Merriman's Kapalua Maui

15th Anniversary Vow Renewal

Cocktail Hour and Lunch

Our Wedding

Maui Overview

The regions of Maui are shown in the map above. The vow renewal and party are at Merriman's in Kapalua, on the northern end of West Maui. We plan to stay in Wailea in South Maui, which is about an hour from Kapalua. We prefer the beaches and amenities in South Maui to the tourist hubs of Ka'anapali and Napili on West Maui, especially after the loss of most of Lahaina in the 2023 wildfires.

Flights

The code for the main airport in Kahului is OGG. It's accessible on several airlines (Hawaiian, Delta, United, Alaska) directly from hubs and connections on the west coast. For those traveling from New York, Hawaiian Airlines and Delta offer a direct flight from JFK to Honolulu on Oahu with a short 15-minute connecting flight to Kahului. The direct Honolulu flight our preferred way of traveling; it's one long flight rather than two flights stopping on the west coast that both feel long. Laying over in Honolulu is also a nice way to take in the Hawaiian air as soon as possible. Delta also offers a nonstop to Honolulu from Atlanta. There are currently no nonstop flights from Florida to Hawaii, Hawaiian airlines discontinued the direct flight from Orlando during COVID-19.

Accommodation Recommendations

We will be staying in the Ekahi Village in Wailea. We specifically recommend staying within walking distance of the long and connected beaches from Keawakapu Beach to Wailea Beach. All the beaches in that stretch are connected with walking paths and greenways, minimizing the need to get in the car wet and sandy.

Numerous accommodation options are available between Keawakapu Beach and Wailea Beach. We typically book a condo on VRBO.com to have a kitchen and washer/dryer available. The Mauna Kai, Wailea Ekhai, and Wailea Elua are all condo complexes near the beach on that stretch and have a variety of units and price points depending on what you are looking for. Hotels range from the Days Inn to the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons if you want to splurge. Sadly, our favorite condo building since 2012, Kihei Surfside, will be undergoing renovations and unavailable during this time, but we recommend booking with rosiesrentals.com for a future trip.

We typically book a Nissan Sentra with Kihei Rent A Car because we stay on the south shore and they offer pre-worn cars at a lower price. There is a selection of fairly new cars to 2015 models at a lower price. They blend in with the locals and there is less concern of beach wear on a new car. Note that they are not at Kahului Airport and offer a shuttle to/from their location. The usual selection of corporate rental car companies are available on site at Kahului Airport if you prefer.

Kīhei Rent-A-Car

Weather

The daytime weather is very consistent on the leeward south and west shores. The mountains in the center of the island cause the trade winds to drop their moisture on the northern and eastern shores. Temperatures in the mid 80s, full sun and a constant (sometimes strong) daytime breezes are typical. The north and east shores experience significantly more rain.

The constant trade winds keep the temperature and humidity from becoming stifling and oppressive compared to the continental US ("the mainland"). The constant breezes and the cost of electricity are the reasons some condos, houses and many public locations (airports, malls, restaurants, etc.) are open air and do not have air conditioning. The sun is significantly stronger on Maui than anywhere else on the mainland. The latitude is roughly equivalent to Mexico City and the Virgin Islands. Sunsets are often spectacular with the right cloud positioning, keep an eye out around 7:00 PM.

Travel

We are planning to have a few shared activities starting May 29, 2027. Participation is totally optional, but we thought it would be fun to meet up with everyone a few times while we are all together. Activities subject to change.

Lunch or happy hour at our favorite island brewery. Date TBD.

Maui Brewing Co.

Sailing trip to Molokini or Lanai.

Sail Maui

Old Lahaina Luau

Group Activities

Food

Preferred grocery stores are Foodland (Hawaiian items), Safeway (mainland items) and Times (Asian items). Fish, fruit and produce are significantly better than most of what is available on the mainland. There is a produce stand at 61 S Kihei Rd with locally grown fruits and vegetables. There is a less convenient but much larger market at 55 Kiopaa St upcountry in Makawao on Saturday only. Pineapple, mango, papaya, passionfruit, lychee, longans, avocado, tomatoes, and unique banana varieties are available from various vendors. Maui grown beef is also sporadically available at grocery stores and makes great burgers.

Maui Gold pineapple is locally grown and usually the best available. It should be very ripe, some of the best fruits go past gold and turn bright orange.

With abundant fresh fish available, sushi is excellent practically everywhere. Poke is cold, cubed fish (usually tuna or marlin) seasoned, mixed with vegetables and served over rice. Highly recommended if you are into seafood. Foodland, South Maui Fish Company (1794 S Kihei Rd) and The Fish Market Maui (3600 Lower Honoapiilani Rd) usually have the best options.

Lappert's in Wailea has the best ice cream on the islands with tropical flavors and handmade cones. The coffee and breakfast items are great too. Lappert's and the Shops at Wailea are walkable through the Wailea Beach Resort. It makes a great walk around sunset.

Coconut Mac Nut Fudge is the best flavor, but's been elusive lately. Anything with the coconut flavored ice cream base is outstanding. Flavors rotate in and out occasionally.

POG (Passionfruit, Orange, Guava) juice is synonymous with Hawaii and Meadow Gold makes the best you can find the supermarket. Occasionally restaurants and cafes will make their own and it's worth a try wherever you can find it.

Daniel & Lauren

Daniel & Lauren

Group Activities

Maui Brewing Co.

Sail Maui

Old Lahaina Luau