For romance, think Maui

"We're spotlighting Maui as a romantic getaway this year, because Maui is so popular for weddings and 'weddingmoons' -- when couples have both the wedding and honeymoon on Maui, and they often bring their families," says Kelii Brown, representative for the Maui Visitors Bureau, www.visitmaui.com. "In fact, 43 percent of all weddings of nonresidents that happen in Hawaii are held on Maui."

The island is also popular for romantic escapes, engagements and vow renewals. For more on Maui, go to the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau site, www.gohawaii.com.

A Maui wedding can incorporate island touches. Many couples choose to get married on the beach, and include a "sand ceremony" where sand is poured from two vessels into one. Temporary walkways of stones or flowers are set out on the sand and parasols are often provided for the wedding party and guests. Often there is a lei exchange, a conch shell is blown and there can be Hawaiian chanting and torch lighting as part of the service. Bridal couples can include island flavors by ordering a haupia, coconut pudding cake, complete with a miniature hula girl and boy for cake toppers.

Go to the Maui Wedding Association Web site, www.mauiweddingassociation.com for a complete list of links to wedding coordinators, photographers, florists, caterers, videographers, ministers/celebrants and limo companies. You can request a wedding planning guide online. If you have already chosen a hotel or resort, ask to speak to its wedding planner months ahead if you can. Many hotel wedding coordinators can also throw a wedding on much shorter notice.

In other Maui news, the Ritz Carlton Kapalua hotel has reopened after a six-month $160 renovation, creating an environment that now reflects a more Hawaiian style, decor and culture throughout the luxury hotel. There are more outdoor bars, expanded lanais and a new restaurant, Kai Sushi. A new spa will open in May. To see a slide show of the new interiors, go to www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Default.htm.

The Hawaii Superferry, www.hawaiisuperferry.com, is operating two departures daily between Oahu and Kahului, Maui, for $39 per person until June 5. For voyage status, see the Web site or call (877) 443-3779.

A new Skyline Hawaii zip-line tour is now open at Ka'anapali, www.skylinehawaii.com/kaanapali_course.htm. You can soar along a zip line over plunging cliffs, lush valleys, waterfalls and wildlife below. A meal is served at the edge of a 1,000-foot overlook. The cost is $149.95, but you get $15 off if you book online.

In print

"The Best of Hawaii Wedding Book," by Tammy Perkins, is published by New World Library at $16.95. It covers all kinds of weddings from a simple barefoot ceremony on the beach to more elaborate affairs held in large resorts.

Perkins is a local wedding planner who has produced weddings all over the islands. Included are reviews and photos of churches, resorts, outdoor locations, restaurants, beaches and gardens She gives tips for choosing flowers, rituals and reception food, and suggests ways to make your wedding more Hawaiian. From her experience she recommends the best professionals in each wedding field, from the finest caterers to ministers and musicians.