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Proposal on Maui checklist

Before you leave home, choose two spots, book anything that needs a reservation and work out the ring size. On the day, arrive half an hour before sunset, keep the ring zipped away and ask on the sand.

Greenleaf guides 3 min read

A couple walking hand in hand along the shoreline at golden hour, seen from behind

The short version of planning a Maui proposal, in the order you will need it. For spots, light and timing in more depth, read getting engaged in Maui.

Before you leave home

  1. Pick two spotsA first choice and a back-up nearby, in case of wind, rain or a crowd. The south shore around Wailea is one of the driest parts of the island.
  2. Book anything that needs bookingA Haleakalā sunrise needs a reservation on Recreation.gov for every car entering between 3am and 7am, released 60 days ahead with a second batch two days before. ʻĪao Valley and Waiʻānapanapa need reservations for visitors from out of state.
  3. Ask your photographer about permitsA private proposal needs none. Commercial photography on state beaches and in state parks does, and the rules differ by place.
  4. Work out the ring sizeBorrow a ring they wear on that finger, or ask a close friend. A guess is fine; most rings can be resized afterwards.

When you arrive

Check

  • Sunset time for your day: earliest about 5:45pm in early December, latest about 7:10pm in early July.
  • The park's hours, if you chose Mākena; on some days it closes before sunset.
  • The ring, in your carry-on, never in checked luggage.

Choose the ring here, if you have not

  • Every engagement ring on our site is in the case at the Shops at Wailea.
  • Come early in the trip, so there is time for a second look.
  • Tell us your proposal date when you buy.

See engagement rings in Wailea, Maui

On the day

  1. Arrive half an hour before sunsetAbout 5:15pm in December and 6:40pm in July. The light is best before the sun touches the water.
  2. Keep the ring box in a zipped pocketSand and surf are unforgiving to a dropped box.
  3. Ask on the sand, not in the waterCold water makes fingers smaller, and a ring can slip off.
  4. Leave the place as you found itSome spots, like Haleakalā, are sacred to Native Hawaiians. Keep the moment quiet and respectful.
A couple in silhouette at sunset on the Maui coast, one kneeling to propose

After the yes

  • Rinse the ring in fresh water if it met salt or sand, and keep it on dry land for the rest of the day.
  • Check the fit once your hands are back to a normal temperature. Our guide to ring resizing before your flight home covers the options.
  • Insure it. A homeowner's policy often covers jewelry theft only up to a low limit; many people add a jewelry rider.
  • Bring it back to us for cleaning and safety checks whenever you are on the island again.

What we would do: book anything that needs booking before you leave home, choose the ring early in the trip, and propose on the sand half an hour before sunset.

Sources

Pieces in this guide

Common questions

What do I need to book for a Maui proposal?

A Haleakalā sunrise needs a Recreation.gov reservation for every car entering between 3am and 7am. ʻĪao Valley and Waiʻānapanapa need reservations for visitors from out of state. Beaches need none.

Does my photographer need a permit?

A private proposal needs no permit, but commercial photography on state beaches and in state parks does. Ask your photographer which permit they hold for your spot.

What time should I propose on Maui?

About half an hour before sunset: around 5:15pm in December and 6:40pm in July.

How do I fly with an engagement ring?

Keep it in your carry-on bag. The TSA asks travelers not to put valuable jewelry in checked luggage.

What if the ring does not fit?

Most rings can be resized. Check the fit once your hands are back to a normal temperature before deciding.

More guides

Every piece on our site is in the case at the Shops at Wailea, open daily from 10am–9pm. Come in and try it on, call us at (808) 874-1118, or book a video call from home.