What to Wear for Your Hawaii Family Photos

Planning your Hawaii family photo session is exciting — you’re already dreaming of sandy toes, swaying palms, and that incredible turquoise water. 🌊 But one of the biggest questions I get as an Oahu family photographer is: “Will you help us figure out what to wear for our family photos in Hawaii?”

The good news? With the right outfit choices, your photos will look timeless, comfortable, and perfectly matched to Hawaii’s dreamy backdrop. Here are my best tips to help you style your family session.

1. Choose the right colors for your Oahu Family photo session

Hawaii’s beaches are filled with soft golden sand and bright blue water, so outfits in neutral tones and pastels photograph beautifully. Think:

• Soft blues, greens, creams, whites, tan, blush pinks, etc.

• Light muted colors work well!

• Avoid neon brights or loud logos that distract from your family

Pro tip: Off white linen or flowy dresses are gorgeous at sunrise or sunset

2. For Hawaii Photos, Flowy, Comfortable Fabrics Work Best

It’s Hawaii — there’s always a breeze! Fabrics like linen, cotton, and chiffon add natural movement and keep you cool. Moms often love maxi dresses or skirts that catch the wind for that “effortless” look. Dresses with flowy sleeves and trains that are 3/4 to maxi length are so pretty in photos!

3. Matching Hawaii Family Photos or Coordinate?

Aim for a cohesive color palette that coordinates vs. matches completely for your photo session.

For example:

• Dad in a light blue shirt + khaki shorts

• Mom in a flowy cream dress

• Kids in soft blues, blush, or sandy tones

This way, your outfits feel connected without looking overly “matchy.” If you’re going for the matchy look that is OK too. These are your photos after all!

4. For Hawaii Beach Photos – No shoe rule!

Ok ,its not really a rule, but Hawaiis ocean water is so warm you won’t need your shoes for this beach photo session. If you’d like to wear them for part of your session, go with sandals or simple slip-ons. If your session is at Koolina do NOT wear heels or platform shoes because you will need to walk over a rocky area. It can get tricky stepping on rocks with platform heels!

5. Consider the Setting & Time of Day

• Sunrise at Lanikai or Ko’Olina: Softer pastels look stunning in the direct morning sunlight.

• Waikiki, Kahala or Kailua: Warmer tones like coral, tan, or earthy neutrals glow against the golden sun.

6. Plan for the Kids

For little ones, comfort is everything. Flowy dresses for girls and cotton rompers or shorts with light tops for boys look great and allow them to move freely. However, the clothing should fit just right. Just be aware that loose straps like overalls will fall throughout the session. Bring a backup outfit (just in case someone has an accident). Outfits with flutter sleeves that are not soft often obstruct the face, so try to stay away from that style for little ones.

7. Add Texture, Layers & Accessories

Textures like lace, crochet, or subtle prints photograph beautifully. Add accessories like a straw hat (sometimes hats can blow in the wind so use it as an option and not the only option), flower crown (lei po‘o), Kukui nut lei, maile lei for men for that authentic Hawaii touch.

Where to Shop for Your Hawaii Photo Session Outfits

If you don’t find inspiration in your closet, here are some favorite shops to find looks perfect for Hawaii beach photos:

• For Mom: Joyfolie, Free People, Vici, Baltic Born, and Anthropologie all offer feminine dresses with flowy fabrics, textures, and movement — perfect for the breeze on the beach.

• For Dad: Marine Layer, Faherty, Buck Mason, Gap, and Banana Republic carry casual-yet-polished options like button-downs, chinos

• For Kids: Zara, Rylee + Cru, and H&M are great for affordable and stylish kids’ outfits that are comfortable enough to play in.

• For Baby: Spearmint Love, Jamie Kay, or Quincy Mae have soft rompers and neutral pieces that photograph beautifully.

• For the Pup: If your furry family member is joining, Chewy.com has adorable outfits and even plaid shirts for pets.

Pro tip: Amazon is always a reliable option for quick shipping and easy returns if you’re short on time before your Hawaii trip.

Quick Checklist: What to Wear for Hawaii Family Photos

• Light, neutral, muted or pastel colors

• Flowy fabrics (linen, cotton, chiffon)

• If you have the choice between white and off white always choose off white
• Go with softer fabrics (not stretchy), instead of fabric that is stiff and wrinkles easily

• Barefoot or simple sandals

• Outfits that coordinate, not match

• Comfort for kids (plus backups!)

• Subtle textures & accessories

Final Tip: Be Yourself

The most important thing? Choose outfits that feel natural to you. If you’re comfortable, your photos will feel relaxed, authentic, and full of love — exactly the way your Hawaii vacation should be remembered.

✨ Ready to book your Hawaii family photo session with Oahu Family Photographer, Marissa of Marissa HB Photography?

I’d love to help capture your trip to Oahu. Click here to get in touch.

About Marissa HB Photography

Marissa HB is an award-winning Oahu family photographer known for her dreamy, light-filled images of families, couples, maternity sessions, and newborns on the beach. With over 8 years of experience, Marissa specializes in creating timeless photos for families on vacation in Hawaii — capturing genuine connections and beautiful backdrops like Lanikai, Ko Olina, and Waikiki.