Debbie and Brian’s Maui elopement was a full day adventure, and a ceremony of love, gratitude, and deep connection to the land, the sky, and each other. Held on the summit of Haleakalā, a place of profound significance for the Hawaiian people, their day unfolded with patience and presence, reflecting the values they hold dear.
The First Look
The day began in ʻĪao Valley, where they shared a first look surrounded by the energy of the West Maui mountains. Namaka, a talented local musician, played as they saw at each other for the first time, a moment made even more profound by the sound of flowing water nearby.
From there, we made our way to Haleakalā, winding up the slopes of the dormant volcano as the clouds slowly parted, revealing the crater below.
Honoring Tradition and Nature
From the beginning, it was clear that their Maui elopement was about feeling grounded, unhurried, and in tune with the elements. Their journey to Haleakalā was one of reverence—each step, each breath, and each offering a reflection of their connection to nature. We hiked together and appreciated the beautiful landscapes on the way to the ceremony spot.
A Ceremony Above the Clouds
Their ceremony spot a location chosen by our team for its majestic views and quiet stillness, was led by Sean and Wai who integrated Hawaiian protocols with Debbie and Brian’s own traditions. A lei exchange, the blowing of the pū, and the sacred exchange of the breath of life (HA) made for a ceremony that felt unrushed, sacred, and deeply intentional. As they held each other, the silence around us made every word, every vow, feel even more significant. As Indigenous Métis and Cree, their ceremony blended Hawaiian traditions with their own Canadian cultural elements, making the experience deeply personal and intentional.
Sunset and Stillness
As the ceremony concluded, we stayed on the summit for sunset portraits. Debbie had mentioned her love for the imagery of standing above the clouds, and as the sky turned gold and lavender, that vision became reality. The stillness of Haleakalā on that evening was rare—no wind, no noise, just the quiet hum of the earth beneath us.
Their traditional attire, adorned with feathers representing their cultural heritage, moved gently with the air. No rush, no schedule—just time to breathe, to reflect, and to be fully present in the magnitude of this sacred place.
Designing a Day with Intention
Debbie and Brian wanted an elopement free of stress, where each moment unfolded naturally. From curating an itinerary that allowed for spaciousness to choosing a location with meaning, everything about their day was rooted in respect—for each other, for their journey, and for the land that held them.
Haleakalā National Park requires a permit for ceremonies, and we made sure to follow all cultural and environmental protocols to honor this sacred place. An offering, or ho’okupu, was shared in gratitude, ensuring that we weren’t just visiting but participating in a moment of reciprocity.
Congratulations, Debbie & Brian! It was an honor to witness and document this chapter of your journey. 💛
The Team
*Please note: The photos featured in this blog have been compressed to optimize web performance. The final delivered images will be high-resolution and perfect for printing.
A Message for Couples Considering a Maui Elopement
Eloping in Maui isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about creating a day that feels like home, wherever that may be for you. Whether it’s standing above the clouds, exchanging vows on a quiet beach, or in the rainforest, your story deserves to be told in a way that feels true, intentional, and personalized.
If you’re considering a Maui elopement, we would love to help you craft a day that feels authentic to you. Let’s create something meaningful—reach out to start planning!