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Maui is a beautiful island nicknamed the Magic Isle.  This probably comes from the ancient legend of the demigod Maui, who harnessed the sun from atop 10,000 foot Haleakala, and slowed its descent making a perfect day in Maui last a little bit longer.  And all days in Maui are perfect, as close to paradise as you will find anywhere.

As with Oahu, Maui is not just one area…..it is many.  You will find wonderfully expansive beaches in Wailea, Ma’alaea and Makena on the south coast. Beautiful mountains to the east with countless waterfalls.  On the hills below Haleakala’s summit are Makawao and Pa’ia, where you will find the grassy ranchlands and flower farms of upcountry Maui.  Cooler temperatures prevail in this area, and the views are spectacular.

On my recent visit to Maui, I was fortunate to meet with a local wedding planner who graciously offered to show me many of the wedding venues on the south coast of Maui.  Some of the most beautiful venues on the island are in Wailea and Makena.  Some of the most prestigious hotels are on this side of the island, with beautiful wedding venues, including beaches, gazebos, and gardens.  They also have many different reception areas:  ball rooms, restaurants, small roof top balconies, and of course, the gardens.  One of my favorite settings for a wedding features a waterfall in the back ground!

Also in the Wailea & Makena area are several golf courses, and surprisingly, these offer some of the most fantastic wedding venues.  They are also some of the most affordable options, with great views, reception in the gardens, on roof top terraces, as well as indoor alternatives in the case of rain!

After my wonderful tour of Wailea and Makena, I drove to the Kapalua area of Maui.  This is on the Northwest Coast, and has the most fantastic views imaginable.  There are several very beautiful hotels and condo properties with beautiful gardens, small chapels, and cliffside venues overlooking the beautiful Pacific.  Beaches are available, but they are quite rocky, which makes for beautiful pictures, but tend to be more difficult to traverse than soft white sand.  However, I did find one small beach that I particularly liked and many weddings are performed on this beach.  It is next door to one of the most well known restaurants in Maui, and to make it even more fantastic, they have facilities for your indoor or outdoor reception.

My next destination was west Maui, specifically the Kaanapali Beach area.  Again, there are many hotels which offer wedding packages, but also allow weddings at their properties which are arranged by an off-site coordinator.  Of course, you can have the traditional beach wedding on Kaanapali Beach, which is the most beautiful, swimmable beach on all of Maui.

Black Rock, on Kaanapali Beach is a beautiful setting for a sunset wedding.  Actually, anywhere along Kaanapali Beach is a beautiful sunset wedding venue!   Keep in mind that, as with Oahu, Maui requires permits for beach use.  No furniture, including chairs and tables, can be placed on the beach.  For this reason, make sure that your guests are ok with standing for ½ on the beach.  It would be a real shame to plan your wedding on the beach, and find that your Grandmother will be unable to witness your vows due to mobility concerns.  Remember a garden overlooking the ocean is a perfect compromise.

Lahaina is a quaint old whaling village.  Within the town there is a beautiful, very old, Catholic Church.  It is just about a block off the main street of Lahaina, and is one of the official historic sites in Hawaii.  It is a very short drive from the Kaanapali Beach hotels and condos, so quite convenient for your guests.  Also, in Lahaina is a great Luau…..wouldn’t that be great for your reception or your rehearsal dinner.  From Lahaina there are several cruise options for sunset dinner cruises.  What a great option for a rehearsal dinner, don’t you think?

If a Maui wedding is in your future, please give me a call or send an email and we can discuss all of your options.  Sandi Moore, (425) 821-4100 or sandi@totemtravel.com.

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-Sandi
1 (425) 821-4100
1 (800) 321-7907
sandi@totemtravel.com