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Laid Back Golden Hour Mauna Kea Beach Couples Session

Some of the best moments happen when you least expect them, and that’s exactly how this Mauna Kea Beach couples session with Brooke and Josh came to be. I was visiting two of my closest friends, Corey and Claire, in Kona for a few days before heading to Oahu. On my last night there, we spent the entire day beach-hopping with a group of their fellow YWAM friends—including none other than Brooke and Josh. Somewhere between the salty breeze and golden light, I found myself capturing pure magic between these two, completely unplanned yet effortlessly perfect.

Brooke and Josh are full-time with YWAM Ministries in Kona, and their love for each other is just as adventurous as their faith. From the moment we started, they were barefoot, laughing, and completely in the moment. As the waves rolled in and the sun dipped lower, they embraced every bit of spontaneity that makes sessions like this feel so alive.

Married couple at Mauna Kea beach in Hawaii
Married couple at Mauna Kea beach in Hawaii
Married couple at Mauna Kea beach in Hawaii

Mauna Kea Beach is easily one of the most breathtaking spots on the Big Island. The way the light hits the sand, turning everything into this dreamy, golden glow, feels like something straight out of a movie. As we wandered along the shoreline, Brooke and Josh leaned fully into the magic of it all. One moment, they were running through the waves; the next, Josh was sweeping Brooke off her feet—literally. Her laughter carried through the warm evening air as he spun her around, and I couldn’t help but smile behind the camera.

If you’re dreaming of a couples session in Hawaii that feels this natural and fun, my biggest advice? Don’t overthink it. The best photos happen when you let go of expectations and just enjoy the moment. Whether it’s Mauna Kea Beach or another stunning stretch of coastline, Hawaii has this way of making every second feel like magic.

So, if you’re planning a trip (or lucky enough to call this place home) and want to document your love in a way that feels real, let’s make it happen. We’ll chase the sunset, run through the waves, and capture the kind of moments that will make you smile every time you look back at them.

These are the moments I live for—unscripted, raw, and full of joy. No stiff posing, no forced smiles. Just two people completely wrapped up in each other, lost in the beauty of the moment.

Married couple at Mauna Kea beach in Hawaii

Planning Your Own Laid-Back Beach Session in Hawaii

If there’s one thing I’ll never tire of, it’s capturing love in places that feel like paradise. And this Mauna Kea Beach session? It had that ‘endless summer’ feeling written all over it. The way the sunset painted the sky, the way Brooke’s flannel contrasted against the golden hues, the way the ocean mist clung to their skin—it was effortlessly beautiful.

What I love most about working with couples like Brooke and Josh is how they forget the camera is even there. Instead of worrying about the perfect shot, they simply are—playing, laughing, and soaking in every second together. That’s what makes a session unforgettable.

So, if you’re planning a trip (or already live here—lucky you!) and want to document your love in a way that feels real, let’s make it happen. We’ll chase the sunset, run through the waves, and capture the kind of moments that will make you smile every time you look back on them.

If you’re looking for similar inspiration for your elopement, be sure to check out this Magical Oahu Sunrise Couples Session, and this Playful Beach Couples Session in Oahu, Hawaii.

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