Let's talk locations! The state of Hawaii requires permits when photographers use state/county beaches (don’t worry, we take care of all of this!) But just so you know, not all beaches on the island are permitted for commercial use. This location guide only includes permitted locations that we have vetted, that we love and that are safe and beautiful for you.
Feeling overwhelmed and can't decide? You will receive a location recommendation from us based on the preferences you selected in your booking file. But if you see something else you'd prefer, let us know right away! We’ll need to confirm your session location no later than 48 hours before your session date in order to secure proper permits.
As you look through, be sure to note session locations using the map links to get an idea of travel times. Please also note the times of day available. Some spots are only for sunrise, some just for sunset while some are great for both!
If you have a place in mind that is not on this list, send us a note, and we’ll be able to confirm whether or not we can get a commercial permit.
Location Guide
THE big island
Conveniently located on the edge of Kona town, near Target. This is a great spot for sunset sessions and early morning sessions. The narrow shoreline is lined with lava rocks and a beautiful sandy beach. There is sea grass and a few palms growing along this coast line as well for added variety.
Old Kona airport
Convenient location for those staying kona or south of the airport
Nearby dinner Recommendations: foster's kitchen, huggo's on the rocks, kona brewing Co.
view on the MAP
Big Island
01.
Ideally located halfway between Kona and Waikoloa, adjacent to the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort. In addition to the sandy beach lined with natural greenery, there are many palm trees along the edge of the beach and lava rocks in the water at low tide for added visual diversity of images. This beach was made for photoshoots! You can expect to see a few other photo sessions happening. The path to the beach is paved and easy for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone with trouble walking.
KUKIO BEACH
easily accessible beach path. At peak high tide, this location is not available. bathrooms available.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: Beach Tree Bar, Ulu Ocean Grill
view on the MAP
BIG ISLAND
02.
03.
A quiet little slice of Big Island heaven. Perfectly positioned between Mauna Lani Beach Club and the Mauna Lani Resort. There is a 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the shoreline, but it's worth it! Lava rocks, a view of the sun setting over the water and a historic hale make this a stunning choice for family photos that feel very "Big Island"!
The Big Island
GREAT FOR GROUPS. Not ideal if you do not want a long walk from the parking lot to the beach.
NEARBY DINNER RECOMMENDATIONS: napua, ha lani, foster's kitchen
VIEW ON THE MAP
makaiwa bay
Hoping for an EMPTY shoreline? This is IT! Walk along a rocky path for 10 minutes to find this stretch of white rock shoreline, where you’ll be greeted with lava rocks along the ocean and palm trees in the background. Secluded! A great spot if you want a little white sand in your photos as well as greenery and lava rocks. If you are staying at the Hilton Waikoloa, this is within walking distance.
Anaehoomalu Point
very rocky sand. Not recommended for young children or those with trouble walking.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: Kuleana Rum Shack, Foster’s Kitchen Waikoloa, Kamuela Provision Company
view On the map
Big Island
04.
Fronts the Waikoloa Marriott hotel. This is a fairly large sandy beach with easy beach access and lots of parking. Features lava rocks, palm trees and boats in the water. This beach is available for sunrise sessions (strongly recommended) or sunsets during off-season months such as October and February. As it is a top-rated beach, it gets extremely busy at sunset during summer and holiday months.
ANAEHOOMALU BEACH
Convenient location if staying in Kingsland or Waikoloa resort area.
Nearby restaurant Recommendations: island gourmet, kuleana rum shack
view on the MAP
Big Island
05.
06.
Sometimes referred to as baby coconut grove, this spot offers one of our favorite palm tree backdrops. There is a small sandy area to dip your toes in the water and greenery along the shoreline. The sunsets are stunning. Easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. A popular spot - common to have to work around other photo sessions.
The Big Island
THIS BEACH FRONTS THE FAIRMONT ORCHID HOTEL. GREAT FOR GROUPS OF UP TO 20 PEOPLE.
NEARBY DINNER RECOMMENDATIONS: BROWNS BEACH HOUSE, PELE’S WOK
VIEW ON THE MAP
pauoa bay
Say hello to a pristine white sandy shores and sunset skies! Hapuna Beach is perfect if you're looking for classic ocean, sun and sand in your images. Clean and minimalistic. This beach is one of the top-rated in the world and always busy. Not available on weekends, peak summer, spring break and winter holiday months.
Hapuna Beach
$10 parking fee. bathrooms & showers available.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: meridia, Kuleana Rum Shack, Foster’s Kitchen Waikoloa
view On the map
Big Island
07.
Welcome to a well-hidden lava rock heaven! This unique shoreline is mainly made up of lava rocks which creates unique, dramatic images. A quintessential “Big Island” look - the perfect spot for couples and maternity sessions or families with older children who can handle walking barefoot on rough lava surfaces. Ideal for those who don’t want anyone around for their session and are up for an adventure!
