Kualoa Beach Park is one of the best spots to get both mountains and beach in one location – but its different than Waimanalo. Kualoa Beach Park sits just across the road from Kualoa Ranch – a popular tourist destination and where much of Jurassic Park was filmed.
Kualoa Beach is 51 minutes by car from Waikiki on the Windward side of Oahu. It sits on the north end of Kanehoe Bay overlooking Chinaman’s Hat. Compared to other beach parks, Kualoa Park is far bigger with lots more to do – including camping! See my top 3 things to do a Kualoa Beach Park.
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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).
As a photographer, I want:
- Easy accessibility
- Few crowds
- Soft sand to play in
- Good light. Always good light!
Kualoa Beach Park brings all of that together in one place.
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.
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What I love about Kualoa Beach Park Oahu
My favorite thing about Kualoa Beach is having both the mountains, the beach and the palms in one location. They’re not close enough to photograph in the same frame, but you could certainly use both settings in the same session!
Kualoa beach has soft sand and wide beaches are perfect for running and playing – even for babies. The water is gentle year round (unlike the North Shore). The water is several shades of blue and Chinaman’s Hat (an islet) sits out in the harbor. There are tall palms too!
What’s unique about Kualoa is the KoOlau mountains just across the road. There’s a large grassy field just inside the beach park that gives a spectacular view of the mountains. They’re close so they give dramatic scale in the photos – and its safe! You’re not on the road, or even close to a road. There’s space to run and scream!
Kualoa beach is pretty far from Waikiki but, its a BEAUTIFUL drive through the mountains on Likelike Highway.
What I don’t love about Kualoa Beach
While the water is beautiful and calm, theres a cement barricade in the middle of the water! Its visible in in the background of photos from most angles (but not all!)
Crowds – This place is super popular for all the reasons I mentioned above. Any given evening there are 2-5 photographers with families in the field.
Dirty sand – I don’t mean dirty with trash, but just natural, black organic matter in the sand – leaves, bark, etc. It makes the sand look dirty, and it shows in photos.
Have you thought about family photos while you’re in Hawai’i?
Its photo season year-round here in Hawaii and I want you to take advantage of it!
Take home the bright skies, warm air and blue water to relive it over and over because you’ll never experience this place with the kids these ages ever again.
This is your one shot. Take it!
As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be. I’m here to change that.
If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would …but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between. That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.
Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?
I only accept two families a week, so if you have dates, reach out to Alison Bell, Photographer now.
How to get to Kualoa Regional Beach Park from Honolulu or Waikiki
Getting there is super simple!
From Waikiki, take the H1 to exit 20 A for Highway 63 or Likelike Highway. Follow Likelike through the tunnel. Highway 63 will merge with 83 and you’ll simply follow the road until you reach Kualoa Regional Beach Park on the right!
Secret Island Tours from Kualoa Ranch
Another way to experience Kualoa Beach is through the full and half day tours from Kualoa Ranch. Their property sits directly across the 83 from the beach. They call it “Secret Island tour.” Obviously not very secret if its on Google Maps, right?
But the tour is just a day at Kualoa Beach!
Kualoa Beach Park Family Photos
These are some of my favorite mountain view family photos taken at Kualoa Beach Park.
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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!
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