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Big Island Photography Locations

Kuki`o Beach

We love Kuki`o Beach in Kailua Kona because it is a secluded white sand beach offering Maui and Mauna Kea views.  This location is one of the most secluded in all of West Hawaii.  Parking is plentiful here.  Most of the year, this location is dry, so it is a great spot for visitors who are looking for a bright sunny morning shoot or a gorgeous Hawaii sunset shoot full of brilliant colors.  Due to its desert location, midday shoots should be avoided. Kuki`o Beach is our top beach recommendation due to seclusion, beauty, and proximity to Kona. 

Kikaua Point

Kikaua Point Park in Kailua Kona is a private beach park accessed via The Four Seasons Resort. Due to this, access is restricted due to its very small parking lot. If you don't mind walking over from Kuki`o Beach, this location can be accessed via a 10 minute walk from the sister beach.  Just like Kuki`o Beach mornings and sunset are the best times. 

Kona Old Airport

Kona Old Airport Beach is an easy to access location in the heart of Kailua Kona. Here, parking is plentiful, the beach is wide and sandy with a mix and lava- lanscape and a grass park across the street. There is simple access for those who may have trouble walking in the sand. We recommend this location for easy beach shoots. It is a great spot for both morning and sunset photography.

Honls Beach

This tucked away spot in the heart of Kailua Kona town is best suited for couples and families looking for a morning or sunset shoot. Folks wanting a location offering white sand, bright blue ocean, and occasional surf (and surfers), Honl's beach is a great choice for those hoping to stay close to Kailua Kona.

Anaeho`omalu Bay

Anaeho`omalu Bay, or Waikoloa Beach fronts the Marriott Hotel in Waikoloa.  This large beach is beautiful and secluded during early mornings and is great for couples and families near Waikoloa.  Just to the south is a cove, perfect for elopements.  This location is very convenient for couples who do not want to travel far from Waikoloa. Review travel fees to this location

Coconut Grove

Accessed Via the Fairmont Orchid, Coconut Grove is a little tucked away spot is great for a family wedding looking for a setting close to their hotel with white sand and bright sunsets.  Foot traffic is fairly high at this location, so if you are desiring a more intimate setting for your wedding, keep looking. Review travel fees to this location. 
Mackenzie Park
Mackenzie State Recreation Area in Pahoa offers a scenic lava cliff face over the Pacific Ocean. Located along Hawaii Big Island's East Riff Zone of Kilauea Volcano, this spot is rugged and impressively beautiful. Black lava rock covers most of the area and the location offers depths of ironwood forest which hug the inland. With high  cliffs and rushing East Hawaii waves, it is perfect for thrill seekers at heart looking for an off the beaten path destination. 
Kehena Beach
Kehena Black Sand Beach is a fine black sand beach in Pahoa, HI.  With the stark contrast of rocky cliff faces, bright ocean blue waters, fine black sand, and big palms, this beach checks all the boxes for folks looking for a special adventure photography shoot.  Be mindful, it rains here most evenings and this beach is clothing optional.  Early morning for best weather and to avoid crowds. This beach location in East Hawaii is where the sun rises but does not set. A short but steep hike is required to reach Kehena Beach.  
Punalu`u Beach
Punalu`u Black Sand Beach in the Ka`u District is at the southernmost tip of Hawaii.  This location is just 20 minutes from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Weather is variable at this location.  This beach is made of fine black sand and lava rocks, with a small pond behind the beach. The north end of this beach offers intimate tide pools, better for a secluded shoot or small family photography. This beach is crowded midday with tourists and locals. 

Kaimu Beach

Kaimu Black Sand Beach, is by far one of the most unique locations to be married on Hawaii Big Island. Located in Kalapana, about 1 hour from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kaimu Black Sand Beach is a quarter mile down a red cinder foot path that leads out to a bustling south facing Pacific Ocean cliff, roaring against the Hawaiian Big Island. This location has the look at feel of the National Park without the hiccups of the permitting process. Deanna loves this location for its unique red cinder road, forested palms, large sweeping ocean cliffs, and one of a kind Hawaii Big Island feel.  Couples looking for a rugged elopement will feel at home at Kaimu Beach.  In East Hawaii, the sun rises but does not set. A short walk is required to reach Kaimu Beach.
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