Puako Lava Rock Beach
Not suitable for sessions with young children or anyone who will have trouble walking on rough, uneven surfaces. Not accessible during very high tide. No bathroom facilities.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: Meridia, Merriman’s Waimea, Brown’s Beach House
Big Island
08.
BIG ISLAND
09.
This is the “family-friendly” Puako beach because of the short 5-minute walk from street parking to the beach. One side of the beach has a sandy shoreline with views of the Kohala Coast and Boat Harbor. The other corner of the beach has a spectacular sunset view, and during low tide, the lava rocks in the ocean stand out and are fun to walk on and explore. It’s a favorite sunset spot for locals and usually is uncrowded.
PUAKO POINT FAMILY BEACH
GREAT FOR EXTENDED FAMILIES! NO BATHROOM FACILITIES.
NEARBY DINNER RECOMMENDATIONS: NAPUA AT MAUNA LANI, MAIL GRILLE
Maui
Due to the 2023 Fires - we are not currently offering photography services in Lahaina. west maui sessions have a $100 travel fee due to traffic and extended travel times because of limited roadways. Please reach out to booking@wildesparrow.com with questions.
Our favorite South Maui beach! Sometimes referred to as ‘White Rock Beach’ - the perfect beach for sunrise or sunset sessions. Expect a stunning white sandy beach, and a gorgeous view of the ocean with palm trees and lava rocks on either end of the beach. Remember - Maui beaches are windy, so prepare a hairstyle that can handle winds. But that just adds to the beauty of the session!
Palauea Beach
No restrooms/showers available. Street parking only.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: DUO Steak & Seafood, Lineage
VIEW ON THE MAP
Maui
01.
Located in front of the beautiful Andaz Hotel, this is an ideal spot for those staying in South Maui. Guests from nearby resorts like the Four Seasons, Fairmont, Grand Wailea, and Marriott can easily walk to this beach for a relaxing session. Mokapu offers ample public parking for those driving in. This beach has lava rocks and gentle waves, coupled with a stunning view of the sunset.
mokapu beach
Lots of parking and a short walk to the beach from the public parking lot.
NEARBY RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS: ka'ana kitchen, morimoto maui
view on the MAP
Maui
02.
Fronting the Ritz Carlton, this beach features a long sandy stretch of beach and offers beautiful, big ocean views with volcanic rock and palm tree features. This spot is usually uncrowded and features an easy walk to the beach with a small incline, but no stairs. NOTE: it can be very windy here! Plan to order a haku, wear a handband or pull long hair back in braids.
DT Fleming Beach
restrooms and foot showers are available
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: MERRIMAN'S KAPALUA, CANE & CANOE, SEA HOUSE RESTAURANT
VIEW ON THE MAP
Maui
03.
Po’olenalena is a stunning stretch of beach and popular photo-taking spot - it isn’t uncommon to see 3-4 other sessions taking place each night. There is a perfect view of the sun setting over the water. On one side of the beach is an area of lava rocks and palm trees. Images tend to be much "warmer" in color due to the more orange toned sand at this beach.
Po'olenalena
small parking lot - plan for a few extra minutes to find a spot. no bathrooms or showers.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: Matteo’s Osteria, Humble Market Kitchin
view on the MAP
Maui
04.
This beach is 10 minutes North of Kaanapali and 15 minutes North of Lahaina. An excellent location for couples. Very romantic and offers a boardwalk with palm trees, stunning cliffside, volcanic rock and big ocean views. Expect lots of wind and a handful of other photo sessions happening nearby.
Ironwoods
NOT SUITABLE FOR SESSIONS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN OR ANYONE WHO WILL HAVE TROUBLE navigating ROUGH, UNEVEN SURFACES. small parking lot, no restrooms.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: MERRIMAN'S KAPALUA, CANE & CANOE, SEA HOUSE RESTAURANT
VIEW ON THE MAP
Maui
05.
This is a beautiful beach with calm waters, gorgeous sand and lava rocks along the edge of the beach. At sunset you can get a beautiful view of the sun setting over the water. At sunrise, we can capture the sun shining through the palm trees. Some crowds during sunset, best for groups of 8 or less.
kapalua bay beach
not ideal for groups larger than 8. parking lot can be crowded for sunset. short walk to the beach. available public restrooms with foot shower.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: merriman's kapalua, cane & canoe, sea house restaurant
view on the map
Maui
06.
This spot has that gorgeous white sandy beach you love about Maui, with one end of the beach lined with beautiful lava rocks and peek-a-boo palm trees and conveniently located if you are staying in Kihei. Due to crowds, only sunrises are available. Trust us.
Charley Young Beach Park
No restrooms. Foot shower available. Ample public parking.
Nearby restaurant Recommendations: Sunrise cafe, nalu's south shore grill
view On the map
Maui
07.
