Big Island Family Photographers | Hawaii Off the Beaten Path

Family Adventure on the Kohala Coast

Big Island family photographers are spoiled for choice. Terrain varies dramatically over the island and you can travel from the dripping greens of Hilo to the harsh volcanic steam at Volcano and end at a sandy stretch of beach on the Kohala Coast for sunset. There’s a little something for everyone.

Part I : Pololu Valley Hike

Maryam is a talented family photographer based in San Francisco. However, her roots are on the island of Guam and she’s always felt a strong kinship and love for Hawaii. Her family made the trip to Big Island for a bit of adventure and she wanted it documented.

We were torn between the ocean and forest so we decided to visit both. Our journey began at the end of the road with a steep hike that descended into Pololu Valley. In the valley, we stacked rocks smoothed by the rhythmic pounding of the ocean. We climbed fallen logs, trees, and even braved a tree swing. As we stood on the shore, marveling at the black stand and towering cliffs above, we knew it was time to go. The light was getting softer coloring the salt spray a slight golden hue. Ah, but it was so hard to leave.

You can see their mini film from their hike here –

and images here –

Part II : A Waialea Beach Sunset

We finally pulled ourselves away from the beach to visit… well, another beach. We huffed and puffed up the switchbacks, jumped into our cars, and made a mad dash to catch sunset Waialea Beach (Beach 69).

The sun sank lower and lower as we followed the winding coastal road south. It cast a heart-breakingly beautiful reddish-orange glow on the landscape and I was desperate to capture that color.

As we pulled into the beach parking lot, crowds of sandy, sunburned families were making their way back to their cars. Good news for us as the beach was fairly empty when we arrived and the colors were beginning to intensify. We had just enough time to explore the shallows and share laughs against a most beautiful sunset.

See their mini beach film here

And their images here –

Big Island Family Photographers Can Capture Memories of Your Adventurous Family!

Whether you prefer a hike through the jungle or a exploring a hidden beach, we can plan a fun afternoon for your family so you can make beautiful memories. Find out more about my fun family photo sessions here.