time to enjoy the day—the more time you to get to experience your one-of-a-kind elopement day, the better, right? Elopements aren’t just about snapping a few quick pics—they’re an all-day, unforgettable experience that you should remember forever. By getting up early, we have the ENTIRE day to explore and enjoy all the activities you’re dreaming of, plus plenty of extra time to flow with the energy of the day and adjust plans if needed.

Cons:

Early wake-up calls—obviously. If you’re not a morning person, you may struggle with an early wake-up call on your elopement day, and we don’t want any negative attitude to bleed into the rest of the day!
Cooler weather—the warmest temperatures come around mid-day (depending on the season), so sunrise elopements are likely to be a bit chillier. If you’re down to throw on a light top layer as needed, then you’ll be just fine.

Eloping at sunset

Pros:

Perfect way to end the day—what better way to end a magical elopement day than with a ceremony as the sun sets? You’ve enjoyed an incredible day full of new memories, good people, and amazing activities. . . now it’s time to make things official, celebrate, and head back to your lodging for a cozy night’s sleep as newlyweds.
No early wake-up call—night owls unite. If you’re not an early riser, you’ll love getting to stay out late and wait for the sun to set, maybe even enjoying a night out afterward to celebrate at a local restaurant with a delicious dinner.

Cons:

More tourists—sunset is peak time for tourists to be out and about, especially at popular destinations. You’re less likely to find privacy during your vow exchange, and there may be people around as we take snuggly newlywed portraits. If you’re not a fan of PDA, this may not be great for you!
Anticipation builds the whole day—if you’re feeling any nerves for your ceremony, they might end up building throughout the whole day. Think about whether or not you’ll be able to be fully present during every part of the day if all you’re thinking about is your ceremony later that night.

7 Ways to Make Your Maui Elopement Unique

I’m a big fan of couples taking ANY chance they can get to make their elopement unique—whether that means going on a crazy thrilling adventure they want to check off their bucket list, or investing in a relaxing spa day at a luxury hotel that they’ve always dreamed of visiting. Or both!

The best way to make your Maui elopement your own? Think about what makes you unique as a couple. Do you love rock climbing or surfing massive waves together? Do you feel most at home taking a sunset stroll on the beach at the end of a long day? Maybe you’re dying to swim in a tropical waterfall, or pop a bottle of champagne along a gorgeous trail? If you can find fun ways to incorporate the hobbies you share and love into your elopement, that is the EASIEST way to make it authentic to you. I’m always happy to help brainstorm ideas to make your Maui elopement unique—in fact, I’ve got 7 for you to start with below.

1. Exchange personalized vows

Why repeat the traditional set of vows when you could write your own? They’ll be much more heartfelt and meaningful, trust me!

2. Get ready together

I always LOVE when couples get ready together on their elopement day. You get to spend so much more time together, and these quiet moments before the day really begins are bound to be so special + intimate.

3. Pack a picnic

Either bring your own, or hire a local vendor to set one up for you. Lucy Soulshine Creations is my personal favorite gal to recommend for couples wanting a dreamy pop-up picnic in Maui. Bonus points for taking advantage of all the delicious, fresh, locally-grown ingredients the island has to offer!

4. Visit multiple locations

Who says you have to choose just one location for your elopement day? If it works for your timeline, hit up a few different places that you’re dying to visit. Try to choose places with diverse landscapes so you get a variety of experiences and photos in your gallery.

5. Pop a bottle for toasts

Bring a bottle of bubbly for a little post-ceremony celebration, because you deserve it 🍾

6. Share a private first dance

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate your own version of wedding traditions—if it feels meaningful and right to you. I love seeing couples share a private first dance on the beach, in the mountains, or on the middle of a trail, surrounded by stunning scenery and the quiet of nature (rather than hundreds of guests who are awkwardly staring you down).

7. Plan one-of–a-kind activities

Think about what would fill your soul on your elopement day—what would leave you feeling so grateful, fulfilled, in love, and present in the moment. This could look like a. . .

Sailboat tour at sunset
Hike through the mountains
Sunrise stroll on the beach
Snorkeling tour to see dolphins and colorful reefs
Helicopter tour over the island
Scenic drive along the road to Hana
Zip line tour through exhilarating canopy

The island is your oyster!

