What better way to celebrate 3 years of marriage than have an adventure session on the top of a volcano? That’s exactly what Matt & Cheyenne did in Haleakala National Park, Maui.

I met up with Cheyenne and Matt on Maui and we drove up to the summit together for some sunset adventures. We’re all from Oregon and have mutual friends in common, which made it even more fun! On the way up to 10,000 ft, we talked family, friends, Oregonian stuff, and how much we love Maui.

When you get to the top of Haleakala a few hours before sunset, be prepared for crowds. And cold. Even if sea level is 88 degrees, the top of that volcano will be at least 20-30 degrees colder (and that’s before the sun goes down!). It’s also best to be there earlier than you think. 2 hours before sunset, the parking lot is pretty much full. It’s even worse for sunrise, when you have to purchase an inexpensive permit to get in the park (on top of the parks pass), to ensure a parking spot.

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Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Fun fact: because of the weather patterns, if there are clouds around Haleakala, there’s almost always a cloud inversion, meaning you’re above the clouds at the summit. Neat!

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui

We waited and watched sunset, and then turned our heads upward toward the heavens. Holy cow. Without light pollution, it’s a whole other world. I couldn’t resist and snapped a few long exposure images to capture Matt, Cheyenne, and the Milky Way all in one shot. And no, those aren’t composite images (multiple images overlapping each other).

What’s up next? An elopement on Haleakala. I’ve got the perfect spot for a sunset ceremony, if you’re wanting something different than a white sand beach. The white sand beach will just come afterward. Preferably with Mai Tai in hand, am I right?

Haleakala National Park Adventure Session, Elopement, Maui