Recommended Locations

Maui is one of the most magnificent islands on earth! Many call it "Heavy on Earth". It is over 30 miles of beautiful beaches. Many beaches have lifeguards, picnic facilities, and restrooms. Below are popular beaches on west Maui, south Maui, and North Maui for professional photography.

What time of the day would you prefer? Sunrise, mid day, sunset, vs cloudy photo shoot:

Sunrise (from sunrise to about 60 minutes after) offers soft, even lighting with less vibrant colors. The tones tend to be cooler and more blue, with hints of beige depending on the location. However, some areas—such as northwest or north Maui—can produce a sunset-like glow due to the sun rising along the side of the beach. If you love soft, dreamy, and moody images rather than bold, vibrant colors, sunrise is a great choice.

Mid day offers bright, vibrant colors with a deep blue sky and crystal-clear water. However, the sun is quite intense, creating strong contrast on the subject—highlights appear brighter while shadows are deeper. If you love vivid blue skies and crystal blue water, this is an excellent time for photos.

Sunset (from about 60 minutes before sunset until sunset) features warm, golden light. Maui is known for having some of the most beautiful sunsets, making this an ideal time if you love flawless golden tones in your photos.

Cloudy or overcast conditions create soft, diffused light with less intense sunlight, resulting in lower contrast—similar to sunrise lighting. When clouds allow sunlight to peek through during sunrise or sunset, it often produces some of the most beautiful and flattering light.

Weather: Maui’s weather can be unpredictable, with conditions varying from one location to another. It may be sunny in one area while raining in another. Rest assured, we will always adapt to whatever nature brings and make the best of the conditions. As mentioned, if rain or a natural disaster occurs, you will receive a full refund. Otherwise, we will proceed with the photo session, or you may choose to reschedule if availability allows.

Wind: Maui is one of the windiest islands in Hawaii, though some beaches are calmer than others. We’ll guide you to locations that offer the most comfortable experience. Mornings are typically less windy and ideal for photo sessions. If wind picks up, we’ll use strategic angles to minimize its impact and apply thoughtful editing when needed to ensure beautiful, natural-looking images.

Some state parks require special permits for certain locations, including hiking trails, waterfalls, and jungle-style settings. Due to the complexity of these permits, fees typically range from $150–$300 plus a processing fee. These permits are non-refundable for any reason, including rain, natural disasters, or health-related issues, and must be obtained at least two weeks in advance.

Private Sail Boat

Private Sail Boat Charter (Below): Private sailboat charters in Maui offer an intimate, customizable experience for proposals and weddings, featuring breathtaking views of the coastline, sunset, and neighboring islands without the crowds. Options range from luxury catamarans to classic sloops, often including professional crews, champagne, tailored music, catering, and snorkeling, with capacity from small, intimate groups to larger parties.

West Maui

West Maui has beautiful beaches, palm trees, beautiful lava rocks, and cliffs. Note: DT Flemming, Ironwood, and Kapalua beaches are north west which have higher chance of overcast and raining compare to the south side. Papalaua or Baby beach are great alternative locations if these 3 beaches get rainy. Please note, Kaanapali beach is not allowed for professional photo shoot.

• Lahaina: Once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina is a historic whaling town with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife. It's a popular tourist destination with a mix of lodging options. Unfortunately, it was burned down in 8/8/2023. It's recommended not to visit the burning sight and read for signs.
• Kaanapali: Known for its beautiful beaches (like Kaanapali Beach), world-class resorts, and golf courses. It offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, surfing, and parasailing.
• Kapalua: A quieter, more upscale area with luxury resorts and championship golf courses. 

Baby Beach, Lahaina (below): A family-friendly spot famous for its shallow, calm, reef-protected lagoon, perfect for young children and beginner snorkelers, with warm, clear water, abundant fish and turtles, and golden sand.. It's known for gentle wading, exploring coral, and beautiful sunset views, located north of Front Street with free parking nearby along the street.

