The destination that’s primarily responsible for the creation of Destination I Do is Maui, Hawaii. When I was only 14, I saw my first destination wedding taking place on the shores of Ka’anapali in Maui and a seed was planted. It was a simple elopement at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, but it was the most beautiful and serene setting I’d ever witnessed in my young life. I didn’t know the couple or anything about them, but I became totally enamored watching their intimate ceremony taking place. With the golden sun setting, the glow from the sky and reflection off the water ensconcing them as if it were a dream, they said their destination “I do’s.”

In 2004, with that core memory firmly planted in my brain, we began work on our first print magazine and Maui was front and center in our inaugural issue. In the 20 years we’ve been in business, we’ve featured Maui real weddings, or the destination itself, along with the vendors who serve there, hundreds of times.

When the fires happened in Lahaina on August 8, 2023, the tragedy struck a deep emotional cord through all of us at Destination I Do. Between our personal ties to the island, the number of times we’ve all been lucky enough to visit, and the special connection we feel to the people, culture and land, we knew we needed to keep reporting on it and to support businesses there in any way we could. We wrote many stories on destinationido.com about how to help and worked with people on the ground to find out what they needed. The wedding vendors and hospitality businesses in Maui were seriously impacted and bringing your wedding celebrations there is just as important today as it was almost a year ago.

This is the first of a three-part series where we are covering all of what makes Maui one of the best destinations in the world to host your tropical wedding. From gorgeous venues and talented, caring vendors, to some of the most beautiful landscapes you’ll ever see in your life, Maui is truly a paradise to behold.

We’ve enlisted the help of Jennifer Pletcher – founder and owner of Mauna Creative – a planning and design firm that specializes in Maui weddings to share her passion and knowledge about this incredible destination.

“Maui is one of those unique places in the world where people are so passionate about how much they love the island,” says Pletcher. “It becomes such an integral part of the wedding and planning process, that they cannot wait to share their favorite place with those they love and see them, in turn, fall in love with the island. While the wedding day is obviously incredibly important, it is about so much more than the day itself, which I think is what makes a destination wedding so incredible.”

Below are venues we’ve personally visited and can attest to their excellence and beauty. 

WEST MAUI

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

Golf enthusiasts may recognize the name Kapalua for good reason. The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is one of the most popular places to test your skills and also the location the PGA Tour hosts The Sentry. With two championship courses on-site (The Plantation Course and The Bay Course) this property is a golf-lovers dream. 

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua honors the rich heritage and natural splendor of Hawaii. The scenery here is verdant and striking, featuring beaches that attract green sea turtles and the rugged West Maui Reserve, perfect for waterfall hikes and horseback riding. There are six bays and beaches on-site or within a 10-minute drive, and the resort’s expansive tri-level pool complex offers a seat for everyone, with luxury cabanas available for rent. 

Akiko Nakazato, Director of Sales and Catering at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has been on the property for 25 years and counting, for good reason. “The company has not wavered in its support and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture,” says Nakazato. “Our Ladies and Gentlemen take such pride in showcasing our host culture, and this makes every ceremony special.” 

When it comes to Nakazato’s favorite part about the property, it’s the seclusion that’s top of the list. “We are the only resort in Maui with no neighboring hotels and condominiums. Our most popular venue, the Beach House Lawn, is right on the water where you can hear the crashing sound of ocean waves throughout the evening adding to a magical Maui ambiance.”

Montage Kapalua Bay

This luxury residence-style property is ideal for large groups and families, offering two and three-bedroom accommodations. Montage Kapalua Bay rooms boast high ceilings, full kitchens, and spacious lanais. Initially intended for extended stays, families will appreciate features like generous walk-in closets and in-unit washers and dryers in a true five-star setting.

Kapalua Bay Beach is a short stroll away and an excellent spot for snorkeling. After exploring underwater, stop by the Hana Hao Bar for mouthwatering Mahi tacos. Additionally, make sure to enjoy at least one romantic dinner at Montage’s Cane & Canoe Restaurant, where Chef de Cuisine Albert Sandoval uses fresh, local ingredients to create innovative Hawaiian twists on classic dishes.

For wedding celebrations, the Montage offers numerous options across its 24 oceanfront acres. We suggest hosting an intimate rehearsal dinner in the Cliff House, which offers 180-degree views of Namalu Bay. For the ceremony, exchange vows on The Point with the island of Molokai in the background, and host a tented reception on the Namalu Lawn for ample space.

Olowalu Plantation House

Olowalu Plantation House is truly one of the more unique venues in West Maui offering a blend of history, elegance, and natural beauty. This historic estate is surrounded by lush gardens and has some of the most stunning oceanfront views on the island. Olowalu Plantation House is a stand-alone event venue that offers an intimate and private setting, allowing couples to celebrate in seclusion with their loved ones.

