Kaaawa Beach Park is a sliver of beach on Oahu where the North Shore and Windward coasts meat at the end of the Koolau Mountain Range. Its right along the Kamehameha Highway.
Much of the coast has been washed away. Parking is limited to two spots near the bathhouse and one handicap space. But there is plenty of street parking along the rails and washed out concrete.
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North Shore Oahu Photography
Kaaawa Beach Park is one of my favorite spots on all of the North Shore for family photography in Hawaii a few reasons. It has bright blue water, soft sand, palm trees, and stunning views of the mountains all in one place. Oh! And very few crowds!
- Bright blue water
- Soft sand
- Room to play
- Palm Trees
- Mountains
- No crowds
It also satisfies some of my mama needs like easy parking, bathrooms and showers!
Hi! I’m Alison, your chaos coordinator, toddler briber, and parent commiserator. Oh! And Oahu family photographer!
As the ringleader of my own 4-boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be.
I run my photo session like a party. I give you something TO DO so you don’t feel awkward wondering, “Where do I put my HANDS?!”
Dad is playing with the kids, everyone forgets what’s ACTUALLY happening, and you look amazing bc you’re actually enjoying yourself. #whoknewphotoscouldbefun
Fast. Fun. Done.
What I look for in beach photo locations
As a mom, I want my kids to have the freedom to move and be themselves (read: loud)
- Soft sand
- Easy parking
- Easy to get to
- Room to run
- Few crowds (so we don’t disturb at anyone)
- Toilets and showers, if possible
As a photographer, I want easy accessibility, few crowds, soft sand to play in, and good light. Always good light!
- Soft sand to play in
- easy parking
- Easy to get to
- Room to run and play
- Few crowds to get in our way
- Great light – always.
So basically the same things!
North Shore Photography
The North Shore is huge. Its a very long coast with beaches facing both the east and the west so you can get ideal sunrises or sunsets. Rock formation vary and the crowds can be pretty heavy at some of the more frequented areas like Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa and Waimea Valley.
But because its so big, you can easily escape the crowds.
Its also very convenient to Turtle Bay Resort!
What you wear matters
I tried to avoid it for years. But the fact is it matters.
It may not make or break the anything, but planning out the details of undergarments, colors and movement will go a long way to a great experience and even better photos!
Get every tip, trick, and clothing idea I have from 12 years experience all in one place.
Kaaawa Beach Park
Kaaawa Beach Park has all my needs both as a mama and a photographer:
- Bright blue water
- Soft sand
- Room to play
- Palm Trees
- Mountains
- No crowds
But as a mom, I want to be easy for my clients to access and clean up with:
- Easy parking
- Bathrooms
- Showers
Not only is it easy to park at Kaaawa Beach Park, its a VERY short walk from the car to the water!
Kaaawa Beach Swing
Kaaawa Beach Park does not have a beach swing but is often confused with Kahana & Kalae’o’io beaches nearby.
Kaaawa Beach Park Family Photos Hawaii
This family session was done early in the morning just before the heat of the day. It was a long drive, but the photos were done and the rest of the day was wide open!
More Hawaii Family Photos Resources
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
Alison's Process
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