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Maui Gold
Island Celebrating in Ka’anapali Beach and Wailea
Written by Kristen CastilloMaui is home to 80 beaches, 120 miles of shoreline, and average temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees. Say Aloha to Hawaii’s second largest island! Maui has amazing beauty and lots of diversity. You can whale watch, take a scenic drive, hit the links, photograph waterfalls and lush greenery, or simply relax.
This is an island of romance – you can get married, honeymoon in style, enjoy a vacation and years later, renew your vows!
Read on as San Diego Style Weddings gives you a look at two of Maui’s treasures: Ka’anapali Beach and Wailea, where you can savor the island in so many different ways.
Ka’anapali Beach
Ka’anapali Beach, located in Northwest Maui, has three miles of white sand and pristine water.“It’s a very popular island destination,” says Mark Young, director of catering and conference services for The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, a 12-acre oceanfront 759-room resort on Ka’anapali Beach. “You can come here and have so much to do or you can enjoy peace and quiet.”
Weddings at The Westin Maui generally take place in the gazebo, in the two ballrooms and on the pool deck. Sunset ceremonies are popular too. Since they’re destination events, weddings at The Westin Maui are generally smaller with fewer than 50 guests.
“We do about 160 weddings a year,” says Young. “We also do at least 20 vow renewals.”
Wedding packages, including menus and décor can be customized. “Our wedding team handles all of the details,” says Young.
While there are plenty of activities in Maui, there’s something enticing about relaxing in paradise. Their “adult” pool is a great way to loosen up and ensure you won’t be sharing the pool or Jacuzzi with kids. Enjoy a nightly happy hour at the pool. Also, check out the resort’s couples’ massages, unwind and say, “Ah!”
Wailea
Wailea, in South Maui, is home to five beaches and many golf courses. It’s set on 1,500 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean.“There’s a reason for the popular phrase ‘Maui no ka oi’ meaning ‘Maui is the best,’” says Megan Haertling, Director of Public Relations at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui in Wailea. “Maui is known for its laid back attitude with an abundance of Aloha spirit. It’s the perfect balance of quiet surroundings but with many activity choices.”
The Wailea area is known for its romance, great weather, gorgeous sunsets and fresh air.
“Maui has everything – upcountry Maui with rolling green hills and chilly weather, hot sun of the South and West coastlines to the rainforest and lava tubes on the east side,” Haertling explains.
The Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaii’s “only all-suite hotel offering 413 one-bedroom suites and 37 two and three bedroom villas,” says Haertling.
Imagine settling into your honeymoon with a stay at the hotel’s Kilohana Signature oversized one-bedroom suite, complete with a 400 square foot lanai (balcony).
Love is in the air at Fairmont Kea Lani ,where the “romance package” includes Champagne upon arrival; a deluxe buffet breakfast at Kea Lani Restaurant for two daily; and a cabana dinner by candlelight at Kõ restaurant; as well as a “delicate flower petal turndown” on the last night of your stay.
Kõ, meaning “sugarcane” in Hawaiian, is the name of the resort’s signature restaurant, which re-opened in April following a $5.1 million renovation. The restaurant’s cuisine reflects Maui’s history during the sugarcane plantation era, by serving “Hawaiian, Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean, and Japanese dishes,” says Haertling.
Another dining option, known as Hoku Lani, “Dining Under the Stars,” involves an oceanfront dinner. “Private servers cater to the guest during this four-course dinner,” says Haertling. “Guest can design the occasion by selecting dinner menus, table settings, florals, live entertainment, even a dove and/or butterfly release.”
Treat yourselves to some rest and relaxation with a massage at Spa Kea Lani, in your suite, or in an oceanside spa cabana! The hotel also has an “adults-only” pool and two whirlpools for your enjoyment.
What to See
Activities on Maui include zip lining, sailing, hiking, horseback riding and surfing.“Most people want to get out and about,” says Young. “It’s a very active destination.”
The island’s “microclimates” mean you can find a variety of weather on the same island, such as rain in one spot and clear skies in another area. “You can see rainbows nearly every day,” says Young.
Be sure to visit Maui’s highest peak (10,023 feet above sea level) at Haleakala National Park, which means “House of the Sun.” Known for its volcano, this park is chilly (especially at the top), but it is rich in history and breathtaking at sunrise!
Check out the “Road to Hana,” a highway which has 620 curves and 59 bridges. You’ll drive by rainforests, waterfalls and lush scenery. You’ll definitely want to have your camera for this journey.
Stop by Lahaina for whale watching, art galleries, shopping and dining. This is a great place to check out Maui’s history and to pick up a few keepsakes from your trip.
Other activities in Maui include, sunset dinner cruises, historic walking tours, or simply hanging out while sipping local coffee.
Golfing here is world-famous, so pack your clubs and plan to challenge your skills. Maui has plenty of beautiful courses including Ka’anapali Golf Resort which sits in 1200 acres and has 36 holes of “legendary golf” amidst the breathtaking background of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui mountains.
While in Maui, get a feel for the local culture. The Fairmont Kea Lani offers complimentary outrigger canoe guides to teach guests how to paddle and the history of the activity.
The Westin Maui hosts the Wailele Polynesian Luau every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. “It’s a very popular, well-attended production,” says Young, noting the food is served family style and the entertainment happens throughout the luau, similar to dinner theatre. Don’t miss the dancing and the “extreme fire knife dance finale.”
No matter what the activity or adventure, you’ll have a great time exploring all Maui has to offer!
Travel Tips:
- Stay for seven to ten days. Break up your trip by visiting and staying in two areas: Wailea and Ka’anapali Beach.
- Rent a car so you can travel around Maui to see lots of different places – all on your own schedule.
- Stock up on local treats like cookies, coffee, and macadamia nuts for wedding favors, gifts and souvenirs.
Publisher’s Picks:
Our publisher, Dena Nolen-Malasek recommends zip-lining with Skyline Eco Adventures (www.zipline.com) and taking a sunset cruise with Teralani Sailing Adventures (www.teralani.net). And for those with real adventure in their hearts, see Maui for high in the sky, with UFO Parasailing (www.ufoparasail.net).
If you are looking for an amazing family or wedding photography, Dena highly recommends Nene Photography-Christopher Goff Photographer or Kinga Photography, both are are amazing!
