Maui is a photographer’s paradise with its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and breathtaking sunsets. As someone who has explored this beautiful Hawaiian island, I’ve discovered that the perfect photo spot can turn a good vacation into an unforgettable one.
From the rocky shores of Kapalua to the golden sands of Kihei, there’s no shortage of picturesque locations.
The best photography locations on Maui offer a mix of natural beauty, accessibility, and unique features that will make your Instagram followers jealous and provide you with lasting memories. I’ve put together this guide to help you find those special spots where the lighting, scenery, and atmosphere come together to create magical photos.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to capture some vacation memories, these Maui locations will not disappoint.
Behind The Lens Maui
I recently worked with Nicole from Behind The Lens Maui for a beach photoshoot, and I was blown away by the experience. Her friendly, professional approach made everyone in my family feel comfortable in front of the camera.
What’s special about Behind The Lens Maui is their versatility. They offer everything from wedding and engagement photography to family portraits and corporate events. They’re flexible with timing too – you can book as little as one hour or create a custom package for your needs.
Nicole and her assistant Trevor go above and beyond for their clients. I watched them carry bags and shoes for a bride, arrange perfect poses, and capture stunning shots with the island’s natural beauty. Their modern, simple style results in images you’ll be excited to share.
The team’s attention to detail and organization is impressive, especially with larger groups. They handle multiple photo requests with ease while maintaining a warm, caring attitude throughout the session.
Rating: 5 (100 reviews)
Location: 75 Waiaka Ln #102, Wailuku, HI 96793
Contact: (808) 205-2366
Website: Visit Website
The Captured Experience
I recently visited The Captured Experience in Makawao and was blown away by their photography services. This local gem is run by professionals who truly understand how to capture Maui’s magic through their lenses.
What makes this place special is their attention to detail and ability to find the perfect lighting. The photographers are incredibly friendly and make you feel comfortable right away. They know all the hidden spots around Maui that make for stunning backdrops.
I especially loved how they captured natural moments rather than just posed shots. Whether you’re looking for wedding photography or family portraits, they excel at catching those genuine smiles and candid interactions that tell your unique story.
The studio in Makawao serves as their home base, but they’ll travel all over the island for shoots. Their portfolio shows amazing work at beaches, waterfalls, and lush tropical settings that showcase Maui’s diverse landscapes.
Rating: 5 (72 reviews)
Location: 1115 Puana St, Makawao, HI 96768
Contact: (808) 495-3396
Website: Visit Website
OhWowFotos
I recently visited OhWowFotos in Kahului, and I was blown away by their incredible photography services. Tim, the photographer, has a true talent for capturing magical moments against Maui’s stunning backdrops.
What makes this studio special is their versatility with locations. They shoot weddings and engagement photos on beautiful beaches, in lush jungles, and even atop Mt. Haleakala where sunsets paint the sky above the clouds.
I love their flying dress photoshoots – a unique offering that creates dramatic, flowing images against Hawaii’s natural beauty. They also offer great discounts: 10% off for booking two months ahead, 20% off for combined photo and video packages, and 20% off for Hawaii residents.
The attention to detail is impressive. Tim goes the extra mile by adjusting your outfit, finding the perfect angle, and making everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Every client I spoke with mentioned feeling like a model during their session!
Rating: 5 (91 reviews)
Location: 591 Lalani Cir, Kahului, HI 96732
Contact: (714) 383-5338
Website: Visit Website
Tara Lee Photography
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Tara Lee, a talented wedding photographer based in Paia, Maui. Her studio on Baldwin Avenue is a creative haven that perfectly captures the island’s charm.
Tara specializes in wedding photography and elopements, bringing a unique perspective to each couple’s special day. From my visit, I could see how she uses Maui’s natural beauty as a stunning backdrop for her shoots.
The historic Haiku Sugar Mill appears to be one of her favorite photography locations. When looking through her portfolio, I was impressed by how she captures intimate moments against the mill’s romantic, weathered walls.
Her friendly approach puts couples at ease, allowing her to document authentic emotions. I recommend checking out her full gallery and journal online to see her impressive work firsthand.
Rating: 5 (156 reviews)
Location: 120 Baldwin Ave, Paia, HI 96779
Contact: (808) 280-9890
Website: Visit Website
Shayla Tiare Photography- Maui Family Photographer
I recently worked with Shayla Tiare Photography for our family beach portraits, and I was blown away by the experience! Located in Kihei, this photography service has been capturing family memories on Maui for over a decade.
What impressed me most was how Shayla and her hand-picked team made our photo session both fun and stress-free. The kids were actually enjoying themselves rather than just posing awkwardly, which made for authentic smiles in our photos.
Their photography style perfectly blends posed portraits with candid moments. The final gallery we received had a clean, true-to-life quality that really captured our family’s personality and our time in Maui. I appreciate that they didn’t over-edit or make the photos look artificial.
The attention to detail and customer service was exceptional from start to finish. They clearly know all the best spots for family photos on the island and timed our session perfectly for that gorgeous Maui golden hour lighting.
Rating: 5 (53 reviews)
Location: 269 Kenolio Rd, Kihei, HI 96753
Contact: (808) 793-5349
Website: Visit Website
Blinnk Photography
I recently visited Blinnk Photography in Lahaina, and I was amazed by their fresh approach to professional photography. They offer a unique experience where you can have a photo session without any upfront cost or obligation to buy.
