Are you planning a trip to Maui in the near future and think you may want your family’s portrait taken during your stay? Do you know someone going to Maui that maybe looking for a photographer? Are you getting married on Maui and or maybe know someone is is?
If you answered yes to any of these questions please share this news with your friend.
Behind The Lens Maui is running a month long special that can save you 10% on your photo package. If you secure your date with a security deposit between Feb 15, 2010 and March 15, 2010 and mention this blog post you’ll receive a 10% savings on any photo package.
Please call now to secure your date: 808. 205-2366
Getting Started in Wedding Photography Many people may not consider wedding photography as one of many categories to explore when getting into the field of photography. Shooting weddings should not be considered to be anything less than a serious form. In fact it is one of the most demanding disciplines of professional photography. If you are an aspiring wedding photographer, then there are certain areas you will have to develop to be successful. One of the key areas is strategy. Before you can think about mastering the camera, the lighting and the background, you need to work on a strategy. The word, strategy, is a plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal. As a wedding photographer you will have to not only look at the technical side but, also take a look into the business side. In this article I will focus on getting you pointed into the right direction. Then in future articles, I will discuss the business side. The first place to start is working on your technical skills. When I first began photography, I started with a basic manual 35mm camera, a Pentax K2000 and a few fixed lenses, a 28mm, 50mm and 135mm. I took pictures everyday and practically ran my parents bank account dry developing all the film. In this digital age, you can see the results right after taking a photo and you can easily delete bad results. What your going to need as far as basic equipment is a decent Digital 35mm SLR and a few good lenses. I would recommend a 28-105mm, but 70-200 mm might be a good range to start with. You will also need a good computer and editing software. Most photographers use Mac based computers. However, a good PC will work just fine. As far as computer software, if you are just starting off and on a limited budget, I might suggest beginning with Adobe Lightroom as an editing software. It’s fairly affordable and easy to learn. Presently, I begin the editing process in Lightroom and then finalize in Adobe Photoshop. The photography profession is not a cheap investment. The tools of the trade are very expensive, so my advice is to purchase a decent camera body and invest in great lenses. I recall one of my first internships was with an Orange County Newspaper and I had the privilege of working with the paper’s lead photographer at the time. One of the things he taught me is that it’s not the camera but, it’s the lens you need to invest in. You can have an inexpensive camera body to begin with and then later upgrade. Now days, you can purchase a decent 35mm Digital Slr for about $600. and then your lens are going to be about double that depending on the size lens you purchase. I buy most of my equipment on–line through B&H Photo located in New York and various other pieces from my local camera shop on Maui. To get started I would recommend you start shooting to work on your technical side. I would begin shooting friends, family, candids of people on the street and use natural lighting. The time to shoot is early morning hours just after sun rise and then just before sunsets. A photo editor from the Orange County Register once told me when I was beginning to shoot everyday for at least two hours. His advice to me was to shoot ten rolls of film a week. So, my advice to you is to fill a 4 gig card a week and spend at least six hours a week practicing your editing techniques. Once you begin to get a collection of good images, the next step is to work on your portfolio. Building your photography portfolio. As a photographer there is no greater joy than being recognized for what you love doing. One way to ensure you get that recognition is to create a photography portfolio, which is second to none. Step 1) Choosing your theme You may already have the pictures to create a themed portfolio or you may be planning on capturing them over a period of time. Either way, your portfolio, like a well written book, should have some unifying themes. This theme can be conceptual or it can be technical. For example, your theme could be about courage, love, urban life, fear or something else you create. Alternatively you can create a theme based on photographic technicalities. For example, you could create a portfolio showcasing all of your best wide angle work or one which displays your best black and white work. The themes for creating a portfolio are only limited by your own imagination. So take your time and create a themed portfolio which means something to you. Step 2) Choosing the photos Choosing the right photographs to put in your portfolio will be a time consuming process. By the nature of the portfolio itself, only your best pieces should be placed within the portfolio. If you don’t’ have too many top picks spend some more time photographing until you get those desired results. Your portfolio is something you should be proud of and not something thrown together out of impatience and haste. Your portfolio should be manageable for the viewer to get through. Too often photographers fill pages and pages with photographs that the viewer will skim through to get to the end. The key is not to take it personally when someone reviews it. Everyone’s eye is different and the key to a good portfolio is choosing your best work, which includes classic as well as avant-garde work. The one thing I recall when working with the photo editors in my past is they would say the picture must tell the story without words. When your images can say something or tell a story, without your having to share a story about it, you’ve done something right. Narrow your portfolio down to 20-50 photographs. There is no hard set number you need to follow, but this seems to be the range that most audiences would prefer. Step 3) Showing your work Now that you have put together your portfolio, it’s time to show it off. Begin by sharing it with your friends and family. Next, display your work on-line, there is many on-line photo sharing sites, where other photographers can share their comments with you about your work. Take your time putting it together, but make sure you complete your project. Too many photographers shoot all day long and fail to present their work properly. If you have one of your friends that is getting married, ask if they mind if you take some photos for them. Once your feeling comfortable with your work, the next step is to get out there and work under a professional photographer. If you are going to school, ask your school counselor about internship programs. If they don’t have any presently maybe it’s time they did. Most schools are happy to give you school credit for internships and will even let you out of school early to do it. Contact local photographers in your area and ask them if they are open to internships. You’ll be surprised at what can happen and what you will learn just by asking. I will discuss internships more in a later article. However; I have to tell you persistence also goes along long way. If I had not bugged a photo editor at a major Orange County Newspaper when I was in college, I never would have gotten to work as an intern there. Because of my persistence, I was chosen first over 2,300 other people wanting an internship, due to my continuous calls and showing up with rolls of film to be critiqued.
