When I visited the Big Island of Hawaii, I explored a land filled with incredible natural beauty.
From beaches and waterfalls to forests and volcanoes, I found amazing views everywhere I looked.
If you want to capture great photos, the Big Island has many special spots perfect for photographers.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll find plenty of unique and memorable places for stunning shots.
Hulaview
When I visited Hulaview, I saw how they turn everyday spaces into beautiful photo stories.
Their team uses photography to capture the real feeling of a place, from large beachfront homes to small retreats in the hills.
Every photo felt warm and full of life.
I loved their aerial drone shots.
Seeing Hawaii from above gave me a fresh perspective.
The creative drone photos highlighted the island’s beauty in a new way.
Their virtual tours are easy to navigate and make you feel like you’re actually walking through the property.
This helps you get a sense of a place before visiting in person.
The people at Hulaview made everything simple and stress-free.
They knew just how to show each place at its best, especially during perfect golden hour light.
Rating: 5 (23 reviews)
Location: 68-1626 Kilakila St, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738
Contact: (808) 333-6458
Website: Visit Website
Best Hawaii Photos
I stopped by Best Hawaii Photos during my trip to the Big Island and felt glad I did.
A family team of local photographers runs the place and truly understands Hawaii’s spirit and scenery.
When I called, they quickly answered my questions and made booking easy.
The photographers specialize in weddings, engagements, family portraits, and real estate photos.
They were flexible and happy to travel to different locations, whether I wanted beach pictures, shots near the volcano, or by a waterfall.
During my session, the photographer was friendly and professional.
They suggested poses and locations that made the experience comfortable and fun.
The photos turned out natural and captured both the landscape and the feeling of the moment.
They also respond quickly to calls and emails, which made planning simple.
Rating: 5 (52 reviews)
Location: 16 1564 Ao Rd, Mountain View, HI 96771
Contact: (808) 223-9992
Website: Visit Website
Whiteshell Photography Co.
I worked with Whiteshell Photography Co. on my last visit to the Big Island.
Joel, the photographer, made everything feel easy and natural, even before we met.
He answered my questions quickly and clearly, which helped me feel confident.
During the shoot, Joel was relaxed and professional.
He gave simple instructions and worked well with both kids and couples.
The atmosphere felt fun and easy, helping us be ourselves in front of the camera.
After the session, I received the photos much sooner than I expected.
The images were full of natural light and genuine smiles.
Joel paid attention to special moments and small details, making the photos even more meaningful.
Rating: 5 (38 reviews)
Location: 75-5873 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 336-7675
Website: Visit Website
Life and Light Hawaii Photography
I had a wonderful experience with Life and Light Hawaii Photography.
The photographer knows how to capture both big moments and small ones, like laughter on the beach or a child’s hug.
Each photo felt real and natural, not staged.
This studio is based in Kona but travels anywhere on the Big Island.
They offer sessions for families, seniors, and weddings, so it’s easy to find the right fit.
The photographer was relaxed and friendly, making everyone feel comfortable.
I noticed the attention to small details.
The photos captured genuine smiles and even the sparkle of sunlight on the water.
Looking through the photos later, I felt like I was back in that moment.
Rating: 5 (32 reviews)
Location: 73-1198 Ahulani St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 315-1823
Website: Visit Website
Mark Hinwood Photographer
When I visited Mark Hinwood’s photography studio, I noticed the relaxed, sun-filled atmosphere right away.
Mark has a unique style that brings out Hawaii’s natural beauty—he uses natural light to make every photo glow.
His work feels warm and genuine, truly capturing the island’s atmosphere.
Mark is based in Kailua-Kona and blends fine art with a photojournalistic approach.
He shared his background, including a Bachelor of Arts in Photography, and explained how he loves to make each moment feel real.
His specialty is outdoor wedding photography, but he also offers sessions for engagements, honeymoons, and anniversaries.
While I was there, Mark mentioned he’s starting a new project outside Hawaii, so he’s not accepting new bookings here right now.
He said he’ll update his site when he’s available again.
Talking with Mark showed me how passionate he is about capturing important memories for his clients.
Rating: 5 (66 reviews)
Location: Nani Kailua Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 238-1811
Website: Visit Website
Eye Expression Photography
I had an easy, enjoyable experience with Eye Expression Photography.
Bob, the main photographer, made everyone feel comfortable, even those who don’t love being in front of a camera.
He has a friendly way of helping people relax and have fun.
The photos looked natural, never forced or stiff.
Bob has a good eye for catching real moments, not just posed smiles.
He captured every detail, whether it was a big group or just one couple.
Bob worked well with families, including young kids and grandparents.
He was patient and made the process smooth for everyone.
The genuine laughter in the photos reflected the real mood of the day.
Eye Expression Photography handles weddings and family portraits.
The pictures reminded me of how special the day was.
Rating: 5 (50 reviews)
Location: 75-5660 Kopiko St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 989-0063
Website: Visit Website
Lily Wang Photo
I stopped by Lily Wang Photo during my trip to Kailua-Kona and noticed the welcoming vibe.
The studio feels cozy, and Lily specializes in natural, honest photography.
She works with families, couples, and brands, so there’s something for everyone.
I watched Lily work with a couple doing engagement shots.
She made them feel relaxed, and the photos looked genuine—nothing felt forced.
If you want pictures that really show who you are, this is a great spot.
The studio also takes on commercial projects, like product and branding shoots.
