Fairmont Orchid Portrait Session – Waikoloa, HI
I’m so excited to share this family session with you all. This beach near the Fairmont Orchid hotel in Waikoloa is one of my favorite spots for sessions. In fact, it is our most select session location. And if you’re staying at this hotel (or the nearby Mauna Lani) then a Fairmont Orchid Portrait Session would not only be convenient, but beautiful.
Why do clients love portrait sessions at the Fairmont Orchid Beach?
This is one of the few beaches on the Big Island that meets these criteria:
- Gorgeous white sand
- Lava rocks along the beach
- Palm trees (!)
- Easily accessible for young kids and anyone with trouble walking
- Not too crowded
- On the permitted list of beaches for commercial photography in Hawaii
It’s really a winner! The fourth item is so very important for families with young children AND older grandparents in the session. Like this session below. We wanted to make sure this was going to be an easy walk for the kiddos and grandparents that joined for this session. It’s a quick 10-minute walk from the parking lot and this particular spot is far enough away from the main hotel beach that it isn’t very crowded.
Where to eat after your Fairmont Orchid Portrait Session
If you’re looking for convenience – you can’t go wrong with Brown’s Beach House. Right on the Fairmont Orchid property, you don’t have to get in the car or travel any further than a 15-minute walk to get to dinner after your photo session! It’s a more higher-end, expensive spot but perfect for a fancy night out.
If you don’t mind hopping in the car, we love (love love) Kuleana Rum Shack. In fact – it’s the restaurant we recommend to most of our clients because the food, atmosphere, and vibe are just that good. They grow their own sugar cane here on the Big Island to make their signature rums. And the food is a twist on classic Hawaii dishes, but with some oomph. And if you leave without ordering the malasadas, you’re doing it all wrong! It’s about a 10-minute walk + 15-minute drive from this beach.
For Photographers
This session is featured as a Behind the Scenes for my signature course the Effortless Family Posing Course. An incredible posing course for family photographers that also includes three (yes, 3!) behind-the-scenes videos of me working with real families. It’s an incredible course! You can also see all of my photographer education offerings here: https://wildesparrow.com/photographer-education