There are many beautiful locations to consider getting married at in Maui. Below I’ve outlined a several locations that you might want to consider.
Maui Wedding Locations:
Bellstone Highway 340 West Maui
This large volcanic rock sitting on the side of the road has an unusual capability – it sounds like a bell when struck in the right spot. There are several such stones throughout the islands, which is due to the chemical composition of the lava. If you strike this rock on the right side (mountain side) you will hear a metallic clank.
Black Rock Ka’anapali Beach Highway 340 West Maui
Black Rock is the site where ancient Hawaiians believed that their spirits “jumped off” or left this world. Each island has such a spot. It was believed that a spirit left this world to join it ancestors. If there were no ancestors to greet the spirit, it would wander the earth causing mischief.
Black Rock divides the beautiful beaches of Ka’anapali and Kahekili. Resorts line the coast but there are several public beach accesses available. This area is the site of one of the last volcanic eruptions on Maui. Snorkeling and scuba diving is especially good in this area as Black Rock forms a great reef wall. Locals are often seen diving into the deep waters around the rock.
Useful Information: FREE Parking available at the parking garage between the Sheraton and the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. However, only a few sites are free and fill up quickly. Pay parking is available at Whalers Village Shopping Center. Paved walking path stretches the entire length of Ka’anapali Beach. Restaurants, snack bars, gift shops located at the resorts lining the beaches. Public access pathways located between many of the hotels. Great site for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving when the ocean is calm.
Directions: Take Highway 30 from Lahaina toward Ka’anapali. Turn left onto Ka’anapali Parkway at Mile Marker #24. Black Rock is located at the end of Ka’anapali Beach
Dragon’s Teeth Makalua-puna Point, Kapalua West Maui
Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava here is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui – it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion. The jagged points of this formation look like dragon’s teeth, thus the name. Hundreds of years of salt spray has whitened the lava and even eroded holes through some areas.
Useful Information: FREE, paved parking is located off Office Road. The hike to the point is approximately 5 minutes along the edge of the golf course. Honokahua Preservation Site is halfway to the point on the right side of the path. Wear sturdy shoes when walking on the lava point, as the area is rocky and uneven. Windy area – no facilities or water available. Good view of Oneloa Bay from the left side of the point.
Directions: Turn left on Office Road just past Mile Marker #30 off of Highway 30. Parking is located on the right where the Office Road meets Lower Honoapiilani Road.
Honokahua Preservation Site Kapalua West Maui
This is the most important historical site at Kapalua. The site was unearthed when digging began for The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. When the importance of the discovery was realized, the hotel was moved inland. The area, which contains over 900 ancient Hawaiian burial sites dating between 610 and 1800, has been recognized as a sacred site. Hawaiians believe that from such a place ancestor spirits continue to lovingly watch over the land and its people. The area is now carpeted with lush grass and bordered by native naupaka bushes. Also at the site is a portion of the 16th Century Alaloa or King’s Trail, a footpath that once encircled the island.
Useful Information: Weekly “Sense of Place” tours are offered to visitors by employees of The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. View the area but DO NOT enter the actual burial grounds. Please show respect, as this is a religious site.
Directions: Take Lower Honoapiilani Road to the end where it becomes Office Road. There is a small parking lot here. Park and walk along the edge of the Ritz Carlton golf course toward the ocean and Makalua-puna Point. The Preservation Site will be on your right. It is well marked with informational signs.
