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Maui photographers: what a family photographer costs
We read the prices that 15 Maui photographers publish on their own websites. Family sessions start from $395, and the typical starting price is $600. This page also covers where to take photos on Maui, which permits apply and when the light is best.
How much does a Maui 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 | $395 | $600 | $1,000 | 60 min, about 52 images | 15 |
| Couples or engagement | $350 | $422 | $1,250 | 45 min, about 30 images | 4 |
| Proposal | $544 | $649 | $990 | 60 min, about 68 images | 7 |
| Maternity | $350 | $400 | $1,250 | 45 min, about 55 images | 5 |
| Mini session | $250 | $395 | $695 | 18 min, about 15 images | 6 |
For family sessions stated as exactly 60 minutes, the published prices run $545 to $1,050, typically $710 (12 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 | 30 minutes $325 USD | 30 min | |
| Flytographer | 60 minutes $425 USD | 60 min | |
| Localgrapher | $280 USD | 30 min | 20 edited photos |
Where to take photos on Maui
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 |
|---|---|
| Mākena State Park (Oneloa / Big Beach) | 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 |
| Wailea 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 |
| Polo Beach and Palauea (White Rock) 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 |
| Keawakapu 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 |
| Kapalua Bay 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 |
| Nāpili 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 |
| D.T. Fleming Beach (Fleming 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. Maui County's film office says there is no filming at county beach parks on weekends and holidays. source |
| Hoʻokipa 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. Maui County's film office says there is no filming at county beach parks on weekends and holidays. source |
| Olowalu 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. The state beach permit excludes the landing areas. source |
| Waiʻānapanapa 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 |
| Haleakalā National Park (summit district) | 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 |
| ʻĪao Valley State Monument | 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 Maui?
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 Maui
- Sunrise at Kahului is between 5:44 a.m. (late May to mid June) and 7:05 a.m. (January), Hawaiʻi time.
- Sunset is between 5:43 p.m. (late November) and 7:11 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 Maui?
Among 15 Maui photographers who publish prices on their own websites, family sessions start between $395 and $1,000, with a typical starting price of $600. 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 Maui?
About 60 minutes, with about 52 edited images, based on the photographers who state it.
Do photographers need a permit to shoot on a beach on Maui?
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 Maui?
At Kahului the sun sets between 5:43 p.m. in late November and 7:11 p.m. in early July, Hawaii time. Hawaii does not use daylight saving time.