Big Island
Portrait Locations
a team favorite, This location is Centrally located in Kona where many vacationers choose to stay, this beach offers a variety of great photo backdrops from dramatic lava rock, tide pools, sandy beach and palm trees.
Old Kona Airport Beach
Best For:
-Morning & Sunset sessions
-Large Groups
Features:
- Both sandy beach and areas of green grass and palm trees.
- Calm water in areas with rocks, great for families with small kids.
- Centrally located with parking and restrooms
- Has a rustic and natural feel
- Consistently good sunsets
- Can be busy on weekends, however the beach is so large we can usually find a quiet spot for our portrait sessions.
see portraits at Old Kona Airport Beach
A short drive from kona takes you to a white sand beach with lush green trees and dramatic lava rocks. This large beach feels secluded but is easy to get to with plenty of parking.
Kohanaiki Beach
Best For:
- Morning or sunset
- large groups
Features:
- Sandy beach
- Lava Rock
- Centrally located
- Easy access and parking
- Can be windy
Located in the Waikoloa Resort area north of Kona this large white sand beach has everything you could want for your portrait session. Long sandy beach, lava rock, lush green areas with a pond plus easy parking and access make this one our favorite Big Island Portrait Locations.
ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach (A-Bay)
Best For:
-Mornings or Sunsets
-Large Groups
Features:
- Long sandy beach
- Greenery and rocks
- Plenty of parking
- Beautiful light both morning and sunset
- Restrooms and showers
This beach can be busy at sunset due to its location in the resort complex, however the beach is large enough to still find a good spot for your portraits.
see portraits at Anaeho'omalu beach
This sandy shoreline is near the Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai and features soft sand, tide pools, palm trees and beautiful sunsets.
Kukio Beach
Best For:
-Mornings or Sunsets
-Smaller Groups as parking is limited and all cars must stop at the security gate to obtain a parking permit.
Features:
- Long sandy beach
- Lava rock
- Calm waters
- Great for morning or sunset sessions
- Parking and restrooms
* Note it's important to be on time for your session here as parking is limited and you will be turned away if the lot is full.
Located in the Kukio Golf Resort, this beach is north of Kona near Hualalai. with white sand, palm trees, calm water and unique rock formations, its an ideal spot for portraits.
Kikaua Point Beach
Best For:
-Mornings or Sunsets
-Smaller Groups as parking is limited and all cars must stop at the security gate to obtain a parking permit.
Features:
-White sand and aqua water
-Dramatic Rock Formations
-Calm waters for families to splash in
-Palm tree grove
* Note it's important to be on time for your session here as parking is limited and you will be turned away if the lot is full.
see portraits at kikaua beach
Located in front of the Mauna Lani Hotel, this rugged and beautiful beach has white sand, tide pools, lush green areas as well as access to other beaches a short walk away.
Mauna Lani Beach
Best For:
-Mornings or Sunsets
-Smaller Groups as parking is limited.
-If you are not staying at the Mauna Lani Hotel parking is limited and requires a 10 min walk from the parking lot to the beach.
Features:
-Larger beach with many small coves and tide pools
-Palm Trees
-Great for morning and sunset sessions
- Lush pond with calm waters and tropical greenery is adjacent to the beach as well for more variety of scenery.
*parking fees may apply if there are not public spots available for your photographer.
*The public parking lot requires a 10-15 min walk to the beach so plan accordingly, may not be suitable for those with limited mobility or very small children.
North of the resorts of Waikoloa and Mauna Loa is this hidden gem. tucked away in a high end residential area, it has a rustic untouched feel along with mountain views and tidepools. Chances are you will be the only ones on the beach, so if privacy is important to you, this is your spot!
Puako Beach
Best For:
-Mornings or Sunsets
-Small or large groups
-Those seeking privacy
Features:
- Mountain views
- Rustic green areas
- Tidepools
-Easy access
-Street parking
-No restrooms or amenities
- The beach can be small if the tide is very high due to weather
OUR TOP 10 BIG ISLAND PORTRAIT PLANNING TIPS
The best time of day, best location, what to wear? We cover all of these and more!
Maui, Big Island, Kaua'i or Oahu Portraits?
Our Team is available on All the major Hawaiian Islands: Maui, Big Island (Hawaii Island), Kaua'i and Oahu.
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