Kahakuloa Head “The Tall Land” East of Kahakuloa Village West Maui
This 636-foot high hill is situated on a point east of the sleepy town of Kahakuloa. Part of his this hill is called Kahekili’s Leap. The 18th Century Maui King Kahekili used spend some of his time in this area. Legend states that before breakfast, the agile King would climb over 200-feet up the hill and “leap” into the water below. There is a hiking trail located between Kahakuloa Head and the 547-foot hill to the right called Pu’u Kahuli’anapa. From here are great views of the Head towering above. Trails lead to the top of Pu’u Kahuli’anapa and Kahakuloa Head, however, the trail to the top of the Head is very treacherous.
Useful Information: Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to walk any of these trails. Carry plenty of water if hiking, as there is no shade, water, or facilities available.
Directions: Travel east on Highway 340 past Kahakuloa Village, a short distance past the 14 –mile marker. Kahakuloa Head is on the left.
Nakalele Point and Blowhole Highway 30, West Maui
The drive from Kapalua around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is extraordinary. After passing the pineapple fields of Kapalua, you will see the famous surfing spot, Honolua Bay and then Honokohau Valley. Nakalele Point and light beacon is immediately after the valley. Hike down the hill to the magnificent blowhole below the beacon. The blowhole is the result of the ocean wearing away the shore below the lava shelf. With each wave, water is forced through a hole in the lava shelf resulting in the “eruption” of water similar to a geyser. The “blowing” of the water varies dramatically depending on tide levels and wave action. High tide and strong surf result in the best effects.
Useful Information: The blowhole, point and light beacon can easily be seen from the two trailheads without taking the hike. Two trails lead down to the blowhole – the first and longer trail called the Acid War Zone, leads down from Highway 30 starting at a dirt parking lot on the side of the road. The second and shorter trail begins less than 1/2 mile from the first site and is marked by a dirt pullout on the side of the road. Use extreme caution when walking these trails, as they are rocky and descend steeply toward the ocean. Wear sturdy shoes. Be very careful around the blowhole as the waves and resulting eruptions are unpredictable and dangerous.
Directions: Follow Highway 30 (Honoapi’ilani Highway) north from Kapalua. The Acid War Zone trail is near Mile Marker #38 where a gravel parking lot is located. A dirt jeep road begins the trail, which takes approximately 30 minutes to hike. The second trail to the blowhole is located 1/2 mile past Mile Marker #38 and is marked by a dirt pullout along the side of the road.
Olivine Pools Highway 340 West Maui
The Olivine Pools were named for this semi-precious gem found encrusted in the surrounding lava and sandstone. These naturally formed swimming pools are located on a lava shelf stretching along the coastline. When the sea is calm, the area is excellent for swimming, wading and sun bathing. Notice the unusual lava formations surrounding the area as you bathe in these wonderful pools.
Useful Information: Wear reef shoes when walking on the lava. Wear study shoes to walk the trail to the pools as it awkward and may be slippery. Do not wear lotions or oils in the pools as it may harm tiny sea life. DO NOT remove rocks, fish, or any sea life from the area· No facilities available. Monitor the ocean at all times – waves can be very unpredictable and dangerous.
Directions: Take Highway 30 past the Bellstone going toward Kahakuloa Village. A small gravel road on the left is located just prior to Mile Marker #16. Park and walk toward the ocean. A rock platform overlooks the pools. To the left of this overlook is a lava bench and a trail leading down to it and the lava shelf.
Kahakuloa Village Highway 340 West Maui
Traveling along the West Coast is one of the most scenic drives on the island. Past the Nakelele Blowhole and the Olivine Pools. Highway 340 narrows considerably for about 1.5 miles as it descends the mountain and enters Kahakuloa Village. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. Aina Anuhea Tropical Gardens, Kaukini Gallery and Bruce Turnbull Studio and Sculpture Garden are a few examples of local businesses. Leaving the village is pullout with a terrific view of the village and bay. Just as the road widens past the village is another wonderful vantage site located between Kahakuloa Head, a 636-foot high hill beside the ocean, and Ku’u Kahuli’anapa, a 547-foot hill to its right.
Useful Information: Wonderful views of the village and ocean before and after the village. No gas stations or restaurants located in the village. Road is VERY NARROW for 1.5 miles leading into and out of the village – be very cautious and drive slowly!
Directions: Take Highway 30 around the west end of Maui from Kapalua. The highway turns into Highway 340 just prior to the village. Kahakuloa Village is located between Mile Markers #14 and 15 on Highway 340.
Lahaina “Cruel Sun” Highway 30 West Maui
Lahaina may, at first glance, seem like just another sleepy port town. But this lovely and pictureque city is full of life and brimming with history! Day or night, Lahaina is a site not to be missed. Parking is probably the only “problem” in the town, however, there are several public lots that are conveniently located. Lahaina started as an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Then westerns and their tall ships began sailing to the islands and Lahaina became a popular town due to it’s natural harbor. Several of the buildings and much of the history of the area revolves around those early years of the 1800′s.
