Makua Couples Session

Laura — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 07:21:23 +0000

HAWAII SUNSET COUPLES PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m currently writing this blog post while Hawaii is being hit with some nasty winter storms, and I’m just day dreaming about golden, sunny beach days! Like the session below with Sarah & Zach! How cute are they celebrating their freaking ten year wedding anniversary?!

Sarah is a photographer herself, based in Arizona (check out her amazing work here!) so she knew she wanted to book a special anniversary session with her hubby for their 10 year trip!

I love working with other photographers because they’ll literally go anywhere for photos, and Sarah & Zach were willing to make the trek to one of the most remote beaches on the west side of Oahu, and it was soooo worth it. This is one of my favorite spots with an endless white sand beaches, dramatic mountains is all directions, and beautiful sunsets almost daily!

Happy anniversary to the lovely couples and thank you for trusting me as your hawaii couples photographer! Mahalo nui loa!

Looking for a sunset couples Hawaii photographer? look no further, I got you! Contact me to inquire about booking your own session!

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Dramatic sunrise engagement at Halona Cove

Laura — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 05:26:54 +0000

sunrise engagement photography oahu

Cole pulled off the surprise of a lifetime when he proposed to his girlfriend, Sabrina! He reached out to me because he knew she would want the moment photographed and he wanted to plan the perfect proposal.

After discussing all of the gorgeous location options on Oahu, Cole decided on gorgeous Halona Cove as he loved this past shoot. This little beach cove is secluded, private, and has lots of dramatic rocky cliffs, A CAVE, beautiful blue waters, and typically bright vibrant sunrises! We had a dramatic morning with some rain and mist, but decided to proceed with the originally scheduled time, and I think it was the right decision! Though a little wet, it was such gorgeous light and we had the beach alllll to ourselves. Making it incredibly private and romantic for the proposal. After Cole proposed, and Sabrina said, YES (of course!) we had tons of time to utlize the location and get lots of fun, celebratory engagement photos! We even popped some champs!

Congrats to the newly engaged couple! So happy for you and can’t wait to see what you plan for your wedding day! Looking for sunrise engagement photography oahu? Contact me to set up your session!

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Sunrise family session in Ko’olina!

Laura — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 04:07:56 +0000

DISNEY AULANI FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Meet the beautiful Biador Ohana! It’s such an honor to be trusted with a family’s memories and I’m so grateful and humbled when my clients return for additional sessions. I originally met this family in March of 2025, and they found themselves back in Hawaii in February 2026 to celebrate their daughter’s 18th birthday at one of their favorite places!

Melissa is a photographer herself, so of course, she styled her session flawlessly. The whole family looked amazing, but the best part was capturing their fun personalities.

Mahalo for trusting me with your family photos in paradise!
Contact me to book your Disney Aulani Family Photography session in Ko’olina, Hawaii!

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Coolest hotels in Waikiki! Where to stay on Oahu!

Laura — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:37:01 +0000

There are no shortage of places to stay on Oahu! Most visitors stay in bustling Waikiki, which is a neighborhood within the city of Honolulu, as it has the most options, the most restaurants and is walkable to world-famous Waikiki Beach. But of course, there are vacation rentals scattered around the city, and around the island. This is by no means a comprehensive list. These are simply some of my favorite spots that I’ve had experience with; it’d be impossible to try ’em all. Let me know if you’ve been to Oahu and had a great experience at a place I haven’t listed here.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS, WAIKIKI:

The Surfjack | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: The Surfjack is a fun, insta worthy boutique hotel in the heart of Waikiki, easy walking distance to lots of great dining options. It’s not on the beach, the the “wish you were here” pool is the cutest and the rooms, with lanais, are gorgeous too. While you’re there be sure to get drinks by the pool and dine at Mahina and Suns. The prices are affordable for Waikiki.

Whitesands | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: One of my go-to affordable spots in Waikiki because I love the central city location, the pool with bar/restaurant service, and there’s even a hidden speakeasy. Whitesands is one of those old school hotels that’s been renovated and turned into a cool spot with gorgeous decor. I love that it’s only 3 stories and feel intimate and private.

The Laylow | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: Perfect central, city location, palm decor, and the Hideout bar/restuarant is a great spot to grab rooftop drinks and enjoy the city vibes of Waikiki.

The Wayfinder | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: Another one of those trendy, renovated hotels. The pool and poolbar are gorgeous, as are the rooms. A must see spot.

