10 Best Big Island Photography Locations for Your Wedding
You’ve chosen one of the most beautiful places on earth to get married. And when it comes to Big Island photography, there is no shortage of backdrops that will take your breath away.
The Big Island has more variety than any other island in Hawaii. Black sand beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforest trails, hidden coves, and lava rock coastlines – all within a few hours of each other. For Hawaii wedding photos, it’s hard to beat.
But not every location is created equal. Some are crowded at the wrong time. Some require permits. Some are technically accessible but will get you in legal trouble if you shoot commercially without the right paperwork. As a Big Island photographer who has shot at most of these spots, I want to give you the honest picture.
Here are my top picks for Big Island photography locations – including a few you probably haven’t heard of.
1. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
Punalu’u is one of the most visually dramatic spots on the island. Black sand, green sea turtles resting on shore, and a coastline that photographs unlike anything else in Hawaii. It’s one of my favorite spots for elopements and intimate portrait sessions.
Best time to go: Sunrise. The light is soft, the turtles are usually out, and the beach is nearly empty. If sunrise isn’t possible, it tends to clear out again around sunset and you can get it looking almost deserted.
Avoid midday at all costs. It gets crowded and the light is harsh. This is a Hawaii wedding photo location that rewards early risers.
2. Old Airport Beach Park
Old Airport Beach Park doesn’t look like much when you pull up. It’s right in Kona, easy to find, free to access, and full of the usual public beach stuff – parking lot, restrooms, locals walking dogs. But don’t let that fool you.
This place photographs really well. You’ve got white sand, palm trees, lava rock along the shoreline, and genuinely great sunset light. The variety in one spot is hard to beat – we can move between completely different looks without going anywhere. It’s honestly one of my favorite spots for couples sessions, and people are always surprised when they see what comes out of it.
3. Kikaua Point Park
Kikaua is one of my favorite spots on the island for pure photography variety. It’s a gated private community with public beach access, so it stays quiet even when other spots are packed.
Within a short walk you have:
- A clean white sand beach
- Lava rock tide pools
- Open ocean views
- Golden hour light that comes in perfectly at sunset
It’s like a mini playground for a photographer. Plan to arrive about 1.5 hours before sunset and give yourself time to explore the different setups.
4. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
For couples planning an adventure elopement in Hawaii, Volcanoes National Park is hard to beat. Over 1.6 million people visited in 2023 – it’s one of the most visited national parks in the country, and for good reason. The landscape here is unlike anything else on the island: lush rainforest, dramatic cliffs, and ancient lava flows that make you feel like you’re standing at the beginning of the world. It sits on the east side of the Big Island, which means cooler temps, moodier skies, and a completely different energy from the sunny Kona coast.
For your elopement day, I’d recommend pairing portraits in the park with a ceremony at Punalu’u Black Sand Beach, about 30 minutes south. The contrast is striking – dense jungle gives way to volcanic black sand and open ocean. It makes for a full, cinematic day that covers everything raw and beautiful about Hawaii.
5. Kiholo Black Sand Beach
Kiholo is one of those places that most visitors never find – and the images you can get here are incredible. There’s a main black sand beach accessible from the road, and if you hike about 10 minutes, you reach a completely secluded black sand cove with pristine black sand sweeping blue ocean views.
The catch: you need a special permit from the DLNR. It runs about $100, and it has to be purchased by the couple directly – I can’t get it for you. But if you’re willing to do the paperwork, Kiholo delivers Hawaii island photography that almost no one else has.
6. Kukio Beach
Kukio Beach is one of the best spots on the Big Island for a beach wedding. It’s 10 to 15 minutes north of the Kona airport, and a simple $20 beach permit is all you need. On weekdays it stays nice and uncrowded. White sand, palm trees, lava rocks, and crystal-clear water give you a natural variety of backdrops all in one place, and green sea turtles are known to show up too.
7. Kulaniapia Falls – Hilo
Kulaniapia Falls is one of the coolest waterfall locations on the Big Island for elopements and photo shoots. It’s on the Hilo side, so it’s a great option if you want something completely different from the white sand beaches of Kona. The property is a private estate, so you’ll either need to book a stay or purchase a day pass to access it. If you’re after something lush, dramatic, and unlike anything else on the island, this is the spot.
