LGBT wedding and honeymoon guide: Maui

For years, Maui has been synonymous with weddings and honeymoons. With easy access from the mainland, some of the world’s best beaches, and resorts that cater to an array of audiences, the island has earned its place at the top of many couples’ lists of dream wedding and honeymoon destinations. This goes for both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages; Hawaii enacted same sex marriage legislation in 2013, and the spirit of aloha makes this island a welcoming place for all visitors.

As more and more LGBT couples enjoy the right to legally recognized marriage, decisions about where to hold and celebrate those special events move front of mind. We’re familiar with a host of properties on Maui and know several with long-standing cultures of equality. In many cases, we have met with property leaders to confirm their commitment to creating outstanding wedding and honeymoon experiences, regardless of visitor’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Here are a few of our favorite spots for same-sex weddings and honeymoons on the sunny island of Maui.

First, the Fairmont Kea Lani is a perfect location for couples looking for lots of space to unwind. Each room in the hotel is a suite with large lanais (this is the Hawaiian word for “patios”). Exquisite bedding, oversized soaking tubs, and beautifully balanced bath products from Le Labo make this one of our favorite romantic destinations on the island. Add to that a serene “adults-only” pool (there is another for just kids), a luxurious spa, and some of the island’s best restaurants (Kō and Nick’s Fish Market), and Fairmont Kea Lani is a dream wedding or honeymoon destination.

Napili Kai stands out as one of the most authentically “Hawaiian” resorts on the island. Rooms could be described as high-end condos and boast complete kitchens; several of the accommodations are just steps from the turquoise water so you can sit on the plush patio furniture and feel like you are over the ocean. Several secluded, oceanfront buildings have separate pools, making this a peaceful spot to hide away and connect with each other.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, near the island’s bucolic northwestern tip, you feel like you’ve stepped into an enclave of luxury. While the expansive resort maintains a traditional high-end resort experience (a hallmark of Ritz-Carlton), the property also achieves a “sense of place” and boasts a rich cultural program. We learned of one powerful cultural ceremony during which Clifford Nae’ole, the property’s cultural advisor, guides couples to connect with the island’s healing energy and release negativity into the warm Pacific Ocean.

Maui Sunseeker LGBT Hotel and Resort was a pioneer in LGBT hospitality on the island and has served as a meeting spot for LGBT travelers from around the world. While the eco-friendly property embraces all travelers, the majority of guests identify as LGBT. Additionally, most of the extremely warm and familial staff are members of the LGBT community. Maui Sunseekers is an ideal choice for couples who are looking for a sense of openness and inclusion that compels you to be authentically yourself.

Andaz Maui at Wailea is one of the island’s newest properties, and it also is one of the sexiest. The emerging Andaz brand prides itself in bringing energy and modern sophistication, and the Maui property over-delivers on those promises. From modern and minimalist Hawaii décor to vibrant social spaces and a series of tiered infinity pools, the property is an attractive option for style-conscious couples. It is also worth noting that Andaz is a boutique arm of Hyatt Hotels, which has earned a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for 13 consecutive years.

Notable experiences around the island

Finally, for LGBT couples interested in getting married or having their honeymoons on Maui, there are a number of notable experiences worth the investment.

Aaron Placourakis, owner of the aforementioned Nick’s Fish Market, has several restaurants, including the supremely romantic Sarento’s On The Beach. Not only is this restaurant delicious, but it’s so close to the water you think it might wash out with the evening tide.

What’s more, every Wednesday and Thursday evening Napili Kai Beach Resort hosts an incredibly impressive slack key concert. The talented George Kahumoku and guests romance the audience with gorgeous Hawaiian melodies. On one of our recent visits, we were fortunate to get to see Jeff Peterson.

Finally, near the end of the infamously twisty road to Hana sits the sanctuary-like Travaasa Hana, a deeply spiritual, upscale resort. The activities offered by the property—including throw-net fishing, meditation, and yoga—are perfect ways to connect with both your loved one and the island itself.

What do you feel makes a destination perfect for a wedding or honeymoon?