Thinking about family photos at Kawela Bay Beach Park? Discover why this North Shore Oahu spot, with its lush jungle, calm water, and beautiful variety, is my favorite place for playful, relaxed family photo sessions. Learn what to expect, when to go, and how to plan your own adventure.
I keep a running list of “places I love but aren’t too popular” on Oahu, and Kawela Bay Beach Park has always hovered near the top. Not because it’s empty (this is Oahu, not Alaska 😏), but because it’s tucked away just enough that you have to mean to find it. You can pretty much always get parking, the scenery is both gorgeous and surprising, and it never feels crowded.
I first went to Kawela Bay with my family when we moved here three years ago, back when I thought I was ready to start my business (before school, pregnancy, and house stuff decided otherwise). I went looking for those famous Banyan Trees I’d seen in other photographers’ portraits (which are now blocked off by rope), but was surprised by how beautiful everything else was. I ended up just swimming at sunset with my son and loving it. It’s probably the farthest beach from my house, but I keep going back because it’s just that good.
Still, I didn’t have my first professional session there until a couple of weeks ago, and honestly, I fell even more in love with the place. Maybe it was also the family I was photographing (patient, fun, and friends I met through the local Hiking with Keiki group), but something about it just clicked. I loved it so much that I recommended it to another client the following week.
Kawela Bay has it all: gorgeous trees, jungle, driftwood, woods, beautiful lighting, blue water, and a shoreline you can get in. The water’s calm enough for toddlers (or adults who aren’t looking to fight the waves), and there’s usually a turtle or two just hanging out.
Where is Kawela Bay Beach Park on Oahu? (How to Find It and Where to Park)
Kawela Bay is on the North Shore, just west of the Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay. If you’re driving along Kamehameha Highway, you’d probably never know it was there. Parking is along the side of the road; there’s usually plenty, but it can get muddy after rain.
You’ll see a fence along the road, and the entrance is pretty easy to spot. The park is accessible to most people. You can bring a stroller if it has bigger wheels or is made for off-road use (i.e., not a standard Target umbrella stroller), but please note that the trail conditions can vary.
Once you’re in, you walk through the “jungle” with the option to explore more of the forest or head straight toward the famous Banyan tree. Walk a little farther and you’ll pop out at the beach.
A Little Background and History
According to Wikipedia, “Ka wela” in Hawaiian means “the heat.” Interestingly, I’ve never found Kawela Bay to be one of the hotter spots on Oahu. The trees here actually give you a break from the sun, unlike so many other beaches where you end up overheating.
Kawela Bay is sheltered by a natural reef, which is why the water stays relatively calm compared to the rest of the North Shore. The forest here is full of variety, of course, there are the iconic Banyan trees, but you’ll also find palms and ironwoods (not as photogenic, but still part of the beautiful landscape).
It’s a great place to spend a day, whether you’re up for a walk, biking, running, or just exploring with your kids. Sometimes you’ll spot horseback riders from the hotel’s trail tours wandering by. The forest has all kinds of trees—not just the famous Banyans (which have made appearances in Lost and Pirates of the Caribbean), but also palms and ironwoods. There’s plenty of shade if you’re trying to escape the sun, and even though the beach itself is pretty narrow, the calm water is usually good for swimming. Keep in mind that it can be a little murky, and water shoes help with the rocks. And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a turtle or two cruising the bay.
While researching for this blog, I learned something I didn’t know—Kawela Bay is one of the last undeveloped shorelines on Oahu. At one point, the area was threatened by plans for five new hotels, thousands of resort residences, and all the accompanying commercial development. In 2015, local organizations and community groups negotiated an agreement to conserve 630 acres and five miles of coastline, ensuring it would never be developed ( read more about it here). This conservation effort is essential for wildlife, erosion control, wetlands preservation, and maintaining public access, among other benefits.
Honestly, it’s easy to take places like this for granted and forget the amount of work and passion that went into protecting them. I’m just really grateful that we have access to such a beautiful, meaningful place.
Why Kawela Bay Beach Park is a Great Spot for Oahu Family Photos
One of my favorite things about Kawela Bay Beach Park is how much variety you get in one spot. There’s the classic beach with soft sand and gentle waves, but also a whole jungle of greenery, dramatic banyan trees, driftwood, and even some shaded forest areas. It means no two portraits look the same, there’s always a new backdrop to play with.