The Romer House | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: cool boutique vibes, walkable to lots of stuff, city views, and be sure to have a drink at the trendy Lei Stand bar.

RESORT HOTELS, WAIKIKI:

Alohilani | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: The Alohilani is my go-to spot for staycations, as I love their huge pool deck and infinity pool that peeks over to the ocean. Less than a block from the beach. This high rise features rooms that are modern, clean and comfortable.

The Modern | Website
Why I love it: The Modern has boutique vibes and is on the smaller side, with crisp clean, white rooms, and I love the pool deck. However, it’s owned by the Hilton, so service is top notch too. It’s located a bit away from the heart of Waikiki, closer to Ala Moana beach, so be aware when booking, but there’s still lots to do on that end of Waikiki and it’s still walkable to lots of stuff too.

The Royal Hawaiian | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: the world famous, classic pink hotel is quite literally the epicenter of Waikiki. Perfect location right on the water and perfect (but crowded) beach with views of Diamond Head. The pool deck is small, but you’ll probably spend most of your time at the beach anyway. Insta worthy, and even if you don’t stay here, check out the hotel and the Mai Tai Beach Bar. Arguably the most famous hotel in all of Hawaii.

The Sheraton | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: This high rise hotel features rooms with lanais facing the ocean and has all the amenities you could want. It’s walking distance to everything and located in the heart of Waikiki right next to the Royal Hawaiian. The Sheraton features an adults only infinity pool that literally overlooks the ocean – one of a kind in Waikiki for sure. You’ll have to fight for a lounge chair, but it’s worth it to snag on, or better yet, rent a private cabana.

NORTH SHORE:

Ritz Carlton Turtle Bay | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: the premier resort of the stunning North Shore of Oahu. This recently renovated hotel is the perfect place to stay and even if you’re not staying here, I recommend stopping for a meal or drinks at one of their gorgeous restaurants or bars. Turtle Bay is world famous for a reason and completely different from the bustle of Waikiki.

KO’OLINA:

The Four Seasons Oahu | Website | Instagram
Why I love it: How can you not love the Four Seasons? Be pampered and enjoy one of their many pools or fine dining options on perhaps Oahu’s most premier resort. Ko’olina seems worlds away from bustling Waikiki, and if you want true resort vibes, this is the area to stay. Enjoy the west side sunsets and seclusion.

Now that you know where to stay check out where to eat and where to drink in Waikiki!

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Best Bars in Waikiki & Honolulu

Laura — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:05:51 +0000

BEST BARS IN WAIKIKI & HONOLULU

There’s a bar scene to suite every taste and style in Honolulu; Hawaii’s largest city and capital. World famous Waikiki is not only a beach, but a neighborhood within the city of Honolulu and the tourist hub of the island of Oahu. It’s impossible to list all of the amazing spots, but these are a few of my favs!

WAIKIKI FAVS:

FOR THE OCEAN VIEWS:

IN HONOLULU:

Vintage Books | Website | Instagram – speakeasy hidden in a bookstore in the trendy Kaimuki neighborhood
La Mariana Sailing Club | Website | Instagram – old school tiki bar on the marina. The location is a bit obscure, but it’s worth the drive. Take an Uber and try their mai tai with a Bacardi 151 float
Skull & Crown | Website | Instagram – classic tiki bar in the heart of Chinatown
Bar Leather Apron | Website | Instagram – an intimate cocktail bar downtown. Make reservations
Wild Orange | Website – speakeasy hidden behind a soda machine!

BREWERIES:

Maui Brewing Co. | Website | Instagram – rooftop bar and restaurant in the heart of Waikiki
Aloha Beer Co. | Website | Instagram – fun bar and outdoor patio in the trendy Kaka’ako neighborhood
Hana Koa | Website | Instagram – great bar and restaurant with yummy food, and cocktails upstairs if that’s more your vibe
Kona Brewing | Website | Instagram – located in Hawaii Kai on the marina, but worth the drive (check it out on your way to Hanauma Bay, Kokohead Crater, or any of the beaches on the SE corner of the island).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

KAILUA:

Gaslamp | Website | Instagram – great cocktails (and food). Reservations recommended
Buzz’s | Website | Instagram – a Kailua classic with old school vibes. Try a martini or one of the cocktails off their menu

Curious where to eat on Oahu? Check out my favorites here!

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