8. Mauna Kea Summit
Most people think of stargazing when they think of Mauna Kea. But sunset up there is something else entirely. At nearly 14,000 feet, you’re shooting above the clouds. The landscape is red and barren – it genuinely looks like Mars. For couples portrait sessions and editorial-style Big Island photography, it’s unlike anything else on the island.
A few things to know: the summit can get crowded at sunset, so this works best for smaller shoots. It’s not the place to bring a full crew. But for two people and a camera, the images are otherworldly
9. Ke’ei Beach
Ke’ei is one of the most underrated spots on the island. It’s a quiet, low-key local beach on the south Kona coast with views of Kealakekua Bay and sunsets that are genuinely beautiful. There’s almost never anyone there.
A few things to know: you’ll need a 4×4 to get down to it. And because it’s so off the beaten path, it has a raw, authentic feel that works really well for couples who want Big Island photography that doesn’t look like a resort brochure.
10. Kahena Black Sand Beach
Kahena is a clothing-optional beach on the east side of the island, and yes – people do take that seriously. But hear me out. The sunrises here are some of the most raw and beautiful I’ve seen on the Big Island. It has a wild, untouched energy that you just don’t find on the resort-heavy Kona coast.
For adventure elopements, it’s a natural fit. Most couples doing elopements on the east side are already over there for Volcanoes National Park, and adding a sunrise shoot at Kahena makes for an unforgettable morning. Come with a sense of humor, embrace the vibe, and you’ll walk away with images that are truly one of a kind.
What About Pololu Valley and Waipio Valley?
These two are on every “best of Big Island” list, and for good reason – the cliffside views and wild coastline are genuinely breathtaking. But both valleys have complicated permit requirements for commercial photography, and getting those permits isn’t a simple process.
If you want that raw Hawaiian cliffside vibe without the permit headache, Hale Kukui is my top alternative. It’s a venue that overlooks Waipio Valley and gives you those sweeping, dramatic views in a setting that’s actually designed for intimate gatherings and photo sessions. Same energy, without the legal gray area.
Honorable Mentions – Resort Beaches
If you’re already staying at one of the major resorts, don’t overlook their beach access. Fairmont Orchid, Mauna Lani, Kona Village Resort, and Four Seasons Hualalai all have beautiful stretches of coastline with well-maintained grounds. Kona Village is personally one of my favorites to shoot. The color palette there is unlike any other venue on the island – you’ve got black lava rock cliffs, turquoise water, and tropical greenery all in the same frame. Resorts have a more polished and less rugged than some of the spots above, but the light is still beautiful and the settings are undeniably elegant for Hawaii wedding photos
Tips for Planning Your Big Island Photography Session
Before you lock in a location, a few things worth knowing from someone who shoots here regularly.
Sunset is king on the Kona side
For traditional weddings and portrait sessions on the west coast, sunset is your best window. The light is warm, the skies are dramatic, and most of the top venues and beaches face west. This is the tried-and-true golden hour for Big Island photography on the Kona side.
Sunrise is ideal for the east side
If you’re shooting at Punalu’u, Kahena, or anywhere near Volcanoes National Park, sunrise is the move. You’ll have the place almost entirely to yourself, and the early morning light on the black sand beaches is something special. It’s more of an adventure elopement vibe – raw, quiet, and completely unfiltered. If you want Hawaii with no crowds and no filters, get up early and head east.
Arrive early, always
Golden hour disappears fast. Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your shoot window to find your spot, settle in, and make the most of the light.
Weather varies by side of the island
The Kona side is drier and more predictable. The east side is lush and green but can be overcast – which actually adds to the moody, dramatic feel for the right couple. If you want reliable sunshine, stay west. If you want raw and atmospheric, head east.
Permits matter
For any paid commercial photography, make sure your photographer knows the rules at each location and gets a Wiki Permit online. They are only $20 andIt protects both of you and keeps these spots accessible for everyone.
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement and need a Big Island Photographer I’d love to help you find the right locations and capture your day in a way that actually looks and feels like Hawaii. Reach out and let’s start planning.
