Planning family photos in Maui is one of the best ways to capture your vacation memories, but with so many beaches on the island it can be hard to know where to go. As a Maui based family photographer, I’ve spent years photographing families across Wailea, Kihei, the North Shore, and Kapalua, and I’ve learned that not every beach works well for portraits — especially if you’re bringing little ones or grandparents along. Some beaches are calm and kid-friendly, others are dramatic and perfect for adventurous families, and a few have that unbeatable golden Maui sunset glow. Below, I’m sharing my list of the best Maui beaches ( * that are also permitted) for family photos so you can choose the perfect spot for your session.

Wailea

Palauea (White Rock Beach)

Palauea Beach is one of the top three favorite beaches when it comes to lifestyle photoshoots or elopements here on Maui and with good reason. This little beach is tucked away at the end of Wailea in a residential neighborhood. The mornings are calm with typically no one or few people on the sand making it perfect for spreading out to capture those fun movement shots. Unless we have King Tides the waves are pretty mellow which is fantastic for photos near the shore giving the classic picturesque Hawaii captures of blue ocean water, palm trees in the background, and the West Maui Mountains in the distance. However, due to this being a smaller beach and due to the popularity my photoshoots here take place for the early morning timeframe since it’s common to have 12+ photoshoots happening in the evening + beach goers hanging out which is pretty hard to navigate. The goal is to keep the photoshoot experience laid back and mellow so morning is the way to go 🙌🏻

An engaged couple walking on the sand in Wailea on Maui at Palauea Beach at sunrise

Family photos at Palauea Beach in Wailea with family on the sand at sunset

Keywords: Wailea family photos Maui, Palauea Beach family session

Polo Beach

If you are staying at a resort along the Wailea coastline Polo Beach is a convenient choice with being located right at the end of the line of hotels in the area. The biggest highlight is that it has plenty of parking which is also free - something not said for all Maui beaches as of early 2025 with paid parking being added around the island. The shoreline here is nice and level which is great for little ones as well as multigenerational family sessions. Similar to Palauea Beach due to the placement of this beach this is another location that is best for early AM sessions to help avoid crowds later in the day.

Keywords: Wailea family photos Maui, Polo Beach family session

Makena Cove AKA Secret Cove

If you are dreaming of a backdrop that has lava rock, waves, and lush vegetation Makena Cove is 100% the location you should select. This tiny little beach is located past Wailea in Makena and commonly known as Secret Beach. I would recommend this location for family’s with kids who are 6 years+ and not for family’s that have members that may trouble with mobility since in order to access the beach you do need to climb down a set of rocks.

Keywords: Makena family photos Maui, Makena Cove family session

Wailea Beach

Another fantastic beach option if you are staying in the Wailea area and either want to keep the session location close or may not have a rental car. Wailea Beach is one of the larger beaches on the South Side and fronts the Grand Wailea. It has palm trees that line it with a side view of the West Maui mountains. This location is great for little ones as well as multigenerational family sessions. If a high tide happens to be in this spot as a solid go to since the beach section is so large there is little concern of loosing the beach. With this location this spot is wonderful for the early AM or golden hour into sunset.

Best Maui beaches for family photos — wide sandy shore with pastel skies

Keywords: Wailea family photos Maui, Wailea Beach family session

KApalua

Kapalua Bay

Hands down my go to for family photoshoots on the West Side of Maui is Kapalua Bay. This beautiful little bay fronts The Montage and is surrounded by palm trees with a view of Molokai in the background. It is common for there to be some moody weather in this area but one positive is that if rain does pass by about 99.9% of the time a vibrant rainbow shows up + rain only lasts for a couple of minutes. Parking for Kapalua is very limited so I recommend early morning photoshoots if you select this location.

A morning maternity photoshoot Kapalua Bay at The Montage Maui.

A rainbow during a Maui family photoshoot in Kapalua.

Keywords: Kapalua Bay family photos

D.T. Flemings Beach

Located at the very end of Kapalua/Napili area is D.T. Flemings Beach. This is a large beach that is perfect if you have family members that cannot walk a very long distance since there are two parking lots with one being located very close to the shoreline. This beach is stunning either in the early AM or for golden hour into sunset captures. Similar to Kapalua Bay with it being located on the West Side be prepared for possible passing showers but rain or shine Flemings is a stunning beach to update your family photos at.

Keywords: D.T. Flemings Beach Kapalua Photoshoot

💡 Insider Tips for Family Photos in Maui

Best time of day: Sunrise for calm conditions. Maui is known as the trades wind island meaning expect wind gusts of 15 - 45 MPH year round for evening sessions.
Permits matter and are required : All sessions must be at permitted beaches — this keeps your family safe and the experience stress-free. Maui has no shortage of incredibly talented photographers BUT make sure you are going with a legal business. Each session requires that a permit is pulled for a photoshoot to take place to avoid fees from the state + DLNR. A legal photographer will be listed with the state to obtain this permit.
Family-friendly planning: Bring water, snacks, a change of clothes for little ones in case of any accidents/clothes get wet during the shoot, and plan around naps or dinner time.

No matter which location you choose, Maui’s beaches are the perfect backdrop for your family story — from playful mornings in the sand to those unforgettable golden sunsets. Each of these spots has its own personality, and the right choice depends on your family’s vibe and the memories you want to capture. If you’re ready to plan your own Maui family photo session, I’d love to help you choose the perfect beach and guide you through every step of the process. You can explore my investment page for session details, or reach out directly to start planning. I can’t wait to meet you on the beach! 🌺

Best Maui Beaches for Family Photos : A Maui Photographer’s Guide