Maui offers a great backdrop for any wedding.
For couples wanting a destination wedding with a formal twist, the chapels of Maui await. From beachside to cliff-top and rustic to resplendent, every taste can be accommodated, and you know you won't have to worry about the weather. Countless couples have chosen to tie the knot in Maui and watch their wedding day dreams flourish in the timeless romance of the island.
South Maui
Southern Maui is the driest and sunniest part of the island and lays claim to some of the best wedding chapels the island has to offer. Nestled in a sandy cove overlooking the ocean in Makena, the Keawalai Congregational Church, an historic structure with a simple, native Koa wood interior, provides a traditional island setting. Couples looking for breathtaking elegance should look no further than the Wailea Seaside Chapel, which features crystal chandeliers and stained glass windows and sits in the middle of the manicured grounds of the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa. The Keolahou Congregational Hawaiian Church in Kihei is a charming structure across the street from a white sand beach and is best for small, morning weddings.
West Maui
The touristy northwest coast of Maui was historically a favorite of Hawaiian royalty. Today, a number of venues are available for romantic weddings with island appeal. Located on Lahaina's front street with views of Lanai and Lahaina Harbor, the historic Holy Innocents Episcopal Church provides a beautiful setting for small ceremonies. The Lahaina United Methodist Church, a plantation-style structure, accommodates large parties and is located in the heart of Lahaina.
The Lahuiokalani Kaanapali Congregational Church in Honokokai offers a view of Honokowai Beach Park, and provides an ideal location for a simple ceremony with plenty of room for guests. The Honolua Chapel in Kapalua is located in the manicured, rolling hills of the beachfront Ritz Carlton, providing a lush setting for Hawaiian nuptials.
East Maui
The rugged side of Maui is perfect for ceremonies infused with the beauty of the natural environment. These chapels are a little harder to get to, but worth the drive. Not far down the majestic Hana Highway is the town of Huelo with its rustic Kaulanapueo Church, an unadorned chapel that provides a minimalist counterpoint to the elegance of a wedding ceremony. The Palapala Hoomau Church in Kipahulu, an unpretentious church tucked away among towering trees, was called heaven on Earth by Charles Lindbergh, who chose this site as his final resting place. The Hui Aloha Church in Kaupo, a starkly simple church on the cliff above Maui's rugged rocky shore, is a stunning backdrop for a unique, intimate and memorable wedding.
Upcountry Maui
St. John's Chapel in Kula, offering a quaint, country setting on the slopes of Haleakala, puts the world at your feet. The stunning ocean and mountain views, along with cooler temperatures, create a timeless backdrop for your ceremony.
Catholic Churches
Couples hoping for a Catholic destination wedding on Maui will find only a handful of churches providing services to visitors from out-of-state. Donations are required and the bride and groom will have to book the site and the priest directly, instead of through a wedding planner. Catholic churches include the Church of the Holy Ghost in Kula, Sacred Heart Church in Kapalua, St. Teresa's Church in Kihei, and Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina.
Tags: Church Kihei, Congregational Church, destination wedding, Maui rugged