Colleen’s Captures Top Beaches
In a place as flawlessly beautiful as Maui, it is hard to go wrong when choosing a beach for your photo session—which makes choosing even more difficult! We have created a list that narrows Maui’s beaches down to the best of the best for your photography experience!
Top Three Favorite Locations
1. Kapalua Ironwoods (Napili)
This beach has easily accessible cliffs and beautiful 360 views, making for a dynamic session always as well as long beaches, lush greenery, and a unique beautiful boardwalk.
Please note this beach does not have public restrooms.
This can be a little difficult for anyone who has any physical disabilities.
Parking is limited and you may have to walk 2-5 minutes from nearby locations to get to the entrance of the beach.
2. Po’olenalena Beach (Wailea)
There is something extra special about Po'olenalena. This gorgeous wide-open beach looks out on Kaho'olawe, the Weather Isle. Catching sunsets with colorful, expansive cloud-scapes are not few and far between!
The sand has a nice yellow-earthy tone as well as a few black contrasting volcanic rocks.
Porta potties are available on site
A lot of parking spots are available at this location
3. Baby Beach (Paia)
This location is good for its calm water, lovely rock-red-rock area, and, if you are lucky you might be able to get a turtle sighting!
Best for sunrise sessions with the sun coming over the Northside of the coast
Great for spotting a rainbow
No public restrooms
Features gorgeous beaches and occasional large black rocks
Windy for sunsets
Wailea/Makena
1. Wailea Beach
As with most South Side beaches, the sunsets here are extra stunning.
Plus, the generous sprinkling of plants adds a great touch to photos
2. Secret Cove Beach aka Makena Cove
This location has a lot going for it: a cozy atmosphere, magical waves, volcanic rocks, palms trees, and all things Hawaii
The nickname for Makena Cove is "Wedding Beach" for a reason, you might be sharing this location with 1-2 other weddings because of the stunning location that it is. If you are looking to have this spot all to yourself, I recommend booking it for sunrise!
Kihei
1. Keawakapu
The lava rock settled on the water's edge and the West Maui mountains in view make for portraits with an eye-catching composition.
2. Sugar Beach
Sugar beach is a fairly long beach that makes for great wide shots and an adventurous time exploring.
Paia
The cliffs, the waves, the view of Wai Side/the north loop: unbeatable. It is also sometimes called turtle beach!
Baldwin is a North Shore must! It has a very carefree nature to it that no doubt makes it into the photos and amazing all-around views.
Napili/ Kaanapali
This is a huge beach with a clear horizon line that makes for classic beach photos!
Kahana offers a great view of the island of Moloka'i and a healthy dose of palm trees.
Lahaina
Baby Beach (Lahina)
Yes, there are two beaches called Baby Beach. This one in Lahaina is almost always a spectacular sunset!
This fascinating beachfront park has a lot of cool things to see. Plus, the horizon is often sprinkled with sailboats coming in to dock
Hana
This delightful beach just outside of Hana is a great place to catch huge waves and unique vegetation. (Note: Hana-side sessions are available as part of our Adventure Photography packages.)
These beaches are guaranteed hits! They are almost as stunning as you! If you would like a full list of all locations that allow commercial photography CLICK HERE.
Note: When choosing a location for commercial photography for Maui, I must acquire a permit from the county office. (This cost is included in your deposit.) With that being said not all beaches are eligible for permits, including Ka'anapali Beach. Additionally, there are locations that have a higher fee cost such as Twin Falls and Haleakala National Park.
