Family Photography in Hawaii by a Native Hawaiian Photographer

Oahu family photographer

Specializing in family, maternity & couples photography sessions for visitors to Hawaii — natural, timeless images at the island’s most beautiful beaches.

Planning Your Oahu Family Photo Session

family photography on Oahu

Planning family photos during your Hawaii vacation should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Whether you’re deciding between sunrise or sunset, choosing the right beach, or wondering what to wear, I am here to make this as stress-free and easy as possible.

From personalized location recommendations based on where you’re staying to a detailed Session Prep Guide, Style Guide, and clear communication throughout the planning process, my goal is to make everything feel simple so you can enjoy your vacation knowing every detail has been taken care of.

When session day arrives, all you have to do is spend time together while I guide you naturally through the experience, creating a collection of timeless photographs you’ll treasure for years to come.

Baby announcement photos on beach with extended family

pregnant couple on kailua beach with palm tree background

HAPPY CLIENTS

OAHU FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER REVIEWS

    
 
 
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   Andrea Risenhoover 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa was amazing for our family pictures on our vacation on Oahu. She was so kind, helpful, and clear in all communication before and during our Oahu family photo shoot! We loved our photos! She did an absolute beautiful job on capturing our little family of 3:) I recommend her in a heart beat for an Oahu Family Photographer.
  
 
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   Jocelyn Worley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We absolutely loved working with Marissa, she was great with our girls and our dog. We shot in the evening and the weather wasn't the best but you wouldn't be able to tell from the photos because they came out so dreamy! I will treasure this shoot in Hawaii forever!
  
 
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   Layla Hodosh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience with Marissa! She went through everything we wanted to get pictures of as a family and made our time together so special!

The photos were edited so beautifully we are always looking at the prints now and looking back at what a fun and memorable time we had. Photos that we will cherish forever
  
 
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   Ashley Huguez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had the most amazing experience with Marissa for our family photos in Oahu! From the very beginning, she made the entire booking process simple and stress-free. She was incredibly friendly, communicative, and provided clear instructions before, during, and after our session, which made everything feel effortless.

Marissa was punctual, patient, and never made us feel rushed. She took her time with our family and made sure everyone felt comfortable in front of the camera. When we received our gallery, we were absolutely blown away by the results!

What truly sets Marissa apart from other beach photographers we’ve worked with is her willingness to wake up early and capture the beauty of sunrise. The lighting was absolutely magical, and her editing style brought everything to life perfectly. The images are crisp, vibrant, dreamy all at the same time. She captured our family beautifully and exceeded every expectation we had.

We couldn’t be happier with our photos and will treasure them for years to come. If you’re looking for a photographer in Oahu, Hawaii, Marissa is the one to book. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Lauren Wertsching 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Found Marissa on Instagram while searching for a photographer for our trip to Oahu and fell in love with her work. Booking was simple and our session was effortless. She was also great with our toddler which is a plus for us! Our photos are amazing and I couldn’t recommend her as a photographer more!
  
 
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   Amie Pankratz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you’re looking for an Oahu family photographer, I highly recommend working with Marissa! She made the entire process from beginning to end so easy!

We stayed at Aulani and Marissa met us right outside of the resort. We were able to walk to a nearby beach for our session. I was nervous about booking a sunrise session like Marissa had suggested, but it truly worked out in our favor! The beaches were empty and waking up that early was no problem because of the six hour time change we had.

I absolutely love the natural light look of our final pictures - they are stunning! Marissa was great with our kids and made the entire session very easy.
  
 
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   Chuck O'Guinn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome experience and highly recommend Marissa!  Location was great and easy to find and the pictures turned out beautifully.
  
 
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   Brooke Lynn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow! To sum it up, Marissa is a world class photographer. The whole experience from start to finish was so pleasant and easy. Marissa is super responsive, super clear with instructions and very patient. She is just a kind person. We loved our sunrise Waikiki session and the photos we received back were beyond expectations. We had such a lovely time during our photoshoot and we couldn't be happier with our photos. I highly recommend her as a photographer. We will be back! Thank you Marissa!
  
 
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   Gina F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 🤩 WOW WOW WOW! I cannot sing Marissa's praises enough! I knew when we planned our 10-year anniversary trip to Hawaii we would want to capture the moment and magic. A friend of ours used Marissa several years ago and I remember how breathtaking her photos were and knew immediately we had to use Marissa too! We were worried about what outfits to choose and timing of our photos given the significant time difference, however Marissa gave us so many pointers that made everything seamless!. She was so kind, took time to make sure we got both candids and posed pictures. My husband is not a lover of photography sessions, but walked away from our shoot impressed with Marissa's efficiency, attention to detail and professionalism. We will 100% be back to Hawaii and 100% be using Marissa again with family photos in the future! 🌺Mahalo, Marissa! 📸 Thank you for capturing the romance of our special trip and milestone
  
 
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   EDITH Pena 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa was absolutely incredible! She brought such a calm and kind presence to our early morning session, making the whole experience relaxed and enjoyable. We don’t usually book vacation photo shoots, but we’re so glad we did. Her work is beautiful and truly captures the beauty of Hawaii and family fun. It was the perfect way to start the day, and we’ll treasure these memories forever. Thank you, Marissa!

Aloha!

I’m Marissa.

