Where To Meet Brett for your Photo Session

Here are the instructions for how to meet me for your photo session, along with the Google Map links and a short video of each location. I made the videos to help familiarize you with the location so you’ll recognize it when you see it. Scroll down till you find your location.

PS: Click the button in the lower right of a video to see a larger, full screen view.

Scroll Down To Find Your Photo Session Location

Waialae Beach Park

Family friendly, very few people around. Excellent for those classic Hawaii palm tree beach shots. Romantic for couples and fun for families. Connects to Kahala Hotel Resort beaches. Cons: no waves and rough sand. Parking is limited so arrive early. We meet at the park then walk down the beach about 1.5 blocks to shoot near the Kahala Hotel Resort.
*Excellent for morning and sunset sessions - but there are no direct sunset views*.

Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/TJB7DTJnk5nBE7q79

Click image to see larger view

Hawaiian Hilton Village

A popular Waikiki resort. Easy access, lots of different backgrounds in all directions, multiple great shooting spots, direct sunset views, view of Diamond Head...and tons of people around. *Best for morning or sunset sessions only.*

I’ll meet you at the base of the Rainbow Tower, ocean side, in front of the doors to the little Dairy Queen shop.

Google Map Link to the exact spot to meet me: https://goo.gl/maps/WZnBRYwvUTcB4DFc8

Magic Island Park

A very popular park with locals means parking can be difficult on weekends (impossible if there is an event going on) but people in the background are rarely an issue. Lots of different backgrounds, w/direct sunset views, family friendly, calm sandy beach, rock promenades, Diamond Head views, Waikiki views... *Good for sunset, mid-day or morning sessions.*

Google Map Link to the exact spot to meet me: https://goo.gl/maps/QYNwGKrkLo3cJ1nSA
(use this link or you’ll go to the wrong place)

Waimanalo - Sherwood Beach

There are many great beach locations in the Waimanalo area. This is my usual spot. Beautiful white sand beach, crashing waves, mountains and islands in the distance, bathrooms/showers. I usually start in the forest then move to the beach. *This location is good for both sunrise , mid day and sunset - but there are no direct sunset views!*

Google Map Link to the exact spot to meet me: https://goo.gl/maps/dcerWkeQV4YDKYyHA
(use this link or you’ll go to the wrong place)

Ko Olina Resorts - Secret Beach

We will meet in the Teeny Tiny Parking Lot (or the Boardwalk Roundabout) between the Four Season’s and Disney Aulani. Parking is limited, so get there early. You may have to wait up to 15 minutes for a spot. This video shows the path we take to get to the hidden cove behind the Four Season's Resort. Notice the uneven rocks on the rocky shoreline - make sure everyone in your party can safely handle this.

The Google Map Link to the Teeny Tiny Parking Lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CK3yMyC1aLCYLx3t6

Kawela Bay Park - North Shore

A hidden gem on the North Shore. Located next to Turtle Bay Resort. Few people, two beaches, lush forest, hiking trails and lava rock make this a great place for beautiful images.

Google Map Link to the exact spot to meet me: https://goo.gl/maps/NpUBMxunm7FTerWp6

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

A popular hike and a great place for surprise proposals with a stunning backdrop! This video is of the full hike (condensed with HyperLapse), from the parking lot and back… but we make it a loop hike by taking the secret trail down from the top, stopping for great shots all the way down.

It’s a 30 minute hike from the parking lot to the Pillboxes. From the overlook to the Pillboxes at the top of the hill, just follow any narrow dirt trail - they all lead to the top. This video was filmed in April 2021 after a wet winter, thus the secret trail down was a bit overgrown with grass.

Click to enlarge

Trail overview. X is the parking lot. Dotted line is the trail. When the parking lot is full, park on the side of the highway. Paved trail is about 2 miles long, 35 min walk.

Click to enlarge

Close up of the peak, end of trail. From the overlook, go left up the hill to the top, following the dirt trails. You’ll come to the WWII pill boxes.

Google Map Link to Makapu’u Trail parking lot: https://goo.gl/maps/HXEAwZKeTmxzSoaG8

Makapu’u Lookout

This is the short, easy, mini version of the Makapu’u Trail location. From parking lot to the ledge takes 7-10 minutes. The trail is a bit overgrown at the moment (April 2021) and can be a bit challenging to find. But if you just head up, staying within rock throwing distance of the cliff edge, you will find it.

Google Map link to Makapu’u Overlook: https://goo.gl/maps/Pu2T36vzAdJmP8mX9

Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach (called Sandy's by the locals) is a popular locals hang out spot, for boogie boarding and partying. But there are usually few people around at the far right end (as you face the ocean) where the rocks begin. This video was shot at 9:30am in June. Great for mornings and sunsets.

Google Map link to Sandy Beach: https://goo.gl/maps/rKdo4rm8pjnAo54L8

Google Map link to the photo location on the beach: https://goo.gl/maps/geiagmCwpn7FC6a36

Video: The Wrong Way and the Right Way to position yourself for the proposal!

After photographing hundreds of proposals, I’ve noticed the same problems crop up repeatedly. I’ve also noticed that explaining how and why to position yourselves in regards to the sun doesn’t always sink in so hopefully this short video makes it clearer.

What NOT to do:

  1. Don’t keep purses, bags or water bottles etc in your hands, or put them down next to where you’ll propose. Otherwise they will be in all your photos.

  2. Don’t position your lady with her back to the sun and her face in shade. Bad boy, no biscuit!

  3. Don’t drop to one knee and instantly pop right back up again.

What To Do:

  1. Drop purses, bags, water bottles, etc at least twenty feet from where you’ll propose.

  2. When you’re ready to propose, take both of her hands and say a few words for a minute or so. This will capture her attention so she doesn’t see me moving in and allow you to gently maneuver her if needed so your back is to the sun and her face is not in shade.

  3. You’ll be nervous - understandably - and when we’re nervous we tend to rush. When you drop to one knee take your time getting back up. Even the “right" way shown in this video was too fast. Take your time, don’t rush, let her have her reaction, end when it’s natural.