If you’re visiting oahu for a family vacation, celebrating your senior year, capturing your pregnancy, or booking a romantic couples session, one of the most common questions I get is:

“Can we start later in the day?” or “What time is best for our photo session?”

Whether you’re staying in Ko Olina, Waikiki, or Turtle Bay on the North Shore, here’s everything you need to know about whether Sunrise might be the best time for your Oahu photo session.

IF YOU LIVE ON OAHU, or if you’re traveling from Japan, Australia, or anywhere on the other side of Hawaii, you are BEHIND Hawaii time, so THIS BLOG POST MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU

Why Sunrise might be the Best Time for Photos on Oahu

Mornings in Hawaii are very calm in regards to crowds at sunrise. That is one major reason why it works really well. At sunset it is much MUCH busier. At sunrise, and the hour following sunrise, it gives us:

• Soft light for dreamy portraits done on the east and south side of the island as that is where the sun rises

• Even light at sunrise, for Koolina, north shore and Waikiki since the sun rises in the East and these locations are not in the East they’re north or west. The sun rises to the right of the palm trees in these images on this post (not oceanside). For Koolina, the sun will likely start to come up and over the palm trees about 1.5hrs after sunrise, so if you’re looking for some direct sunlight in your images it is possible for the 2nd mini session time slot, or with longer sessions (larger packages).

• Peaceful beaches before the crowds arrive, which happens quickly around 2 hours after sunrise

• Cooler temps

• The freedom to be done by or before 7:30 AM depending on the time of year and have the rest of the day to play

• If you want to start a little later, some locations allow that! So be sure to ask Marissa. However, you will not get the same colors like you do at sunrise, so keep that in mind.

Whether you’re taking senior portraits, family photos, or maternity or couples portraits, sunrise sessions check all the boxes.

Jet Lag = Your Secret Weapon

If you’re visiting from the mainland, jet lag actually works in your favor.

• West Coast visitors: Oahu is 2–3 hours behind

• East Coast visitors: Oahu is 5–6 hours behind

That means a 6:30 AM photo session will feel more like 8:30 or even 11:30 AM to your body. And the best part? Most people are already awake! However, not many people are on the beach like they are anytime after 8AM!

If you’re traveling from Australia, Japan/Asia, you will likely want to do a sunset session.

 How long does it take to adjust to the time change?

On average, it takes 1 day per hour of time difference to adjust to a new time zone. So your first 1–3 days on the island are ideal for a sunrise photo session.

Why Morning Works for Everyone

• Families with kids – Children under 8 are happiest at sunrise (especially if you are jet lagged) – but MAKE SURE to get your kids something to eat before your photo session :)

  • If you live on Oahu, or if you are NOT in the continental US or Canada, then sunset might be the best time for you

• High school & college seniors – Morning light is soft and flattering (and you still have the whole day ahead). Sunset photos are definitely possible for senior portraits as well especially if you live on Oahu! Some locations are prettier at sunrise though so check in with Marissa

• Expecting moms – You’ll feel more comfortable in the cooler morning temps where there are less people on the beach, and it will be easier to change if you have another outfit since there are less people around

• Couples – Whether it’s a honeymoon, engagement, or anniversary, sunrise gives you the most magical lighting with less distractions on the beach

And no matter your group type, it’s way easier to do photos first thing than to stop your fun in the afternoon, get everyone ready again, and drive to a beach at golden hour when you’re already wiped out.

Afternoon Sessions Sound Easy…but sometimes they might not be depending on the situation

• You have to interrupt your beach time or sightseeing to get ready

• You’re sweaty, sunburned, or tired (tip: schedule your photos early on in your trip before sunburns happen, or apply sunscreen!)

• The kids are cranky because its bedtime or dinnertime, or simply because its 12am where you live!

• KO’OLINA TRAVELERS: the beach near your hotel is typically going to be more crowded at sunset. The lagoons are off limits to professional photographers because it is owned by Ko’olina, not the hotels. The small cove near Aulani that has an even stretch of sand is often crowded at sunset. It fits only 2-3 families comfortably. If the monk seal is out sometimes that space is even more limited, so we would need to go to an uneven part of the beach, up on the rocks, etc. It gets crowded. However, at sunrise we don’t have this same issue and most of the time we are there with only 1 other photo session.

