Maui is a stunning place for an elopement. The island is lush and gorgeous, with so much to do and explore. There are some things to consider such as crowds, seasons, permits, and locations. This guide is going to go over all of those things, as well as exactly how to elope in Maui, and the best Maui elopement locations.

Where is Maui

Maui is one of the islands in Hawaii. The county of Maui also consists of Molokai, and Lanai. The best way to get to Maui is by flying into the Kahului Airport. There are two other airports, however they’re for travel between the other islands. You’ll also went to get a rental car to get around the Island of Maui while you’re there.

When to Elope in Maui

The best time to elope in Maui is going to be between September and November. However, this is just my opinion based on crowds. You should research what you’re most interested in seeing, weather, and what suits you the best for your elopement plans. Here are what the seasons look like in Maui:

Spring

March is very busy in Maui, however, there’s a lot less crowds in April and May. So if you’re looking to avoid a lot of tourism, it’s better to go with the later part of spring, as it’s one of the quietest times of the year in Maui. The temps are in the low 80’s, which is also great for couples who don’t want extreme heat, and perfect for a Maui elopement

Summer

The summer brings the hottest and driest months to the island of Maui. If you don’t like humidity, this is a good time to elope here! There’s also a ton of flowers and fresh produce, which is an awesome plus in my opinion. However, summer is one of the busiest times in Maui. Everyone is traveling with their families since kids are out from school.

Fall

I love fall in Hawaii because temps are still warm, and the ocean is still warm. It’s also when there are the least crowds outside of late winter. Temps are in the high 70’s, so this is a great choice for couples who don’t want to deal with much heat. If you want warmer weather and less crowds, spring is probably the better option for you. November is also when you can start to see whales in Maui!

Winter

December is a super busy time in Maui, and the rates of things go up around the holidays, making the trip more expensive than other times of the year. The weather can still be in the 70’s and 80’s this time of year. If you avoid Christmas and New Years, winter is an awesome time to elope in Maui as there is less crowds in January and February.

Maui Wedding Permit

You will need to get a special use permit to be able to elope in Maui. This can feel a little complicated at first, but it’s not too hard once you know how to follow the proper channels. There is a list of pre-determine beaches where you’re allowed to have an elopement, and you can find that here. If you want to elope somewhere outside of these beaches, you can contact someone who manages the county that their in and ask specific questions about how to get your permit. You will also need to fill out this form to be able to buy permits.

When it comes to State Parks, you will need a special use permit through that specific park. Permit costs vary on the location, and are normally under $250, but it always depends. I help all of my eloping couples get the correct permits they need for their elopements, and simply send them what needs to be filled out.

How to Get a Maui Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Maui is actually pretty straight forward. You will start your application online here. Next, you will have to pick it up, and both of you will have to appear with valid forms of ID. Here are the locations you can make an appointment to get your marriage license, and make sure to get it at least ONE day in advance (prior to your ceremony.) You will also have to pay the $65 fee for your marriage license.

Maui Marriage Licensing Agent West Side (Lahaina/ Ka’anapali/ Kapalua)
Sherilynn Takushi 181 Lahainaluna Rd., Suite H Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii (808) 276-6919 sherilynn.takushi@gmail.com

Maui Marriage Licensing Agent South Side (Kihei/ Wailea)
Cynthia Wolfe  2561 Omiko Place Kihei, Maui, HI 96753 (808) 875-8459 cynthia@mauigateway.com

In addition, you can contact the following marriage license agents on Maui:
Linda Albright (808) 875-8459 – Wailuku / Kihei / Wailea

Governor’s Liaison Office – Wailuku (By Appointment Only)
Leah Belmonte (808) 243-5798
Michelle Ankele-Yamashita (808) 243-5798

How to Elope in Maui

You plan a Maui elopement in similar ways as you’d plan any adventure elopement. There are a few major steps, and you can read about those here on my thorough guide on how to elope. For this Maui elopement guide, I’m going over the major things you’ll need to consider!

1. DECIDE IF YOU’RE HAVING GUESTS

This is an imperative part of the planning process for elopements. Some locations have a cap on how many people you’re allowed to have, some guests won’t be able to hike, and others might not be able to spend a whole day in the sun. Choosing an elopement location is a lot easier once you know how many guests you’re going to have, and what they’re all capable. of.

2.HIRE YOUR MAUI ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

This might feel early in the planning process, but bear with me. Elopements don’t have wedding planners. Most elopement photographers have taken it upon themselves to help couples with some of the planning. Many actually help you find your location! And they will think of things you might not have considered, such as: lighting, elevation, difficulty in hiking in a dress, permits, and so much more.

Each elopement photographer offers something different. Personally, I send my couples a customized list of locations based on their preferences, hiking ability, who they want to invite, and what they want to see. I also help them determine lodging options, get permits, get their marriage license, recommend vendors, and create a comprehensive day of timeline, and offer unlimited guidance calls for any questions along the way.

The being said, hiring your Maui elopement photographer early is going to take a massive amount of planning stress off of your shoulders. Wanna chat? Contact me here!

