What to Wear for Hawaii Family Photos: Complete Guide for Beach Sessions

🌴 What to Wear for Hawaii Family Photos (without losing your mind)

Let’s be honest: figuring out what to wear for family photos on the beach in Oahu can feel like a deceptively complicated question. You want something flattering, something that feels like you, and something that won’t betray you the minute you sit in the sand or get splashed by a rogue wave.

After years of watching families show up in everything from office wear to full aloha print chaos, I’ve learned what photographs beautifully—and what doesn’t. This guide is your shortcut to outfits that are comfortable, timeless, and actually work with the beach, not against it.

👗 Start With Yourself (Yes, Really)

Before you start wrangling your kids into something other than pajamas, start with your outfit. Find something you love—something that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and a little fabulous. Once you’ve got that, build the rest of the family’s outfits around you.

And no, you don’t need to match. In fact, please don’t. Coordinating colors and styles looks far more natural and modern than identical polos. Plus, you don’t feel as conspicuous on the beach.

🏖 Two Styles That Work Beautifully for Beach Family Photo Outfits

1. Beach Casual: Balance comfort with style in Hawaii’s climate

For women and girls:

Think: a little dressed up, but still ready to chase your toddler across the sand.

• Flowy dresses, rompers, and linen pants
• Soft textures like lace or knits (you’ll welcome a light sweater at sunrise during cooler months)
• Light, breathable fabrics that move in the breeze and dry quickly

For men and boys:

You honestly have it easy. A fitted short-sleeve button-down and flat-front shorts will carry you all the way to golden hour. Look for stretch hybrid shorts (surf brands are great for these).

2. Beach Ready: Let’s Get Sandy

If you’re planning to play in the water (and I hope you are), you’ll want:

• Board shorts, beach dresses, quick-dry fabrics
• Simple patterns or solid colors
• Coverups, straw hats, rash guards, and light layers

Avoid big logos, cartoon characters, and anything that might be considered office wear (pencil skirts, sheath dresses, I would even reconsider long-sleeved button downs most of the year because of the heat). You’ll thank yourself later.

👶 What About Dressing Babies and Toddlers?

Babies are already adorable. Keep it simple so the clothes don’t compete.

Yes, Please:

• Fitted onesies, soft rompers
• Dresses (for walkers) with a diaper cover
• Light sweaters for breezy mornings
• A full change of clothes (or two)
• Tiny swimsuits or bare bottoms always adorable

Probably Not:

• Big bows, floppy headbands, thick scratchy fabrics, busy aloha prints and oversized outfits

Best Fabrics for Beach Photography

What works in humidity and wind

When it comes to choosing outfits for your family beach photo session in Hawaii, fabric matters just as much as color. The right materials not only look beautiful in photos—they help you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to play. Lightweight fabrics like linen, cotton gauze, rayon, and soft knits are ideal. They breathe well in the tropical air, catch the breeze in dreamy ways, and dry quickly if you dip a toe (or your whole toddler) in the water. Textured fabrics like crinkled cotton or open weave knits add visual interest without being fussy.

What to avoid (wrinkles, transparency issues)

On the flip side, you’ll want to skip anything stiff, clingy, or shiny—like heavy cotton that shows every splash, thick denim that restricts movement, or satin and polyester blends that reflect light awkwardly and don’t breathe well. Your best bet? Something you’d wear to a relaxed dinner after a beach day—not to a wedding or a winter hike.

🌈 Hawaii Family Photo Color Schemes

Most people gravitate to white, khaki and blue but that’s like beach camouflage and it’s nice to blend with your surroundings but no need to disappear. You can still use those colors if you like, but mix it up and add in color. Color Palettes That Work Best in Hawaii:

Beach Friendly Color Schemes:

• Natural and timeless: earth tones, olive, sand, dusty rose and gold. My personal favorite color scheme against the backdrop of Hawaii.
• Soft and romantic: muted pinks, blues, light grays, and cream
• Bright and happy: bold, rich tones that feel joyful without screaming for attention (perfect for water play!)
• For more color ideas check out these Beach Color Palettes

Colors to Avoid and Why:

• Neon and metallics/shiny fabrics – They reflect oddly on skin and surroundings
• Bright white – Turns see-through when wet and doesn’t photograph well. Minimize the amount of white or opt cream or off-white with texture which are much more photogenic.
• Heavy black – A portable oven in the Hawaiian sun. Minimize it.

Footwear considerations (or going barefoot)

The vast majority (99%?) of beach photo sessions take place barefoot. Easy on/off sandals are a convenient way to get you there and back without stepping on pokey things.

Accessorizing appropriately

Most family sessions are a little bit wild and windy so leave valuable jewelry at home. I’ve had fun-loving clients get caught up in play and drop diamonds and precious heirlooms in the sand. Avoid the stress and leave them at home.

Hats, sunglasses, colorful beach blankets, and coverups on the other hand are always welcome to the party.

💦 Want to Get in the Water? You Should.

The ocean isn’t just a backdrop—it’s where the good stuff happens. Water play turns family photos on the beach in Oahu from “smile for the camera” into pure, joyful chaos. If you’re planning to get wet (and I hope you are), choosing what to wear for family photos on the beach in Oahu can make all the difference between feeling self-conscious and feeling free.

If you’re unsure about being photographed in a swimsuit, I get it. Here are a few options for modesty and sun protection options that look good:

1. Cover More: Rash guards, long-sleeved one-pieces, stylish suits with more coverage
2. Cover Up: Pair your suit with a tunic, sarong, or light dress
3. Go Deep: Let the water cover you—kneeling or sitting can feel less exposed
4. Appoint a Water Ambassador: Not feeling it? Let someone else be the splash star (dad, grandma, willing aunt)

Want more detail? Check out this post with photo examples to help you find your style.

🧺 Putting These Beach Photoshoot Clothing Tips All Together

Now that you’ve got a handle on what to wear for family photos on the beach in Oahu, don’t panic-shop. Start with what’s in your closet and build from there. Mix textures, balance colors, and make sure everyone can move, sit, and play. If you’re stuck, throw the options on a bed and text me a photo—I’m happy to weigh in.

Need more inspo for family photo styling Hawaii? Check out my Pinterest boards for all the color:

• Beach Casual
• Beach Ready + Swimwear
• Moody Beach Vibes
• Beach Color Palettes

Want to see Real Examples from Our Sessions?

• Comfortable, neutral, timeless
• Bright pop of color
• Neutral start transitioning into bright swimwear
• Simple, colorful comfort transitioning into swimwear
• Cute, colorful and beach ready!
• Color and comfort for a family of 5
• Coordinating outfits for a group without looking like a uniform

🌺 Final Thoughts: Make It Comfortable, Make It Yours

Family photos on the beach in Oahu don’t need to be stiff or overly styled. Wear something that lets you move, laugh, and connect. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.

Whether you’re twirling in a dress at sunrise or chasing waves in quick-dry shorts at sunset, your clothing should support the story, not steal the scene.

And if in doubt? Ask yourself: can I sit in this? Can I splash in this? Can I hug a sandy kid in this?

If yes—your Oahu photography session preparation is done and you just need to book your family photography. Head this way friend!