Haleakala Volcano Sunrise Crater Tour: “HOUSE OF THE SUN”
A trip to Maui is never complete without viewing a magnificent sunrise from aloft Haleakala, Maui’s sleeping volcano. Travel to the 10,023 foot summit with Ekahi and experience the dawn of creation. Panoramic views, nature in the raw, and the wonders of Haleakala National Park will leave you breathless!
Maui is a large island with many great wedding sites to choose from. The island is composed of two dormant volcanoes joined together by a large valley. Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island and there is a lot here.
The Two Best Areas of Maui
There are many great areas of Maui, but we believe the two best are South and West Maui. So that you won’t have to travel a long way to your wedding site, it is probably a good idea to book your lodging fairly close to the location of your wedding.
Our favorite area is South Maui (sometimes referred to as the “sun belt”) where Kihei, Wailea and Makena are located. South Maui sits at the foot of 10,000 foot Mount Haleakala. The area boasts some of the best hotels on the island and some of the world’s finest beach sites. The weather here is drier and warmer year-round with a refreshing offshore breeze.
Every night the clouds over Haleakala slip down over Makena and create these awesome sunsets. Clouds also rise over the nearby uninhabited island of Kahoolawe. This and the offshore cinder cone of Molokini provide great views that are perfect for your sunset weddings.
The West Mauicoast contains the island’s largest grouping of hotels and tourist activities. It is located in the Lahaina/Kaanapali beach area at the foothills of the west Maui mountains.
The area has green hills and white sandy beaches with many cliffs and bluffs jutting into the sea. There are many hotels and condos in this area and several excellent (though sometimes crowded) free beach sites for your wedding.
The weather in West Maui is a little wetter and the wind is often stronger than in the South especially in the winter, so weather is more likely to be a factor here. The clouds rising over the nearby islands of Lanai and Molokai offer great sunsets.
All of the public beach sites we list are FREE. Unless it is a public park, the other sites all require a site fee. Remember, if you aren’t sure by looking at the pictures what you want, we can describe the locations to you over the phone so you can find just the right site for your wedding.
But you don’t have to decide where you will get married until after you arrive. If you would like the opportunity to make your own selection before the ceremony, we’ll give you directions so you can scout out several sites.
have arranged our selection of Maui wedding locations by the type of site:
Free Maui Beach Sites – By far the most popular locations for a Maui wedding is on the beach. Maui’s beaches are second to none. The West and South Maui beaches face into the setting sun and therefore offer great sunsets about 95% of the time!
There are many great free locations to choose from. We have locations like Makena Cove (which is one of our favorites) where the surf pounds away at the black lava rocks just a few feet from the site of your ceremony.
Maui has some of the best beaches in the world. Many are perfect for your romantic wedding. As all beaches are public and therefore free, you can use just about any beach, even those right in front of your condo or hotel if you prefer.
But some sites are obviously better than others. We have performed weddings on so many of Maui’s beaches we definitely have several that we recommend, depending on the area where you are staying.
We have limited the choices on this page to those that offer features most couples prefer for their wedding site: beauty, seclusion, less chance of rain, low wind and a good view of the sunset.
South Maui Beach Sites
Overall, we believe that South Maui is the home of the best free beach wedding sites. They’re less crowded, with less rain and wind, and are generally more suited for your romantic wedding site.
The sunsets in the Makena area are usually awesome. The offshore view is of the islands of Kaholoowe and Molokini which usually have clouds over them which glow orange at sunset. It is likely that you’ll have a beautiful sky here for your sunset wedding. Each evening the clouds from Haleakala slide off the volcano and down towards the sea over Makena. Those clouds sometimes look dark and forbidding, but they seldom produce rain, even in winter.
Makena Cove
This location is a small and sheltered cove which is difficult to find by the casual tourist. Many locals have never even been to the beach, but fishermen often come here on weekends. It’s far less likely to be frequented by bathers and casual swimmers (it is not a good swimming beach because of the rocks and the large waves).
The biggest drawback about Makena Cove is that it is very popular with wedding coordinators and so it is often likely that there will be several other weddings going on during the same evening. There are also no restrooms or facilities at the cove and no paved parking area but there is parking on the road.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach has been rated as the world’s number one beach by one source. The best location at this site for a wedding is the grassy hill overlooking the beach. The slope is gentle as you approach the crest of the hill, but steep on the ocean side offering an impressive view of the beach, the West Maui Mountains and the ocean.
