D + L Wedding | Mauna Lani Resort Big Island, Hawaii

Two hands gently reaching toward each other at sunset, one wearing a gold ring, with warm golden light in the background.

Two smiling men sit together on a cozy outdoor sofa surrounded by tropical plants and wooden decor.

A Windy Waikoloa Elopement on the Beach.

Big Island, Hawaii Destination Wedding at the iconic Mauna Lani Resort.

Have you ever dreamed what a Hawaii beach elopement could look like? The Hawaiian sunset setting behind you with vivid colors, warm tropical breeze blowing, the smell of flowers in the air. There is something extra special about a beach wedding in Waikaloa that is simply incomparable to anywhere else in the world. Not only that, but the Mauna Lani Auberge is my personal favorite venue to work at as a Kona raised photographer. The staff are friendly and welcoming and do everything in their power to ensure their guests - and vendors by proxy - are well taken care of.

Couples can elope right on the beach just walking distance from a craft bar for drinks, eco sanctuaries for views, and high end dining. Wedding couples can book services for their reception and have their cake ready, and guests enjoying champagne as soon as we return from photos - so you can immediately relax and celebrate!

Two men sharing a romantic moment in a yellow open-top jeep surrounded by tropical scenery.

Two men holding hands and walking together through a lush tropical garden, wearing stylish casual outfits.

A small white bird perches on a dark reflective surface near an elegant outdoor lounge with colorful cushions.

Two men smiling and holding hands on a staircase in a modern building, sharing a tender moment.

Two men in tropical attire smile at each other on a garden pathway surrounded by lush green plants.

Two men sharing a romantic kiss on a couch in a tropical resort lounge with lush greenery decor.

Smiling older couple posing together outdoors, surrounded by tropical greenery, woman wearing sunglasses and floral top.

Group of people posing together indoors near a wooden canoe in a tropical venue.

Couple sharing a romantic moment in an elegant tropical resort restaurant with wooden architecture.

Black and white photo of smiling man in plaid shirt socializing with guests at an indoor gathering.

Family of three smiling together in a beautiful tropical resort venue with wooden decor.

Two men embracing and smiling in front of a colorful mural, one wearing glasses and a white shirt.

Two couples posing together on a wooden deck surrounded by lush tropical greenery at an outdoor venue.

Take advantage of the variety of up-scale backdrops the Mauna Lani Resort offers.

We opted to take family formals at the lobby grand staircase and open concept lounge, featuring a glorious hand carved Hawaiian Canoe, vaulted ceilings and lush green secret garden. The light is perfect for taking portraits and getting a break from the Hawaiian sun and heat.

Waikoloa is known for being hot and windy, located in the middle of a literal lava field - the heat index can be unforgiving, so having a open space that allows the wind to cool you down, while also having ample shade is absolutely necessary!

Close-up of a green leaf with yellow spots and a small insect resting on its surface.

Two men in tropical attire smile at each other on a garden path surrounded by lush green plants.

Two people posing together in a lush tropical garden atrium with green plants and a wooden walkway.

Hurricane force winds? No worries.

Now when I say Waikaloa, Big Island is a bit breezy on an average day, I am not exaggerating when I tell you we had a literal wind storm roll through the day D + L got married. While this could have sent them into a panic, when approached, the couple was cool as could be. Opting to follow the lead of their trusted site coordinators and vendors on how to adjust to accommodate their Hawaii Beach wedding goals and also ensure their guests don't fly away during the ceremony (when I tell you getting whipped by sand for 30 mins is actual torture - I mean it) So we settled for starting the ceremony at their original location on the beach and then moving to a calmer area in the gardens to finish the traditional elements of the ceremony before I got to whisk them away for sunset photos.

Wooden boardwalk leading to a serene beach with gnarled trees, rocky shore, and calm ocean under a clear sky.

Two men walking on a tropical beach lined with palm trees, one in white outfit and other in floral shirt.

Same-sex couple exchanges vows on a wooden platform at a tropical beach wedding in Hawaii with palm trees.

Two grooms exchange rings at a Hawaiian wedding ceremony, wearing green leaf leis, with a smiling officiant behind them.

Two smiling men wearing green leaf leis pose together outdoors in a tropical setting during golden hour.

Kohala Coast Sunsets

Hawaii is known for her iconic and vivid sunsets and as someone born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, I can tell you the best place to experience one is along the Kohala coast. Every night is different, and a delight to witness - just like the love stories of my couples. When those two things combine, your photos cannot possibly look bad, I promise!

Sunset Portraits under palm trees and Myna birds.

The Mauna Lani grounds offer a tranquil array of backdrops for your Hawaii Nei Wedding portraits.

From lush green gardens at the lobby, to rugged shoreline with white sands, towering palm tree orchards and views of the Hualalai Volcano . The grounds become lit with torches and firepits to enjoy as the sun sets along the Kohala Coasts waters, and if you are lucky, you might see what locals call the "green Flash" just before finally setting and Dusk settles in. The Conoe House is the place to be to enjoy the cool breeze come in from the ocean, and a fine dining experience boasted by local artisan chefs serving traditional Japanese/Hawaiian Fusion and craft cocktails. (Pro tip: Order the Japanese Butter bread and thank me later)