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Con: No lava rocks and no public restrooms

D.T. Fleming Beach (below): This beach features golden sand, lava rocks, and a few palm trees in the park just behind it. It tends to be a bit windy at sunset but is calm and peaceful during sunrise. The sun sets to the left side of the beach over the lava rocks, while sunrise appears on the opposite end. There’s a large free parking lot near the lifeguard tower and a restroom available. Sunset lighting casts a soft, golden glow, ideal for photos. Free parking is available near the restroom, beach and the life guard. The parking across charges $25-$30 per car.

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Con: It can be somewhat windy during sunset, but the beach itself is spacious.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa - for events or weddings only (below): 

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa offers a luxurious oceanfront wedding experience in Lahaina, spanning 40 acres of lush gardens and Ka'anapali beach views. Venues include scenic lawns like Halona Kai (up to 500 guests) and intimate,, tropical garden settings, with on-site catering and professional event planning.

Ironwood Beach aka Oneloa Beach (below):

This beach features whiter sand and scenic cliffs, with very little palm trees visible behind the beach. It tends to be windy around sunset but is generally calmer at sunrise. The sun sets to the side of the beach and rises on the opposite end. Parking is limited during sunset but usually available at other times. If the lot is full, you can park at the nearby Dragon’s Teeth lot—it’s a short walk, though there are no restrooms. The lighting during sunset has a soft, golden tone that's great for photos.

Con: It can get fairly windy around sunset, and reaching the cliff area requires a short walk and a few stairs. Public parking is available for $25–$30 per car.

Kapalua Beach (below): This beach features golden sand, lava rocks, and a backdrop of palm trees. It's the least windy beach on the west side, making it especially pleasant. Enjoy sunsets over the ocean horizon and sunrises over the mountains. The area has a family-friendly atmosphere, with convenient amenities including a parking lot and restrooms.

Con: Lighting can be harsh on clear days, but about 20 minutes before sunset, it becomes beautifully soft. In harsh light, photos may have strong contrast—with deep shadows and bright highlights. The public parking lot costs $25–$30 per car, but free street parking.

Maui Pineapple Chapel - for events or weddings only (below): 

Maui's premier venue for weddings, social events, and corporate functions. Located in beautiful Kapalua (Near Dragon's Teeth and Ritz Carlton) in West Maui, this historic location has been updated with every modern amenity.​​

Napili Beach (below): Located just south of Kapalua Beach with a similar landscape, this spot features golden sand, lava rocks, and palm trees lining the beach. It tends to be less windy, with sunsets over the ocean horizon and sunrises over the mountains. Parking is available on the street, but there are no restrooms. On clear mornings, it offers some of the best soft lighting for photos.

Con: When the sky is clear, the lighting can be harsh, but about 20 minutes before sunset, it becomes beautifully soft. In harsh light, photos tend to have strong contrast, with deep shadows and bright highlights. Street parking is free, but be sure to check signs carefully, as many nearby condos have private parking lots.

Camp Olowalu - for events, weddings, or camping only (below): 

is a highly unique, rustic beachfront venue in Lahaina, Hawaii, that offers a laid-back, "backyard-style" atmosphere perfect for nature-loving couples. Located at 800 Olowalu Village Road, it blends ocean views and tropical fruit orchards, allowing guests to stay on-site in cabins or "tentalows" to keep the celebration going all weekend. Features sweeping views of the West Maui Mountains and proximity to an incredible reef, making it a great destination for whale watching, snorkeling, and sunset views. Best suited for couples wanting intimate, family-style gatherings or larger group celebrations where loved ones can stay together on the campgrounds. Guests can lodge directly at the venue in Camp Olowalu’s tentalows or cozy, historic-style A-frame cabins. Beach Access: Just a quick walk to the shore, giving you and your guests immediate access to the water.

Papakea Beach Resort - for events or weddings only (below): 

It offers an intimate, laid-back oceanfront wedding experience, featuring 13 acres of lush, tropical gardens, koi ponds, and stunning Pacific Ocean views. Couples often utilize the manicured, oceanfront lawns for ceremonies and the private, open-air cabana for intimate, relaxed receptions with spectacular sunset views.