The paved pathway leading down to the beach goes around the hill so that it is much more likely to be secluded on top of this hill than at many other public sites. But keep in mind that there is only one wedding site on this hill, and because this is a public area, it is possible that someone else might arrive first and hold onto the location (for picnicking or another wedding).
There is public parking nearby for 30 cars as well as a public restroom at the bottom of the hill. To reach the beach, take Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) south past Kihei to Wailea Alanui Drive. Turn left and the beach is just past the Grand Wailea Resort between it and the Four Seasons.
Ulua Beach
This beach is a popular public swimming location between two hotels (the Renaissance and the Outrigger Resorts). There is a nice spot on the sandy beach next to where the hill reaches the ocean and forms a small jetty of rocks in the water.
Weddings can be done on the beach or up on the narrow grassy hill overlooking the beach. This second site is a favorite of our couples for their dinner on the beach because of the romantic overlook of the ocean and easy accessibility for our chef.
There are public restrooms and 40 parking spaces available. To reach the beach, drive down Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) past Kihei until it makes a “T” at Wailea Alanui. At that signal, turn to the right (north). Quickly look on the left for the sign to Ulua Beach.
Po’olenalena Beach
This is a beach in the Makena area that is not as well known. The beach is long and sandy with a hill and lava rock outcropping to the left with palms overlooking the ocean.
The parking at this beach is not paved and the only “facility” available is a single uni-sex portable potty. To reach the beach, take Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) south past Kihei to Wailea Alanui Drive. Turn left and drive past the Kea Lani Resort until you see the small sign leading to the beach. Then walk over the hill to the left to reach the more secluded spot.
Makena Surf
Makena Surf is a location that our couples love. We often have the entire beach to ourselves or possibly one other wedding party. Because the beach is so big, the other wedding party can be a long ways away. It has palm trees in the distance and local lava rocks for dramatic picture settings. The sunsets are gorgeous. This is one of our first choices for a great wedding.
Cove Beach
Cove Beach is a popular site for surfers. Right to the left of the main beach is this small cove (pictured above). It provides a great look for your photography as you will have a palm tree overlooking your sandy beach site.
To reach the beach, turn south on Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) towards South Maui. When you reach Kihei, turn right on South Kihei Road as it heads along the coast for several miles until you reach the clearly marked sign for Cove Beach.
The site does not have many parking spaces and no facilities. But it is easily accessible and located right on South Kihei Road, the busy street that runs along the ocean through the town of Kihei so you are not far from many services
Bellstone Highway 340 West Maui
This large volcanic rock sitting on the side of the road has an unusual capability – it sounds like a bell when struck in the right spot. There are several such stones throughout the islands, which is due to the chemical composition of the lava. If you strike this rock on the right side (mountain side) you will hear a metallic clank.
Black Rock Ka’anapali Beach Highway 340 West Maui
Black Rock is the site where ancient Hawaiians believed that their spirits “jumped off” or left this world. Each island has such a spot. It was believed that a spirit left this world to join it ancestors. If there were no ancestors to greet the spirit, it would wander the earth causing mischief.
Black Rock divides the beautiful beaches of Ka’anapali and Kahekili. Resorts line the coast but there are several public beach accesses available. This area is the site of one of the last volcanic eruptions on Maui. Snorkeling and scuba diving is especially good in this area as Black Rock forms a great reef wall. Locals are often seen diving into the deep waters around the rock.
Useful Information: FREE Parking available at the parking garage between the Sheraton and the Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. However, only a few sites are free and fill up quickly. Pay parking is available at Whalers Village Shopping Center. Paved walking path stretches the entire length of Ka’anapali Beach. Restaurants, snack bars, gift shops located at the resorts lining the beaches. Public access pathways located between many of the hotels. Great site for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving when the ocean is calm.
Directions: Take Highway 30 from Lahaina toward Ka’anapali. Turn left onto Ka’anapali Parkway at Mile Marker #24. Black Rock is located at the end of Ka’anapali Beach
Dragon’s Teeth Makalua-puna Point, Kapalua West Maui
Makalua-puna Point was created from one of the last lava flows on Maui. However, the lava here is a little different from the rest of the lava on Maui – it is much lighter, denser, and fine-grained. The wind sweeping over the point caused the lava to harden in an upward fashion. The jagged points of this formation look like dragon’s teeth, thus the name. Hundreds of years of salt spray has whitened the lava and even eroded holes through some areas.
Useful Information: FREE, paved parking is located off Office Road. The hike to the point is approximately 5 minutes along the edge of the golf course. Honokahua Preservation Site is halfway to the point on the right side of the path. Wear sturdy shoes when walking on the lava point, as the area is rocky and uneven. Windy area – no facilities or water available. Good view of Oneloa Bay from the left side of the point.
