Best Places for Family Photos in Hawaii: Maui, Oahu, Kauai & the Big Island
A family trip to Hawaii is one of those experiences you’ll want to remember long after the suitcases are unpacked and the tan lines have faded. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, traveling with multiple generations, or simply want something better than a collection of iPhone photos, a family photography session is an easy way to document your time together.
The harder question is choosing where to take them.
Each Hawaiian island has a completely different feel, from Maui’s soft beaches and sunsets to Kauai’s dramatic green landscapes. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect setting for your Hawaii family photos.
Maui
Maui is one of our favorite islands for family photography because of the variety of locations within a relatively small area.
Wailea and Makena are especially beautiful for beach sessions, with warm sand, lava rock, palm trees and incredible evening light. West Maui offers another beautiful look around Kapalua, with beaches surrounded by lush greenery and rocky coastline.
For families with young children, choosing a beach close to your hotel is often the best option. Less time in the car means happier kids and a much more relaxed session.
Oahu
Oahu offers an incredible mix of classic Hawaiian beaches, mountain backdrops, palm trees and more dramatic coastline.
Depending on where you’re staying, your session might take place near Honolulu, Ko Olina, the North Shore or another quieter stretch of coastline.
Oahu is particularly beautiful for families who want their photographs to feel distinctly Hawaiian while still having plenty of convenient locations near major resort areas.
Kauai
If you love lush landscapes, Kauai is hard to beat.
The island’s green mountains, tropical vegetation and dramatic coastline create a beautiful backdrop for family photographs. Kauai sessions can feel a little more organic and adventurous, especially for families drawn to Hawaii’s natural landscape rather than a traditional resort setting.
And yes, occasional clouds and light rain are part of Kauai. They can also create some of the softest, most beautiful light for photographs.
Hawaiʻi Island
The Big Island offers perhaps the greatest variety of scenery of all the islands.
Depending on where you’re staying, your family session might include white sand, black lava rock, palms, open coastline or lush tropical scenery.
The Kohala Coast is especially convenient for families staying around Waikoloa and the surrounding resorts.
What is the best time for family photos in Hawaii?
We generally recommend scheduling outdoor sessions around sunrise or sunset, when the light is softer and more flattering.
Sunrise tends to mean cooler temperatures, quieter beaches and fewer people in the background. Sunset offers warm evening light and, when conditions cooperate, beautiful color over the ocean.
The right option ultimately depends on your children’s schedules, where you’re staying and the location you choose.
Make the photos part of the trip
Your family session doesn’t need to feel like a formal photoshoot.
Our approach at Captured in Hawaii is relaxed and natural. We’ll guide you when needed, but we also leave plenty of room for movement, playing, walking along the water and the little interactions that make your family feel like your family.
Planning a Hawaii vacation? Captured in Hawaii offers family photography sessions across Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaiʻi Island.
