Before moving permanently to Kauai, I had been coming to this stunning island for over 30 years with my husband and children. I can never seem to get over the natural beauty all around – it almost doesn’t seem real because it is that breathtaking. I can understand why so many movies have been filmed here – as a visual artist, it is a dream come true.
Even before I moved my business full-time to Kauai, I saw all of the places here that I visited through my “photographer’s eyes”, constantly taking mental notes of which locations might be best for specific shots. I look back so fondly on some of the photos I took of my girls as little ones on the beaches, as it reminds me of that special time when both my love for Kauai and the pursuit of photography started to grow more each day.
After so many years of being fully immersed in the natural world of Kauai and now as a newborn and maternity photographer on Kauai, I’ve developed what I think is a very memorable list of spots on the island that are best for maternity and newborn shoots. I know just where to go to get a backdrop that captures the beauty of the island while elevating the beauty of an expecting mama. Shooting a new mama and her brand new baby serenely taking in this breathtaking landscape is one of my favorite things to do!
I’ve compiled a guide below, but please know most of these spots will work wonderfully for any type of photo shoot, and this list certainly isn’t exhaustive.
My Top Picks
There are a handful of spots that are my personal favorites and hold a special place in my heart. They just have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi and are frequently my first choice.
Hanalei Bay Pier – North Shore
Hanalei is an endearing little town filled with shops, restaurants, and food trucks – a quintessential North Shore spot. Hanalei Bay is one of the most popular and well-known beaches on the island, and for good reason. This stunning pier sits right at the mouth of the river at a little beach known as “Black Pot Beach” (this beach was named after the large black pot that was used to cook fish for family gatherings there in the early 20th century). I love shooting there any time of day, but especially at golden hour and sunset. The contrast between the pier, the water, and Mt. Waialeale looming in the distance makes for a beautiful shot that perfectly captures the North Shore. Nowadays the pier is a big part of life on the North Shore. It’s a gathering place, and where people come to fish, jump into the calm waters, or just listen to music and spend time together.
It also has quite a history! Fun fact: it was featured in a lot of movies, including South Pacific.
The 340-foot pier was made out of wood in 1892 and used mostly to unload goods and cargo coming to the island by steamship. It was a major port of transportation (of people and goods) for the island.
Kāhili Beach (Rock Quarry Beach) – North Shore
Rock Quarry is a slightly smaller beach just south of Kilauea, and less well-known than some other beaches which I love about it. On one end of the beach, there is a dark lava rock outcropping that serves as a beautiful and dramatic backdrop.
On the other end, the river flows into the ocean (the old quarry) – the beautiful lagoon that this creates serves as a unique location for a maternity shoot. There are lots of shallow areas in the pool, and I love to place my expecting mamas there to capture the beautiful ripples and reflections of the pool.
Hā‘ena Beach Park (Tunnels)- North Shore
Tunnels is my family’s personal favorite for spending the day snorkeling, surfing, walking along the expansive stretch of golden sand, or simply lying out to enjoy the sun. The water here is a truly mesmerizing shade of turquoise, and the mountain view is unbeatable here.
Ke’e Beach – North Shore
This little beach is a peaceful hideaway – but one of the best aspects of it is the stunning views you get to take in before you even get to the beach.
There is a cool wooden pathway from the parking lot to the beach, leading you through magnificent taro fields. I love shooting on the path itself, as it’s just the perfect spot to capture the taro fields.
From there, there’s another path leading through the trees. This again creates a beautiful and dramatic backdrop if you’re looking to get a unique shot that isn’t the beach.
Lumahai Beach – North Shore
Lumahai is my personal favorite beach to visit when I’m not shooting – the smaller beach has the most perfect crystal clear water, especially in the summer. When I am shooting, I love it just as much. There is a quality about this beach that is hard to put your finger on, but it is truly magical.
Other Beautiful Places Worth Checking Out For a Maternity Shoot on Kauai:
- Shipwrecks Beach (South Shore)
- Anini Beach (North Shore)
- Anahola (North Shore)