Family Photos in Maui After the Lahaina Fires

2023 feels like it was yesterday (as does 2020), but I want to share what it’s like to take photos on our beautiful Island of Maui after the Lahaina fires. I know many of you are still considering returning with your families and loved ones, and I want to offer a thoughtful, sensitive perspective on what’s changed and what’s still special about Maui.

The Impact of the Lahaina Fires

In August 2023, Lahaina, once a thriving historic town, was devastated by wildfires. The loss was immense not just in buildings & homes, but in lives and culture. I’ve felt the impact deeply, both personally and on a business level, but I’ve also seen the strength of the community as it begins to heal. The island’s spirit remains unbroken and Maui continues to shine with Aloha and resilience.

What Does Maui Look Like Now?

Visiting Maui today, you’ll see both the scars of the past and the beauty that persists. While Lahaina is still in recovery, many parts of the town remain open, and the stunning coastline continues to captivate visitors. The rest of the island, from the beaches to the mountains, is as beautiful as ever. Maui still offers unforgettable landscapes for unforgettable vacations.

Northwest Maui (Kapalua)

Locations for Family Photos - What’s Available

If you’re looking for a location for family, maternity, or couples photos, there are still many breathtaking spots to choose from across the island. Here are some of my favorites! If you’d like more details on each location, I encourage you dive into my recent Blog “BEST PLACES TO DO FAMILY PHOTOS IN MAUI”…

• Northwest Maui - Northwest Maui, especially near the cliffs of Kapalua and Honolua Bay, offers some of the island’s most stunning and picturesque landscapes, making it a perfect choice for photos. This area is a lush paradise, rich in natural beauty, with a mix of dense jungle, dramatic cliffs, and a pristine coastline that will leave you in awe. Did I mention this area is known for its dramatic sunsets? 🌅

• South Maui - South Maui is a breathtaking region that offers a mix of stunning beaches, dramatic coastal views, lots of lava rocks, and vibrant sunsets. No matter which beach you choose in South Maui, there’s something truly magical about this area. The beaches offer serenity, the coastline provides drama (some more than others), and the natural surroundings are always awe-inspiring. Whether you’re capturing playful moments on the beach or a more sophisticated session against the brilliant colors of sunset, South Maui offers plenty of beautiful, versatile locations.

• North Shore Maui - From golden beaches to rolling fields, the natural, diverse beauty of this area is unmatched! Whether you’re looking for a relaxed, beachy vibe or a more rustic, countryside feel, Maui’s North shore has it all. With scenic coastal views, lush green agricultural land, and a rugged coastline that’s different from one beach to the next, exploring this area is always a stunning adventure (and usually a bit of a windy one, too!).

South Maui (Wailea/Makena)

The Healing Spirit of Maui

While Lahaina is still healing, the rest of the island remains as vibrant as ever. As a mother, I’ve found that spending time in nature with my family has been incredibly healing. Maui offers an abundance of outdoor spaces where you can make lasting memories together. Maui is still very much a place of beauty, joy, and peace - perfect for reconnecting with your loved ones.

A Place of Resilience and Hope

I understand that returning to Maui after the fires may still feel uncertain, but the island is recovering, and its beauty hasn’t gone anywhere. The beaches are still stunning, the mountains still magnificent, and the spirit of the island is stronger than ever. By visiting, you’re helping to support local businesses and contribute to the islands healing. We are forever grateful for the love and support from those who choose to v is it.

Final Thoughts

Maui has experienced hardship, but it remains a place of hope, love, and Aloha. Your photos here will not only capture the beauty of the island but also become part of its story of resilience. Creating lasting memories in a place that continues to heal and shine, helps us ALL become better and a part of something bigger ❤️

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Looking for a family/maternity/couples photographer in Maui, Hawaii? Reach out to me today for information on pricing, availability, and tips to make the most out of your session! 🌴

The Cutest Family Session at Ironwoods Beach

Where: Ironwoods Beach, Kapalua | Why: For Maui Family Photos

I love my clients - all of them. So choosing which to showcase in a Blog on my site isn’t ever easy - but the second I met this family…well, their two twin little girls…I just knew it was meant for more eyes than mine & Instagram!

We laughed the kind of laughs where we couldn’t stop…the girls were on their absolute cutest behavior ever and I didn’t want them to wind down..and Mom & Dad? Flawless. I keep looking back at this session and say to myself “I’m not crying, you’re crying” because I can’t help but feel the silliness and love all over again - and I know they feel the same 💕

First Time Family Portraits

This adorable family of five has never had family photos done…like…ever - so when they contacted me to capture their Maui magic and then some? You can only imagine how excited I was to work with them!

Maui provided yet another perfect sunset, which couldn’t have been more fitting for this loving & beautiful family. And their 3 children?? BEYOND adorable & so great to work with! They brought so much love and cuddles to our session - I just couldn’t help but share with you guys.

