Hawaii is a popular honeymoon spot, and it’s no wonder with the gorgeous views and unique landscape. It’s a place on the bucket list of many travelers, yet some choose to elevate the experience and elope in Hawaii. That’s precisely what Nikki and Evan did—and with stunning results! 

Nikki and Evan got engaged just six weeks before their Hawaii Road to Hana elopement. They knew they wanted to be together, so they just decided to go ahead and do it! They caught a plane from their home state of Connecticut and did a bit of island hopping in Hawaii. Their first stop was Oahu, and then they had a Maui tropical elopement, which included photos along the road to Hana.

Not only did we stop at some fantastic spots, such as a secluded grove of rainbow eucalyptus and an unmarked bamboo hiking trail (two of my favorite secret spots!), but they rented—get this—an absolutely awesome 1957 Porche Roadster convertible that gave off the best Rebel Without a Cause vibes.

“Sam really helped curate the day and make our vision come alive! …Seriously, hire Sam, great pics are sooo important, but it was more than pictures, it was an experience. It was worth every penny. I honestly cannot recommend her enough.“

Nikki & Evan, Google Reviews

It was fantastic following—and sometimes leading—them as they made their way along the road. They’re big fans of anything Hall & Oates, so I have a sneaky suspicion they listened to some along the way. We also stopped at the Daily Grindz food truck to have Kahlua pork fries and poutine fries for some sustenance along the way. 

The Road to Hana drive ended on the north shore of Maui, where they exchanged vows. It was such a gorgeous ceremony set on the beach against the black and red rocks with the sunset in the background. Their family on the East Coast stayed up until midnight to watch their elopement. Nikki got a bit of dirt on her dress, which is expected, but a bit of nature’s ombre is quite beautiful. At the end of the evening, Nikki and Evan celebrated by running and splashing in the water. 

Their Maui elopement was such a lovely thing to witness from start to finish, but they weren’t entirely done yet. After their wedding day, they headed to Kauai to explore more. In my experience, eloping in Hawaii can provide one of the most stunning settings for your big day, and Nikki and Evan did it right.

MAUI ELOPEMENT VENDORS:

Meili Autumn Beauty
Ty Roberts – Maui Wedding Officiant
Lex’s of Carytown Wedding Boutique
Maui Roadsters

Out of respect for native Hawaiians and to not contribute to overtourism, I no longer photograph in Hawaii.
If you want to do similar, I photograph in many other tropical destinations, including places like Belize.