Baby in the park | Honolulu family portraits

Normally, I stay far, far away from Waikiki when planning photo sessions. It’s crowded and loud and urban, which makes it fantastically interesting, but not exactly an idyllic backdrop for family portraits. But Waikiki is baby Zoe’s home. She lives high in the sky with views of deep valleys and rainbows. I shared that view for a few years and have to say, it’s real and as good as it sounds.

They avoid trips to the beach to keep this fair-skinned cherub out of the sun, but often take long evening strolls out to Magic Island. Magic Island was looking a little rough after a couple of dry summer months, so but I discovered a cozy pocket in the back of Kapiolani park instead. We found a soft grassy spot to lay out a blanket and play. Well, we actually made a soft spot. Anyone notice the vicious long-thorned kiawe in the background? I scoured the area and carefully removed branches and bits of thorn. Right after, I saw this shot and threw myself on the ground to get the best perspective and managed to impale myself on the kiawe I just cleared. Eh, it was worth it.

We ended the evening with a stroll over to Kaimana Beach where Zoe got her first taste of the ocean. Her baby toes tentatively touched the sand but when the first wave hit, she decided she wasn’t a fan. This family recently had to move to the mainland so these images of their time as a family in Hawaii take on an extra level of significance.

Is your time in Hawaii limited? Let’s make some great memories before you have to leave! Find out about my fun family photography sessions here.