3.DETERMINE WHAT WEATHER YOU WANT TO BE IN

This is going to help you choose a date! Earlier in this post I listed out what each season looks like in Hawaii. Once you determine what kind of weather you want to be in, and if you’re aiming to avoid crowds, you’ll be able to pick the best time of the year for your elopement.

4.PICK YOUR MAUI ELOPEMENT LOCATION

Once you’ve decided on how much you’d like to hike, how many guests are coming, your ideal weather, and the landscapes you want, you’re ready to deep dive into researching Maui elopement locations. Finding the perfect spot will be a lot simpler after considering all of your needs and logistics.

This is information I collect from my couples through a questionnaire, and then use to make a customized list of Maui elopement location options for them.

5.HIRE VENDORS

Once you have your location, it’s time to consider if there’s anything you need vendors for. Do you need any event rentals? Do you want a friend or family to officiate, or do you want to hire an officiant? Will you go out to eat, or do you want something catered, like a meal at an Airbnb from a private chef?

Figure out what extra services you may want, and hire your vendors in advance!

6.GET YOUR PERMITS

You will need to get the correct permits for your elopement. These are usually “special use” permits that you apply for on the National Parks website, or National Forest/BLM website.

Personally, I get all permit information for my eloping couples that hire me. With that, all you need to do is fill out the application when it’s sent to you and pay the fee. Fee’s vary, but are usually around $150 or less.

7.CHOOSE ADDITIONAL ELOPEMENT ACTIVITIES

Activities are such a fun part of an elopement. When you choose to elope, you’re opening yourself up to having a wedding day celebration that feels unique and resonates with you. Incorporate things that will elevate your elopement day experience. Here’s just a few ideas to get you brainstorming:

• Going on a hike
• Having a bonfire
• Having a picnic on a beach
• Star-gazing or astrophotography
• Swimming
• Cliff jumping
• Visiting waterfalls
• Camping
• Snorkeling
• Surfing
• Boat ride with champagne
• Hiring a private chef
• Hot air balloon ride
• Helicopter tour (landing on glaciers, mountains, etc)
• Kayaking
• Paddleboarding
• Sightseeing
• Scenic driving with time to stop for pictures
• Sunset cruise
• Exchanging gifts
• Reading letters from friends or family

8. MAKE A DAY-OF TIMELINE

Making a timeline is an important part of any elopement. It strings together all of your locations, activities, and lets guests know where to be and when. Creating a well thought out timeline will help you feel relaxed during the day, instead of stressed or rush. Make sure to include drive times as well as buffer times between each “event.”

Here are the things I include in the timelines I make for my couples:

• All addresses
• Sunrise time
• Sunset time
• Drive times
• A linke to Accuweather
• A list of all names for group shots
• Vendor info
• Emergency contact info
• A packing list

Lodging in Maui

Lodging is important when it comes to elopements. A lot of couples incorporate their lodging into aspects of their wedding day. For example, getting ready + getting ready photos, a first look, an intimate reception with friends, a dinner made by a private chef, etc. Once you’ve decided what you’ll incorporate in your day, pick a location that will allow everything you want to include.

If you want to host an intimate reception, I highly recommend a vacation rental such as a cabin or an Airbnb. You can also stay at hotels, resorts, chalets, campgrounds, etc. Here are some amazing lodging options near Maui:

• Ho’olio House
• Paia Inn Hotel
• Makena Oceanfront Cottage
• Wailea Beach Villas
• Noah’s Hideaway
• List of Airbnb’s in Maui

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Maui

The cost of a marriage license in Maui is $65. So technically, it $65 to elope in Maui. That being said, most couples spend an average of $5000-$20,000 on their elopement. This includes flights, lodging, permits, vendors, wedding attire, meals, and anything extra a couple might want.

Maui Elopement Locations

There are endless amounts of amazing Maui elopement locations. Ones with clear water, big waves, palm trees, jungles, waterfalls, and so much more. Maui is a popular tourist destination, however there are a lot of places that are “under the radar” as well as ones that are popular for their beauty. I create a custom list of amazing location for my couples when they work with me. But here’s a bunch of stunning Maui elopement locations to get you brainstorming:

Kapalua Beach

Napili Bay

Makena Cove

Baldwin Beach

Ironwoods Beach

Po’olenalena Beach

Iao Valley

Maui Elopement Packages

Elopement photography by Emilee Setting Photo, and everything included in my packages:

• Explore anywhere within Maui, all travel fees included in the price!
• Packages from half day elopements to multi-day elopements
• Receive a customized location list
• Help finding lodging that suits your needs if you’re having an intimate reception
• Included comprehensive timeline design
• Help obtaining your permits
• Help obtaining your marriage license
• A planning checklist
• Unlimited planning and guidance calls 
• All of your stunning photos delivered under three months
• Day of polaroid sneak peeks

Maui elopement packages starting at $6800. Want more information on my pricing and what’s included? Click here

Ready to Elope at Maui?

This Maui elopement guide is a way to get you excited about all the possibilities of what your day could look like. Although, this amount of information can be overwhelming. I’m here to help. I can answer any and all questions you have on a complimentary low pressure consultation call. If you then choose you’d like to work together, I’ll do all of this planning right by your said to alleviate any stress, and bring your Hawaii elopement vision to life. We can chat here!