Planning engagement photos in Kauai? This guide covers the best locations, outfit tips, and timing advice to capture stunning, romantic moments on the island!
Kauai Engagement Photos
Kauai is an absolute dream for engagement photos! With its lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and stunning beaches, every corner of the island has a magical and romantic feel. You can explore waterfalls, walk along the beach in Hanalei Bay, or enjoy views of the stunning Na Pali Coast. The natural beauty of this island is unrivalled, and the warm breeze and golden sunsets can create a truly gorgeous setting for photos.
What I love most beyond the scenery here is the relaxed, adventurous vibe here, that is different form the other islands. It’s less crowded, so you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy more peaceful and secluded spots for your session. Whether you want something dreamy and romantic, or fun and aventurous, Kauai is the perfect place for unique, breathtaking engagement photos!
Where to Take Kauai Engagement Photos
Each part of Kauai is breathtaking in it’s own way, offering unique perks and places to explore. The North Shore is a favorite, with less crowds, the hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and some of the best beaches to snorkel at. East Shore is home to Lihue, the island’s busiest area, which makes it a great base for exploring the island.
South Shore is the warmest, and is home to one of my favorite beaches, Poipu! And finally the West Shore is the most remote and underrated, with Waimea Canyon being it’s biggest attraction. You really can’t go wrong in any of these regions – they are all incredible!
Tunnels Beach
Tunnels Beach, where we did this gorgeous session, is easily one of the most breathtaking locations for Kauai engagement photos! I love that this beach is extremly lush and filled with a bunch of greenery, that blends so beautifully with the towering mountains. Watchign the sun set behind them is absolutely stunning! This beach also has coral reefs that make it perfect for snorkeling if that’s something you enjoy!
Nā Pali Coast
There’s a reason why the Nā Pali Coast is known as one of the most stunning coastlines in the world! And I don’t think I could ever not be breathless looking at that view. It has gorgeous cliffs, the bright blue water, and the lush green is everywhere. It just brings so much vibrant colors to the landscape and this makes it such an incredible backdrop for an engagement session! And you really can’t beat seeing it by boat – making it the most adventure-filled day for you and your partner!
Waimea Canyon
They call Waimea Canyon “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” because it’s honestly one of the most jaw-dropping spots here in Kauai! There are plenty of trails to choose from to explore the area, and you’re sure to find one that gives you an intimate setting with your person. The views here truly can’t be beat!
Hanalei Bay
This is a popular spot in Kauai, and a favorite for watching the sunset! The surrounding mountains that are filled with waterfalls are absolutely stunning. They sit on the long stretch of beach and it’s really a magical setting for engagement photos in Kauai. But it’s definitely a place to keep crowds in mind!
Shipwrecks Beach
Located on the south end of Kauai, Shipwreck Beach is a local favorite for bodysurfing and surfing. There is an iconic cliff wall located here, which will create various backdrop opportunities for your Kauai engagement photos.
Poipu Beach
Poipu Beach is my favorite beach here in Kauai! The sunsets here are unreal, casting a warm, golden glow over the entire beach— which makes for really dreamy + romantic photos! Plus, Poipu Beach tends to have calmer waves, making it easy to splash around and get those playful, carefree shots. And you have a high chance of spotting sea turtles or even a monk seal!
Anini Beach
Anini Beach is a hidden gem on Kauai’s North Shore, stretching over two miles with plenty of space to find your own little slice of paradise. Thanks to its massive reef, the water here is super calm, making it one of the best spots for a peaceful, secluded engagement session (and also a local favorite for surfing and body surfing). The beach is absolutely stunning, with private lagoon areas that feel like your own secret getaway.
When to Take Kauai Engagement Photos
Luckily, the weather in Kauai is pretty amazing year-round, so you really can’t go wrong! Unlike the mainland, there aren’t major seasonal changes—it stays warm and sunny most of the time, with some months bringing a little more rain than others. That said, here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your engagement session:
Peak Season
Summer, from June to September, is the busiest time in Kauai, with more tourists coming in and prices going up. While it’s still less crowded than some of the other Hawaiian islands, it definitely gets busier during these months. If you’re looking for a more laid-back and intimate engagement session, it’s best to avoid peak season—you’ll have way more privacy and won’t have to worry about crowds taking over your perfect spot!
Shoulder Seasons
If you want to experience the best of Kauai without the crowds or crazy prices, plan your engagement photos during the island’s quieter months—April to early June or late September to mid-December. You’ll find better deals on flights, rental cars, and places to stay, plus way more peace and quiet to enjoy Kauai’s beauty. And the best part? The weather is absolutely perfect, making it the ultimate time for a dreamy session!
Weather
Kauai is home to one of the rainiest spots on Earth, so a little rain is just part of the experience! It rains somewhere on the island every day, but most of the time, it’s just a quick shower that passes in no time. Since Kauai is tropical, there are really only two seasons—a wetter one from November to March and a drier one the rest of the year. If you’re trying to avoid rain as much as possible, winter might not be your best bet. But honestly, no matter when you elope, expect at least a little rain—it’s all part of Kauai’s magic!
What to Wear for Kauai Engagement Photos
Of course, I want you to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in and what you have envisioned for your session! But here are a few ideas that may help you out!
- Avoid patterns – they typically make your photos look too busy, especially with Kauai’s gorgeous scenery. Simple is best!
- Coordinate, don’t match! Instead of wearing identical colors, think about a color palette that speaks to you and mix in different shades and textures that complement each other.
- Flowy, lightweight fabrics are always the way to go! They catch the wind and add movement and texture, whcih really adds so much to your photos!
- Bring along a backup outfit! Especially if you plan to do any playing in the waves, you may want to have something to change into for more photos!
- Wear something you feel yourself in – you want to feel confident and able to enjoy your session completely!
- Barefoot is definitely the way to go if you’re planning a beach session – it doesn’t look right any other way!
Where to Stay in Kauai
Planning a trip out here for engagement photos and need ideas of where to stay? These are a few of my favorites that will be sure to make your tip one you won’t forget!
- 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
- The Lodge at Kukui’ula
- Waipouli Beach Resort
- Koa Kea Resort on Poipu Beach
- Marriott’s Kaua’i Beach Club
Kauai Engagement Photographer
Hi, I’m Hannah, a Kauai Engagement Photographer & Kauai is literally my favorite place in the world! The views here are unmatched and I’ll never get tired of exploring this stunning island! If you’re ready for a joyful experience where you leave your engagement session with more butterflies & memories that prioritize celebrating the heck out of you, I am your girl! Reach out and let’s plan your Kauai engagement photos!
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