What to Know Before Hiring a Wedding Planner in Maui

Written By kira carlton

Planning a destination wedding in paradise?
Maui offers unmatched beauty—from lush mountains to golden beaches—but bringing your dream to life requires expert support. If you're thinking about hiring a Maui wedding planner, here’s what you should know before making that all-important decision.

1. Why You Should Hire a Maui Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding from afar can feel overwhelming. A local wedding planner in Hawaii brings experience, island knowledge, and vendor relationships that are essential for a smooth celebration. They’ll manage logistics, offer design expertise, and help you navigate Maui’s unique permitting and venue requirements. Getting things into the islands requires a certain understanding of the island logistics. Someone with a deep understanding of the island’s pain points is going to offer the best services.

As someone who was born and raised in Maui - I got you.

2. Not All Planners Offer the Same Services

Before you hire a Maui wedding planner, understand what level of support you need. There are typically three types of planning services:

  • Full-Service Planning – Ideal for couples who want end-to-end support, from venue scouting to event design and day-of execution.

  • Partial Planning – Great for those who’ve already booked a venue or a few vendors but need guidance and coordination.

  • Wedding Management – Best for hands-on couples who need someone to manage logistics and timelines on the wedding day but have already delved into the planning process.

Always ask for a detailed breakdown of what’s included. Keep in mind, a venue coordinator is NOT going to offer what a wedding planner does despite what they say they do. There is a huge difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner. Remember, a wedding planner works for YOU - a venue coordinator works for the venue.

Also, be weary of day-of-coordination. An experienced planner is going to want proper time to prep and help you build your timeline. At Kai and Pearl, we offer wedding management which provides so much more than just day-of coordination. We are going to ensure your timeline is seamless and the proper planning has gone into your event before we show up on the wedding day.

3. Experience on the Island Matters

Hiring a wedding planner in Hawaii who knows Maui specifically can make a huge difference. From understanding weather patterns to sourcing local flowers, a planner based on the island brings insights that out-of-town planners simply can’t offer.

Look for planners who have:

  • Strong relationships with Maui-based vendors AND relationships with out-of-state vendors. The best Maui planners understand that sometimes vendors and materials need to come from out of state

  • Experience with your venue (or similar ones)

  • A portfolio that matches your style

At Kai and Pearl, we have over 10 years of experience in the luxury planning sphere. Our knowledge spans beyond just the Maui Wedding bubble. We have contacts not just in Maui, but all over the U.S. We can source anything from your wildest dreams.

4. Ask the Right Questions Before Booking

Don’t be afraid to ask detailed questions before you hire a Maui wedding planner. Consider asking:

  • How many weddings do you take on per year?

  • Have you worked at our chosen venue?

  • How do you handle inclement weather or last-minute changes?

  • Can you help with local marriage license requirements?

  • What is your approach to budget management?

Their answers will give you insight into their communication style, professionalism, and whether they’re the right fit for your vision.

5. Budgeting for a Planner: What to Expect

The cost to hire a Maui wedding planner can vary depending on the level of service, guest count, and complexity. For full-service planning, expect to invest 10–20% of your total wedding budget.

While that may seem significant, a great planner will often save you money by preventing costly mistakes and negotiating vendor contracts. As planners, we are constantly putting out fires behind the scenes and finding cost savings for our clients. A great planner is going to provide value tenfold of what they cost.

6. The Value of Local, Personal Connections

Planning a wedding in Hawaii is about more than logistics—it’s about creating a meaningful experience. A great planner will bring your vision to life while also infusing your day with the spirit of aloha, connecting you with local traditions and thoughtful touches that make your celebration truly unforgettable. At Kai & Pearl, our lead planner Kira was born and raised on Maui. We have a deep connection to the island and are here to infuse the unique island spirit into your celebration.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a wedding planner in Hawaii—especially one based in Maui—is one of the best investments you can make for a stress-free, joyful wedding experience. Take your time to find someone who understands your vision, values communication, and knows the island inside and out.

Ready to start planning your dream Maui wedding?
Contact us today to learn how Kai & Pearl can help you create a celebration as magical as Maui itself.

kira carlton https://www.kaiandpearl.com
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Best Maui Wedding Venues