Top 6 Beaches for a Family Photo Session on Maui

As a family photographer here in Maui for the last 13 years (13 years?! How has it even been that long) You could say I have experience in shooting here on the island. Through all weather and lighting conditions, I have pretty much seen it all. We have a choice of many beautiful beaches, but these are my top 6 favorite locations…

 

Ironwoods (Oneloa) Beach

Map Link – https://maps.app.goo.gl/WDGmTRBJdJCmNqvf9

Ironwoods beach is in Kapalua on the North West side of Maui. Ironwoods is a beautiful long beach with plenty of space, the unique aspect to Ironwoods beach is that it has some very dramatic cliffs at one end of the beach. You can choose to shoot up on the cliffs, or stay down on the sand with the cliffs in the background. Ironwoods beach is great in the early mornings or at sunset. It can get windy up here in Kapalua but I think the wind adds to the emotion and feeling in the pictures.

 

 

Ironwoods Beach Family Photos

Ironwoods Beach Family Photos

 

White Rock (Palauea) Beach

Map Link – https://maps.app.goo.gl/X7ZiPmGm2ZB13U4SA

White Rock Beach in Wailea is my favorite for mornings or sunsets. It is a beautiful crescent of sand backed by trees. It feels quiet and not crowded as it’s a hidden gem so stays that way. There are low rocks at either end of the beach, and palm trees on the far right side.

 

 

White Rock Beach Family Photos

White Rock Beach Family Photos

 

 

Makena (Pa’ako) Cove

Map Link – https://maps.app.goo.gl/WkWMHtRXgX4hMEwW9

Makena Cove is a stunning and well known beach, it can be crowded at sunset which is why I reccomend this beach only for sunrise photos. It has cliffs to stand on and lots and lots of lava rock and palm trees! It is the quintessential Maui Beach. Turquoise waters and a stunning backdrop for your family photos.

Murray Family Photos Makena Cove

Murray Family Photos Makena Cove

 

Nutter Family Makena Cove portraits Maui

Nutter Family Makena Cove portraits Maui

 

DT Flemings (HonoKahua) Beach

Map Link – https://maps.app.goo.gl/EVBun1GZmtg5SeLPA

Dt Flemings Beach in Kapalua is my favorite for sunset shoots on the westside of Maui. It is a little less windy than Ironwoods, it is less crowded and you still get those pretty light effects as the sun sets behind the cliff. The majority of my westside shoots take place at this beach.

Berg Family Photo Session in Kapalua at Dt Flemings beach

Berg Family Photo Session in Kapalua at Dt Flemings beach

 

Towner Family Photo Session in Kapalua Sitting on the Beach

 

Paia Baby (Kapukaulua) Beach

Map link – https://maps.app.goo.gl/YoMKLNs9CEDCPTum8

Baby Beach in Paia is a great location for an early morning sunrise shoot on the North Shore. Away from the crowds of the touristy areas this spot is great for a mini session. There is a small protected reef there with aqua colored water, and trees in the background.

Maui Paia North Shore Family Portraits

 

Kanaha Beach

Map Link – https://maps.app.goo.gl/amonvSJA71R357Gr5

Kanaha is another hidden gem, great for mornings, the light can get too bright at sunset. In the morning this spot is peaceful and quiet with no one around. I just love the look of the trees in the background.

 

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