Directions: Turn left on Office Road just past Mile Marker #30 off of Highway 30. Parking is located on the right where the Office Road meets Lower Honoapiilani Road.
Honokahua Preservation Site Kapalua West Maui
This is the most important historical site at Kapalua. The site was unearthed when digging began for The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. When the importance of the discovery was realized, the hotel was moved inland. The area, which contains over 900 ancient Hawaiian burial sites dating between 610 and 1800, has been recognized as a sacred site. Hawaiians believe that from such a place ancestor spirits continue to lovingly watch over the land and its people. The area is now carpeted with lush grass and bordered by native naupaka bushes. Also at the site is a portion of the 16th Century Alaloa or King’s Trail, a footpath that once encircled the island.
Useful Information: Weekly “Sense of Place” tours are offered to visitors by employees of The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua. View the area but DO NOT enter the actual burial grounds. Please show respect, as this is a religious site.
Directions: Take Lower Honoapiilani Road to the end where it becomes Office Road. There is a small parking lot here. Park and walk along the edge of the Ritz Carlton golf course toward the ocean and Makalua-puna Point. The Preservation Site will be on your right. It is well marked with informational signs.
Kahakuloa Head “The Tall Land” East of Kahakuloa Village West Maui
This 636-foot high hill is situated on a point east of the sleepy town of Kahakuloa. Part of his this hill is called Kahekili’s Leap. The 18th Century Maui King Kahekili used spend some of his time in this area. Legend states that before breakfast, the agile King would climb over 200-feet up the hill and “leap” into the water below. There is a hiking trail located between Kahakuloa Head and the 547-foot hill to the right called Pu’u Kahuli’anapa. From here are great views of the Head towering above. Trails lead to the top of Pu’u Kahuli’anapa and Kahakuloa Head, however, the trail to the top of the Head is very treacherous.
Useful Information: Wear sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to walk any of these trails. Carry plenty of water if hiking, as there is no shade, water, or facilities available.
Directions: Travel east on Highway 340 past Kahakuloa Village, a short distance past the 14 –mile marker. Kahakuloa Head is on the left.
Nakalele Point and Blowhole Highway 30, West Maui
The drive from Kapalua around Nakalele Point and on to Wailuku is extraordinary. After passing the pineapple fields of Kapalua, you will see the famous surfing spot, Honolua Bay and then Honokohau Valley. Nakalele Point and light beacon is immediately after the valley. Hike down the hill to the magnificent blowhole below the beacon. The blowhole is the result of the ocean wearing away the shore below the lava shelf. With each wave, water is forced through a hole in the lava shelf resulting in the “eruption” of water similar to a geyser. The “blowing” of the water varies dramatically depending on tide levels and wave action. High tide and strong surf result in the best effects.
Useful Information: The blowhole, point and light beacon can easily be seen from the two trailheads without taking the hike. Two trails lead down to the blowhole – the first and longer trail called the Acid War Zone, leads down from Highway 30 starting at a dirt parking lot on the side of the road. The second and shorter trail begins less than 1/2 mile from the first site and is marked by a dirt pullout on the side of the road. Use extreme caution when walking these trails, as they are rocky and descend steeply toward the ocean. Wear sturdy shoes. Be very careful around the blowhole as the waves and resulting eruptions are unpredictable and dangerous.
Directions: Follow Highway 30 (Honoapi’ilani Highway) north from Kapalua. The Acid War Zone trail is near Mile Marker #38 where a gravel parking lot is located. A dirt jeep road begins the trail, which takes approximately 30 minutes to hike. The second trail to the blowhole is located 1/2 mile past Mile Marker #38 and is marked by a dirt pullout along the side of the road.
Olivine Pools Highway 340 West Maui
The Olivine Pools were named for this semi-precious gem found encrusted in the surrounding lava and sandstone. These naturally formed swimming pools are located on a lava shelf stretching along the coastline. When the sea is calm, the area is excellent for swimming, wading and sun bathing. Notice the unusual lava formations surrounding the area as you bathe in these wonderful pools.
Useful Information: Wear reef shoes when walking on the lava. Wear study shoes to walk the trail to the pools as it awkward and may be slippery. Do not wear lotions or oils in the pools as it may harm tiny sea life. DO NOT remove rocks, fish, or any sea life from the area· No facilities available. Monitor the ocean at all times – waves can be very unpredictable and dangerous.
