Best places to take photos in Maui, Hawaii
Each of the Hawaiian Islands has something unique to offer, but there’s just something about Maui that pulls at our heartstrings. Maybe it’s the lush landscapes, the pristine beaches, the tiny Molokini Crater just off the coast, the famous Hana Highway…or maybe it’s a little bit of everything! Maui truly has everything to offer, including endless opportunities for magnificent photos. If you’re compiling a list of must-photograph spots, here are the top ten places to take photos in Maui. 🌴
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TLDR
- Find shade under a palm tree at Ulua Beach.
- Watch the sunset on Po’olenalena Beach.
- Search for sea turtles at Kapalua Bay.
- Explore the beach town near Baldwin Beach Park.
- Try surfing at White Rock Beach.
- Pose on the boardwalk along Keawakapu Beach.
- Shop along Front Street in Lahaina.
- Rent snorkels at D.T. Fleming Beach.
- Admire the waves crashing ashore at Polo Beach.
- Take a road trip along the road to Hana.
Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Emily and partner capture memories in Maui with a proposal photoshoot at Kapalua Ironwoods.
1. Ulua Beach, South Shore
This family-friendly beach on the south shore has a little bit of everything — lush forests, fun boardwalks, soft sand, and hidden alcoves! The gentle waves breaking along the shoreline make it the perfect location for even little ones to splash in the water, and the soft sand invites you to leave your shoes behind. A winding boardwalk lined with palm trees is an accessible and picturesque location for all members of the family. During the day, this is a popular spot for snorkeling 🤿, and at sunset, the sky is painted in an array of pastel colours you don’t want to miss.
Photo: Amity in Maui for Flytographer. Tiffany and partner capture memories in Maui with an anniversary photoshoot on Ulua Beach.
2. Po’olenalena Beach, South Shore
This beautiful, quiet, and sunset-friendly beach on the south shore is the perfect spot for a relaxed evening of sky-gazing with your honey. Although it’s just minutes down the road from bustling Kihei, it feels like a secret (yet convenient!) getaway. The borders of the beach are blanketed in lush greenery, the water glitters with infinite shades of blue, and the dark rocks provide beautiful contrast in an array of Hawaiian colours. Find your perch on a lava rock or under the swaying palms to watch the sun slowly set on the horizon. 🌅 Just a short drive away is Makena State Park, a beautiful must-see!
Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Lily and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot on Po’olenalena Beach.
3. Kapalua Bay, West Shore
The gorgeous, calm waters of Kapalua Bay Beach are vivid blue and one of the classic Hawaiian places to take photos in Maui. This little beach is a big family favourite for the wide grassy overlook on the far side, with views of the islands of Molokai and Lanai in the distance. Keep your eyes peeled for a friendly honu (Hawaiian for “sea turtle” 🐢) popping out of the water. You can even rent paddleboards directly on the beach to float on the calm waters in the bay.
Looking for a hidden gem? Just a bit north of Kapalua is the Nakalele Blowhole. This ocean blowhole shooting between a heart-shaped rock is a must-see!
Photo: Rojeena in Maui for Flytographer. Davine and partner capture memories in Maui with an anniversary photoshoot at Kapalua Bay.
4. Baldwin Beach Park, North Shore
Popular with locals, this quiet beach in Paia is worth the drive to the north shore. Beautiful white sand and gorgeous blue water make it picture-perfect any time of day, but we especially love it during sunrise. Towering palm trees greet you as you arrive, and the bright yellow lifeguard stand is an “accidentally Wes Anderson” moment we can’t get enough of. Paia is a classic Hawaiian beach town, with adorable coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants to explore before heading up the road into the stunning up-country of Maui. You can also continue your drive along the coast towards Hana to catch views of surfers in action.🏄🏻♀️
Photo: Taena in Maui for Flytographer. Gerilynne and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Baldwin Beach Park.
5. White Rock Beach, South Shore
Bask in the beauty of the long, crescent sand, and surf on Palauea Beach, also called White Rock Beach – a great spot for those staying in Makena or Kihei. There’s plenty of room to spread out and claim your own slice of paradise on this big beach. 🏖️ With classic beach views, stunning sunsets every evening, and calm waves, it’s a family favourite from dawn ’til dusk. This is one of the most picturesque places to take photos in Maui! ❤️
Photo: Rojeena in Maui for Flytographer. Jamie and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot on White Rock Beach.
