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I met this lovely family of three at Kahekili Beach for Ka’anapali sunset family photos. Little Kaden was the sweetest and full of energy and personality, but also really engaged in the session!

I usually start family sessions with a more structured and directed approach where we walk and get those formal photos, and then towards the end we play more and get lots of beautiful candid photos of the kids being themselves!

Family photo at sunset on Kahekili Beach Lahaina Maui
Couple posing at sunset on the beach on Maui
Family playing at Kahekili Beach Kaanapali for sunset family photos
Boy having fun running at beach at Kahekili Beach Maui family photo session
Sunset family photo session at Kahekili Beach Lahaina Maui
Mom and son drawing in sand at Kahekili Beach photo session in Lahaina Maui
Lahaina Kahekili Beach family photos mother and son embrace

Sometimes I let kids press the shutter on my camera to get them comfortable with the whole idea of having photos taken. Kaden “helped” me take this photo of his parents–he’s hired!

The Westin Kaanapali Resorts and Villas
Family vacation at the Westin Kaanapali Resorts and Villas

My favorite heartfelt moment was when Kaden gently and carefully put the lei on his mom!

son putting lei on mom for family photos at the Westin Kaanapali Resorts and Villas Maui
son and mom at family photos at the Westin Kaanapali Resorts and Villas

Those spunky grins and giggles over his dad’s shoulder are a close second, though!

dad and son at beach in front of the Westin Kaanapali Resorts and Villas for sunset family photos
dad and son at beach for sunset  sunset family photos
dad and son at beaching Kaanapali for sunset family photos

We spend the next hour walking on the grass then sand, drawing in the sand, and running on the beach. I kept him engaged and connected by asking silly questions and his answers were so fun and full of personality! 

What’s your favorite food? Bulgogi and Rice!

What’s your favorite vehicle? 4Runner!

What’s your favorite ocean animal? Bubbles!

When the session was almost over, they even got to standing in the waves!

family sunset Kaanapali beach photography Maui
family splashing in the waves for family photos in Kaanapali Maui
Mom and son in the waves for sunset family photos on Maui

About the Location for this Maui Family Photo Shoot

As for the location, Kahekili Beach is a yellow sand beach along a landscaped boardwalk right in front of The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas. It’s perfect for whale watching and just as I stepped on the beach, I saw a super close breach (30 feet away)!

The downside of this location is that it gets very busy for sunset, but I worked some composition magic and managed to make it look like there was no one there but us!

As the sun set we got the beautiful golden light that bathes the beach in warm yellows. 

What To Wear For Your Family Photos

Family wearing leis at the beach for family photos on Maui

If you’re wondering what to wear to your family beach session, here is a great example of minimal, natural family outfits. Father and son are wearing gray shorts and white linen button ups, and mom chose a white maxi lace dress, which adds some texture to the whole wardrobe.

We accessorized with ti leis for the boys and a white tuberose lei for mom. No shoes needed.

Here’s a Pinterest board on Wardrobe Styling For Family Photos.

Related Posts

Making Your Family Photo Session Stress-Free and Fun

What To Wear For Your Maui Family Photo Session

How to Pose For Family Photos

Ka’anapali Family Photos

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Maui Family Photographer | Maui Babymoon Photographer | Maui Elopement Photographer