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Kauai photographers: what a family photographer costs
We read the prices that 10 Kauai photographers publish on their own websites. Family sessions start from $475, and the typical starting price is $624. This page also covers where to take photos on Kauaʻi, which permits apply and when the light is best.
How much does a Kauai 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 | $475 | $624 | $895 | 60 min, about 42 images | 10 |
| Couples or engagement | $395 | $525 | $1,180 | 60 min, about 40 images | 6 |
| Proposal | Too few published prices to give a fair figure (3 found). | 3 | |||
| Maternity | Too few published prices to give a fair figure (2 found). | 2 | |||
| Mini session | $300 | $475 | $695 | 30 min, about 15 images | 4 |
For family sessions stated as exactly 60 minutes, the published prices run $525 to $895, typically $672 (10 packages).
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 | from $325 USD | 30 min | |
| Flytographer (photographer Michaela) | Pricing starts at $425 USD for a 60-minute vacation shoot | 60 min | |
| Wowtographer | $ 450 | 60 min | up to 200 photos, 20 photos with Wow editing |
Where to take photos on Kauaʻi
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 |
|---|---|
| Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Pier | 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. The state beach permit does not cover the pier. source |
| ʻAnini 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 |
| Lydgate Beach 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. source |
| Kalapakī 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 |
| Poʻipū Beach 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. source |
| Keoneloa Bay (Shipwreck 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 |
| Waimea Canyon State Park (Waimea Canyon Lookout) | 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 |
| Kōkeʻe State Park (Kalalau Lookout, Puʻu o Kila Lookout) | 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 |
Do you need a permit for a photo shoot on Kauai?
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 Kauai
- Sunrise at Lihue is between 5:53 a.m. (late May to mid June) and 7:19 a.m. (January), Hawaiʻi time.
- Sunset is between 5:53 p.m. (late November) and 7:25 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 Kauai?
Among 10 Kauai photographers who publish prices on their own websites, family sessions start between $475 and $895, with a typical starting price of $624. 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 Kauai?
About 60 minutes, with about 42 edited images, based on the photographers who state it.
Do photographers need a permit to shoot on a beach on Kauai?
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 Kauai?
At Lihue the sun sets between 5:53 p.m. in late November and 7:25 p.m. in early July, Hawaii time. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.