Maui is officially known as the “valley isle” or the “magic isle”, but locals have another moniker: the wedding isle. As many as 500,000 couples per year in the U.S. opt to combine their wedding and honeymoon, saving both time and money. For many, Maui is their wedding destination of choice. In recent years, nearly as many non-residents married in Maui as residents.

Beaches in West and South Maui are the most popular island wedding locations. Since all beaches in Hawaii are public it’s first come, first married. Local wedding planners shuttle couples to the most desired spots, where there is often a 30- to 60-minute wait. Saying “I Do” in time for snapping sunset pictures can be a race.

However, couples should be aware that major storms passing through the islands rain out the beach. During a storm week, power outages caused by strong winds can impose blackout conditions, and many couples have no choice but to cancel their wedding. For some, it was possible to reschedule at the end of their “honeymoon”. Others return home unmarried.

Hiring a local wedding coordinator can help engaged couples work around unexpected weather, explains Lisa Villarimo of Enchanted Weddings of Maui, who has helped hundreds of couples make alternate arrangements on the fly.