6. Keawakapu Beach, South Shore
Protected by a reef, Keawakapu Beach features soft sand, rocky outcrops, and ironwood trees – perfect for splashing in the waves! This is a great beach for visitors to Kihei and Wailea. The winding wooden boardwalk framed by greenery and palm trees makes it a fun spot to run and explore with little ones.🌴
Photo: Flytographer in Maui. Sinthya and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot on Keawakapu Beach.
7. Lahaina, West Shore
Stroll the bustling streets of Lahaina for an afternoon and you’ll quickly understand why it’s a beloved destination for many visitors. One of the most striking and breathtaking parts of the town is the famous Lahaina Banyan Tree – the biggest in Hawaii and has some fantastic places to take photos in Maui! Watching the sun stream through its branches, preferably while enjoying a shaved ice from Ululani’s underneath (shaved ice emoji), is the perfect afternoon activity. Walk along the pier for views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains, pop into one of the many shops lining Front Street, or head to a nearby beach to enjoy the sunset. If you’re lucky, watching the waves can even become an afternoon of whale watching from December through May. 🐋
Photo: Tawni in Maui for Flytographer. Nathan and partner capture memories in Maui with an engagement photoshoot in Lahaina.
8. D.T. Fleming Beach, West Shore
D.T. Fleming Beach on the west shore of Maui is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored. With its white sands and blue waters, it’s a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike. 🌊 Whether you’re looking to catch some rays, ride the waves, or simply stroll along the shore, this beach has something for everyone. For those new to the area, be sure to arrive early to snag a good parking spot, as it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water to stay hydrated under the Hawaiian sun. If you’re into water sports, renting gear like snorkels or surfboards is a breeze nearby. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for sea turtles and colourful fish while you’re out in the water – they love to make appearances along the reef. 🐡
Photo: Flytographer in Maui. Valerie and family capture memories in Maui with an anniversary photoshoot at D.T Fleming Beach.
9. Polo Beach, South Shore
Nestled along Maui’s stunning south shore, Polo Beach is perfect for a leisurely day of sunbathing or a refreshing dip. This beach offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. Arriving early ensures prime beachfront real estate and a peaceful ambiance. Don’t forget to pack your snorkel gear – the underwater world here is teeming with colourful marine life. 🪸🐠 If you’re in the mood for a picnic, nearby eats make it easy to enjoy a beachside feast. And for those seeking adventure, consider renting a paddleboard or kayak to explore the gentle waves.
Photo: Marie in Maui for Flytographer. Shay and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot at Polo Beach.
10. Road to Hana
Adventure lovers, this is your time to shine! Pack up the car and hop on the road for a breathtaking ride along the northeastern side of the island. 🚗 This scenic drive is all about the journey, not the destination. Not to mention, there are countless incredible places to take photos in Maui along the way. Lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches are just a few of the sights to enjoy along the famous Hana Highway. We recommend taking it slowly to fully appreciate every inch of the trails, gardens, and beaches just waiting for you to explore. If you are looking for even more adventure, don’t miss ‘Ohe’o Gulch, and Haleakala National Park is just 12 miles past Hana!
Photo: Kevin in Hana for Flytographer. Melissa and family capture memories in Maui with a family photoshoot on the Road to Hana.
Capture memories in Maui, Hawaii
Feeling inspired by the unbeatable beauty of the Hawaiian Islands? Stunning views make for stunning photos, and when it’s time to get everyone in front of the camera, book a local Flytographer to capture the Hawaiian magic. Aloha! Thinking about a different Hawaiian Island? We have photographers in Honolulu, Oahu, Kona, the Big Island, and Kauai! 🌺
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“Sara made us feel at ease and captured beautiful photos of our family! She suggested a different nearby location that was perfect for our sunset photo shoot. She also provided a questionnaire pre-shoot that allowed me to communicate desired photos/possible issues, etc. Sara also took the time to ask about our kids’ interests and worked them in to make the kids feel at ease. I felt comfortable enough to ask her to capture particular shots and I and she made sure to work those in. We love the photos she took!”
Renay
Po’olenalena Beach (South Shore)
“Vicky was INCREDIBLE! We booked a photo session with her during our family vacation to Maui and the entire experience was well beyond any of our expectations. She made us feel so comfortable, had great ideas on different locations/poses and was so kind. We already can’t wait to return to Maui and book another session with Vicky!”
Kaleigh
Kapalua Bay (West Shore)
“Nicole was an absolute joy. She was so knowledgable about the location and was excellent with posing and helping us along during the shoot. She did so well with our kids and kept them engaged and participating. So impressed that she got all the combos of people and some special photos just of us parents. These photos perfectly depict our wonderful trip to Maui, and are the perfect souvenir from our adventure.”
Christina
Po’olenalena Beach (South Shore)
