Sunset Vows for Kelsey & Jeff on Maluaka Beach in Maui

Kelsey & Jeff chose to elope in Hawaii because they could not think of a more beautiful place, and they would not be wrong! Maluaka Beach had everything they were looking for – a beautiful beach, epic scenery, black lava rocks, and crashing waves. They exchanged sunset vows in a traditional Hawaiian ceremony with leis and the blowing of the conch shell. Kelsey is the real star of this show in her exquisite dress and gorgeous native floral bridal bouquet. Read on to find out how Simply Eloped helped these newlyweds have the beach elopement of their dreams!

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

Kelsey: We chose to elope in Maui, Hawaii because of the beautiful beaches, breathtaking scenery, and vibrant culture. 

Jeff: What she said! We couldn’t think of a better place to have our elopement. 

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement? What were your favorite parts about eloping there? 

Kelsey: I loved the look of the black lava rocks, sand, and crashing waves as the backdrop of our ceremony. 

Jeff: Funny story, we were supposed to have our ceremony at Makena Cove but had to go up the road to Maluaka Beach due to the high tide. It ended up working out perfectly, though, since everywhere you go in Hawaii is beautiful!

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there? 

Kelsey: A perfect, beachy, paradise! 

Jeff: A gorgeous beach down a dirt road with a perfect view of the sunset.

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Kelsey & Jeff: We were coming from the east coast, so we took a full day after arriving in Hawaii to adjust to the time difference and take care of our marriage license appointment via Zoom (much easier!). We went to breakfast, had mimosas, and listened to an awesome Hawaii Vibes playlist. It was definitely a good mix of nervousness and excitement! 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped?

Kelsey & Jeff: We loved how simple it was to plan and that there were different options to customize our experience. We really appreciated how convenient it was to plan everything via email. They were very organized and helpful, leading up to our elopement and accommodating, even when we had to reschedule our entire trip due to COVID-19 travel restrictions in Hawaii. We would definitely recommend Simply Eloped to anyone who wants to tie the knot without all of the family drama, stress, and financial burden of a traditional wedding! 

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Kelsey & Jeff: After our ceremony, we went to the Grand Wailea Resort and had a private, six-course candlelight dinner under a cabana, overlooking the infinity pool and the ocean.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping? 

Kelsey: Just do the damn thing! 

Jeff: This will be the best decision you’ll ever make. No regrets whatsoever!

Officiation by: Kuya Alamodin
Photography by: Samantha Dahabi
Hair & Makeup by: Lexi McGhee
Flowers by: Katherine Mangicaro
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Makena Cove, Hawaii

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.