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Kona photographers: what a family photographer costs in Kona
10 photographers on the Kona and Kohala side of the Big Island publish family session prices on their own websites. They start from $449, and the typical starting price is $648.
How much does a Kona photographer cost?
| Side of the island | 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 |
A typical Big Island family session is about 60 minutes with about 50 edited images. For other kinds of session see Big Island photographers.
Where to take photos on the Kona and Kohala side
| Place | Permit for paid photography |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
When is the light best in Kona?
Sunset on the Big Island falls between 5:40 p.m. in late November and 7:03 p.m. in early July, Hawaiʻi time, measured at Hilo. The Kona coast faces west, so the sun sets over the water. The Western Regional Climate Center notes that the Kona coast is the exception among Hawaiʻi's leeward lowlands, where summer is otherwise the drier season.
Common questions
How much does a family photographer cost in Kona?
Among 10 Kona and Kohala Coast photographers who publish prices on their own websites, family sessions start between $449 and $799, with a typical starting price of $648. Prices were read on November 14, 2026.
Is a photographer cheaper in Hilo than in Kona?
On published prices, yes. Hilo-side family sessions typically start at $375, against $648 on the Kona and Kohala side.
Do Kona photographers need a beach permit?
Yes. A paid photographer on a state beach needs a state beach permit with a $20 minimum per event, or a Hawaii Film Office permit. State parks such as Hapuna and Kua Bay need a state film permit instead.