Kona Family Photographer: Stunning Morning at the Four Seasons Hualalei

✈️ A temporary Kona Family Photographer

Bleary-eyed but excited, I boarded the 6:00 a.m. flight from Honolulu to Kona—cameras, water housing, lenses, batteries, beach toys, and a suspicious-looking assortment of prisms and copper pipes in tow. (Pro tip: nothing says “random bag check” like a family photographer’s carry-on.)

I’ve been lucky to work all over the islands, but getting hired as a Kona family photographer for a returning client? That’s something special. This time, I was capturing both photos and video, so every zipper on my gear bag got an extra double-check.

While the regular interisland commuters claimed their usual aisle seats, I bee-lined for the window. If I have to fly this early, I’m at least getting a front-row seat to the sunrise show. The clouds glowed pink and gold over the island-dotted Pacific, and I started the day the way I love most sessions to begin—in soft light, calm air, and quiet anticipation. By 7:00 a.m., I was sliding into the resort parking lot, ready to get sandy and make some magic.

💛 Returning Families Are a Treat

I first photographed this sweet family during a vacation in Ko Olina on Oʻahu. They were curious about something new and added a family film to their photo session. Turns out, it was their favorite part—the kids watched it on loop for months, reliving their own joy like it was a Pixar short made just for them.

This time, they wanted more—but with a twist. Instead of Oʻahu, they picked the lava-lined coastline of Kona on the Big Island.

🌴 Four Seasons Hualālai: A Dreamy Backdrop for Photos

As a Kona family photographer, I can confirm: this place delivers. Tucked within a sea of black lava rock, the Four Seasons Hualālai is a lush oasis where palm trees sway and flower-filled garden paths lead to quiet coves and crashing surf. It’s the kind of place where vacation slows down and childhood joy speeds up.

I kept logistics simple by staying at the resort, ready for an easy morning session. The grounds were quiet. The tide pools shimmered. But the ocean? Not today. The kids had their hearts set on the pool—and honestly, I couldn’t blame them.

💦 Following the Fun: A Session by the Pool

With the beach as a backdrop and a shaded hot tub tucked in the corner, the pool became our playground. The kids bounced between warm and cool water like it was a competitive sport. The laughter didn’t stop. And while it wasn’t what any of us had planned, it turned out to be exactly what we needed.

At Little Bird, I’ve learned the best sessions happen when you follow the kids’ lead. We wrapped up with another set of memories—sun-soaked, joy-filled, and beautifully true to them.

📸 Planning Your Own Family Photo Session in Kona?

If you’re visiting the Big Island and thinking about booking a Kona family photographer, I’d love to help make it something more than just “stand and smile” photos. At Little Bird, I focus on connection and fun—so the experience is just as good as the final images.

Curious what that looks like? Take a peek at other sessions along the Kona Coast here and here..

Let’s make some salty, sunlit memories of your own.