Kauai Family Photographer in Stunning Hanalei Bay

The Trials of a Kauai Family Photographer

You know that beginning scene from the original (and best) Jurassic Park? The one where the helicopter descends deep into the jungle alonside a roaring waterfall? That’s Mount Waiʻaleʻale on Kauai. It regularly competes for rainiest spot on earth. That Jurassic Park scene is what I had in my head when Caitlin asked me to photograph her family on the Garden Isle.

I’ve traveled to Big Island and Maui many times for family photo sessions, but never Kauai. Being a Kauai family photographer must be an an anxious affair. When the weather is good, the island is a verdant green, dripping with waterfalls in the soft evening light. But when it is bad, it’s a socked-in rain-soaked disaster.

I called a photographer friend on Kauai and asked her if booking a photo session at Hanalei Bay in December was pure insanity. She told me my odds were about 50:50. I debated for days, but the lure of a beautiful evening in Hanalei with a fun family won in the end. We set a date (and backup date, and backup for the backup date) and I booked the flights. Hanalei was pulling me.

The Session

Caitlin is a wellness whiz living a super chill, enviable life in Byron Bay, Australia (you can find her inspiring story here). Living far from her family in the States is hard though, so they schedule regular family reunions and meet in the middle. They bounced around to different islands in the past, but ultimately fell in love with the vibe and beauty of Hanalei Bay. I have to say Hawaii isn’t too shabby for a “meet you in the middle” spot.

Leading up to to the session, the forecast was grim. There was a 60-80% chance of rain and the winds were expected to howl. I gritted my teeth and continually refreshed Weather Underground from my office in Oahu hoping for better news. Good news finally came the day I landed at Lihue airport. Clouds began to scatter and gale force winds were sedated, leaving waterfalls and rainbows in its wake. I drove to their beach rental with a feeling of lightness and anticipation for a stunning beach evening.

Do you have a special trip to Hawaii planned for your family?

Why not make the most of your time on island. We’ll plan a fun day so you can take home beautiful memories. Find out more about my fun family photography sessions here.