11 Reasons to Have a Destination Wedding at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

By Rebecca Kinnear, Islands

With a plethora of Hawaii wedding venues around the islands, it’s hard to choose the one that’s best for your destination wedding, but the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa stands out among the rest. Here are eleven reasons to host your wedding away at this Maui resort — or, as the saying goes, to get Maui’d.

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1. Ceremony and Reception Venues

Halona Kai reception area, Dmitri and Sandra Photography

Let’s get right to the main reason this resort shines for weddings: the ceremony and reception venues. With a prime location on Kaanapali Beach, you can choose to host your event with your toes in the sand. However, all Hawaii beaches are public, so that means curious (uninvited) onlookers — sometimes even in their swimsuits.

Our pick for ceremony spots is the newly revamped Halona Kai, a lawn space that can accommodate up to 500 guests. Say I do with a gorgeous view of the ocean (and Lanai in the distance) without the pesky sand, plus the venue is much more private.

The space doubles as a reception setup, so you can toast your married status as the sun sets and tiki torches light up, and then dance the night away under the stars. And don’t worry about your plan B: as a rain backup, the ballroom is equally gorgeous, with a lighting concept that can be customized to your wedding colors.

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2. A Romantic Greeting

Kick off your wedding with a little romance, Dmitri and Sandra Photography

Every wedding couple deserves to check in to their room and find a bed covered with rose petals, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. This resort has got you covered.

3. Luau Welcome Dinner

Drums of the Pacific Luau, Courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

The best way to get your guests right into the spirit of Aloha? The Drums of the Pacific Luau, held onsite at the resort. Wedding groups get the red-carpet treatment and special VIP seating, and the Polynesian-themed dinner is all-you-can-eat and drink. A few Blue Hawaiians and your guests will be ready for the main event.
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4. Marilyn Monroe Spa

Marilyn Monroe Spa, Courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

On the big day, get glam with your maids at the oceanfront spa: the full-service salon can do hair, makeup and mani-pedis. After tying the knot, melt away wedding stress with a much-needed couples massage.

5. Authentic Hawaiian Touches

Traditional lei exchange, Joanna Tano Photography

All of the resort’s wedding packages include a non-denominational officiant who will begin the ceremony by the blowing of the conch shell, or pu in Hawaiian. Also included: two traditional Hawaiian leis to exchange in honor of the couple’s commitment to each other.
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6. Pool Area

Pool at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

The two main pools don’t disappoint, with a 150-foot water slide, a hot tub and a swinging rope bridge. There’s also a children’s area with a smaller water slide, fountains and a beach play area. Need a break from the little ones? Head to the adults-only infinity pool at the neighboring Hyatt Residence Club, open to resort guests.

7. Penguins! In the lobby!

Resident penguins at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, Rebecca Kinnear

The property is home to seven African Black-Footed penguins. Your guest will love to watch them swim, sunbathe and interact with each other. Don’t miss their daily feeding at 9:30 a.m.
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8. Kaanapali Beach Location

Kaanapali Beach, Courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Wake up to the sound of waves outside your private balcony. Stroll along the beach walk to visit shops and restaurants fronting the beach. Take advantage of the water sports offered at the property including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and snorkeling. And be sure to catch the nightly sunset ceremony held at Black Rock, where a cliff diver plunges into the sea as a tribute to King Kahekili.

9. Group Outing to Lahaina

Lahaina, Shutterstock

Catch the daily shuttle to explore Lahaina. Your group can learn the history of the quaint harbor town, which was once a whaling village, and see the banyan tree that dates back to the 1800s. Front Street is also lined with shops, restaurants and art galleries — grab some shave ice and spend the day perusing. In the winter months, this is one of the best spots on the island to see whales, or go on a group whale-watching tour.
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10. Farewell Brunch at Japengo

Japengo restaurant, Dmitri and Sandra Photography

This oceanfront, award-winning Asian restaurant is only open for dinner, which makes it the perfect spot to host a private farewell brunch for your group. The resort will tailor a buffet of local cuisine to your guests (think macadamia nut-crusted bacon, petite frittatas and lavender-seasoned beef tenderloin).

11. Your Wedding Can Pay for Your Honeymoon

Your wedding can earn you a honeymoon, Courtesy Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Perhaps the biggest perk of hosting your Maui wedding at this resort is that you can earn World of Hyatt Bonus Points. Depending on how much you spend, you can score between 60,000 (two free nights) and 150,000 (five free nights) at any Hyatt hotel around the world. It’s a win-win.

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