Maui Is Calling: Plan Your Visit and Dream Destination Wedding in Paradise
- Ariel Quiroz
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Aloha, I’m Ariel, a Maui-based artist, and I want to invite you to experience this island with care, curiosity, and respect.
In National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2026” coverage, they share something I feel deeply: Maui is rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires, and the island is welcoming visitors back with an emphasis on traveling responsibly, supporting local communities, and honoring Hawaiian culture. If you’re planning a trip or dreaming about a destination wedding, 2026 is a meaningful time to come.
Why Maui is a top travel destination for 2026
Maui Now highlighted that Maui earned a spot on National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026 list, with editors pointing to the island’s red, white, and black sand beaches and Haleakalā as part of what makes Maui unforgettable.
And if you’re escaping winter, Travel + Leisure recently called Maui one of the world’s best winter beach getaways, noting passport-free travel for U.S. visitors and reporting an average of about 10.9 hours of sunshine per winter day with temperatures around 76.5°F.
What to do on Maui (the highlights travelers actually remember)
Here are a few experiences that consistently feel “worth the trip” for both travelers and wedding guests:
Sunrise or sunset at Haleakalā for that above-the-clouds perspective.
The Road to Hāna for waterfalls, rainforest, and quiet little moments that don’t feel staged.
Black sand coastline at Waiʻānapanapa State Park for one of the most unique shorelines on the island.
Beach days in West and South Maui (especially if your idea of a perfect day includes snorkeling, turtles, and a long golden hour).
Why Maui is an incredible place to get married
If you’re an engaged couple planning a destination wedding, Maui hits a rare combination: it feels wildly romantic, but it’s also practical.
1) Venues for every styleFrom coastal ceremony spots to resort elegance and garden settings, Maui makes it easy to match your wedding vision with the right atmosphere. If you want a starting point, I’ve put together:
2) Beautiful weather across the yearThat steady, comfortable climate is a big reason couples choose Maui. Winter can be especially appealing if you want to give guests a sunny “vacation wedding” experience.
3) It’s easier to plan than many people expectIf you want a practical, step-by-step guide (including legal requirements), here’s my resource:
Practical tips to plan a Maui trip and wedding without the stress
Choose your season intentionally
Spring and fall are a sweet spot for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Winter can be amazing for a relaxed island vibe and an easy escape from cold climates.
Book the big pieces early
Flights, accommodations, and the key vendors go first, especially for popular dates.
If you like planning tools, these help couples stay organized fast:
Travel with respectNational Geographic frames visiting Maui as something deeper than a typical getaway: support local communities, honor culture, and travel responsibly while the island continues to recover and rebuild.If you’d like to see how I approach this in my own business, you can read my ESG and Sustainability Policy.
A unique Maui wedding experience: live wedding painting
Now for the part I love most.
I create live wedding paintings on-site during your celebration, then I refine the artwork in my studio afterward so it’s polished and frame-worthy. It becomes your wedding day as a real piece of art, not a file on a phone.
Why couples add this to their day
It elevates the guest experience: people naturally gather around and watch the painting evolve.
It becomes an heirloom: a tangible centerpiece for your home that brings you right back to the feeling of the day.
It fits Maui: the colors, the light, the landscape, the mood - it all translates beautifully into paint.
If you want to explore options:
Quick note on travel: travel expenses apply for events outside of Maui.
Check availability
Mahalo for reading, and if Maui is part of your next chapter, I’d love to help you capture it in a way that lasts. Destination Wedding Planning on Maui: Related Articles
Want to keep planning your Maui destination wedding (or trip) with confidence? Here are a few guides I’ve put together to make things easier, more meaningful, and way less overwhelming.
Travel Maui with respect (and deeper connection)
Mindful travel on Maui - how to visit with aloha, support local communities, and experience the island in a more intentional way.
Why Maui ranks among the best places to visit - a practical look at what makes Maui such a special destination right now.
Venue inspiration for your Destination Wedding
If you’re choosing where to get married, these venue guides are a great starting point:
Best wedding venues on Maui for 2026 - South Maui - Wailea, Makena, and that classic oceanfront elegance.
Best wedding venues on Maui for 2026 - Central Maui + Upcountry - gardens, mountain views, and a quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
Best wedding venues on Maui for 2026 - West Maui - resort beauty, dramatic coastlines, and golden sunsets.
Cultural details that make your wedding feel truly Hawaiʻi
The honi greeting explained - a respectful Hawaiian tradition that can add real depth and meaning to your ceremony.
Considering a Live Wedding Painting in Maui?
If you want a one-of-a-kind keepsake (and an unforgettable guest experience), these articles answer the big questions fast:
How much does a live wedding painting cost in Hawaiʻi? - honest pricing, what affects the cost, and what couples are really investing in.
Live wedding painting FAQs and brutal truths - the most common questions couples ask before booking.
How to choose a live wedding painter - what matters most when you’re hiring an artist for your wedding day.
Behind the scenes: what it’s like to have a live wedding painter on Maui - a real look at the experience from my perspective, on-site.
Mahalo for reading, and if Maui is where your love story is unfolding, I’d be honored to help you capture it in a way that lasts far beyond the day itself.
Comments