Directions: Take Highway 30 past the Bellstone going toward Kahakuloa Village. A small gravel road on the left is located just prior to Mile Marker #16. Park and walk toward the ocean. A rock platform overlooks the pools. To the left of this overlook is a lava bench and a trail leading down to it and the lava shelf.
Kahakuloa Village Highway 340 West Maui
Traveling along the West Coast is one of the most scenic drives on the island. Past the Nakelele Blowhole and the Olivine Pools. Highway 340 narrows considerably for about 1.5 miles as it descends the mountain and enters Kahakuloa Village. This community is one of the most isolated spots on Maui and most of the residents work in and around the village. Aina Anuhea Tropical Gardens, Kaukini Gallery and Bruce Turnbull Studio and Sculpture Garden are a few examples of local businesses. Leaving the village is pullout with a terrific view of the village and bay. Just as the road widens past the village is another wonderful vantage site located between Kahakuloa Head, a 636-foot high hill beside the ocean, and Ku’u Kahuli’anapa, a 547-foot hill to its right.
Useful Information: Wonderful views of the village and ocean before and after the village. No gas stations or restaurants located in the village. Road is VERY NARROW for 1.5 miles leading into and out of the village – be very cautious and drive slowly!
Directions: Take Highway 30 around the west end of Maui from Kapalua. The highway turns into Highway 340 just prior to the village. Kahakuloa Village is located between Mile Markers #14 and 15 on Highway 340.
Lahaina “Cruel Sun” Highway 30 West Maui
Lahaina may, at first glance, seem like just another sleepy port town. But this lovely and pictureque city is full of life and brimming with history! Day or night, Lahaina is a site not to be missed. Parking is probably the only “problem” in the town, however, there are several public lots that are conveniently located. Lahaina started as an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Then westerns and their tall ships began sailing to the islands and Lahaina became a popular town due to it’s natural harbor. Several of the buildings and much of the history of the area revolves around those early years of the 1800′s.
Haleakala Volcano Sunrise Crater Tour: “HOUSE OF THE SUN”
A trip to Maui is never complete without viewing a magnificent sunrise from aloft Haleakala, Maui’s sleeping volcano. Travel to the 10,023 foot summit with Ekahi and experience the dawn of creation. Panoramic views, nature in the raw, and the wonders of Haleakala National Park will leave you breathless!
Maui is a large island with many great wedding sites to choose from. The island is composed of two dormant volcanoes joined together by a large valley. Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island and there is a lot here.
The Two Best Areas of Maui
There are many great areas of Maui, but we believe the two best are South and West Maui. So that you won’t have to travel a long way to your wedding site, it is probably a good idea to book your lodging fairly close to the location of your wedding.
Our favorite area is South Maui (sometimes referred to as the “sun belt”) where Kihei, Wailea and Makena are located. South Maui sits at the foot of 10,000 foot Mount Haleakala. The area boasts some of the best hotels on the island and some of the world’s finest beach sites. The weather here is drier and warmer year-round with a refreshing offshore breeze.
Every night the clouds over Haleakala slip down over Makena and create these awesome sunsets. Clouds also rise over the nearby uninhabited island of Kahoolawe. This and the offshore cinder cone of Molokini provide great views that are perfect for your sunset weddings.
The West Mauicoast contains the island’s largest grouping of hotels and tourist activities. It is located in the Lahaina/Kaanapali beach area at the foothills of the west Maui mountains.
The area has green hills and white sandy beaches with many cliffs and bluffs jutting into the sea. There are many hotels and condos in this area and several excellent (though sometimes crowded) free beach sites for your wedding.
The weather in West Maui is a little wetter and the wind is often stronger than in the South especially in the winter, so weather is more likely to be a factor here. The clouds rising over the nearby islands of Lanai and Molokai offer great sunsets.
All of the public beach sites we list are FREE. Unless it is a public park, the other sites all require a site fee. Remember, if you aren’t sure by looking at the pictures what you want, we can describe the locations to you over the phone so you can find just the right site for your wedding.
But you don’t have to decide where you will get married until after you arrive. If you would like the opportunity to make your own selection before the ceremony, we’ll give you directions so you can scout out several sites.
have arranged our selection of Maui wedding locations by the type of site:
Free Maui Beach Sites – By far the most popular locations for a Maui wedding is on the beach. Maui’s beaches are second to none. The West and South Maui beaches face into the setting sun and therefore offer great sunsets about 95% of the time!
There are many great free locations to choose from. We have locations like Makena Cove (which is one of our favorites) where the surf pounds away at the black lava rocks just a few feet from the site of your ceremony.
Maui has some of the best beaches in the world. Many are perfect for your romantic wedding. As all beaches are public and therefore free, you can use just about any beach, even those right in front of your condo or hotel if you prefer.