Legalities of Eloping in Maui

I know the legal stuff isn’t quite as fun as picking your ceremony location or planning your activities, but it’s just as important (if not more) to make sure you actually make things official! Below, I’ll take you through the key info you need to know about getting married in Maui.

Maui Marriage Laws + Licenses

Can you elope in Maui?

Absolutely! As long as you follow state marriage laws and the process to get your license, you’ll be golden to tie the knot on this beautiful island.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Maui?

It doesn’t take very long to get a marriage license in Maui—all you need to do is fill out an online application and meet with a local agent in person to receive your license. More details on this below.

How do you get married in Maui?

To get legally married in Maui, you’ll need to follow the marriage laws and processes set by the State of Hawaii as a whole. The good news is, you don’t need to be a resident of Hawaii or even a U.S. citizen in order to get married here. Oh, and no witnesses are required to be present at your ceremony!

To get your Hawaii marriage license, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age
Complete this online application
Pay a non-refundable $65 fee
Meet with an agent 30 days prior to your ceremony date, with valid photo ID in hand
Have your official ceremony within 30 days of receiving your license (there’s no waiting period, so you’re free to tie the knot as soon as you’d like!)

For more information about meeting with an agent in Maui, you can call the district health office at (808) 984-8210.

Maui Wedding + Elopement Permits

Do you need a permit to get married on the beach in Maui?

Yes, you will need a Wiki Permit to get married on any beach in Hawaii.

The permit process is fairly straightforward, and I’ll be happy to help you out with this as I’m very familiar with the process and have gone through it with many couples! This permit comes with a fee of $0.10 per square foot that you’ll be using for your ceremony, with a $20.00 or 200 square foot minimum.Once you get a Wiki Permit, you’ll be able to use your permitted ceremony site for up to two hours, including any set-up and breakdown.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources has a list of Wiki Permit Beach Locations that shows which locations are permissible for ceremonies, which includes plenty of gorgeous beaches in Maui.

Here are a few things to know about beach weddings in Maui:

No chairs, decor, or accessories are allowed on the beach
Wiki Permit events are best for ceremonies with under 25 people
Applications must be submitted within a reasonable timeframe (at least 1-2 weeks in advance)
Each event only requires one permit and permittee
You’ll need up-to-date liability insurance of at least $500,000 per incident and $1,000,000 aggregate, naming the State of Hawaii as an additional insured

You can read through a list of Wiki Permit FAQ’s here, and again—I’ll be there to support you throughout the application process, because I know it can get a little confusing.

Key Vendors to Hire for Your Maui Elopement

Part of making sure your Maui elopement is as incredible as possible, is having the right team of trusted vendors by your side. We’re lucky to have SO many amazing elopement vendors here in Maui, so there is no shortage of talented, creative professionals for you to choose from!

I’ll keep my specific vendor recommendations for my booked couples, but here’s a general list of vendors you won’t want to forget to hire for your Maui elopement:

Photographer (wink, wink)
Videographer (double wink, wink)
Officiant
Planner/coordinator
Florist
Hair/makeup
Rentals/decor
Food/drinks (catering, food truck, pop-up picnic, etc.)
Dessert
Stationery
Lodging

Hiring Your Maui Elopement Photographer

Hi, I’m Melinda—and I am so glad you’re considering eloping in Maui.

Moving here was truly the best decision my family has ever made, which is why I’m so wildly passionate about helping couples curate their dream island elopement experiences. I’m here to make sure every beautiful moment (big or small) is documented; frozen in time to look back on forever so that you can focus on enjoying the day, embracing the present, and admiring the otherworldly beauty of this island!

Maui Elopement Packages

Wondering how much it’ll cost you to elope in Maui? Every couple and every elopement is completely unique, so I can’t give you an exact number—but I can tell you that my Maui elopement photography packages start at $1900, and include everything from edited images to custom timeline creation and unlimited planning assistance. When I show up to your special day, I show up as more than just your photographer: I show up as your biggest supporter who is there to help make every part of the day as magical and memorable as possible.

If you think we’d be a great fit and want more info, inquire about your Maui elopement now and let’s get started!

If you haven’t taken your engagement photos yet, be sure to check out my guide to Planning an Unforgettable Maui Engagement Session in 5 Simple Steps.

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How to Elope in Maui | Full Elopement Guide for 2025

Table of Contents:

Where is Maui?

Why Elope in Maui?

Where to Elope in Maui