Your senior year only happens once, and so does a family trip to Hawaii with everyone actually in the same place at the same time. If those two things are overlapping for you, Hawaii senior photos are one of the best decisions you can make while you’re here.

I’m Marissa, a Native Hawaiian photographer on Oahu. I photograph graduating seniors alongside their families, both visiting and local, and there are two ways to do it depending on what matters most to you.

Package details vary, so reach out for current collections, or CLICK HERE FOR THE INVESTMENT PAGE.

READY TO BOOK?

CLICK HERE to submit an INQUIRY and I will email you within 24 hrs or less, or go ahead and text me at 808-997-4642.

Option 1: One session, everything together

We photograph your senior and your family in the same session at one location.

This is the efficient choice, and it works beautifully. We start with the full family, move through parent and sibling combinations, then spend the rest of the time on your senior. One morning, one location.

Best for: families on a packed itinerary, anyone who wants both sets of images without giving up two mornings, and seniors who would rather not be the center of attention for a full hour.

Option 2: Two separate sessions, two different locations

We split it. One session focused on your senior, one on the family, on different days and at two completely different beaches.

This is the option families are usually surprised by, and it’s the one I recommend when the senior photos really matter. Here’s why.

You get two entirely different backdrops. Sunrise at a palm lined beach on one day, a rugged coastline or a quieter cove on the next, or whatever you are envisioning! Your senior’s gallery and then your family’s gallery.

Your senior gets real time. A full session with just them means room for outfit changes, more variety in posing, and the kind of relaxed pace where someone actually stops worrying about everyone looking at them and starts being themselves.

Nobody is waiting around. Younger siblings don’t have to stand politely through a senior session, and your senior doesn’t have to wait through family combinations.

You double your chances with weather and light.

Best for: families who want senior photos as the priority rather than an add on, seniors with multiple outfits, and anyone staying long enough to give it two mornings. The senior session in these images included multiple outfits and different backgrounds – at the same location.

Where we’ll shoot

I match locations to what you want the photos to feel like.

Waikiki gives you the iconic Hawaii look, palm trees, Diamond Head in the distance, soft sunrise color on the water. It photographs like a postcard and it’s the easiest option if you’re staying in town.

Kahala is quieter and more tucked away, with a mix of palms, soft sand, and ocean views, about fifteen minutes from Waikiki. Lovely when you want the beauty without the foot traffic. There are a nice amount of backgrounds here that we can work with.

Ko Olina works well if you’re staying on the west side, with calm coves, palm trees, and rocks that give a senior session some structure to work with.

Kailua, Laie, Waimanalo, Sandy Beach, Turtle Bay are the rugged options. Open coastline, fewer people, and a completely different mood from anything in town. This is going to be windier (typically) so keep that in mind if you’re looking for polished images without wind. The 3 previous locations are typically not as windy as these spots.

If you’re doing two sessions, we’ll pick two that contrast rather than two that look similar.

Sunrise or sunset for Hawaii senior photos?

Sunrise is my usual recommendation. The light is soft and flattering, the beaches are close to empty, and it’s cool enough that hair and makeup hold up. If you’re visiting from the mainland, jet lag has you awake at 5am anyway for the first few days, so use it.

Sunset works too, especially for local seniors who don’t have a trip schedule to work around, and especially on the west side. Some locations simply photograph better at one or the other, so I’ll tell you honestly which applies to the spot you pick. Keep in mind, most locations that are closer to Honolulu or Ko Olina are typically going to be very crowded at sunset vs. sunrise.

What should a senior wear?

Bring two or three options if we have the time for changes. A good spread looks like this.

One outfit that feels like Hawaii. Flowy fabric, soft neutrals or whites, something that moves in the breeze. This is the look people picture when they think of senior photos taken here. Add a lei po’o , lei, flower for more of a Hawaii feel.

One that feels like you at home. Jeans and a simple top, whatever you actually wear. These end up being the photos your mom loves most because they look like her kid.

One dressier option if you want it. Something for the graduation announcement. Add in your cap and gown if you bring it along! We can also get a shot of a sweatshirt or anything with the college you are going to, etc. It is your session, so we can make it unique for you!

Go barefoot. It always looks right on the sand. And a fresh lei po’o from a local lei maker is beautiful in senior photos, and it keeps hair out of your face in the trade winds.

For the family session, pick one soft palette and dress everyone within it rather than matching exactly. Not to worry, for family photos, I have a style and vendor guide that will help you with selecting and coordinating outfits.

How to book

1. Send me your dates. Contact me here with your travel dates, your senior’s name, and who else will be in the photos.

2. Tell me which option sounds right. One session or two. If you’re not sure, I’ll help you decide based on your schedule and what you want out of it.

3. Get your prep guide. Locations, meeting spots, timing, and outfit help, sent after you book.

4. Show up. I’ll handle the rest!

Hawaii senior photos FAQs

Can we do senior photos and family photos in one session? Yes, and plenty of families do. We prioritize whichever matters more to you and split the time accordingly. If senior photos are the priority, I’d gently suggest two sessions instead.

How long does a senior session take? This will differ – please reach out to Marissa. On average for 2-3 outfits it would be 60 minutes. For just 1 outfit it could be less.

Can my senior do outfit changes? Yes, with enough time. This is one of the main reasons families choose two separate sessions. 1 outfit- 20 minutes, 2 outfits – 40 minutes, 3 outfits – 60 minutes

What if my senior hates having their photo taken? Most of them do at first. I don’t do stiff posing, I give direction if I am noticing that they are feeling shy and I have them move. Most warm up after a few images. Parents tell me afterward that they didn’t expect their kid to have fun.

Do you photograph local Hawaii seniors, not just visitors? Absolutely. Local seniors often have more scheduling flexibility, which means sunset sessions and weekday mornings are on the table.

Can siblings be in the senior photos? Yes, and I love those frames. Siblings who are about to live in different states for the first time tend to hug differently than usual. Typically I would do this in the family session, but if you are only doing a senior session you’re welcome to add siblings.

Can we do senior photos on more than one island? I photograph on Oahu but sometimes on other islands as well, so definitely reach out and share your dates.

Let’s capture this year

Senior year goes fast, and a trip where everyone is together goes even faster. Whether you want everything in one morning or two sessions at two beaches, I’d love to photograph it.

Inquire here with your dates. I respond personally, usually within hours and always the same day. Mahalo!