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Big Island photographers: what a family photographer costs
We read the prices that 17 Big Island photographers publish on their own websites. Family sessions start from $350, and the typical starting price is $599. This page also covers where to take photos on the island of Hawaiʻi, which permits apply and when the light is best.
How much does a Big Island photographer cost?
"Starting price" is the lowest price each photographer publishes for that kind of session. The typical figure is the middle one.
| Session | Lowest starting price | Typical starting price | Highest starting price | Typical session | Photographers counted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family session | $350 | $599 | $800 | 60 min, about 50 images | 17 |
| Couples or engagement | $300 | $362 | $550 | 60 min, about 45 images | 4 |
| Proposal | $850 | $915 | $1,295 | 60 min, about 45 images | 4 |
| Maternity | $275 | $375 | $550 | 60 min, about 38 images | 4 |
| Mini session | $175 | $471 | $599 | 30 min, about 20 images | 7 |
For family sessions stated as exactly 60 minutes, the published prices run $375 to $800, typically $648 (12 packages).
Kona side or Hilo side: what a Big Island family photographer costs
Prices on the Big Island depend on which side you are on.
| Side | Lowest starting price | Typical starting price | Highest starting price | Photographers counted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona and Kohala Coast | $449 | $648 | $799 | 10 |
| Hilo side | $350 | $375 | $600 | 5 |
See Kona photographers and prices.
Booking platforms
Platforms that match you with a photographer publish flat prices. They are usually lower than booking a photographer directly, with fewer images.
| Booking platform | Published price | Length | Images |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flytographer | $325 USD | 30 min | 20 digital photos |
| Flytographer | $425 USD | 60 min | 35 digital photos |
| Localgrapher | $280 | 30 min | 20 edited photos |
| Localgrapher | $390 | 60 min | 35 edited photos |
| Wowtographer | $ 299 | 30 min | up to 100 photos, 10 photos with Wow editing |
| Wowtographer | $ 450 | 60 min | up to 200 photos, 20 photos with Wow editing |
Where to take photos on the island of Hawaiʻi
These are well-known places where an official source confirms how paid photography is permitted. We leave out places that are closed, culturally restricted or closed to commercial activity.
| Place | Permit for paid photography, and access notes from the official page |
|---|---|
| Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area | State park. Paid photography needs a state film permit through the Hawaiʻi Film Office: $100 a site plus $25 a car per day. State park permits are not issued for weekends or holidays. source |
| Kaunaʻoa Beach (Mauna Kea Beach) | State shoreline. A paid photographer on the sand needs a state beach permit (Wiki Permit, $20 minimum per event) or a Hawaiʻi Film Office permit. The permit covers the sand only; parks, resort grounds and parking behind it have their own rules. source |
| ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay (A-Bay) | State shoreline. A paid photographer on the sand needs a state beach permit (Wiki Permit, $20 minimum per event) or a Hawaiʻi Film Office permit. The permit covers the sand only; parks, resort grounds and parking behind it have their own rules. source |
| Kikaua Point Beach (Kikaua Point Park) | State shoreline. A paid photographer on the sand needs a state beach permit (Wiki Permit, $20 minimum per event) or a Hawaiʻi Film Office permit. The permit covers the sand only; parks, resort grounds and parking behind it have their own rules. Access is through a private park, which requires its own pass-through permit. source |
| Maniniʻōwali Beach (Kua Bay), Kekaha Kai State Park | State park. Paid photography needs a state film permit through the Hawaiʻi Film Office: $100 a site plus $25 a car per day. State park permits are not issued for weekends or holidays. source |
| Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park | National park. The National Park Service says that in most cases no permit or fee is needed for still photography involving eight or fewer people, when it stays in areas open to the public, uses only hand-carried equipment and needs no exclusive use. Entrance fees still apply. Ask the park if your group is six or more. source |
| Rainbow Falls (Waiānuenue), Wailuku River State Park | State park. Paid photography needs a Hawaiʻi Film Office permit. The $10 online permit applies only if the park is on the Film Office's current open list; otherwise the fee is $100 a site plus $25 a car per day, weekdays only. source |
| ʻAkaka Falls State Park | State park. Paid photography needs a Hawaiʻi Film Office permit. The $10 online permit applies only if the park is on the Film Office's current open list; otherwise the fee is $100 a site plus $25 a car per day, weekdays only. source |
Do you need a permit for a photo shoot on Big Island?
You do not need one to take your own pictures. A photographer you pay does. On state beaches that is a state beach permit or a Hawaiʻi Film Office permit; state parks, county parks and national parks each have their own rule. Your photographer normally arranges it and some pass the fee on. Hawaiʻi photography permits explained.
Best time of day and year for photos on Big Island
- Sunrise at Hilo is between 5:41 a.m. (late May to mid June) and 6:58 a.m. (January), Hawaiʻi time.
- Sunset is between 5:40 p.m. (late November) and 7:03 p.m. (early July).
- Rain: the National Weather Service describes two seasons, summer from May to October and winter from October to April, with the heaviest rain from winter storms. Windward coasts and slopes get more cloud and rain; leeward areas tend to be sunny and dry.
- Surf: large surf is frequent on north and west shores in winter, which can close a beach to a session.
Sunrise and sunset times for every island.
Common questions
How much does a photographer cost on Big Island?
Among 17 Big Island photographers who publish prices on their own websites, family sessions start between $350 and $800, with a typical starting price of $599. Most add Hawaii's general excise tax of about 4.7 percent. Prices were read on November 14, 2026.
How long is a typical family photo session on Big Island?
About 60 minutes, with about 50 edited images, based on the photographers who state it.
Do photographers need a permit to shoot on a beach on Big Island?
Yes. A paid photographer on a state beach needs a state beach permit, called a Wiki Permit, with a $20 minimum per event, or a Hawaii Film Office permit. Parks have their own permits. The photographer normally holds the permit, so ask to see it.
What time is sunset on Big Island?
At Hilo the sun sets between 5:40 p.m. in late November and 7:03 p.m. in early July, Hawaii time. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.