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
- 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, but the beach is so large that we can usually find a quiet spot for our portrait sessions
FEatures:
- Morning & Sunset sessions
- Large Groups
BEST FOR:
see portraits at Old Kona Airport Beach
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.
ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach (A-Bay)
- Long sandy beach
- Greenery and rocks
- Plenty of parking
- Beautiful light in both morning and sunset
- Restrooms and showers
see portraits at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach
FEatures:
- Mornings or Sunsets
- Large Groups
BEST FOR:
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.
* 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.
Kukio Beach
- Long sandy beach
- Lava rock
- Calm waters
- Great for morning or sunset sessions
- Parking and restrooms
see portraits at Kukio Beach
FEatures:
- Mornings or sunsets
- Smaller groups, as parking is limited and all cars must stop at the security gate to obtain a parking permit
BEST FOR:
This sandy shoreline is near the Four Seasons Resort in Hualalai and features soft sand, tide pools, palm trees and beautiful sunsets.
Pauoa Bay
- White sand
- Lava rock formations
- Calm waters for families to splash in
- Palm tree grove
see portraits at Pauoa Bay
FEatures:
- Mornings or sunsets
- Couples or family portraits
BEST FOR:
Located in Waikoloa in front of the Fairmont Orchid, this sweet little bay is lined with palm trees and enjoys beautiful sunset views. A perfect option if you are staying at the Fairmont or nearby resort areas.
*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
Mauna Lani Beach
- Larger beach with many small coves and tide pools
- Palm trees
- Great for morning and sunset sessions
- A lush pond with calm waters and tropical greenery is adjacent to the beach as well, providing more variety of scenery.
see portraits at Mauna Lani Beach
FEatures:
- 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-minute walk from the parking lot to the beach.
BEST FOR:
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.
Puako Beach
- 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
see portraits at Puako Beach
FEatures:
- Mornings or sunsets
- Small or large groups
- Those seeking privacy
BEST FOR:
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!
