Gannon’s

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Aloha and Mahalo!

Firstly, we want to give all of you a big Mahalo (thank you) for making the long trek to Maui for our wedding. It takes a while to get here, but this island is beautiful and we are&nbsp;excited for you to&nbsp;&nbsp;experience all that Maui has to offer. Oh...and we can't wait to celebrate with you!&nbsp;&nbsp;

Please check the Travel and Accommodations page for some suggestions and if you have ANY questions, just call or text us.&nbsp;

It’s summer 2011 and Courtney leaves PA to begin a summer internship at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. On night one, after sitting around with her new roommates, she decides they need to get out there and meet people. She starts by knocking on a door at the end of the hall, some guy answers, invites Courtney and roommates in to hangout, and that’s when Willy Hughes walks through the door. He was doing the same internship as Courtney and also happened to be one of Matt’s childhood best friends (also known as a Duggie: you’ll hear this a lot the weekend of our wedding so just know that Duggie = friend). Willy and Courtney kept in touch and made plans to party the next weekend. Willy called up his friends Matt and Scott and told them about the beautiful, strong, smart girls with incredible personalities he just met and invited them to the party. Matt and Courtney meet at this party, it’s love at first sight, game over. Just kidding, they actually barely spoke that night but the next weekend they got together and 6 years later here we are! The picture above was taken about 3 weeks after we met - clearly, true love at its finest.

How We Met

Our Story

PLEASE READ

Here are some important need to knows about Maui that will make your trip a little more pleasant (aka save you from having a bad time):

-Practice Aloha - be nice, be respectful to everyone and everything. You are on Maui - the people here are just as beautiful as the land itself. Slow down, relax, and enjoy your vacation.





-Sunscreen - we are close to the equator and that sun is HOT&nbsp;so sunscreen is a must. Try to use sunscreen that is&nbsp;oxybenzone free - this is safer for the coral reefs.&nbsp;- No cell phones while driving: This is a big one we learned the hard way...if you are caught with a cell phone in your hand (for any reason)&nbsp;while driving, you can get pulled over and it's a $300 dollar fine.&nbsp;





- "Maui midnight" is 10pm in most areas. This means that many bars/restaurants&nbsp;close&nbsp;down at 10pm and noise curfews begin around the same time.&nbsp;Depending on where you are staying, the noise curfew may begin even earlier - please be sure to know this information for the condo you are staying in and adhere to it.&nbsp;





-Uber, Lyft, Taxis: Uber and Lyft are here, but they aren't as readily available as they are in most cities. Check on this&nbsp;ahead of time in case there is a long wait. Other taxi services are also available.&nbsp;





- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag): Plastic bags are banned from store checkout. Safeway and Foodland offer paper bags. Target and Walmart give you no option but to buy their reusable ones or carry everything sans bag.&nbsp;





- Respect the land: Please do not litter (including cigarette butts). Maui is beautiful and we'd like to keep it that way. No one will hesitate to report you if they see you do it. So please, for the sake of your wallet, the animals, the scenery, and all the ocean life...just don't do it.&nbsp;





- On a similar note, watch out for "Kapu" sites.&nbsp;You may notice signs by the beach or parks that say Kapu. This means it's a sacred site - it may not look special, it could even resemble a pile of rocks - but, these places have special meaning so please stay clear!&nbsp;





- Listen to the lifeguards, pay attention to warning signs on beaches: If there is a lifeguard stand on the beach and they yell at you...listen to them. If there is a sign that says DANGEROUS&nbsp;SHORE&nbsp;BREAK...be careful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the south Maui beaches are BEAUTIFUL (Big Beach), but they can have rough shore breaks and strong undertows that can cause injury or worse.





-Sea Turtles and Monk Seals:&nbsp;Aside from being potentially dangerous, Hawaiian monk seals are a critically endangered species protected by Federal and State law. It is illegal to come closer than 100 feet of a seal, disrupt their behavior, or harass them in any way. When it's necessary to pass by one that may be lounging on the beach, keep your distance. It is illegal to touch or harass sea turtles (give them about 10ft of space). If they happen to swim up to you while snorkeling, awesome. Do not swim directly up to them. Bystanders can report you and you can be fined.





