This Kihei Maui elopement just feels so Hawaii. The sun was out in full, the water a beautiful shade of turquoise, the officiant dressed in a traditional Hawaiian way… it just has all of the things I think of when I think of Hawaii. Including a quick couple of stops on the Road to Hana!

Makena Cove Elopement Ceremony

I met with Michael + Alyona at Makena Cove on this bright afternoon, excited to be on Maui capturing their sweet elopement. They’d traveled all the way from Minnesota to be here and soak up the warm weather together. They’d opted to elope together on their trip since planning a full, traditional wedding just wasn’t feeling right. I hear this a lot and I am always so happy when couples make the brave choice to celebrate their love differently from how society may say they should. And especially when it involves a tropical escape to an island paradise 😉

Rev. Kimo Kirkman opened the ceremony with the blowing of the conch shell, a tradition for weddings in the islands. 

It’s always such a treat listening to these ceremonies, being reminded about the importance of these moments as well as the ones that happened when I made my own vows. Rev. Kimo’s ceremony was beautifully done and paid homage to the powerful ocean and beautiful land we stood on while Michael + Alyona said “I do.”

When their first kiss beneath the sounds of the conch shell happened, everyone on the beach behind us cheered. It was such a cute moment and a great way to celebrate their first moments as husband + wife!

Wedding Photography at the Hotel Wailea, Relais & Châteaux

Michael + Alyona happened to be staying at Hotel Wailea during their time in Maui, so we took advantage of the beautiful architecture for a couple of portraits. The grounds were so stunning and tropical that we wandered for a while, finding little hidden spots to create in.

And can we talk about Alyona’s gorgeous veil?! It created such a stunning silhouette for bridal portraits. Her florals were a beautiful complement to the lush palms we found in the hotel garden.

Just after our exploration, I took one of my favorite photos as Alyona climbed the stairs. Michael paused for a moment to watch as she made her way up each step carefully holding her wedding dress. He was lost in that moment, watching his beautiful wife. It gave me chills and I love the way it was captured in this image.

Stormy Road to Hana Adventure

That day on Maui was a rainy one for the opposite side of the island where the Road to Hana sits. I drove right into the storms, Michael + Alyona in the back enjoying each other’s company and not worried about the rain one bit. I love it when couples embrace Hawaii for what she is; she can be a little moody and that makes for some beautiful photos. We made our way down the misty, winding road and came upon this cute old bridge which we wanted to stop at for a few pictures. I love the little dance these two did across the road, so thoroughly lost in the bliss of being newly married.

As the rain misted down, Michael held Alyona close, the moment yet another of my favorites on this day.

The weather continued to get crazy, but we just knew we had to capture a little of this beautiful beach we’d seen on the drive so we went for it in the pouring rain, laughing til our bellies hurt.

After it all, we stopped for dinner in Paia and munched on curry over wine, talking about life. It was such a beautiful day and I was so honored to be included!!

Looking for more Maui elopement days?

Try this Maui Adventure Elopement or check out more of the Road to Hana destinations with this sweet Maui elopement!