Gorgeous Sunset Session at Maʻili Beach: A Perfect Evening on Oahu's West Coast

Okay, Maʻili Beach really outdid itself for this one.

December 8, 2024, was one of those evenings that made me stop mid-session and think, Wait, how is this real life? The sky was showing off, the beach was wide open, and the family I photographed was just the sweetest crew.

The Beauty of Maʻili Beach

If you’ve never been to Maʻili, it’s a west side gem—big skies, soft sand, and tons of space to run around. It’s not always an easy spot to shoot (especially if the sky’s totally clear—hello, blinding brightness), but when there are a few clouds in the sky? That’s when the west side really shines.

We got lucky with one of those evenings where everything lined up—just the right amount of cloud cover, soft skies, no wind, and the kind of colors that make you want to frame every photo. The light was warm and glowy, and everyone looked like they got ten hours of sleep and a vacation glow-up. (Which, let’s be honest, never actually happens when you’re traveling with kids.)

The Session

The family I photographed that night made everything easy. A family of four, full of love, energy, and just the right amount of silly. We kept things simple—walking along the shoreline, playing in the sand, hugging it out, and sneaking in those candid moments that always end up being the favorites.

When it works, it works.

When the conditions are right, it’s like nature hands you a perfect backdrop and says, "Go for it." And when families show up ready to just enjoy each other and let the session unfold naturally? That’s when the magic happens. (Okay fine, I said that overused word “magic.” But you get what I mean.)

I mean, really. I love this job.

So if you’re thinking about a sunset session at Maʻili—and you’re up for a little west side adventure—this spot can be absolutely worth it (especially if the sky decides to cooperate). It’s a great fit for families who want to stay close to Ko Olina, want a little space, a lot of fun, and letting the kids just be themselves while I play paparazzi with my camera.

Want to get a session on the calendar? Click here to book or reach out with any questions—I’m happy to help you figure out the best fit for your crew.

– Steph