Sunrise sessions are calm, low-key, and done early. You’ll thank yourself later!

Convenient Sunrise Locations by Where You’re Staying

Ko Olina / West Side

Staying at:

• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

• Four Seasons Resort Oahu

• Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club

• Ko’olina Villas

You don’t have to leave Ko’olina. I’ll meet you right outside of Aulani, and we’ll walk to the location together and take photos at:

• 🌴 Paradise Cove Beach

• 🌊 Secret Beach behind the Four Seasons

Both spots are peaceful and stunning at sunrise—no car required, unless you want to drive to the free lot near Aulani/The Four Seasons to make it easier on you.

Waikiki & Honolulu

If you’re staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, you have even more location options—without battling traffic like Ko Olina guests might.

• 📍 Waikiki Beach – Beautiful even steps from your hotel if you’re at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in waikiki

• 🌺 Kahala Beach – 15 minutes away, peaceful with palm trees

• 🏖 East Oahu Beaches (Waimanalo, Lanikai, Makapu’u) – Just 35–40 minutes away with jaw-dropping views and soft morning light

This makes Waikiki a super convenient base for sunrise photo sessions, especially during your first few days in Hawaii.

Turtle Bay & North Shore

If you’re staying at:

• 🐢 Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore

• 🏄‍♂️ Airbnb/VRBO rentals in Laie, Kahuku, or Haleiwa

You’re in a dream location for sunrise photos! I regularly meet clients right in front of Turtle Bay for gorgeous oceanfront sessions, or we can take a short drive to:

• 🌊 Laie Beach – A nearby gem with open beach space, tide pools, and stunning light

There’s no need to leave the North Shore for amazing photos—we’ve got everything we need right there.

Summary: Why Sunrise is the Best Time for Photos on Oahu

• 🌞 Soft, golden lighting = flawless portraits

• 🕕 You’re already awake (thanks to jet lag!)

• 😃 Kids and adults are happier in the morning

• 🧘‍♀️ Less stress, less traffic, fewer people

• 🏖 Beautiful locations available wherever you’re staying

• ✅ Done early, so you can enjoy the rest of your day

Let’s Make It Happen!

Whether you’re a:

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family making Hawaii memories

• 👩‍🎓 Senior ready to celebrate a major milestone

• 💑 Couple in love

• 🤰 Mama-to-be looking for dreamy maternity photos

I’d love to capture your story with light-filled, natural, and timeless portraits.

Book your session with Marissa HB Photography:

• 🌺 Serving Ko Olina, Waikiki, Turtle Bay, Laie, Kailua, Waimanalo, and more

• 📧 Inquire here or email marissahbphoto@gmail.com

• 📸 Sessions available at sunrise and sunset, but sunrise is best for ease, lighting, and happy energy

Let’s create something beautiful while the island is still waking up. 🌞💛

FAQs

Do you only photograph families?
Not at all! I specialize in families, maternity, couples, and senior portraits—for both locals and visitors.

Can we choose our location?
Absolutely! I’ll recommend the best spots based on where you’re staying and your vision.

Is it worth doing a photo session if we’re only on Oahu for a few days?
Yes—especially in your first 1–3 days while you’re still adjusting to the time zone. It’s an easy and meaningful way to document your trip.

Do I need to drive far for a session?
Nope! I often meet clients right outside their hotel in Ko Olina, Waikiki, or Turtle Bay for beach sessions just steps away. However, some clients may need to walk 10-15 minutes along the ocean to get to the location, which I have been told is not a hard walk. If you do have access to a car, the locations that I shoot at in the morning typically will have free and easy parking, which is sometimes easier than walking as it is just a few minutes or so down the road if you have little ones (for waikiki and koolina).

How can I book a photo session?

Please email marissa.hbphoto@gmail.com or CLICK HERE to submit an inquiry. I typically respond within 24 hrs, sometimes within minutes! So definitely check your email ASAP!

READY TO BOOK A PHOTO SESSION?

 Email: Marissa.hbphoto@gmail.com