PREFERRED Maui VENUE
Hana Maui Resort
Hana Maui Resort is a secluded gem located in the tranquil town of Hana. As a Maui resident and a wedding photographer, I think Hana is underused! I’m always excited to receive a Hana inquiry. Hana itself is, however, a destination within a destination, at the end of a stunningly beautiful but winding road which is in the Guinness Book of World Records for a reason. The journey is part of the adventure. Hana is often where locals will go for a staycation. It is a very small town with a quiet, laid back atmosphere. There are only a couple of restaurants in town supplemented by some excellent food trucks. The resort itself is charming and most couples opt to stay in one of the cabins in a pasture which slopes down to the ocean. Of course Hana is on the wetter side of the island, which is why it’s so green, but rains in Hawai’i typically come and go and are not drawn out as they are on the mainland. The beauty of Hana Maui resort as a wedding destination is that it is so quiet, private, laid back and does not feel like a typical “resort.” It allows some proximity to Hawai’i as it used to be.
Wedding PrepAration
Preparing for your wedding at Hana Maui Resort is typically done in one of the plantation style bungalows near the ocean. They are fairly spacious, have AC and kitchenettes and generous lanais with ocean views. They allow for great getting ready photos.
Ceremonies
Ceremonies at Hana Maui Resort are usually held on the lower lawn right next to the ocean. Although this side of the island does not get the sunsets that the South Shore enjoys, the ocean looks particularly good as a backdrop during the whole day, showing depth of colour rather than being a giant reflective mirror of the sun and looking washed out.
COCKTAIL HOUR
Cocktail hours at Hana Maui Resort are often held near the tent at the Plantation Guest House, surrounded by jungle foliage, or, alternatively, around the pool deck if happening at the lower level of the hotel. Both have an excellent ambience.
Receptions
Receptions at Hana Maui Resort are often held up the hill across the highway adjacent to the Plantation Guest House. For anything but a very small gathering, there is usually a tent set up on the expansive lawn in front of the house. The whole area is surrounded by large trees and vines, creating a lush jungle backdrop which is an interesting contrast to the open ocean backdrop of the ceremony. I personally enjoy the combination very much. This reception venue is totally private. Another attractive option is to book the pool area above the cabins, to enjoy an ocean view.
Portraits
Hana Maui Resort is a great venue for portraiture. It offers black lava rocks on the ocean, a soft sloping pasture flanked with tropical foliage, and the lush jungle backdrops around the Plantation Guest House.
Venue Information
Address: 5031 Hāna Highway, Hāna, Hawaii, 96713
Contact Info: 808-400-1234 / hanamauiresortreservations@hyatt.com
Price: Packages start at $8,000
Capacity: Perfect for small to mid-sized gatherings of up to 100 guests.
Weather: Tropical with occasional rain; lush and green.
