Kona, Big Island Family Photographer
Choose from our favorite beaches below in Kona, Waikoloa, Mauna Lani, Puako, Ho’okena, and more along the west coast of the Big Island.
Beach portrait Session packages start at $749
Below are some of our favorite beaches! Click on each gallery to explore what that beach looks like and see where it is on a map.
Waikoloa Beach (Anaeho'omalu Bay / A-Bay)
Waikoloa Beach — locally known as A-Bay — is one of our most requested locations, and it's easy to see why. A long arc of golden sand gives families plenty of room to spread out, while dramatic lava rock formations provide natural framing that adds depth and texture to every shot. The Kohala Coast mountains rise in the distance, creating a layered backdrop that you simply can't manufacture. This beach is also a known resting spot for Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), and when they make an appearance, the photos become truly unforgettable. The calm, protected waters make it a comfortable choice for families with young children or anyone who wants a relaxed session without navigating rough surf. Sunset light here is particularly beautiful, with bold oranges and reds when sunny and soft pastels when cloudy.
35-minutes north of Kona.
5 Min Walk from Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa.
Less than 5 minute drive from Hilton Waikoloa Village & Hilton Grand Vacation Resorts.
Hilton Beach (Kohala Coast)
The beach just south of the Hilton Waikoloa Village offers something genuinely different: a coral-hued shoreline studded with natural tide pools and unusually shaped lava formations that create one-of-a-kind compositions. If your family loves exploring — kids peering into tide pools, parents laughing at what they find — this location captures that spirit of discovery in a way a flat sandy beach can't. The unique textures of the coral sand and rock make for photographs with real visual interest, and the surrounding resort landscaping adds lush tropical greenery as a natural backdrop. This is a great pick for families who want something a little unexpected and less "postcard" than a traditional white sand beach.
Walking Distance from the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.
5 Minute drive from Waikoloa Beach Marriott & Hilton Grand Vacations Resorts.
35 Min drive from Kona.
Best for couples and families with kids older than 5 (lots of uneven ground)
Fairmont Orchid Beach (Kohala Coast)
The Fairmont Orchid shoreline is one of the most visually layered locations on the island. A series of small, sheltered coves lines the coast here, each offering its own character — from sandy pockets framed by lava shelves to open stretches backed by swaying coconut palms. The palm grove in particular is a standout feature: filtered light through palm fronds creates a warm, dreamy quality that's incredibly flattering for portraits at both sunrise and sunset. The water here transitions through brilliant shades of turquoise and deep blue, adding color to photos that needs no editing. Families who want variety within a single session — different textures, angles, and backdrops without changing locations — will find this beach delivers it all in one place.
Walking distance from the Fairmont Orchid Resort.
5 minute drive from Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection Resort.
15 minute drive from Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Waikoloa Hilton & HGV Resorts.
45 minute drive from Kona.
Mauna Lani Resort Beach (Kohala Coast)
Mauna Lani offers one of the most diverse landscapes of any beach on the Big Island, making it a photographer's dream for variety. Within a short walk, you'll move from bright white sand to ancient black lava fields to stretches of grey volcanic sand — three entirely different looks that can make one session feel like it was shot in three locations. The contrast between the dark lava and the brilliant blue Pacific is especially striking in photos, giving images a bold, almost painterly quality. The resort grounds are immaculately maintained, and the surrounding landscape has a sense of quiet grandeur. If your family wants a session with real visual range — from soft and romantic to dramatic and editorial — Mauna Lani is the right choice.
Important to note: This is not the Mauna Lani beach club
45 min drive from Kona.
Walking distance from the Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection Resort.
5 minute drive from Fairmont Orchid
15 minute drive from Waikoloa Beach Marriott, Hilton Waikoloa Village & Hilton Grand Vacations Resorts.
Mauna Kea Hotel Beach (Kauna'oa Beach)
Kauna'oa Beach, fronting the historic Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, is consistently ranked among the best beaches in all of Hawaii — and in person, it earns that title. The beach curves in a perfect half-moon shape, flanked by calm, crystal-clear water and fine white sand that stays soft underfoot. Afternoon light wraps beautifully around the cove's natural shape, and sunset here turns the sky into shades of orange and deep rose that serve as a breathtaking natural backdrop. If you want the quintessential Hawaii beach portrait, this is it.
Walking Distance from Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.
1-hour drive from Kona.
30-minute drive from Waikoloa.
Old Kona Airport (in the heart of Kailua-Kona)
The Old Kona Airport State Recreation Area is a hidden gem that surprises most visitors who expect it to feel industrial or mundane — it's anything but. A long, sandy shoreline runs the length of the old runway, lined with tide pools teeming with marine life and backed by native coastal vegetation. The Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden is nearby, adding lush tropical greenery as a potential extension of your session. Because it's less trafficked than the resort beaches to the north, you'll often have stretches of beach nearly to yourselves. The location is ideal for families staying in or around Kona who don't want a long drive, and the varied terrain — open sand, lava shelves, tide pools — means there's plenty to work with photographically.
40-minute drive south of Waikoloa.
Within a 10-15 minute drive of almost anywhere in Kona
Perfect for maternity photos!
