Planning a surprise proposal is one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking!) moments in your life. Maui is a perfect place to pop your question - with it’s gorgeous beaches, palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets it is one of the most romantic spots on earth. To help you plan your surprise proposal, here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Choose a Location That Reflects Your Relationship

Maui has so many beautifull spots, but the best location is one that’s meaningful to your relationship. If both of you love sunsets, consider beaches of Wailea, or Kapalua Coastal Trail. Are you both adventurous? A proposal at the top of a Haleakala could be the perfect choice, or do it at one of Maui’s north shore beaches after your road to Hana trip.

If your partner loves intimate and low-key settings, avoid public or showy proposals. It can be uncomfortable for introverted and private people, so always prioritize their comfort!

These guys were heading to Merriman’s for dinner and decided “to watch sunset at the beach nearby”, I was “hanging out” at that beach with my camera hidden in a bag and capture all the action!

*This adventurous couple was on the way back from Hana, and they stopped at the beach “to watch the surfers” - that’s where I got them!*

Keep the Ring Safe

If you’re proposing with a ring, make sure you’ve done your homework! The ring should fit your partner and reflect their style and preferences. If you’re unsure about their taste, ask for help of close family or friends, or look at jewelry together beforehand. When it comes to keeping the ring safe: avoid leaving it in your car (break-ins happen!), and wear something with a pocket to discreetly carry it to the proposal spot.

*If she has her nails done, it’s going to look great on the pictures! If not - don’t stress out about it, we’ll make it work!*

Hire a Photographer

If you know your partner would love to have photos of the proposal, make sure it’s documented! The day of try to make her dressed nicely. Ideally nails should look good, as she’ll likely want to show off that ring in close-up shots but don’t stress out too much about it! A photographer can help you choose the location with good lighting, find a quiet or secluded spot to avoid crowds, and capture all the emotions. After the “Yes!” moment, you can also take some engagement photos.

One of the questions I usually get is “How?”. It’s really up to you, but if have zero ideas - I got you! I like to do it “paparazzi” style - I’ll pretend to be just another person hanging out at the beach. My camera will be hidden in a beach bag, and I’ll be ready to capture the moment. It’s a natural and low-key way to keep the surprise. Another option: if your partner loves taking photos and you want to have the proposal as part of a regular photo session, this is actually a very convenient way to do it. We’ll plan a photoshoot at the beache, and during the shoot, I can guide you both into poses or use prompts that lead up to the proposal moment. But, I must warn you - it can be more suspicious, especially if your partner doesn’t usually do professional photo sessions.

*Capturing emotions is my favorite part of the surprise proposals..!*

Celebrate!

Once your partner says “Yes!” it’s time to celebrate! Whether you choose to pop champagne right on the beach or head to a nice restaurant, be sure to soak in the joy of this milestone together. Some places to celebrate:

Westside: Merriman’s, Mala Tavern, Seahouse
Wailea: Hotel Wailea, Spago, Ko
North Shore/Upcountry: Mama’s Fish House, Nylos, Vana

Share the News

After the proposal, take a moment to celebrate with your partner before sharing the news with friends and family. Call or tell close loved ones before posting on social media—this will make them feel appreciated and included in your joy.

Final Thoughts

Planning a surprise proposal on Maui is an adventure, but with thoughtful planning it can be one of the most memorable moments of your life.

If you’re planning a Maui proposal and want a photographer who knows all the spots and can guide you through the process, I’d love to capture your special moment!

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How to Plan the Perfect Beach Surprise Proposal on Maui, Hawaii