Koolina Family Pictures | Best Family Vacation Ever

Memories of a Lifetime Ago

Once upon a time, I attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. A thriving college town tucked among the cornfields in the middle of nowhere. I remember making the long drive from Chicago where I grew up and passing sign after sign with towns proudly boasting populations of 64, 32, 118 … It was as if every member of those communities was tracked and accounted for.

It feels like many lifetimes ago. When Louise reached out to book a session during their upcoming Hawaii vacation, I was surprised to discover they were from Champaign, Illinois. The whole family, including sisters and her dad were excited to make the long trip.

A Morning of Koolina Family Pictures

We met on a balmy winter morning at Paradise Cove in Koolina. They were staying at Disney’s Aulani resort so only had to make a short walk to the beach for Koolina family pictures. Our session started a little rocky as the baby was fighting a cold and the oldest stubbed her toe as soon as we reached the beach. Fortunately, the happy adult energy was infectious enough to get the kids back to the business of fun. They came around slowly as the sun began to warm the little cove. First a toe in the water and then a splash. Quickly the fun escalated and they proved to be real water lovers. They beamed with delight as they splashed and streaked through the surf. Maybe it was in their warm, open demeanor or their readiness to laugh, but our session sailed by too quickly.  I’ve lived all over the country and abroad and have never felt nostalgia for Illinois, but this family. They felt like home. Hopefully, we’ll meet again.

Do you need Koolina family pictures?

Let’s venture off the beaten path during your time in Hawaii to explore and laugh with your family under the warm Hawaiian sun. Find out more about my fun family photography sessions here.