- Hawaii Agriculture Declaration Form: Before landing in Maui, you'll be asked to complete a plants and animals declaration form.&nbsp;By Hawaii state law, all passengers arriving in Hawaii are required to complete the form. The purpose of this process is to help identify and prevent foreign plants, animals and pests from entering Hawaii’s unique environment.&nbsp;Much like a customs form, only one agricultural declaration form is required per family.&nbsp;





- On your way home:&nbsp;One important point to remember if you are checking luggage is that you must complete the agricultural inspection for your checked luggage&nbsp;before&nbsp;you check-in. You just put your bag through a scanner and you may be asked if you have any plants or animals with you. If you pass, they will throw a tag on your bag and you can proceed to check-in.&nbsp;

Where to Eat

We love these ones:

<a href="http://dakitchen.com/" target="_blank">Da Kitchen</a> - Hawaiian Soul Food,&nbsp;&nbsp;locations in Kahului and Kihei. Casual dining, big portions.&nbsp; 

<a href="http://www.tinroofmaui.com/" target="_blank">Tin Roof</a> - More Hawaiian soul food inspired dishes,&nbsp;our favorite lunch spot in&nbsp;Kahului, closes at 2pm. Take-out only.&nbsp;Order ahead to save yourself some time.

<a href="https://www.dthmaui.com/" target="_blank">Down the Hatch</a> - located in Lahaina and it's amazing. Get yourself some boozey shaved ice at Breakwall located right next door.&nbsp; 

<a href="http://mauibrewingco.com/" target="_blank">Maui Brewing Company</a> - located in Kihei and Lahaina, both locations now serving food.

<a href="https://www.millhousemaui.com/" target="_blank">Mill House Maui</a> - farm to table, located in the Maui Tropical Plantation (aka really beautiful spot). You may want to go early to explore the Plantation before dinner. 

<a href="https://mauioceancenter.com/explore/dining-shopping/" target="_blank">Seascape Restaurant & Bar</a> - island-inspired cuisine along with spectacular views of Ma‘alaea Harbor.&nbsp; 

Restaurants everyone raves about (we just haven't tried yet):&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.monkeypodkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Monkeypod Kitchen</a> - "A&nbsp;place where foodies, beer lovers, and families escape the stresses of their day-to-day lives by enjoying an ice-cold beer and a great meal while surrounded by people who consider them honored guests and friends." 

<a href="https://www.mamasfishhouse.com/" target="_blank">Mama's Fish House</a> - located on the North Shore just beyond Paia. Pricey but apparently it is&nbsp; MUST eat for all the seafood lovers out there. It's also right on beach and it's beautiful.&nbsp; 

<a href="http://kiheicaffe.com/" target="_blank">Kihei Caffe</a> - you must eat breakfast here.&nbsp; 

<a href="http://mulligansontheblue.com/" target="_blank">Mulligans on the Blue</a> - "Maui's only Irish pub" 

"The Maui Triangle"

Named for it's Bermuda Triangle like effect on people...this is where you will find many bars offering live music, great&nbsp;happy hour specials, and some of the only places that are open late-night.&nbsp;

- Life's A Beach Restaurant &&nbsp;Bar and South Shore Tiki Lounge&nbsp;are 2 of the most popular. Plug those into your GPS or Uber request and get ready for a fun night.&nbsp;

Details

Wedding Party

Photos

Q + A

Registry

Be sure to select Kahului, HI (OGG)&nbsp;for your destination when searching for flights!&nbsp;

Kahului Airport

There are plenty of places to stay in South Maui (Kihei, Wailea)&nbsp;that will fit your desired vacation vibe. We've made some suggestions below, but are more than happy to help you search - just text or call us if you have any questions&nbsp;(we are 6hrs behind EST).&nbsp;&nbsp;


We also&nbsp;recommend searching HomeAway for condo rentals.&nbsp;




Search:&nbsp;Kihei, HI




Locate the Kamaole Beaches (I, II, III) and you will find a ton of condos to fit your needs. Here are some rental properties that will still provide a resort style environment (look for these names in the description):&nbsp;




- Kamaole Sands




- Kihei&nbsp; Akahi




- Kamole Beach Royale Resort




These properties are very close to the Kam Beaches, Restaurants, Bars, shops, food trucks and not far from our venue. Just be sure to read the description and reviews.
There are&nbsp;several links below for the big resorts in Wailea and a few in Kihei.

Anywhere in Kihei or Wailea

Located in Wailea, Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui is by the ocean and minutes from Shops at Wailea and Ulua Beach Park.  This 4.5-star hotel is within close proximity of Ulua Beach and Mokapu Beach.

Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui

Kahului airport is surrounded by all the typical car rental companies. Discount Hawaii Car Rental can help you get the best deal. 
Let us know if you have any questions! 

Discount Hawaii Car Rental

When you stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort - a concept by Hyatt in Wailea, you'll be on the beach and minutes from Mokapu Beach and Ulua Beach.  This 4.5-star resort is within close proximity of Ulua Beach Park and Keawakapu Beach.

Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort - a concept by Hyatt

Where we do most of our grocery shopping. They are both located in Kahului so it's easy to make them your first stop before heading to your condo. If anyone without a Costco membership would like to go, just let us know and we will meet you there :)&nbsp;

Costco and Target

With a stay at Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Wailea, you'll be on the beach and minutes from Wailea Beach, and close to Shops at Wailea.  This 4.5-star resort is within close proximity of Ulua Beach Park and Polo Beach.

Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

When you stay at Fairmont Kea Lani Maui in Wailea, you'll be on the beach and minutes from Wailea Blue Golf Course and Polo Beach.  This 4.5-star resort is within close proximity of Wailea Beach and Wailea Emerald Golf Course.Rooms

Fairmont Kea Lani Maui

Travel

There is so much to do on Maui. We've highlighted a few of our favorites below. The website link below (mauiguidebook)&nbsp;is a great resource for planning hikes, beach days, and more. We reference it a lot when planning our adventures.&nbsp;&nbsp; 







If you plan on doing any island hopping while you are here, they have similar websites for each island!&nbsp;

Maui No Ka 'Oi (Maui Is The Best)

When:&nbsp;Saturday, September 22nd - be there by 5:30pm

What: Come enjoy the best Luau on the island

Since we are not having a rehearsal/rehearsal dinner, we've made reservations for everyone to attend the Old Lahaina (La-hi-na) Luau on Saturday night. Come prepared to be dazzled by authentic Hawaiian cultural dances, music, demonstrations, and of course...the cuisine. This is an all you can eat buffet and open bar so come hungry, thirsty, and ready for an amazing experience!&nbsp;

We are looking into transportation options as it is about a 40 min drive from Kihei to Lahaina. We will have more information later!&nbsp;

Old Lahaina Luau

Kamole Beaches I, II, III&nbsp;

Most of you will be staying close to one of these beaches but they are all within walking distance of one another. These beaches are great for lounging, spotting sea turtles on the lava rock, so-so snorkling, and being close to food trucks, restaurants, and shops. 





Get more info here:&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/kamaole-beach-park-aka-kam-kam-ii-kam-iii/" target="_blank">Kamaole Beach Park</a>







Makena Beach aka Big Beach





You must go visit this beach! One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Good for lounging and jumping waves.&nbsp;The shore break can get rough, so just pay attention to signs and the lifeguards on duty.&nbsp;FYI:&nbsp;Little Beach is nearby - this is a clothing optional beach







Get more info here:&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/makena-big-beach-oneloa/" target="_blank">Big Beach</a>&nbsp;







One'uli Black Sand Beach - if you don't have enough time to do the road to Hana, go check out this beach. The black sand beaches here are made of ground lava - it's amazing. This also means there is usually sharp lava rock not too far away&nbsp;so wade carefully into the water! You can also do some snorkeling and diving here...so says the website below.&nbsp;







Get more info here:&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/oneuli-black-sand-beach-naupaka/" target="_blank">One'uli Black Sand Beach</a>







Explore other South Maui Beaches <a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/category/south-maui/beaches-south-maui/" target="_blank">here</a>

South Maui Beaches

Maluaka Beach (Courtney's favorite)&nbsp;

This beach does not have a&nbsp;shout out on the Maui website I've been referencing. Never fear - you can google it for directions. It will lead you down a dead end road and the&nbsp;public parking lot (showers are&nbsp;available) is across the street from a beautiful historic church. Park your car, turn left, walk down a little street and the beach is on the right. The best snorkeling is the far side of the beach near the rocks. It's the closest you will get to Turtle Town as well.&nbsp;









Ulua Beach 









Good for snorkeling and diving - smaller sandy area, parking lot can fill up quickly.&nbsp;









Get more information here:&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/ulua-beach/" target="_blank">Ulua Beach</a>









There are a lot of other places to snorkel, we just haven't been able to check them out yet. Explore&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/category/south-maui/beaches-south-maui/" target="_blank">South Maui Beaches</a> here and this will give you some other options as well.&nbsp;









Renting snorkeling gear:&nbsp;Both of these stores are great and the are right in Kihei. They also have&nbsp;Body Boards, Surf Boards, Stand Up Paddle Boards, Bikes, Beach Chairs, Coolers, Umbrellas, Golf Clubs.