This is a small but gorgeous long sandy beach fronting the Fairmont Kea Lani Maui hotel. Because it is smaller, this beach is best for small families and couples only. This is a popular photo session location because of the convenient location and ample parking. There are restroom facilities and foot wash available.
Polo Beach Park
It can get very crowded on weekends and during high visitor seasons (November - January, March, June - September).
NEARBY DINNER RECOMMENDATIONS: Ko Restaurant, 5 Palms Restaurant
view on the MAP
Maui
08.
Oahu
A large, sandy beach that is a quick and easy 10 minute drive from Aulani Resort. This location has great sunset views and a beautiful Hawaiian mountain backdrop in the distance. Waves can be large (and dangerous) in the winter so not always safe to jump in the water here. Heads up - there are some unhoused communities along the beach.
tracks beach
drone add-on available.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: The Beach House by 604, Monkeypod by Merriman
view on the MAP
Oahu
01.
A 10 minute walk from Disney Aulani Resort! This tiny hidden cove is perfect for anyone staying at Ko'olina or Aulani and not wanting to travel too far or drive to a location. Stunning palm trees, lava rocks and clean sand. The waves are very small, making it a great location for small children. Heads up! This is a very popular photo-taking spot for guests at the nearby hotels so don't expect an empty beach. We always do our best to remove people and distractions from the background of images.
PARADISE COVE
(sunrise only)
Great for extended families!
Nearby breakfast Recommendations: eggs n' things, la hiki
Oahu
02.
Hello, Jurassic Park Mountains! If you want a nice mix of greenery and sand, beautiful mountain and beach views for your session, then this is the location for you! Just 40 minutes from Honolulu, Kualoa Regional Park is a great option for sunset or sunrise photo sessions as we are able to photograph both in the park section and then move across the street to the beach area.
Kualoa regional park & beach
drone add-on available!
nearby dinner recommendations: Haleiwa Joe's At Haiku Gardens, Noods Ramen Bar
view on the MAP
Oahu
03.
Located on the North Shore of Oahu - fans of the show LOST may recognize this beach as much of the show was filmed here. A popular beach so weekdays are best to ensure parking. The beach itself is full of little hidden corners of beauty and lots of great photo-taking spots. You can expect lava rock-lined tide pools, places to dip your toes in the water, and greenery along the shoreline. The sun sets directly over the water from here - the perfect backdrop for every kind of session!
Papailoa Beach
Not suitable for large groups. Street parking only.
Nearby Dinner Recommendations: Haleiwa Joe’s, Uncle Bo’s Haleiwa, Lei Leis
VIEW ON THE MAP
oahu
04.
KAHALA BEACH
This is the perfect place if you want to get away from the busyness of Waikiki, but don't want to drive too far. About a 15-minute drive from the Moana Surfrider Hotel. It is much less crowded than Waikiki and best for sunrise sessions in the busy season months, which is why we usually recommend it only for sunrise sessions, especially for families. It’s perfect for smaller groups, couples and maternity sessions.
nearby breakfast recommendations: aloha kitchen, monkeypod kitchen waikiki, Eggs N things
view on the MAP
Oahu
05.
This East Oahu beach will make your jaw drop. Besides being stunning, you’ll find it to be nearly empty in the mornings. A beautiful sunrise view and light that is soft and flattering, making it a beautiful spot for your session. As a bonus, there are many trees in this area, providing additional variety for backgrounds. About a 1-hour drive from Aulani, 40-minute drive from Waikiki (without traffic).
WAIMANALO BEACH
drone add-on available. Great for extended families!
Nearby breakfast Recommendations: Hawaiian island cafe, moena cafe, boots & kimo's kitchen
VIEW ON THE MAP
Oahu
06.
KAHANAMOKU BEACH (sunrise only)
Our only true Waikiki location! If you are staying in Waikiki without a rental car, this is your best choice. Available for sunrise only due to overwhelming crowds later in the day. Even at sunrise, there will be people around but it is much more manageable and comfortable for you. Great for groups of any size!
NEARBY BREAKFAST RECOMMENDATIONS: ALOHA KITCHEN, MONKEYPOD KITCHEN WAIKIKI, EGGS N THINGS
view on the MAP
Oahu
07.
Located in Ewa Beach, this is a long stretch of narrow beach that offers the perfect west side location for a session. From one side, there is a beautiful view of Diamond Head and downtown Honolulu, and the other side features a white sandy beach and pretty palm trees! There is a large public parking lot, restrooms, and showers. This is a popular local beach, so weekdays are best to ensure space for a session.
Pu’uloa Beach Park
nearby dinner recommendations: Mad Bene, DB Grill, Mahi'ai
view on the MAP
Oahu
08.
We'll select a location for you based on your responses from your booking document. But if you see something you love and want to let us know - email us directly at booking@wildesparrow.com
