Waterfalls and marriage have a lot in common. Water takes a leap of faith over a cliff, plunges into the unknown and perhaps hits a bump or two along the way. At the end of the journey the droplets land in a tranquil pond. Tranquility is an admirable achievement in any marriage.That analogy is reason enough to exchange vows in a waterfall setting. If that waterfall is in Maui, add lush greenery, fragrant tropical flowers and scenic beauty to the equation.
Waterfall Weddings – Garden Settings
- The town of Haiku on Maui’s north shore is home to Kealii Nui Botanical Gardens. Once the home of Hawaiian royalty, this location takes up 11 acres on the ocean side of the Hana Highway. Choose the waterfall, the ocean or both as your wedding backdrop. Two gathering areas are available, one that can handle a tent for up to 80 people and a larger lawn area. The Garden of Eden, also in Haiku, has 26 acres of lush gardens roughly 25 miles east of Kahului. Exchange your vows at Puohokamoa Waterfall, the one featured in “Jurassic Park.” In central Maui the Tropical Gardens of Maui has a Victorian-style gazebo overlooking the park’s waterfall and koi ponds. It’s suitable for smaller weddings and no reception area is available.
Resort Waterfall Weddings
- The Westin Maui and the Hyatt Regency, both in the Kaanapali resort area, have extensive gardens and pool areas with hidden grottos and waterfalls. At the Westin exchange vows in the gazebo with the waterfalls in the background. The Hyatt hosts wedding parties of up to 20 in their Oriental Gardens that overlook the Swan Court lagoon waterfalls. Larger parties of up to 50 people may choose the Lahaina Gardens and still have the waterfalls as a backdrop. On the southern end of the island the Makena Beach and Golf Resort hosts weddings in its Atrium Garden, a Japanese-style garden with its own splashing waterfall. These resorts also have the added benefit of accommodations on site and available wedding planners that can tailor wedding packages to your needs.
- Helicopter Waterfall Weddings
- It’s on the pricey side, but flying on a helicopter to a hidden waterfall in the West Maui Mountains is both adventurous and memorable. Most companies that offer helicopter tours on Maui also charter private events. Your cost includes the price of the helicopter, usually charged by the hour, and any landing fees involved. Most helicopters hold up to six passengers, making this a venue for small parties. The best way to book this type of wedding venue is to use a local wedding planner that has an ongoing relationship with island helicopter firms. These planners know where all the best waterfalls are hiding and may be able to negotiate on the price.
Maui Wedding Planners
- Local Maui wedding planners can help you find that perfect waterfall wedding site, find an officiant, plan your reception and find accommodations. Your planner will also help with fees and permits sometimes required for using estate venues or for landing in remote locales. Examples of local planners include Maui Beach Weddings & Events and Merry Maui Weddings. Both will arrange everything from resort weddings to exchanging vows on horseback. Aloha Maui Gay Weddings has its own special niche, focusing on marriages and civil unions for the LGBT community. As far as the legal paperwork, wedding and civil union licenses are issued at the Department of Health in Kahului. Your wedding planner can also help with these legalities if need be.
