Best Places To Take Portrait Photos | Maui Photoshoot Locations
When you're planning a photo session on Maui, choosing the right location is essential to ensure your photos look the way you envisioned. In this blog post, I’d like to share some of my favorite spots for portrait photography!
Maui North Shore: wild nature and uncrowded beaches
Wild Maui's North Shore nature paints an amazing backdrop for portrait photography.
The reason I love to shoot on the North Shore is because of its wild nature and uncrowded beaches. The North Shore of Maui is less developed and has a great selection of less-touristy beaches. If you like the look of rocky cliffs, white sand, grassy pastures and raw Maui nature – you would love North Shore! With diffused light and serene surroundings, Maui north shore beaches are perfect for sunrise sessions. The weather is less predictable on this part of the island, so be sure to have another location in mind in case of rain.
Early mornings you can easily have a beach to yourself!
Coastal pasture is great alternative to beach photo sessions.
Wailea Beaches: lava rocks, palm trees and sunsets
Wailea beaches offer some postcard-worthy sceneries with lava rocks and views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe.
Wailea is known for its beautiful, golden sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. My favorites are Po’olenalena Beach, Palauea (White Rock Beach) and Keawakapu. These beaches are surrounded by lava rocks, kiawe and palm trees, and offer beautiful views of Molokini and Kaho’olawe. Wailea area is a great location for romantic sunset sessions, and that’s where photographers like to go for that classic “palm trees and lava rocks” backdrop. That being said, high crowd warning if you choose Wailea!
Wailea is known for its beautiful sunsets.
Golden sand, palm trees and lava rocks create a perfect backdrop for portrait photography.
Kiawe trees at Po’olenalena Beach add dramatic touch to the island's landscape.
White Rock Beach is a beautiful location, although it gets quite crowded at sunset!
Sunrise in Wailea is not the best, as there is a shade at the beach in early morning, but it works if you are looking for muted colors and “clean” light
Kapalua Coastal Trail: ocean cliffs, and ironwood trees
Stunning ocean cliffs along Kapalua Coastal Trail create dramatic backdrop for photos.
Kapalua Coastal Trail is located north of Lahaina, and travels from Kapalua Bay to D.T. Fleming Beach. The trail is a beautiful blend of ironwood trees, white sands, turquoise water, dramatic lava cliffs, and beautiful views of Molokai. My favorites places to take photos are Oneloa Beach (Ironwoods) and D.T. Fleming Beach. These places are great for both, sunrise and sunset sessions. Ironwoods Beach has limited parking and gets pretty busy during sunset time, so make sure you arrive early if you choose this location.
On a clear sunny day the water turns turquoise!
Fleming Beach is a great option for family photos because of its easy access and restrooms on site.
Photos In Maui Jungle: rainforest and waterfalls
Lush Maui jungles make any photo session unique.
If you are looking for more unique and unusual location for your photoshoot, I suggest exploring Maui's lush rainforest trails. Tropical plants, flowing streams, hidden waterfalls provide a magical setting for adventurous couples or boudoir session. The convenience of a jungle session is that you are not attached to sunrise or sunset time and can start shooting any time of the day as there is always shade in the rainforest. If you look for creative photos and moody vibes - welcome to the jungle! The challenge of a jungle photoshoot is a hike; although there are some places on Maui that are within an easy reach.
Maui Upcountry: forest, clouds and lots of green
Maui Upcountry has beautiful landscapes and dreamy atmosphere.
Upcountry is located in the central side of Maui and offers majestic mountain views with green grass fields and lush forests. Panoramic views from above the clouds create a dreamy atmosphere for portrait photography. It’s quiet, refreshing, and magical! I like to come to Upcountry in the afternoon when the clouds roll down the mountains and you can literally walk through them! And sunsets are pretty spectacular here as well..!
Maui Upcountry is so different from what you see at the sea level!
In-Home Sessions on Maui: nice and cozy
Every home has its character which makes the photos so unique.
Besides photographing people surrounded by Maui gorgeous landscapes, I love to do in-home sessions and capture the beauty of everyday life. I believe that over the years these photos will bring you a lot of joy, as we tend to forget about these little moments and details of the everyday “mundane” life.
Sweet little moments that we often don’t pay attention to..!
Choosing the perfect location for your photoshoot starts with understanding your vision. Ultimately, it's a collaborative process and communication is the key. Share your preferences with your photographer, discuss the mood you envision, and be open to his or her suggestions. Together, you will discover the perfect location that turns your vision into timeless photographs. If you're seeking a beautiful photo session that aligns with your vision, I would be more than happy to serve you!