Papalaua Beach (South Lahaina - Below): This beach features golden sand without lava rocks or palm trees, offering a completely natural setting with no buildings in sight. The sun sets to one side of the beach and rises on the opposite side. Street parking is available and free right next to the beach, along with a portable restroom.

Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows - for events or weddings only (below): 

The Royal Lahaina Resort & Bungalows offers premier oceanfront wedding venues on Maui’s Kaanapali Beach, featuring panoramic island views and stunning sunset backdrops. Specializing in intimate elopements to larger celebrations up to 200 guests, popular sites include the Oceanfront Bungalow Lawn, the historic "Branches" rubber tree, and the intimate Private Oceanfront Royal Suite.

South Maui (Kihei & Wailea)

• Beaches: South Maui boasts some of the best beaches on the island, including the renowned Kihei,  Wailea, and Makena beaches. 
• Kihei: A more casual town with a variety of shops, restaurants, and condos, Kihei offers a range of accommodations and activities. 
• Wailea: This luxurious resort community is known for its upscale hotels, golf courses, and manicured landscapes. 
• Makena: Home to the famous Big beach (Makena beach), Little beach, Makena Cover aka Secret Cove, etc. Makena offers a more secluded and natural beach experience. 
• Climate: South Maui is generally sunny and dry, less windy, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. 

Charley Young Park Beach (below): The beach boasts golden sand and stunning lava rock formations, with sunsets over the ocean and sunrises over the mountains. It offers free public parking and portable restrooms, and is the closest beach to downtown Kihei.

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Con: At times, it can be windier than further south in Wailea.

Fairmont Kea Lani - for events or weddings only (below): Maui offers a luxurious, all-suite and villa oceanfront setting in Wailea, featuring iconic venues like the Polo Lawn, intimate Gazebo, and the sophisticated Kea Lani Ballroom. Known for its personalized wedding planning, farm-to-table cuisine, and breathtaking sunset views over Polo Beach, the resort accommodates both intimate gatherings and large events up to 500 guests. FFairmont

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Four Seasons Resort Maui - for events or weddings only (below): The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea offers luxurious, exclusive oceanfront weddings. Venues include manicured lawns, tropical gardens, and soft sand beaches, often featuring sunset views, breathtaking Pacific panoramas, and specialized on-site planning for intimate elopements or grand celebrations.

Gather on Maui - for events or weddings only (below): is a premier wedding and reception venue located in Wailea, South Maui. It offers panoramic views spanning from the slopes of Haleakala to the Pacific Ocean, sweeping vistas of the Molokini Crater, and elegant settings surrounded by lush, tropical foliage

Hotel Wailea - for events or weddings only (below): Hotel Wailea is an exclusive, adults-only luxury resort in Maui, consistently ranked among the world's most romantic hotels. It offers intimate weddings on 15 acres of tropical, Zen-inspired gardens perched 300 feet above the ocean, featuring sweeping views of three Hawaiian islands and multiple, private indoor/outdoor venues for up to 250 guests.

Kamaole Beach Park III (below): It has a large grassy park along with a beach with fine sand, lava rocks, palm trees. Amenities include a lifeguard station, restrooms, showers, and a parking lot. It's a popular location for beach goers but manageable for photos since we can always remove people. At times, it can be windier here than further south in Wailea.

Con: It could be crowded.

Kauhale Makai - Keaka Beach (below): It is in Kihei, a scenic, oceanfront condominium resort known for its "Village by the Sea" charm, making it a potential option for intimate, budget-friendly weddings or small gatherings, rather than large, full-service wedding venue events. It offers spacious, often renovated, one and two-bedroom condos with stunning sunset views. 

Keawakapu Beach (below): This beach features golden sand, some lava rocks, and palm trees, with sunsets over the ocean and sunrises over the mountains. It offers free public parking but no restrooms. The location is just before Wailea.

