Find a Marriage License in Kihei
Kihei, on Maui's sunny southwestern coast, is one of Hawaii's most popular spots to get married. Couples here apply for their marriage license through Hawaii's statewide online portal and complete the process at the Maui District Health Office in Wailuku. This page covers the full application process, what to bring, how to request certified copies of a marriage certificate, and how to search historical Maui marriage records going back to 1842.
Kihei Overview
How to Get a Marriage License in Kihei
All Hawaii marriage licenses go through one statewide system. The process starts online at emrs.ehawaii.gov. Both applicants must complete the form together. The fee is $65: $60 for the license and $5 for the online portal. You pay when you submit the form. After that, both of you must appear in person before a licensed marriage license agent.
For Kihei residents and couples planning to marry on South Maui, the nearest government office is the Maui District Health Office. It's located at 54 South High Street, Room 301, Wailuku, HI 96793. Phone: (808) 984-8210. Email: DOH.MauiVR@doh.hawaii.gov. Wailuku is about 12 miles north of Kihei. Private marriage license agents also operate throughout Maui, and some may be based closer to Kihei itself. The state DOH website lists authorized agents by island.
No waiting period applies in Hawaii. The license is issued the same day you meet with the agent, and it's valid for 30 days. You can use it anywhere in the state, not just on Maui.
What You Need to Apply
Both people must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. If either person was married before, bring proof the prior marriage ended. A divorce decree or death certificate is required. The state won't accept informal documents or photocopies without official seals. The Hawaii marriage licenses page has the full list of what's required. Review it before your appointment so nothing gets missed.
Hawaii has no blood test requirement, no residency rule, and no required waiting period after the license is issued. The legal age is 18. Visitors from any state or country can marry in Hawaii without establishing residency. All eligibility rules come from HRS Chapter 572, which is the state marriage statute.
Ordering Certified Copies of Kihei Marriage Certificates
An important note for Maui: no in-person pickup service is available at the Maui District Health Office for certified copies. All marriage certificate copies on Maui must be ordered by mail or through the online portal. Plan ahead if you need copies quickly.
The online ordering system is at vitrec.ehawaii.gov. The cost is $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy. A $2.50 portal fee applies per order. Orders placed online are mailed to you. Processing and delivery together typically take several weeks, so submit your order as soon as the record is registered.
Mail requests go to the State DOH, Office of Health Status Monitoring, P.O. Box 3378, Honolulu, HI 96801. Include the full names of both parties, the date and island of the marriage, and a check or money order for the right amount. Mail requests take 6 to 8 weeks. Order more than one copy if you'll need them for a name change, insurance, or immigration paperwork. Extra copies are only $4 each, so it's worth getting them all at once.
You can also contact the Maui District Health Office directly at (808) 984-8210 or DOH.MauiVR@doh.hawaii.gov to ask about current processing times or procedures specific to Maui records.
The screenshot below is from the state DOH vital records page, which provides an overview of how to request marriage certificates in Hawaii.
Maui vital records replacement resources from Maui Nui Strong offer guidance on obtaining copies after emergencies or when normal channels are disrupted.
This resource is helpful for anyone navigating the copy request process for Maui County marriages.
Historical Maui Marriage Records
Maui has some of the oldest documented marriage records in Hawaii. Records of marriages on Maui go back to 1842, making this one of the richest collections for genealogical research in the state. For records from 1842 to 1910, and for a second set from 1911 to 1929, Ulukau.org has digitized indexes that you can search online for free. The site sorts records by island, so searching under Maui will pull up names, dates, and other details from the historical indexes.
For records after 1929, the Hawaii State Archives is the main resource. Located at 364 South King Street in Honolulu, the archives hold the Vital Statistics Collection and many other historical document types. Call (808) 586-0329 before visiting. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The archives also publish a genealogy research guide at ags.hawaii.gov that explains what's available and how to request records.
For more structured genealogical research, FamilySearch maintains a detailed guide to Maui County genealogy resources. The guide lists available record sets, explains which years they cover, and provides links to digitized collections. It's a good place to start before contacting archives directly.
The screenshot below shows the DOH birth and marriage certificates page, which covers how to access state-registered records.
The DOH birth and marriage certificates page explains the difference between certified copies and informational copies, and who can request each type.
Review this page before submitting a copy request to confirm you qualify as an authorized requester.
Kihei Marriage License Law and Requirements
Hawaii marriage law is governed statewide. There are no local Kihei or Maui County rules that differ from what applies on Oahu or the Big Island. All marriages are regulated by HRS Chapter 572. The statute covers eligibility, license issuance, officiant authorization, and record-keeping requirements.
Under HRS ยง572-1, both parties must be 18 or older. The marriage may not be between close relatives as defined in the statute. No blood test is needed. No residency is required. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. Your officiant must return the completed license to the state after the ceremony within the required time frame. This is the officiant's responsibility, but it's worth confirming they know the process before you book them. Delays in filing can push back when your certificate becomes available.
Kihei is one of the most active areas in Hawaii for weddings. Officiants and wedding coordinators serving this part of South Maui are generally familiar with the state's requirements and the Maui District Health Office procedures.
Additional Resources for Kihei Couples
The DOH Vital Records page is the single best source for current fee schedules, forms, and procedures. The Hawaii Digital Archives provides access to historical documents and photographs. Legal Aid Hawaii publishes a vital records copy request form that can help individuals navigate the process without legal counsel.
If you need to contact the Maui office about a specific record or request, reach them at (808) 984-8210 or DOH.MauiVR@doh.hawaii.gov. They handle vital records for all of Maui County, which includes Kihei, Kahului, Wailuku, Lahaina, and other communities on the island.
Maui County Marriage Records
Kihei is in Maui County. The county page has more detail on offices, fees, and procedures for all communities on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.