If you have a small business or need professional images, it’s easy to see why so many local brands trust Lily.
She brings out the personality in both people and products.
Rating: 5 (16 reviews)
Location: 75-346 Hualalai Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Website: Visit Website
Dawn Eicher Photography
I recently visited Dawn Eicher Photography and immediately felt the welcoming energy.
Dawn and her team helped me relax in front of the camera, even when I was nervous.
Their upbeat vibe kept the session light and fun.
Dawn captures beautiful, true-to-life colors and real emotions.
She guided me with gentle posing tips and gave me space to be myself.
She focused on every little detail to make sure nothing was missed.
I got my photos quickly and had many great images to choose from.
Everything was organized and laid back, so I felt comfortable the entire time.
Dawn specializes in weddings and elopements but also offers family, maternity, and senior photo sessions.
She has lots of experience working in different conditions on the Big Island, which shows in her colorful, timeless images.
Rating: 5 (261 reviews)
Location: 76-5660 Kopiko St C7-231, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 379-3315
Website: Visit Website)
Karen Loudon Photography
I visited Karen Loudon Photography for updated family photos during our trip to the Big Island.
Right away, Karen made us feel comfortable in front of the camera. She worked calmly and friendly, which helped everyone relax and look natural in the pictures.
Karen offers many options, including wedding, engagement, family, maternity, and portrait sessions. I liked how she used the island’s beautiful scenery in the background.
Whether you want the beach, gardens, or classic black-and-white portraits, Karen can match your style. Her website shows recent examples, so I knew what to expect.
After our session, I viewed and chose our photos online easily. The finished pictures showed that Karen pays attention to details and lighting to help everyone look their best.
Rating: 5 (110 reviews)
Location: 73-1172 Ahikawa St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 989-9167
Website: Visit Website
Photography By Glen
When I wanted pictures with a personal touch, I found Photography By Glen in Kailua-Kona.
I met Glen Dohie, the photographer, who has taken pictures since 1979. He shared stories about his early days with film and explained how his experience helps him capture important moments quickly and naturally.
Glen’s style captures real emotions instead of stiff, posed photos. At events, he blends in and takes pictures almost nonstop.
At a nearby wedding, Glen snapped a photo every few seconds, making sure to catch every big and small reaction. He delivers the edited pictures on a flash drive, often within two days.
I also liked how he treated everyone like family, making people feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.
Rating: 4.9 (26 reviews)
Location: 75-5766 Kuakini Hwy #224, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Contact: (808) 326-7331
Website: Visit Website
Best Times and Seasons for Photography
Getting great photos on the Big Island depends a lot on timing and weather.
Early morning and late afternoon light can transform landscapes. The island’s climate changes quickly with the seasons.
Golden Hour Tips
I always look for the golden hour when taking photos. This is right after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun is low and light is soft.
The colors become warm and shadows are gentle, which brings out details in everything from beaches to volcanoes. On the Big Island, sunrise looks especially beautiful at east-facing spots like Laupahoehoe Point.
This area gives amazing views of the sun coming up over the water. For sunset, I prefer the west coast.
Waikoloa Beach offers stunning sunsets with its calm waters and open sky. Crowds are usually smaller during golden hour, especially in the early morning.
This makes it easier to capture peaceful shots without too many people. I always bring a tripod since the lower light can make photos blurry if I’m not careful.
Weather Patterns on the Big Island
The Big Island has a wide range of weather, from sunny beaches to foggy rainforests.
The western side, like Kona and Waikoloa, stays dry and sunny most of the year. This makes it reliable for clear sunset shots.
The eastern side, Hilo and nearby areas, gets more rain and clouds. During the winter months, the weather can change fast, so I check forecasts and stay flexible.
Sometimes, sudden rain showers create rainbows or dramatic skies, which can lead to unique photos. For volcano photos, I go early to avoid the crowds at Volcanoes National Park.
Bringing a rain cover for my camera helps, especially in the rainy season. I plan my shoots during the dry months from April to October for more predictable light and fewer weather surprises.
What to Pack for Photography Adventures
Packing for a photo trip on the Big Island takes a little planning.
I always bring what I need to shoot outdoors and keep my gear safe from Hawaii’s sun, sand, and water.
Essential Gear Checklist
I don’t want to miss a shot, so here’s my go-to gear list:
- DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: One body is usually enough.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Perfect for landscapes and beaches.
- Telephoto Lens: Great for wildlife and distant volcano shots.
- Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: I always pack more than I think I need.
- Tripod: A lightweight, sturdy tripod is a must for sunsets and low-light shots.
- Lens Cleaning Kit: Dust and salt spray can be a problem.
- Polarizing Filter: This helps cut glare and deepens sky colors.
- Action Camera or GoPro: Perfect if I’m planning on snorkeling or hiking where conditions are rough. The rugged coastlines and water adventures are ideal for an action camera.
I keep my pack as light as possible because some hikes are long and rocky.
Protecting Equipment from the Elements
Weather changes fast on the Big Island. The sun, wind, and rain can all appear in the same afternoon.
I use a padded camera bag with waterproof coverings to protect my equipment.
At beaches and waterfalls, I bring rain covers and dry bags. I wipe my gear down after each outing because sand and salt can cause damage.
I keep silica gel packs in my bag to help keep everything dry.
When I shoot near the ocean or at volcanic sites, I use clear filters to protect my lenses. I clean them often.
I always keep a few microfiber cloths handy. This helps me quickly deal with spray or dust.