Con: It could be crowded

Makena Cove aka Secret Cove (below): This beach showcases golden sand, lava rocks, and palm trees, offering sunsets over the ocean horizon and sunrises over the mountains. Street parking is available, though there are no restrooms. It’s a relatively small and famously least windy spot. The beach tends to be crowded at sunset but sees fewer visitors at sunrise. It’s also a popular location for elopement ceremonies.

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Con: This small beach is very popular, especially with photographers who often bring clients here at sunset. While it can get crowded, it’s usually possible to edit people out of the background.

Maluaka beach (below): a family-friendly destination renowned for its calm, clear waters and frequent sightings of Hawaiian green sea turtles, earning it the nickname "Turtle Town". It features a soft, sandy shoreline ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, with facilities including restrooms, showers, and free parking. 

Please note: The north and south sides of the beach have separate parking lots and entrances. Typically, the south side is better for photos.

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Con: A long walk from the parking lot to the beach on the south side.

Mokapu beach (below): is a gorgeous, quarter-mile-long sandy cove in South Maui fronting the luxury Andaz Maui resort. Known for its soft sand and gentle, clear waters, it is a premier spot for swimming, boogie-boarding, and snorkeling around the southern lava outcroppings. There’s a free public parking lot and a restroom available.

Palauea Beach aka White Rock (below): It's a beautiful, less crowded sandy beach in South Maui, near Wailea, known for its soft sand, good swimming when calm, and rocky areas at the ends that are great for snorkeling with sea turtles and fish. It's considered a local favorite and offers a more secluded experience compared to the busier Wailea beaches, with access via a short path through kiawe trees from Makena Road.

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Con: There are plenty of thorns along the path, so be sure to wear sandals or slippers until you reach the sandy beach area.

Polo Beach (below): Nestled directly in front of the luxurious Fairmont Kea Lani, Polo Beach offers photographers an exquisite blend of soft golden sand, dramatic black lava rock formations, and lush tropical scenery. With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Molokini Crater, this breathtaking setting provides a variety of stunning backdrops, making it one of Maui’s most sought-after locations for professional portraits and romantic sessions. Guests will also appreciate the convenience of complimentary public parking and portable restroom facilities nearby.

Po’olenalena Beach (below): This location features golden sand, lava rocks, and palm trees, with two large beaches—one on the north side and the other on the south side, where the parking lot is located. A trail provides access to the north beach, though it’s not recommended for those with mobility issues. The north end occasionally attracts nude beachgoers. You’ll enjoy sunsets over the ocean horizon and sunrises over the mountains. There’s a free public parking lot and portable restrooms available.

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Con: There are plenty of thorns along the path, so be sure to wear sandals or slippers until you reach the sandy beach area.

Sugar Beach Event - for events or weddings only (below): Is located north of Kihei, Maui. It's for celebrating special events at Maui's most luxurious oceanfront Venue, Bar & Catering company. Discover the magic of Sugar Beach Events.

Ulua Beach (below): Ulua Beach is a picturesque, crescent-shaped sandy beach in upscale Wailea. Famous for its pristine white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters, it is celebrated as one of South Maui’s premier spots for swimming, coastal walking, beginner scuba diving, and spectacular snorkeling. There’s a free public parking lot and a restroom available.

Wailea Beach (below): This beach features golden sand, palm trees, and lava rocks, along with a small like cave that offers a stunning photo opportunity from the inside. It also has a secluded stretch of shoreline. Enjoy sunsets over the ocean horizon and sunrises over the mountains. There’s a free public parking lot and a restroom available.

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Con: The area is surrounded by upscale resort buildings and tends to be crowded.

Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui - for events or weddings only (below): It offers an idyllic, oceanfront wedding experience on Maui’s south shore, featuring stunning panoramic sunset views. The venue provides roughly 30,000 square feet of space, including the premier oceanfront Kahoolawe Lawn and elegant ballrooms, catering to both large receptions and intimate ceremonies, often with options closer to the ocean than other Maui hotels.

