Top 5 Places to Propose on Maui

Let’s be honest, if you are proposing anywhere on Maui, you are probably already going to receive the answer you want to hear. But, if you want a real insider’s tip on where to melt her heart, I have put together this list of five great recommendations:

In no particular order:

Top of Haleakala: The highest peak on Maui’s dominant volcano is over 10,000 feet up.  Many tourists like to come to Haleakala at sunrise or sunset to witness the sun appearing or disappearing on the far-off horizon that fades into the Pacific Ocean. On clear days you can see a number of neighboring Hawaiian Islands such as Molokai, Lanai, Ka’aholowe, and even the Big Island. As she is distracted by the bird’s eye view of the Maui valley and neighboring islands, pull out your ring and surprise her when her attention is drawn back to her close surroundings. Plus, the sun will probably bounce off that diamond so powerfully at 10,000 feet; it will create small rainbows over the island.

On a boat: There are plenty of boat tours and adventures you can book on Maui.  From sunset cruises to hula dinner cruises, you are bound to find a romantic option at sea. My personal recommendation would be a sunset cruise with the Pacific Whale Foundation out of the Lahaina harbor. Start the cruise as the sun is starting to fade in the distance and pop the question as you coast in the gentle breezes of the tropical trade winds. Because Maui locals are so friendly and inviting, I am sure you could plan an ornate proposal with the crew before the leaving the dock, to assure that everything is just right.

Mama’s Fish House: This is a very cliché place to propose, as I would have to assume this luxury dining locale averages a proposal once a week. Arguably the best seafood restaurant on Maui for the last decade, Mama’s Fish House is your best bet if you are inclined to propose over a meal. Located in an oceanfront estate in Paia, the view is just as spectacular as the menu, which includes fish and shellfish caught daily by local fisherman around the island (the menu even lists the name of the fisherman). I am fairly certain the restaurant will bring out a complimentary Chocolate Pearl dessert for all couples who pop the question while dining. The only drawback I can foresee is that she might enjoy the Chocolate Pearl dessert better than the ring (it’s that good!).

Sunset at the beach: Maui sunsets are no ka oi (the best). When you pair a Maui sunset with gentle waves rolling in on a white sand beach, I think you have the winning ingredients for a great setting proposal.  As for beach recommendations, I would stick to Ka’anapali Beach, Wailea Beach, Big Beach, or even a black or pink sand beach in Hana.  There’s also Hamoa Beach, which has been named one of the top beaches in America, and also been praised by famous authors.

The Ritz Carlton: It’s the Ritz! Suits on Maui are a rarity, but why not get decked out in the finest tux or suit, get a room at the Ritz, and go out for a fine dinner in Kapalua or Lahaina?  The whole evening will have her feeling like Cinderella, and the question she receives at the end of the night will be the icing on the cake for her memorable trip to Maui.  You can then celebrate the following day with a morning on the golf course at Kapalua! I recommend the Bay Course, hole number 5!

If you proposed on Maui, feel free to leave a comment below about where your story took place.  I am sure there are some great ideas I am missing.

[Photo Source: Flickr user Bretstimmerman]