Cheers to love, sand & salt water during your family vacation in Maui!

Sunrise Family Portraits - Party of 3!

Meet Amanda, Chris & Theodore…

In 2018, I was called upon to capture their babymoon here on Maui. Not only was it gorgeous, THEY were the most gorgeous little family to-be!

Enter Theodore (aka Teddy), now 9 months old, and another family trip to capture their adorable growing family with a Maui family photo session! And what better plan than to capture them at the same place, same time, as their maternity session!

Sunrise, Makena Cove, and these three = Perfection ✨ And Teddy? He’ll melt your hearts…Just see for yourself 💕

FLOWER CROWN: HOUSE OF HAKU | HAIR + MAKEUP: MEILI AUTUMN BEAUTY

Furry Family Portraits

What do you do when you just can’t stand to be away from your beloved pooch back home? You bring him on vacation with you to Maui!

The last time I saw Karen + Brendan was back in January for their maternity photos. Much to my delight, they contacted me upon their return to Maui to this time, capture their TWO little ones during a Family Photo session! Everyone…meet 6 month old Jay and his adorable older (and furry) brother, Nacho (give him a follow on Instagram @nachopup. He’s quite the adventurer (just like his Mom + Dad!).

I can’t tell you how lucky I feel when my clients return back for more family portraits on Maui. From a Maui Engagement to a Maui Honeymoon to Maui Maternity Photos to Maui Family Photos, to ??? I feel blessed beyond words. And this family is absolutely, no exception. Just check out all the fun, love & warmth during our session ;-)

Mahalo Karen, Brendan & Jay (and Nacho!) for being so beautiful (and well behaved) inside & out. I’m so lucky to have you in my photography life!

Golden Hour Family Portraits

When a fellow photographer asks you to capture their family during their Maui family vacation - I’ll be honest…it’s such an amazing feeling! Us photographers are all pretty critical of our own work (and I’m sure other’s as well!), so it’s a HUGE compliment when someone searches high and low and chooses you! Seriously, it is.

Traci of Traci Merrit Photography based in Granite Bay, CA, is nothing short of sweet. And I don’t use the word short out of context…because her and her husband Josh are both on the taller side, super athletic and are the most adventurous parents ever. Just ask their two little ones, Kylie & Zoe. To say I had a blast during this session is an understatement - and I’d do it alllll over again if they come back! Or perhaps next time I’m in Cali? ;-)

From my time with Traci & her beautiful family, a collection of natural light Maui family photos at sunset, in a dreamy placed called Maui, Hawaii xo

Their First Golden Maternity Session | Makena, HI

Who: Boldt Ohana | Why: Maternity & Family Love | Where: Makena, Hawaii

When locals seek locals for photography services (or anything really…), I get ecstatic 🙃 Because hey… #supportlocal 🙌🏼

David originally hails from Makawao in Upcountry Maui, but he, his wife Lauren, & their adorbz daughter Lucia, currently reside in California. A few times a year they come back for a visit to see family and relax beach side; but this particular time, it was more special than usual…

Lauren was pregnant with their second child, and at 11 weeks along (donning the most gorgeous gold dress ever), she easily took everyone’s breath away. So naturally, they reserved an evening with me for a Maui Family Photo session (and maternity session!) with the recommendation of a mutual friend (Mahalo Jessica - I heart you!!!).

Sunset aka “Golden Hour” on Maui is by far, the most gorgeous time to shoot ANY session…and especially on the South Side in Makena. The colors, the cooling temperatures, light breezes, the vibe, the hues…it’s just GOLD all around!

I must say though, the sun on this particular evening, showed us her best game…and little Lucia? She had her game face (and cheeks) on as well!

Meet the Boldt Ohana & their little bump-to-be…

Her First Family Photos | Wailea, HI

WHERE: WAILEA, HAWAII | WHO: ERIN, JEFF + BABY ELLA | WHY: ELLAS 1ST BIRTHDAY

Just a year prior, I had the joy of capturing Erin & Jeff during their Maui Maternity Photo session when they were pregnant with baby Ella & enjoying their Maui vacation and baby moon. So when they contacted me just days before arriving for a last minute Maui family vacation trip (and Ella’s first!), I was SO excited to meet Ella, so I made the time to sneak them into my schedule.

And I’m so glad I did! Talk about a cutie patootie! Erin decided to wear the same outfit she wore while pregnant with Ella so we could coordinate some before/after shots with baby Ella! And you know what Erin also did? She coordinated Ella’s outfit to match hers…and to this day, it’s hand’s down my favorite outfit EVER on a little one!

Side note: If anyone can find this skirt in an adult size, please please PLEASE let me know! I’m obsessed ;-)

After much love, coordination, pom poms, and smiles, baby Ellas first photoshoot (technically 2nd) was a success! See for your self (and seriously…that skirt…) <3