Grand Wailea Family Photos | A Relaxed Sunrise Session at Wailea Beach
If you’re staying at the Grand Wailea and thinking about family photos during your Maui vacation, sunrise is one of my favorite times to photograph families.
Not only is the morning light beautiful, but the beaches around Wailea are much quieter than they are in the evening. For families with little ones, that often means happier kids, cooler temperatures, and a much more relaxed start to the day.
This sweet family of three met me just after sunrise for a short session at Wailea Beach. Their goal wasn’t perfectly posed photos—it was simply to document this season of life together while enjoying their vacation on Maui.
What a 25-Minute Family Session Looks Like
One of the questions I hear most often is:
“Can we really get enough photos in just 25 minutes?”
The answer is almost always yes.
Especially with younger children, shorter sessions often work in everyone’s favor. Instead of asking toddlers to smile for an hour, we keep things moving naturally. We walk along the shoreline, cuddle, laugh together, explore the beach, and let kids simply be themselves.
During this session, we captured a wonderful mix of family portraits, individual moments with mom and dad, playful walking photos, and plenty of genuine giggles—all within about 25 minutes.
The result? A full gallery that feels relaxed, joyful, and completely true to their vacation.
Why Sunrise Is My Favorite Time for Family Photos in Wailea
There are plenty of beautiful beaches on Maui, but Wailea Beach continues to be one of my favorites.
At sunrise you’ll usually find:
Soft golden light that photographs beautifully.
Fewer people in the background.
Cooler temperatures for little ones.
Calm ocean conditions.
Plenty of space to explore without feeling crowded.
One of my favorite parts about morning sessions is that your day is just getting started. After your photos, you’re free to head out for breakfast, spend the day by the pool, or continue exploring everything Maui has to offer.
Tips for Sunrise Family Photos with a Toddler
Parents often worry about how their toddler will do during family photos, but honestly, toddlers tend to do best when we keep things simple.
A few things I always recommend:
Dress everyone once you arrive to the location - this way if there are any little spills etc. on the way to the session it does not happen on the outfit you have planned for the shoot ( it also helps to have a a backup outfit just in case )
Try to get a bite to eat before the shoot but also feel free to bring a favorite snack * no one is happy when hungry
Let your child explore instead of expecting them to stand perfectly still.
Focus on enjoying the experience together rather than asking for constant smiles.
The sweetest moments usually happen naturally.
Whether that’s your child reaching for your hand, laughing while being tossed in the air, or snuggling into your shoulder, those little interactions are often the memories families treasure most years later.
Family Photos That Feel Like Part of Your Vacation
Your family session doesn’t need to feel like another item on your vacation checklist.
My goal is always to create photographs that feel effortless and genuine while giving your family space to simply enjoy being together.
If you’re planning a stay at the Grand Wailea or anywhere in Wailea, a sunrise session is a beautiful way to capture your time on Maui without taking up your entire day.
Thinking About Family Photos at the Grand Wailea?
Whether you’re celebrating a first trip to Maui, traveling with young children, or simply want updated family photos during your vacation, I’d love to help you create images that feel natural and timeless.
You can learn more about my Maui family photography sessions or get in touch to start planning your morning on the beach.