Ho’okena Beach (South Kona / Captain Cook)
Ho'okena is unlike any other beach on this list, and that's exactly its appeal. Tucked inside a sheltered volcanic cove, this beach features dramatic grey and black volcanic sand that creates a moody, earthy color palette unlike the typical tropical beach portrait. The cove's natural walls frame the ocean views and provide natural shade during morning hours. Spinner dolphins are frequently spotted in the bay, and on lucky days they've made appearances in the background of portrait sessions. For families who want something genuinely different — photos that feel adventurous and uniquely Hawaiian rather than resort-polished — Ho'okena delivers a striking, once-in-a-lifetime setting. This is a particularly popular choice for families who've already done the "classic" beach look and want their Big Island session to stand apart.
This beach is about a 40-minute drive south of Kona.
1.5 hr drive from Waikoloa
Best in the morning, likely to rain during sunset sessions
Private Residence
If you're staying at a vacation rental or private home with either an epic view or beach/ocean access, we're happy to come to you. Private residence sessions are a wonderful option for multigenerational families or larger groups who want a relaxed, unhurried experience in a space that already feels like home. These sessions often capture the most candid, joyful moments — kids running through the yard, grandparents watching from the lanai, the whole family together in a place they'll always associate with this trip. Contact us in advance so we can assess the light and setting to make the most of your location.
Capturing CONNECTION
over PERFECTION
You're in a setting that allows for the perfect opportunity to be yourselves. Embrace moments as they come, we'll take care of the rest.
Raw
Edit
What to expect from us…
You’re going to love the process!
Prompt communication from the start.
Streamlined booking process.
A gallery of proof images where you choose images you wish to keep within 48 hours of your session!
The ability to upgrade your package.
Beautiful retouched edits on all the images delivered
Easy, fun, and relaxed photography session that creates a memorable experience.
A team of talented, friendly, professional photographers.
10 FAQs: How to Choose Your Beach Location
1. How do I know which beach is the right fit for my family? The best beach for your session depends on a few things: where you're staying on the island, the age of your children, the look you're going for, and how much driving you're comfortable with. Families staying in Kona often love Old Kona Airport for its convenience, while those at Kohala Coast resorts tend to choose Waikoloa, Fairmont Orchid, or Mauna Lani for their stunning variety. We ask about all of this when you book so we can recommend the location that makes the most sense for your family specifically.
2. Are some beaches better for families with very young children or babies? Yes — for families with infants, toddlers, or kids who might be nervous around water, we recommend Kauna'oa Beach (Mauna Kea Hotel) or Waikoloa Beach (A-Bay). Both have calm, protected water that's safe for little ones to wade in, and soft flat sand that's easy to walk and sit on. Beaches with lava rock shorelines can be more challenging with strollers or very young children.
3. Which location gives the most variety of backdrops in a single session? Mauna Lani Resort and Fairmont Orchid Beach offer the most variety within a single location. At Mauna Lani, you can move between white sand, grey volcanic sand, and black lava fields in one session. At Fairmont Orchid, multiple coves plus a palm grove mean a wide range of looks without driving anywhere. These are great options for families who want to use their photos across holiday cards, framed prints, and social media — each image can look like a different location.
4. Does the time of day affect which beach we should choose? Absolutely. Some beaches are better for sunrise, others for sunset, depending on which direction they face and how the light falls. We shoot sunrise sessions at 7am and sunset sessions starting around 5pm. When you book, we'll match the best beach to your preferred session time so the light is working in your favor rather than against you.
5. We want something that looks uniquely Hawaiian — not just a generic beach. Which location do you recommend? Ho'okena is our top picks for families who want something unmistakably Big Island. The dark volcanic sand, the sheltered cove, and the frequent dolphin sightings make for photos that couldn't have been taken anywhere else in the world the catch is this beach is at its best before 8am (7AM is the best timeslot).
Waikoloa Beach is also a strong choice thanks to the sea turtle sightings and the iconic lava-and-ocean contrast that defines the Kohala Coast.
6. We're a large group (10+ people). Are all beaches suitable for big families? Most of our locations accommodate larger groups well, but we particularly recommend Waikoloa Beach (A-Bay) and Kauna'oa Beach for bigger families. Both have generous stretches of open sand that give us room to arrange large groups without feeling cramped. For very large multigenerational families, a private residence session can also be a great option since you'll have exclusive access to the space.
7. Can we request a specific beach, or do you assign the location? You're always welcome to request a specific beach — many families arrive having already visited a location and fallen in love with it. We'll let you know if there are any permit requirements or logistical considerations for your chosen spot, and we'll make it work. If you're open to suggestions, we'll recommend based on your session time, family needs, and the look you're going for.
8. Are there beaches that are better for a more dramatic or editorial look versus a soft, romantic feel? Yes. For dramatic, bold photos with strong contrast and visual impact, Ho'okena Beach and Mauna Lani Resort are the top picks — the dark lava and volcanic sand create striking compositions. For soft, warm, and romantic-feeling portraits, Fairmont Orchid Beach and Kauna'oa Beach (Mauna Kea Hotel) are ideal — the palm groves, calm water, and classic white sand produce images with a timeless, gentle quality.
9. What if we can't decide between two locations? Tell us your top two, and we'll help you narrow it down based on practical factors — drive time from where you're staying, the ages of your kids, and your session time. In most cases, one location will pull ahead once we talk through the details.
10. Do you have permits to shoot at all these beaches? We're familiar with access requirements across all of our featured locations and handle permit logistics where required on our end for standard sessions. For special requests — non-public access areas, specific resort beaches, or private property — we require at least 48 hours' notice to arrange permits. When in doubt, just ask: we want your session location to be exactly what you envisioned, and we'll do the legwork to make it happen.