Even though there are always a few people around, it’s rare to see big crowds or groups. The area is so spread out that you can always find your little corner for photos. This makes it awesome for families who want space for kids to run around and enjoy themselves (instead of standing in a line of other families waiting for the same shot). That said, as usual on a weekend, a couple of the more obvious (and for good reason) spots already had photographers waiting with their groups, and yes, we waited our turn too.
It’s also one of those rare spots on Oahu that isn’t just a sunrise or sunset location. Because of the shade from all the trees and the direction of the light, you can do sessions at almost any time of day (except maybe midday, the greens get GREEN). It’s an excellent fit for adventurous families, little explorers, or anyone who wants their portraits to feel like an experience.
Pro Tips for Families
Best Times for Kawela Bay Portraits
- 20 minutes after sunrise to mid-morning: You won’t see the sunrise itself, but the morning light is soft and flattering.
- Mid-afternoon: Perfect if you want photos before a swim or grabbing dinner.
- 1–2 hours before sunset: The light here is always beautiful in the late afternoon.
Want to make your session extra fun?
Plan a simple activity—ride bikes, bring your film camera, have a little picnic, whatever feels like your family. These make for the best candid photos.
What to Bring
- Snacks and water for you and the kids (extras in the car, bring what you know you’ll need for a bit of bribery).
- A small bag for valuables: phone, keys, watch. If you have a “pretty” bag, now’s the time to use it.
- Change of clothes if you want to get in the water at the end.
- Towels.
- Bug spray. Seriously, it can get VERY buggy here.
Outfit Ideas
- Colors that pop against the green—think natural tones with a hint of contrast, such as blues, oranges, reds, and warm neutrals.
- Try to avoid green so you don’t blend in with the background.
- Neutral sandals are great (barefoot is perfect for the beach, but not so much for the trails).
Recent Family Photos at Kawela Bay Beach Park
I photographed this family last summer on the other side of the North Shore, but this time, they wanted a more “jungle” vibe. I knew Kawela Bay would be perfect for them. I was a little nervous about the weather on the drive over. I saw some large, dark clouds rolling in. It did end up raining for a bit, but the rainfall was light and brief, and it didn’t impact the session at all. We started at the famous Banyan trees and then wandered around to explore more of the area. Their little girl was so cute, exploring and playing in the water at the end of the session. We also found some perfect spots to frame mom and her beautiful, growing baby bump.
How to Book Your Family Session at Kawela Bay Beach Park
Ready to plan your family adventure at Kawela Bay? I’d love to help you make it happen! Just reach out here to check my current availability or ask any questions. Once you book, I’ll walk you through everything: choosing the best time, what to wear, and all the little details so your session feels easy and stress-free.Want to see more examples or learn about other favorite Oahu spots? Check out my blog posts on Oahu family sessions or head over to the Contact page to get started.
I’m looking forward to meeting your family and capturing some beautiful portraits together!
What to Expect During Your Kawela Bay Beach Park Family Photo Session
I always arrive at sessions early to check out what’s going on that day, including the light and the number of people around. Based on what I see, I’ll usually plan a short walk for us, but we’ll always start somewhere easy for those posed or “everyone-look-here” shots. I’ll give you some direction (“stand here,” “walk that way”), and if we get the photo, awesome! If not, we keep moving. Sometimes the walk is led by me, sometimes by a toddler on a mission. It’s honestly different every time.
As we explore, I’m always on the lookout for those little magical moments; maybe I’ll have you shift a bit into better light, or I’ll use a cool bit of scenery to frame your family. Who knows. Every session has its unique vibe.
Kawela Bay makes sessions feel relaxed because there’s always something interesting for kids (or adults) to interact with: driftwood, trees, sand, water. I also love trying out creative ideas here, especially at sunset.
FAQs: Family Photos at Kawela Bay Beach Park
Can you swim there?
Yes! Kawela Bay Beach Park is a great place to get your feet wet at the end of your session. If you want to go deeper, consider bringing water shoes, as the terrain can be rocky.
Is it stroller-friendly?
Somewhat? I wouldn’t say yes, but if you have a rugged stroller that can handle the wooded terrain, it is
What’s the parking like?
Parking is along the road, and plenty of it! If you book a session with me, I will share a screenshot so you know exactly where to park!
Best time of year/day for photos?
At this place? All the time. Morning or evening (and it doesn’t have to be right at sunrise or sunset). Weekends might have a little more competition for the best backdrops.
Are there bathrooms?
Sorry, nope, no bathrooms. However, some of the trails are secluded, so it’s a good idea to bring toilet paper and a disposable bag.
