8 Helpful Tips for Dressing for a Photo Session in Hawaii

Planning what to wear for your Hawaii photo session can make a huge difference in how your images turn out. The right outfits help you look natural, comfortable, and perfectly in sync with the island scenery. At Kona Photographers, we guide families, couples, and groups every day, and these tips will help you feel confident and photo-ready for your Big Island session.

1. Embrace Light and Airy Colors

Hawaii’s beaches, lava rock, and tropical greenery pair beautifully with soft, natural tones.

• Whites, creams, soft pastels, and earth tones photograph wonderfully in Hawaii’s light.

• Avoid overly bright neon colors—they can distract from faces and overpower the scenery.

• Aim for subtle color coordination rather than exact matching for a relaxed, timeless look.

For beach sessions, flowing dresses, casual shorts, and light tops work especially well. Barefoot or simple sandals often complete the look perfectly.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Instead of everyone wearing the same outfit, choose a cohesive color palette.

• Pick 2–4 colors (such as blues, sandy neutrals, soft greens) and mix them across outfits.

• Patterns are fine, but limit them to one or two people to avoid visual clutter.

• Accessories like scarves, belts, or subtle jewelry can help tie everyone together.

This approach creates visual interest while still feeling unified.

3. Dress for Comfort and the Climate

Hawaii is warm year-round, and comfort shows in photos.

• Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or chiffon.

• Avoid stiff materials or heavy layers that can look bulky and feel uncomfortable.

• If you’re comfortable, you’ll look more relaxed and natural in every image.

4. Keep Footwear Simple

Shoes matter more than you might think—especially on the beach.

• Barefoot, sandals, or neutral flats look natural and photograph beautifully.

• Avoid high heels or formal shoes unless the session is intentionally styled.

• For rocky areas, consider sandals you can easily slip off between shots.

5. Limit Large Logos or Distracting Prints

The focus of your photos should always be you.

• Skip large logos, bold graphics, or text-heavy clothing.

• Stick to solid colors, subtle textures, or minimal prints.

This keeps attention on faces, expressions, and connection.

6. Plan for Hair and Sun

Island conditions can be unpredictable, so a little preparation goes a long way.

• Beach breezes are common—bring hair ties, clips, or light hairspray for touch-ups.

• Apply sunscreen ahead of time and allow it to absorb fully to avoid shine.

• Keep makeup light and natural; heavy makeup can melt in the heat.

7. Use Props and Accessories Thoughtfully

A few simple extras can add personality without overwhelming the photo.

• Hats, flower leis, or matching hair accessories can add charm.

• Keep props minimal so they enhance the image rather than distract from it.

8. Test Your Outfits Before the Session

A quick test can save stress on photo day.

• Take a snapshot of everyone together before leaving for the shoot.

• Check how the colors look side by side and how they photograph in natural light.

• Make small adjustments if something feels off.

Final Tip from Kona Photographers

When in doubt, keep it simple, comfortable, and true to your style. Hawaii provides the perfect backdrop—your outfits should complement it, not compete with it.

If you have questions about what to wear for your specific location or session type, our team at Kona Photographers is always happy to help you plan a stress-free, beautiful photo experience.

Visit www.konaphotographers.com to book your Hawaii photo session today.