The team of skilled photographers made our family feel comfortable right away. They were friendly and knew exactly how to capture our best moments. I loved how they managed to get natural smiles from everyone, even my camera-shy teenager!
What makes Blinnk special is their versatility. They handle everything from family portraits to couple photoshoots and even corporate events. After our session, we got to review the high-resolution photos and choose exactly which ones we wanted to purchase.
If you’re looking for professional photos while visiting Maui without breaking the bank, I highly recommend giving Blinnk a try. Their process is simple and pressure-free, letting the quality of their photos speak for itself.
Rating: 4.8 (85 reviews)
Location: 45 Kai Malina Pkwy, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 726-2340
Website: Visit Website
McPherson Maui Moments Photography
I recently had the pleasure of working with McPherson Maui Moments Photography during my vacation in Lahaina, and I was absolutely blown away by their talent! Located on the beautiful west side of Maui, this photography service captures the island’s magic perfectly.
The photographer has an incredible eye for finding the perfect light and composition. I was amazed at how they used Maui’s natural beauty as a backdrop for our family photos. The sunset shots along the shoreline were simply breathtaking.
What impressed me most was their friendly approach and ability to make everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. Even my camera-shy husband ended up enjoying the experience! They knew exactly how to pose us to get those magazine-worthy shots while still keeping our photos authentic.
The turnaround time for our edited photos was quick, and the final images exceeded my expectations. Every image told a story and perfectly captured our Maui memories. I highly recommend booking them well in advance since they’re popular for good reason!
Rating: 5 (39 reviews)
Location: 35 Katie Ln, Lahaina, HI 96761
Contact: (808) 913-7557
Photography Tips for Maui
Capturing Maui’s stunning landscapes requires good timing and the right gear. I’ve learned a few tricks during my time photographing this beautiful island that will help you get amazing shots.
Best Time of Day for Shooting
The golden hour is truly magical on Maui! This period occurs about one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset.
The soft, warm light creates stunning photos with rich colors and long shadows.
For beach shots, early morning (6-8 AM) offers calm waters and fewer people. I’ve found that South Maui beaches are particularly beautiful in morning light.
Sunset photography is spectacular, especially at west-facing beaches where you can capture amazing silhouettes. Try visiting Kahekili Beach Park or Kamaole Beach for gorgeous sunset shots.
Midday can be challenging due to harsh light, but it’s perfect for waterfall photography on the Road to Hana. The bright light helps capture the vibrant colors of the water and surrounding foliage.
Equipment Recommendations
A weather-sealed camera is essential for Maui’s varied conditions. I’ve had my equipment exposed to everything from sea spray to rain forest mist!
Pack these items for successful Maui photography:
- Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for landscapes and bamboo forests
- Medium zoom (24-70mm) for versatility
- Polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance colors
- Neutral density filters for long exposures of waterfalls
- Tripod for sunrise/sunset shots and low light situations
- Lens cleaning cloth (salt spray is constant near beaches)
Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards! The lava fields near Makena Road offer amazing photo opportunities but are remote with no places to recharge.
Understanding Maui’s Diverse Landscapes
Maui offers photographers an amazing variety of landscapes to capture through their lenses. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the island’s contrasting environments, from golden beaches to lush rainforests that create a paradise for nature photography.
Coastal Areas and Beaches
Maui’s coastline provides some of the most stunning photography opportunities on the island. At Makena Beach, I’ve captured breathtaking sunset shots with the golden light reflecting off the sand and water. This beach offers a perfect combination of dramatic waves and soft sandy foreground.
For wildlife photography, Hookipa Beach is my go-to spot. Here, you can photograph sea turtles resting on the shore while surfers ride impressive waves in the background.
Waianapanapa Beach offers a stark contrast with its black sand against turquoise waters. I love shooting here in early morning when fewer people are around and the light is soft.
For family portraits, Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods) and DT Fleming Beach work beautifully for both sunrise and sunset sessions.
Photographing Maui’s Diverse Landscapes
Maui offers photographers an amazing variety of landscapes to capture through their lenses. I’ve spent countless hours exploring the island’s contrasting environments, from golden beaches to lush rainforests that create a paradise for nature photography.
Coastal Areas and Beaches
Maui’s coastline provides some of the most stunning photography opportunities on the island. At Makena Beach, I’ve captured breathtaking sunset shots with the golden light reflecting off the sand and water. This beach offers a perfect combination of dramatic waves and soft sandy foreground.
For wildlife photography, Hookipa Beach is my go-to spot. Here, you can photograph sea turtles resting on the shore while surfers ride impressive waves in the background.
Waianapanapa Beach offers a stark contrast with its black sand against turquoise waters. I love shooting here in early morning when fewer people are around and the light is soft.
For family portraits, Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods) and DT Fleming Beach work beautifully for both sunrise and sunset sessions.
Rainforests and Waterfalls
The Road to Hana showcases Maui’s lush rainforest landscape with numerous waterfalls perfect for photography. At these locations, I always pack a tripod to capture the silky-smooth water effect with slower shutter speeds.
Wailua Falls stands out as a photographer’s dream along the Hana Coast. The dramatic cascade surrounded by tropical foliage creates stunning compositions, especially when you shoot in the soft morning light.
Iao Valley offers towering green peaks that create a mysterious, moody atmosphere for landscape photography. Visiting after light rain results in vibrant colors and occasional mist that adds depth to images.
The valley’s unique rock formations and streaming water provide endless creative opportunities. For best results, visit during the golden hour when the light filters beautifully through the dense foliage.