<a href="https://thesnorkelstore.com/">The Snorkel Store</a>









<a href="http://bossfrog.com/maui/store-locations/south-kihei-snorkel-rentals/" target="_blank">Boss Frog's</a>

Snorkel Tours:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.prideofmaui.com/trips/morning/" target="_blank">Molokini Crater & Turtle Town</a>

Snorkeling

&nbsp;We have not done this so we cannot provide a lot of guidance. From doing a little research of our own it looks like several shops provide rentals on the beach or they will load it onto your car for you.&nbsp;

PLEASE&nbsp;NOTE: The winds on Maui can change without warning. If you do not have experience kayaking on the ocean off the south Maui shore, do your research. GO&nbsp;EARLY as the winds are likely to change later in the morning.&nbsp;

Kelli's Kayaking Tours seem&nbsp;to have the best reviews and take you to the best spots if you would like to do a guided tour&nbsp;- link below:

<a href="http://www.keliiskayak.com/kayaking-tour-south-shore-turtle-adventure/" target="_blank">Kelli's Kayaking Tours</a>

KAYAK RENTALS

<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/pipiwai-trail-waimoku-falls/" target="_blank">Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls</a> - "the best hike on Maui"&nbsp;

<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/waihee-ridge-trail/" target="_blank">Waihee Ridge Trail</a> - "the best hike on Maui...if you aren't doing the Road to Hana"

HIKING

At this point, we have not had a chance to do many of the items listed below, but they are on our list!&nbsp;These adventures are longer may be considered day trips:

Explore <a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/upcountry-region/" target="_blank">Upcountry</a>







&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/adventures/grandmas-ulupalakua/">Grandma's, Ulupalakua ranch, Wine, and Oprah</a>







<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/upcountry/makawao-town/" target="_blank">Makawao Town</a> 





<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/camping/haleakala-crater/" target="_blank">Haleakala Crater</a> -&nbsp;&nbsp;"Haleakala Crater is the most popular attraction in Upcountry Maui. Stunning sunrises, panoramic out-of-this-world landscapes, birds-eye views of the Maui central valley, and flora and fauna that exist nowhere else in the world." 







Drive <a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/road-to-hana-region/" target="_blank">The Road to Hana&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;





If&nbsp;you haven't heard of this google it and be dazzled. This road can be rough in places so it's best to go on good weather days and maybe take some Dramamine if you get car sick. There are plenty of hikes and waterfalls to see along the way.





Not seeing what you're looking for?&nbsp;Check out Maui Guidebook's Bucket&nbsp;list <a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/things-to-do/the-basics/bucket-list-60-things-to-do-maui/" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;for even more ideas (including Spa days and Gold outings).&nbsp;

Other Random Adventures

Oh no...it's our last day on Maui. You have to check out of your condo in the AM&nbsp;but your flight isn't until much later in the day. Here are a&nbsp;few ideas to pass the time in Wailuku or Kahului:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.tinroofmaui.com/" target="_blank">Tin Roof</a> - hands down our favorite lunch spot in Kahului (closes at 2pm). Amazing local soul food. This is an "order ahead or order at the counter and take it elsewhere" type of place. Save yourself the wait and call ahead.&nbsp; Grab your lunch and go check out the wind surfers and kite surfers at <a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/beaches/hookipa-beach-park/" target="_blank">Kanaha Beach Park.</a> On the right side of the beach (towards the lifeguard stand)&nbsp;you'll see red buoys in the water. If you post up inside those buoys on the beach, you'll be out of the way of the the kite surfers launching and landing.&nbsp;There are usually sea turtles hanging out on the rocks by the lifeguard stand.&nbsp;<a href="http://mauiguidebook.com/north-shore-maui/paia-town/" target="_blank">Paia Town</a> - check out the hippie town of Paia - great food, restaurants, shops. There can be a bit of traffic in that area so budget your time accordingly.&nbsp;

Courtney & Matthew