10 Best Beaches for Maternity Photos on Oahu (2026 Guide)
When you're planning your maternity session in Hawaii, choosing the right location can make all the difference.
Oahu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, each offering its own unique look and feel. Whether you dream of dramatic mountains, soft golden sunsets, turquoise waters, or secluded stretches of sand, there's a perfect location waiting for you.
As an Oahu maternity photographer, I've spent years exploring the island and helping expecting mothers find the backdrop that best reflects their story.
Here are my favorite beaches for maternity photography on Oahu.
1. Kahala Beach
Best For:
Classic Hawaii sunsets and soft, timeless portraits.
Kahala Beach remains one of my favorite locations for maternity photography. The beach offers a peaceful atmosphere, gentle waves, swaying palm trees, and beautiful golden light as the sun begins to set.
Why clients love it:
Easy access
Soft sandy shoreline
Less crowded than Waikiki
Gorgeous sunset colors
Family-friendly environment
If you're looking for a classic Hawaii maternity session, Kahala Beach is hard to beat.
2. Waimanalo Beach
Best For:
Turquoise water and mountain views.
Waimanalo often feels like something straight out of a postcard.
The water is vibrant blue, the beach stretches for miles, and the Ko'olau Mountains create a stunning backdrop unlike anywhere else on Oahu.
Why clients love it:
Bright blue water
Dramatic mountain scenery
Wide open beaches
Natural beauty in every direction
This location is ideal for couples wanting that iconic tropical Hawaii look.
3. Ko Olina Lagoons
Best For:
Luxury resort vibes.
The lagoons at Ko Olina offer calm water, manicured landscapes, and beautiful palm-lined pathways.
Many babymoon couples staying nearby choose this location because it feels relaxed and elegant.
Why clients love it:
Calm water
Resort atmosphere
Beautiful palm trees
Excellent sunsets
Perfect for couples celebrating a babymoon on Oahu.
4. Lanikai Beach
Best For:
Dreamy turquoise water.
Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lanikai offers crystal-clear water and breathtaking views of the Mokulua Islands.
Why clients love it:
Incredible water color
White sand beaches
Tropical scenery
Bright, airy images
Morning sessions are typically best here due to lighting and parking availability.
5. Kualoa Regional Park
Best For:
Mountains and ocean in one location.
If you love dramatic scenery, Kualoa is unforgettable.
The towering green mountains create a breathtaking backdrop while the ocean adds a distinctly Hawaiian feel.
Why clients love it:
Jurassic Park scenery
Mountain views
Ocean access
Unique look compared to traditional beaches
This location offers some of the most iconic landscapes on the island.
6. Yokohama Bay
Best For:
Secluded beach sessions.
Located on Oahu's west side, Yokohama feels untouched and wild.
The beach is expansive, uncrowded, and surrounded by rugged natural beauty.
Why clients love it:
Fewer crowds
Natural scenery
Wide open views
Beautiful sunsets
A wonderful option for adventurous couples.
7. Makapu'u Beach Area
Best For:
Dramatic coastal scenery.
The cliffs and coastline around Makapu'u provide a unique alternative to traditional sandy beach sessions.
Why clients love it:
Coastal cliffs
Ocean views
Beautiful textures
Unique island landscapes
Ideal for couples looking for something different.
8. Sherwoods Beach
Best For:
Peter Pan… Beach/Forest Shore magic.
This spot offers a completely different atmosphere than Honolulu.
Sherwoods Beach combines expansive shoreline with stunning evening light.
Why clients love it:
World famous setting
Beautiful golden skies and mountain scapes
Spacious beaches
Relaxed atmosphere
9. Kailua Beach
Best For:
Bright and airy photographs.
Kailua Beach offers powdery white sand and beautiful blue water.
The open shoreline creates clean, timeless images that never go out of style.
Why clients love it:
Easy access
Beautiful water
Bright photographs
Family-friendly setting
10. PORTLOCK Beach Locations
Some of my favorite maternity locations aren't listed on travel websites.
After years of photographing families across Oahu, I've discovered several hidden gems that offer incredible scenery with fewer crowds and beautiful lighting.
These locations are reserved exclusively for my clients and are selected based on season, weather, lighting conditions, and your vision for the session.