But some sites are obviously better than others. We have performed weddings on so many of Maui’s beaches we definitely have several that we recommend, depending on the area where you are staying.
We have limited the choices on this page to those that offer features most couples prefer for their wedding site: beauty, seclusion, less chance of rain, low wind and a good view of the sunset.
South Maui Beach Sites
Overall, we believe that South Maui is the home of the best free beach wedding sites. They’re less crowded, with less rain and wind, and are generally more suited for your romantic wedding site.
The sunsets in the Makena area are usually awesome. The offshore view is of the islands of Kaholoowe and Molokini which usually have clouds over them which glow orange at sunset. It is likely that you’ll have a beautiful sky here for your sunset wedding. Each evening the clouds from Haleakala slide off the volcano and down towards the sea over Makena. Those clouds sometimes look dark and forbidding, but they seldom produce rain, even in winter.
Makena Cove
This location is a small and sheltered cove which is difficult to find by the casual tourist. Many locals have never even been to the beach, but fishermen often come here on weekends. It’s far less likely to be frequented by bathers and casual swimmers (it is not a good swimming beach because of the rocks and the large waves).
The biggest drawback about Makena Cove is that it is very popular with wedding coordinators and so it is often likely that there will be several other weddings going on during the same evening. There are also no restrooms or facilities at the cove and no paved parking area but there is parking on the road.
Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach has been rated as the world’s number one beach by one source. The best location at this site for a wedding is the grassy hill overlooking the beach. The slope is gentle as you approach the crest of the hill, but steep on the ocean side offering an impressive view of the beach, the West Maui Mountains and the ocean.
The paved pathway leading down to the beach goes around the hill so that it is much more likely to be secluded on top of this hill than at many other public sites. But keep in mind that there is only one wedding site on this hill, and because this is a public area, it is possible that someone else might arrive first and hold onto the location (for picnicking or another wedding).
There is public parking nearby for 30 cars as well as a public restroom at the bottom of the hill. To reach the beach, take Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) south past Kihei to Wailea Alanui Drive. Turn left and the beach is just past the Grand Wailea Resort between it and the Four Seasons.
Ulua Beach
This beach is a popular public swimming location between two hotels (the Renaissance and the Outrigger Resorts). There is a nice spot on the sandy beach next to where the hill reaches the ocean and forms a small jetty of rocks in the water.
Weddings can be done on the beach or up on the narrow grassy hill overlooking the beach. This second site is a favorite of our couples for their dinner on the beach because of the romantic overlook of the ocean and easy accessibility for our chef.
There are public restrooms and 40 parking spaces available. To reach the beach, drive down Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) past Kihei until it makes a “T” at Wailea Alanui. At that signal, turn to the right (north). Quickly look on the left for the sign to Ulua Beach.
Po’olenalena Beach
This is a beach in the Makena area that is not as well known. The beach is long and sandy with a hill and lava rock outcropping to the left with palms overlooking the ocean.
The parking at this beach is not paved and the only “facility” available is a single uni-sex portable potty. To reach the beach, take Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) south past Kihei to Wailea Alanui Drive. Turn left and drive past the Kea Lani Resort until you see the small sign leading to the beach. Then walk over the hill to the left to reach the more secluded spot.
Makena Surf
Makena Surf is a location that our couples love. We often have the entire beach to ourselves or possibly one other wedding party. Because the beach is so big, the other wedding party can be a long ways away. It has palm trees in the distance and local lava rocks for dramatic picture settings. The sunsets are gorgeous. This is one of our first choices for a great wedding.
Cove Beach
Cove Beach is a popular site for surfers. Right to the left of the main beach is this small cove (pictured above). It provides a great look for your photography as you will have a palm tree overlooking your sandy beach site.
To reach the beach, turn south on Highway 31 (Piilani Hwy.) towards South Maui. When you reach Kihei, turn right on South Kihei Road as it heads along the coast for several miles until you reach the clearly marked sign for Cove Beach.
The site does not have many parking spaces and no facilities. But it is easily accessible and located right on South Kihei Road, the busy street that runs along the ocean through the town of Kihei so you are not far from many services.
I was on the phone last month speaking to a mom that was bringing her family to Maui and wanted to have her family portraits done while visiting. During the conversation, she mentioned that she was blessed with really good looking kids. You hear that all the time and we’ll we all think our kids are cute right? I met the family the other day at a secluded location that I won’t mention as I’d like to keep it secluded and was so happy to see that indeed she wasn’t kidding me when she said, ” her kids we’re good looking”. Not only was the whole family good looking but, they we’re equally as nice. Here’s a cute shot of her boy and girl and the new grand daughter.
