Maui Beach Weddings – they 8 it up

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Strains of Wagner’s Wedding March were strained, so to speak, on 8/8/08 at beach wedding locations throughout Maui. Beginning, of course, at 8 a.m., couples and wedding guests swarmed popular locations such as Poolenalena and Makena Cove.
We had only three weddings on this date, a relief compared to last year’s 7/7/07. On that day, we handled thirteen weddings, beginning at 7:07 a.m. and ending at 7:07 p.m.. This go-around was a piece of ‘cake.’ Except for the crowds.
Most of the companies opted for early morning apparently under the impression that on 8/8/08, no one else would consider the early time of 8 a.m.. Our first wedding was scheduled for 9 a.m. at Poolenalena, we arrived by 7:30 a.m..
Already, the parking lot was full and getting fuller by the minute.

Usually empty (somewhat) the lot was filled by 7 a.m. or so

On the beach meanwhile, coveys of wedding groups were moving into position. On Maui, even with newly enacted beach wedding permits, locations are secured on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. As stated, more were unloading in the parking area.
While Poolenalena is a large beach and typically able to handle multiple nuptials with no problem, this was starting to look like a bad comedy sketch. We pulled the plug on this site, called our couple and held the ceremony at the Honua Kai Lani estate. We manage the estate for the owner and have a little leeway on its use.

Four groups at Maui's Poolenalena Beach, more staging in lot.

Our couple, Percy and De Lois, were thrilled with the alternate site. Who wouldn’t be? It’s amazing.

Driving past Makena Cove (aka ‘Secret’ Cove), cars lined the lava wall fronting the beach area and brides were waiting on the access path. It was a busy day.
The only thing missing on the beaches was Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) enforcement personnel. No one checking beach wedding permits (94 permits were issued for Maui that day), I was kind of bummed. I was looking forward to whipping out our official permit. On this subject…
DLNR officials will meet with wedding companies on Oahu this Tuesday, August 11. Rumors of increased regulation have been circulating, it will be interesting to hear what they tell Oahu before bringing their show to Maui. An associate of mine will be attending the meeting and I’ll post the details on this blog.

Aloha,
Ron Winckler
Pacific Island Weddings Ltd.
because maui and las vegas are oceans apart®