Oahu’s top family photographer

Over the past 9.5 years, I’ve specialized in family photography on Oahu, photograhing hundreds of families visiting Hawaii, and one of my favorite parts of this job is getting to know each family while creating images that feel genuine, joyful, and timeless.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family, enjoying the beach, or exploring the island I feel so lucky to call home. As both a local and a mom of two little ones, I understand how meaningful these photographs become over time, and I feel incredibly grateful to share the beauty of Oahu while creating memories families will treasure for generations.

If your Hawaii vacation is taking you to another island, I’d be happy to discuss traveling to Maui for your session as my schedule allows, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

I hope to have the opportunity to photograph your family’s Hawaii vacation and welcome you to Oahu.

SUBMIT AN INQUIRY

Text me

FEATURED SESSIONS

Read why families have trusted Marissa HB Photography with their Hawaii vacation memories

“These are the photos you’ll print, frame, and look at for the rest of your life.”

“If you’re looking for a Hawaii family photographer, I highly recommend working with Marissa. I was a little unsure about doing a sunrise session so early in the morning, but it ended up being easy and there was less people and gorgeous light! I have 2 girls on the spectrum and due to being in a new environment they did not cooperate. Marissa just rolled with the punches and was still able to get beautiful pictures.”

“We came across Marissa when we were
looking for a photographer to capture photos during my daughter’s first visit to O’ahu. I looked through many reviews and photographers and Marissa’s style and glowing reviews caught my eye… When I saw the pictures, Marissa more than delivered AND captured some beautiful family moments…”

“Marissa was amazing to work with. She knew the best way to pose for the best angles and was so fun to work with. My kids felt so comfortable with her. I just love her style! I would love to use her again!”

How it all works

THE EXPERIENCE

get in touch

Learn more about my Oahu Family Photography Collections & submit an inquiry form with your travel dates, group size, and where you’re staying on Oahu. I’ll recommend the collection, location, and best time of day based on your family’s needs, then send you a booking link to secure your session with a deposit. Booking early is recommended for the best availability, though I’ll always do my best to accommodate last-minute inquiries.

session PLANNING

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a Next Steps email, along with my Session Prep Guide and Style & Vendor Guide. These resources include everything you need to feel prepared—from what to wear and how to prepare little ones to detailed location information and what to expect on session day. I am also here to answer any questions along the way, so don’t hesitate to get in touch!

your images

Your private online gallery will be ready about 30 days after your session. During busy season, it can take up to 40 days in some cases. My priority is providing the client with high quality edited images that are not edited in a rush. If you need your images by a certain date please inquire about rush fees.

In your gallery, you can download your professionally edited, high-resolution images, choose your favorites, and order professional-quality prints if you’d like. All collections include both high and low resolution files, so you can print wherever you wish. The number of images you can download depends on your collection, so please check the details for the one you choose.

INVESTMENT

Every family is different, which is why I offer three thoughtfully designed collections ranging from $650–$1,299.

The right collection depends primarily on the number of people being photographed, as well as the amount of time and variety of images you’re hoping for. Whether you’re a family of four looking for a shorter beach session or an extended family wanting multiple group combinations, I’ll help you choose the collection that’s the best fit for your family’s needs.

INQUIRE

Capture the Magic of Paradise. Forever.

Preserve your family’s most precious chapters against the stunning backdrop of our pristine Hawaii beaches—effortless, relaxed photography for locals and travelers alike.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the best time of day for family beach photos on Oahu?

Sunrise is my favorite time for family photos on Oahu, and jet lag often works in your favor. Hawaii is 2–6 hours behind the mainland depending on where you’re travel from, so many families are naturally awake early during the first few days of their vacation.

The light is soft and beautiful, the beaches are quieter, and you’ll have many more location options—especially if you’re staying in Waikiki. As your Oahu family photographer, I’ll recommend the best beach based on where you’re staying, the season, and the experience you’re hoping to have.

Where do you photograph families on Oahu?

I photograph families at beautiful beaches throughout Oahu, including Waikiki, Ko Olina, Lanikai, Kahala, Hawaii Kai, and Turtle Bay. Every location recommendation is personalized based on where you’re staying, your family’s needs, and the collection you’ve selected.

One advantage of working with a local Oahu beach photographer is choosing locations that photograph beautifully while reducing the chance of weather-related rescheduling whenever possible.

How far in advance should I book my Oahu family photographer?

The sooner, the better—especially if you’re visiting during summer, holidays, or school breaks. Once your travel dates are confirmed, reach out and I’ll let you know my availability.

A signed contract and $300 non-refundable retainer reserve your date. Because I photograph a limited number of families each week, I recommend booking as early as possible.

What should my family wear for beach photos on Oahu?

Soft, coordinating colors such as white, cream, light blue, sage, and neutral earth tones photograph beautifully against Oahu’s beaches. Instead of matching exactly, I recommend coordinating outfits that complement one another while allowing everyone’s personality to shine. Every family receives my Session Prep Guide and Style + Vendor Guide, filled with outfit inspiration, local shopping recommendations, and styling tips to help you feel confident and prepared before your Oahu family photo session.

Where can I find a beautiful lei po'o for my family photos?

Fresh flowers make a beautiful addition to your Oahu family photography session. I recommend ordering your lei poʻo in advance from one of Oahu’s talented local florists to ensure the freshest flowers and the best selection.

After booking, you’ll also receive my Style + Vendor Guide, which includes my favorite lei makers and trusted local vendors. If you’re looking for a specific style or color palette, I’m always happy to provide recommendations based on your location, budget, and vision for your family photos.