Central, North & East Maui

Has a few beautiful beaches, palm trees, some lava rocks, less touristy, less buildings, waterfalls, and lust green jungle. Sunrise on the east side of the beach and sunset on the west side of the beach over west Mountain. It's normally mild to strong wind.



• Beaches & Surf: The North Shore features stunning beaches, dramatic shorelines, and famous surf spots like Ho'okipa and Pe'ahi (Jaws).
• Towns: Towns like Paia, and Haiku offer unique shops, art galleries, and dining options.
• Vibe: It's a more relaxed and less crowded area compared to the South and West sides of Maui.
• Food: Mama's Fish House is a popular restaurant for fresh seafood and Hawaiian cuisine.
• Possible Activities: Surfing, exploring towns, enjoying the scenery, and embarking on the Road to Hana (which starts in North Maui). 

Baldwin Beach (below): This expansive beach features golden sand, scattered trees, some lava rocks, and a few palm trees near the parking area. With its wide open space and diverse scenery, it's a great spot for photography. It’s located next to Paia’s “secret beach,” where nude sunbathers are occasionally present. The area is completely natural, with no buildings in sight. Sunset can be seen over the western mountains, while sunrise appears on the opposite end. There's also a small wooded area and a dirt trail nearby, perfect for capturing romantic, nature-inspired photos. Free public parking and restrooms are available.

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Con: Expect mild to strong winds. Driving to West Maui takes around 80 minutes with no traffic, while South Maui is about a 40–45 minute drive.

Hookipa Beach (below): This stunning location is known for its incredible views, including sea turtles basking on the shore and exciting surf conditions. With a scenic beach and dramatic cliffs, it provides the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. The strong winds make it especially popular for high-flying dress photo shoots and romantic couple sessions. Free public parking and restroom are available.

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Con: Expect mild to strong winds. Driving to West Maui takes around 90 minutes with no traffic, while South Maui is about a 40–45 minute drive.

Haiku Mill - Small Elopements, small groups, and portraits (below): Stepping on to Haiku Mill is like stepping into a secret garden – a botanical paradise that is private, intimate and breathtakingly beautiful. 

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Con: Booking the location costs $700 per session and is limited to small groups and portrait sessions only—large weddings or big groups are not permitted. It's a bit of a drive from both West and South Maui, but only about 20 minutes from Kahului.

The King Kamehameha Golf Club - for events or weddings only (below): It offers a luxurious, private wedding venue on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains, featuring panoramic views of Haleakalā and both coastlines. Designed with unique Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, it provides scenic outdoor terraces, lush gardens with waterfalls, and elegant indoor reception spaces for up to 360 guests.

Up Country

Includes Kula botanical garden and Haleakala summit. These are the dream locations for portraits, weddings, engagement proposal, etc.

Kula Botanical Garden - Weddings, elopements & portrait sessions (below): Established in the early 70s by Helen and Warren McCord as a display garden for Warren’s landscape architecture business this garden has evolved into a tourist destination that draws thousands of visitors every year. The garden is located on the slopes of Haleakala at 3,600 feet an encompasses 8 acres.  

Haleakala Summit - Elopements or portrait sessions (below): Towering over the island of Maui and visible from just about any point, Haleakalā Crater is a force of nature in every sense. At 10,023 feet above sea level, this dormant volcano is the stage for a breathtaking range of landscapes—and skyscapes.

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Morning before 7:00am requires reservations. After 7:00am doesn't require reservations. It's about 1.5 hours drive from Kahului.

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Couples and proposal photo sessions do not require permit.

Con: The permit is from $50-$750 for elopement ceremony depending on what type of services and how many people. There's also a national park entrance fee about $35 per car. It takes up to 60 days to process the permit. $200 additional traveling fee.

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Motion Pictures/Videos:

1 - 10 people: $150/day

11 - 30 people: $250/day

31 - 49 people: $500/day

Over 50 people: $750/day

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Still Photography/Audio Recording:

1 - 10 people: $50/day

11 - 30 people: $150/day

Over 30 people: $250/day