The venue’s spacious lawn and charming lanai are ideal for outdoor events, while the beach access allows for couples to still get that wedding beach photo they were dreaming of. The property’s rich history and vintage charm create that quintessential “Hawaiian” feel that lets the destination shine through.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

On the famed beaches of Ka’anapali sits the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. This sprawling resort offers a classic setting for a destination wedding in Maui, combining luxury with the unparalleled beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. 

The resort provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the islands of Lanai and Molokai in the distance. Lush gardens, and swaying palm trees, create an idyllic backdrop for any destination wedding. The grounds alone are what make this property shine, although they did undergo a recent refresh on their rooms as well as their atrium lobby (a bonus for couples and their guests). Walk along their oceanfront pathway to shopping, excursions, and fine dining. Don’t miss Japengo – a fusion of Asian and island-inspired cuisine with a romantic and serene atmosphere.

“The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is a dream destination for weddings and love, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury and natural beauty,” says Ella Tacderan, Hyatt Wedding Specialist. “Nestled on the stunning shores of Ka’anapali, the resort’s breathtaking ocean views, lavish gardens, and vibrant wildlife provide the perfect setting for couples to celebrate their love. Our team’s exceptional service and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences ensures every wedding is a magical and cherished memory,” says Tacderan

SOUTH MAUI

Hotel Wailea

Located 300 feet above sea level and spanning 15 acres, Hotel Wailea is a stunner. An example of relaxed luxury, it’s got all of the amenities of a classic five-star resort with none of the pretentiousness. It feels like a high-end beach house with one-bedroom suites, views of three islands, tropical greenery, cascading waterfalls and all infused with a modern feel and Zen sensibility. This is the ideal place for either a destination wedding or honeymoon and it’s intimate enough to do both. 

If you’re looking for something away from the water, yet still boasting gorgeous views and that true “Hawaiian vibe,” Hotel Wailea is the perfect fit. This Relais & Chateaux property has been named “No. 1 Resort in Hawaii” by Condé Nast Traveler and is truly a romantic respite. If you’re considering a wedding here, you’ll find several backdrops to choose from including the event lawn, garden and ballroom, but the stand-out space is the Tree House. Under a canopy of avocado and mango trees, this surreal setting can accommodate up to 25 people (standing) or an intimate group of six if you prefer to do a seated dinner for your reception.

For some inspiration, check out a photo shoot that was done at Hotel Wailea here. 

Andaz Maui

The sleek and sexy backdrop of Andaz Maui offers a totally different feel than the other properties in the area. The modern design is paired with warm, upscale décor that allows the destination to truly shine. Unobstructed views of the ocean and the island of Lanai are offered in almost every common area and many of the guest rooms. The thoughtfully planned out event spaces allow for your evening reception to flawlessly transition to late-night after-parties.

For a truly unforgettable experience, check into one of Andaz Maui’s oceanfront villas (offered in two, three or four-bedroom configurations). Your group can congregate on the large lawn directly in front of the villas or in the state-of-the-art kitchen and great room. With 1,800 to over 4,000 square feet of space to entertain in, you’ll forget you’re even at a resort.

Four Seasons Maui

Offering unparalleled luxury and service and specializing in destination weddings is the Four Seasons Maui. Located in Wailea, it provides a unique setting with its own private beach, adult-only pool, thatched roof spa cabanas (for when you need a couple’s massage with an ocean breeze) and a walkway that connects it to the other properties in the area. 

With plumeria trees flanking the altar, couples can say their vows under the Hawaiian sun on an intimate lawn overlooking the ocean at Plumeria Point and dance the night away under the stars on their Oceanfront Lawn. 

The staff’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of the wedding is flawless. Additionally, the resort’s commitment to personalized service creates a bespoke experience for each couple.

EAST MAUI

Hāna-Maui Resort

Imagine exchanging vows on a secluded Maui bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or spending your honeymoon in a charming town where the aloha spirit greets you at every turn. Hana-Maui Resort can be your secret haven nestled along the famous Road to Hana. This scenic route meanders along Maui’s northern coast, revealing unreal views of lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and culminates on the East side of Maui at the resort. It’s pure paradise.

With just 66 rooms spread over 75 acres, it offers an intimate and secluded setting ideal for a romantic getaway or destination wedding. The resort also features quaint bungalows and family residences, ensuring you can find the perfect accommodations for your guests.

No matter if your guest list is small or grand, they take care of every detail.

And no matter where you decide to tie the knot on the island of Maui, come with “aloha.” The island is still healing from the devastating fires and can use kindness, thoughtfulness, respect of their culture, care for their lands and support for their small businesses. If you’d like to make a donation, we recommend the Maui Strong Fund. 

Stay tuned for Part II where we share more about the wonderful vendors in Maui. And if you’d like to see couples who have had their own weddings in Maui for inspiration, click here.

Photo Credits: Andaz Maui; Four Seasons Maui; Hana-Maui Resort; Hotel Wailea; Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa; Montage Kapalua Bay; Olowalu Plantation House: MeewMeew Studios; Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua