Mele Kalikimaka!

Given I spend my holidays in the very cold and icy Midwest, I find myself dreaming away to the days when I lived on the island of Maui where every holiday was filled with ukuleles and hula dancers playing to the tunes of Jimmy Buffet's "Christmas Island." If you are already planning your Hawaii wedding for next year, you are probably also fighting off the chills with visions of bikinis and sunsets. In honor of sandy beaches and warm tropical breezes, I have put together my suggestions for your destination wedding weekend on the island of Maui. So turn up the heat, mix up a Mai Tai and read on for some of my top suggestions for everything from welcome parties to spoiling your bridesmaids!

WELCOME PARTIES
Botero Gallery Lounge
Located at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa, welcome your guests the island in true celebrity style. A lounge that includes original Botero sculptures, panoramic ocean views and all the Mango Margaritas you can drink. Invite your guests to enjoy a sunset, tropical beverages and traditional Hawaiian pupus in the lap of luxury.

Sunset Sail
Welcome your guests to the islands with a sunset sail on the Pacific Ocean. My absolute favorite is the Ali'i Nui complete with neverending Mai Tais and local fair. Old Lahaina Luau
Known by all the locals as the best luau on the island, if you are going to learn about Polynesian culture, this is the place to do it. Enjoy an oceanfront traditional luau complete with hula girls, Tahitian drummers and the customary Imu ceremony. The perfect introduction to true Hawaiian culture. PAMPERING THE LADIES
Ali’I Kula Lavendar Farms
For all you girlie, girls out there, the Maui Lavendar Farms are for you. Explore over 10 acres of lavender fields and end your day with lavender teas, scones and a yummy Lavendar herbed Chicken Salad. Spend some time with your girlfriends in a part of Maui that often goes unexplored.Tedeschi Vineyards
Not quite the wineries of Napa Valley or the Loire Valley, though if it's a notion that a winery exists on a tropical island that appeals to you, you’ll love Tedeschi Vineyards. Plan on trying some local flavors like Pineapple Champagne and Passionfruit white wine. Spa Grande
No bridesmaid should leave Maui without a service from one of the world’s top spas. Don’t miss the Terme Hydrotherapy, a European bathing system or a Lomi Lomi Massage, a technique developed by the Natives. Oh yeah, the Chocolate Coconut Scrub is pretty amazing too!
Surf Lessons
If your girls are open to a little adventure, consider learning to surf on some of the best waves in the world. Don’t go it alone though. Be sure to get a local to show the you ropes. SPOILING THE GUYS
Golf
Tropical breezes, expansive oceanviews and world renowned courses. What more can a groomsmen ask for. Check out the Wailea Courses for a celebrity experience.
Tour the Island on a Harley
For a great way to see the entire island, get the guys set up on Harleys for at least a day. The coastline highways and roads are made for a bike. Hula Hogs have always taken good care of my clients!Kayaking
Whether on a guided tour or just renting a few boats and hitting the ocean, kayaking in Maui is a must! If the guys are more of land lovers, set up biking through the Haleakala Crate. The ride starts at the top of the Crater and trails through parts of the island that most tourists never see.

THE BIG DAY
Haiku Mill
For a true taste of Old Hawaii, check out the restored sugar mill ruins located in Haiku, Hawaii. It’s a bit of a drive, but it is truly a location that no guest will ever forget with antique chandeliers, extensive lighting and a manmade waterfall. Honua Kai Lani Estate
For oceanfront privacy, consider renting a private home for your nuptials. One of the most wedding friendly, is the Honua Kai Lani Estate. A home located in the most exclusive part of Makena, this property is a blank canvas of oceanfront property that can house your ceremony, cocktails, dinner & dancing and in one location. Hotel Hana Maui
For seclusion and luxury, don’t forget about Hana. A small town on the east side of the island houses the island’s top boutique hotel where service and extravagance is their specialty. Hold your ceremony in one of the town’s historic churches and then head to the hotel for an Oceanside dinner or in a Plantation Style home located on property. Don’t forget to spend at least one night and take advantage of the hotel’s amazing spa and outdoor showers. It’s an experience not to be missed. MAHALO BRUNCH
Snorkel, Whale Watch & Lunch
Whether you want the boat for just your guests, or there’s just a few of you heading out to sea, Maui Charters including Maui Magic and the Four Winds, offers a boating experience not to be missed. If you’re on island in the winter months, head out for whale watching. In the summer time, don’t miss a trip to Molokini for snorkeling. End it all with a hot BBQ lunch off the back of the boat. Check out the Pacific Whale Foundation for a great experience while helping preserve Maui's oceanlife. Brunch at Spago at the Four Seasons
While Spago is closed in during the day time, Four Seasons Resorts offers an incredible brunch with everything you would expect from the Four Seasons for a terrific value. An elegant but modern atmosphere overlooking the ocean is the perfect spot to say goodbye to your beloved guests. Bagels on the Beach
No reservations needed. Just head to the grocery, pack a breakfast and hit the beach. How else would your guests want to spend their last day on the island?