Kona Village Resort is nothing short of paradise, a dreamlike escape on the Big Island where families can experience the ultimate blend of luxury, adventure, and Hawaiian culture. Nestled along the pristine Kohala Coast, the resort feels like stepping into a tropical oasis, with its thatched-roof bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and lush gardens teeming with vibrant flowers. Families will fall in love with the endless opportunities to create memories—whether it’s exploring tide pools with the kids, savoring incredible cuisine under the stars, or simply relaxing on the golden sands as gentle waves lap at the shore. The resort’s thoughtful design and warm aloha spirit make it a place where time slows down, allowing families to reconnect and savor the magic of the island. From sunrise canoe rides to stunning sunset views, Kona Village Resort is more than a destination—it’s an unforgettable experience that will stay with your family forever.

FAQs for a Family Photo Session at Kona Village Resort

1. What is the best time of day for a photo session?

• Answer: The golden hour (shortly after sunrise or an hour before sunset) provides the most flattering lighting and creates a warm, natural glow in photos. If you want an idea of the exact timing, Google ‘Kona [sunrise/sunset] + date’, and you’ll see the exact sunrise or sunset time for that date. Sessions are scheduled to start at sunrise and end at sunset. You can use this information to decide the best date for a photo session for your family!

2. What should we wear for the photos?

• Answer: Opt for light, neutral colors or soft pastels to complement the tropical backdrop. Avoid busy patterns or large logos. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and comfortable footwear work well for the resort’s beachy and luxurious setting. And check out our blog post for more ideas! https://wildesparrow.com/what-to-wear-for-your-hawaii-family-portrait-beach-session/

3. Are there any specific locations at Kona Village Resort that are great for photos?

• Answer: The good news about this resort is that there are no bad photo spots. We specialize in beachside portraits, but we also know that many families would like to include memories of the resorts beautiful property. It is up to you, just let us know your preference.

4. How far in advance should we book the session?

• Answer: Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred session date and time.

5. Is the photographer familiar with the Kona Village Resort?

• Answer: Yes! Though the resort is newly opened, we have photographed many sessions here and can assure you your photographer has experience shooting all around this resort. Our familiarity with the location ensures they know the best angles, lighting, and unique features.

6. What happens if it rains?

• Answer: If it looks like rain will affect your photo session, we will work to find a time to reschedule your session during your travel dates. Hawaii’s rain showers are often brief and pass quickly, so sessions may just need a slight timing adjustment.

7. Can extended family members join the session?

• Answer: Yes! We offer packages that can accommodate groups of up to 30 people, which is the max number of people that our permits allow for. Just let us know when you book how many people will be photographed so we can recommend the right session length and plan for all of the important group photos.

8. Do we need to bring anything to the session?

• Answer: No large bags, please! It’s a good idea to bring water and touch-up essentials like hairbrushes or makeup. If you have young kids, pack a small toy or snack to keep them happy during breaks, as well as a change of clothes for kids.

9. How long does the session typically last?

• Answer: Family sessions generally last 20-45 minutes. This allows enough time for candid shots, posed photos, and having fun on the beach together.

10. How long does it take to receive the final photos?

• Answer: At Wilde Sparrow, we pride ourselves on our quick turnaround time. You can expect your photos 10-14 days after your session. We offer an expedited 3-day turnaround time add-on if you want them sooner. This is a very popular add-on for maternity photo announcements and holiday photos!

11. Can we request specific photo styles or poses?

• Answer: Absolutely! Share your vision with your photographer beforehand—whether you prefer candid moments, traditional poses, or a mix of both. While we can never promise to replicate an exact photo as every family, every beach, and the weather on any given day is different – we’ll do our best to capture moments that you are drawn to. The most important thing to remember is we cannot capture something that did not happen. This means – if you love joyful, fun photos – but your family shows up grumpy, tired, and just over it from the start – well… there just won’t be much joy in those photos. So be sure to share your vision and goal for the photos with your entire family (yes, even little kids!) so that everyone is on the same page and understands the expectations.

12. Is there a cancellation or refund policy?

• Answer: If you have to cancel your session, we offer a 12-month reschedule window. This means we will transfer any monies paid to a new session date within 12 months of your original session date. Our flexible policy also allows for session transfers. You may transfer your session to friends or family if you don’t believe you can schedule one within the 12-month window.

Ready to Book your Kona Village Resort Family Photos

We hope this answers all your questions! We’re now booking sunrise and sunset sessions on Maui, the Big Island and Oahu! Inquire through our website to grab our spot!

Check out another gorgeous Kona Village Resort photo session on the Big Island here!