Jim’s Big Island of Hawaii Photography Location Guide

Ah, the Big Island… or as I call it, “4,000 square miles of awesome”.

Within these awesome square miles are numerous locations that are photogenic, and this epic page is your guide to each of those storied realms. But first, a few caveats…

• This isn’t 100% exhaustive and, at least for now, only shows places with clear public access. There are a lot of amazing, remote wilderness locations that I’ve visited (and photographed) over the years, but have never had the opportunity to do an actual session at. This island is more than the locations below, and if you’re up for an adventure, please let me know! I would love to brainstorm something awesome in places most visitors don’t see.
• For larger sessions of over 12 or so people, I typically look for a family that’s staying at a resort, hotel or vacation rental with good beach access and/or nice landscaped grounds. Most of the locations in this guide aren’t really suited for big groups, for various reasons. The size, openness, and privacy of hotels and rentals make for a relaxed, stress-free experience for everyone, and allows me to reasonably promise a good level of quality in the various groupings and candids we’ll create. Oh — and there’ll be less background people to Photoshop out; easily my least favorite part of the job. It’s a win-win!
• With the possible exception of Kukio Bay, all of these locations require at least some walking on sand or lava rock to get to a nice photo spot. Please let me know if there’s anyone with a physical disability in your family; I’ll do my best to accommodate!

And now, onward we go!

1: The West Side

Welcome to the west side, where the sun shines, the resort pools sparkle, and the white sand gets everywhere. It’s so coarse and rough! Photographically, the sunset views are a big draw here, but the mornings can also have their own charm, the sun peacefully rising above the mountains. The west side is also very convenient for many visitors, since the locations I’ll list below are short drives away from both Kailua-Kona and the resorts of Waikoloa and Kohala. Beauty is everywhere here, and it’s always a treat to capture it!

Kukio Bay – A favorite of mine, and one that is featured quite a bit on this site. About 20 minutes north of Kailua-Kona, Kukio Bay is a long, beautiful ribbon of white sand occasionally interrupted by black lava rock, tidepools, and resting sea turtles. The swimming isn’t that great, but with its perfect mix of sand, rock, and stunning greenery, it’s perfect for photos. Kids love to climb the trees here, too! At sunrise, there’ll be more turtles on the beach than people, while at sunset there’ll be a few groups of beach goers, and perhaps a wedding on the beach. That’s about as busy as it gets though – Kukio is the epitome of laid-back Hawaii life. Below are a few photos from Kukio.

Good for sessions of 2 – 9 people.

Holoholokai – Given that there’s an ancient petroglyph field nearby, it’s an area of history, but it’s also a place of relaxed, rough-around-the-edges charm. So it’s pretty much the Han Solo of beaches. I’ll be honest, though — it isn’t really a “beach”, but a mixture of coral pebbles, sand, and lots of black lava rock. So it’s not the best place for people who want to dig their toes in the sand, but it is among the best for those who want to explore tidepools and walk the little beach trails that meander along the coast. It’s just a minute from the Fairmont Orchid and Mauna Lani properties and has a very nice parking area, making it quite convenient as well.  I am dying to shoot here again — there is much still to be explored!

Good for sessions of 2 – 10 people.

Anchialine Ponds – This has quickly become a new favorite of mine. It’s a hidden, big stretch of rocky coastline smack dab in the middle of Waikoloa Beach Drive, thus within minutes of the Marriot, Hilton, and Kolea condos (among others). And yet not many people go here. It truly is a hidden gem! Inland is a massive network of brackish ponds, each one its own isolated ecosystem, thriving with seaweed and an endemic species of shrimp. As you approach the coast, you’ll see high mounds of bright white coral, beautifully twisty trees, pretty walking paths, and lots of black lava tidepools bustling with life. Pockets of sandy beach soften the edges a bit, but otherwise it’s a primal, beautiful, and very photogenic place.

Good for sessions of 2 – 12 people, maybe more.

Waialea Bay – I grew up swimming here with my cousins. Back then there wasn’t even a road to it – just a rutted out jeep trail – and it was frequented only by nudists and locals. But now it’s a an extremely popular swimming and snorkling beach with full amenities. It’s a lively and fun stretch of white sand shaded by a tremendous number of trees that twist their way across the sand. Expect large crowds at sunset during the busier months, and an empty beach year-round in the morning — actually, this is one of the best morning locations on the west side, not just due to its lack of people, but also because the trees block the intense morning sun far more than other locales. This is a big, fun beach that is awesome for kids! Pro tip: If coming here for a day at the beach, arrive before 8:30am to snag a good spot!

Good for sessions of 2 – 9 people

2: The East Side

Welcome to the land of lush jungles, old plantation towns, and a Volcano that does whatever it wants. Shooting here is an interesting prospect in that there aren’t many clear cut places like the west side. Some of the places are more, “lets meet up here, and then follow me to this random place on the side of the road that hides a really cool jungle beach”. Variety abounds, from waterfalls to green sand to high-altitude forests, but much of it takes some effort to reach. And then there’s the rain. I’ve lived here for 33 years and I can tell you that the claims of “it rains all the time there” are true, but also not accurate: the rain is usually very localized, and comes and goes quickly. It might be pouring in Downtown Hilo, but be dry and warm at Richardson’s beach, just a few miles away. The forecasts can’t be trusted and the weather can change back and forth quickly. In other words, if we’re shooting on the east side, it’s good to have a backup date just in case, but don’t freak out if the forecasts says “70% chance of rain”. It will rain somewhere, but not necessarily near us.

Onomea – Onomea! You old friend. This is my favorite place near Hilo, and throughout my mid-twenties I’d explore the numerous swimming holes, waterfalls, and rivers that cut through its dense jungles. And it is a jungle out there. My shooting location specifically is down an old mule trail, now paved with asphalt, so it only takes a few minutes to walk. Onomea is essentially a gorge; at the bottom are a couple little boulder beaches and outcroppings that afford a spectacular view of crashing waves and high cliffs. The star attraction is an adorable little waterfall that falls into a stream and then flows across a pebbly red sand beach into the ocean. Further along the trail is a truly epic area of jungle, with trees reaching incredible heights, glowing green in the sun. All of it is quite easy to access, and is only 15 minutes north of Hilo.

Good for sessions of 2 – 7 people.

South Point – This is probably the wildest place on this list, and one that I am very familiar with, since I’ve camped here numerous times with my family. Beyond the hype of “the southern-most point in the USA”, and beyond the many visitors anxious to see the green sand beach, lay many miles of remote and rugged landscape dotted with unique, historic, dramatically photogenic backgrounds. Endless rolling grass, eroded orange clay, black rock and breathtaking surf all collide against some of the most consistent winds on the island. Massive cliffs punch into the Pacific, and an old Hawaiian Heiau (a sacred temple) still stands strong near water’s edge. There is an energy to the air here that is both disquieting and peaceful — an inspiring combination for a photographer! Being just over two hours from Kailua-Kona and Hilo, it’s quite a journey, but for a family or couple looking for an adventure truly unique to the Big Island, this would be rad.

Good for sessions of 2 – 8 hearty souls.

That’s about it for now; thanks for being here! I’ll add more places in the near future. In the meantime, let me know if you have any questions!

– Jim