Maui Photography – South Side locations ( Weddings & Family Photo Shoots)

NicoleMaui Photography, Wedding photography

If your considering South side locations, you may want to consider the following locations. 
Big Beach ~ Makena

Big Beach in Makena is known for its often high surf which attracts surfers and boogie borders during the day. This large sandy beach is almost 2/3 of a mile long and over 100 yards wide. There is a smaller section of the beach connected by a path on the right, known as “Little Beach”. The division between Big Beach and Little Beach was caused by a lava flow and earthquake in 1790. The hill dividing the beaches is called Pu’u Ola’i or Earthquake Hill. Just off to the other end of Big Beach is a beautiful mix of palm trees, white sand beach and scattered lava rocks trailing out into the ocean.  

Charley Young Beach

This intimate location offers it all for a Maui Beach Wedding ~ Grassy lawn overlooking the ocean, dramatic lava rock formations, white sandy beach, palm trees and more. The 3-acre beach park is located at the north end of Kamaole I Beach Park. The sand is soft and smooth and slopes very gently into the ocean. The area is sheltered from the wind and affords beautiful views of the ocean and Kihei town.  

Five Palms Restaurant

On the oceanfront grounds of the award-winning Five Palms Restaurant, this private location on Keawakapu Beach is ideal for those looking for a ceremony/reception site with a manicured lawn, rock/sand beach and lush tropical foliage. Gorgeous views of the ocean stretching out to Maui’s sister islands Lanai and Kaho’olawe

La Perouse Bay

Located in the protected ‘Ahihi Kina’u Natural Area Reserve, La Perouse Bay is a beautiful lava rock beach formed by the only recorded eruption of the Haleakala volcano over 200 years ago. The drive to the bay and the bay itself are reminiscent of the barren landscape of what Mars or the moon may feel like. There is little vegetation, but the stark contrast of rock and sea make this a very unique wedding location. 

Makena Cove

Also known as ‘Secret Beach‘, this location has become increasingly popular for weddings given its unique combination of white sand beach, dramatic lava rocks, palm trees and tropical foliage. This location offers breathtaking views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe, and offers a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony at any time of day.  

Makena Surf

Often called ‘Heart Rock Beach‘ for the abundance of coral and sea rocks that wash ashore here ~ many of which are shaped like hearts. This beach is primarily visited by vacation renters during the day, and is often very quiet at sunset. During low tide periods, this beach offers many interesting wedding locations due to the many large rock formations that flank its sides.   

North Malu’aka

Located just north of the Maui Prince Resort in Makena, North Malu’aka offers a great view of Kaho’olawe, Molokini and the West Maui Mountains. This location offers a bit more privacy than its Southern companion during the evening, perfect for a simple beach ceremony.