Why Secret Beach Is Perfect for Your Oahu Family Photography Session

Apr 22, 2025

A family of four stands barefoot on a sandy beach near rocks and the ocean, with palm trees and a cloudy sky in the background for their oahu family photography session

Planning your Oahu family photography session while on vacation might feel like a lot, but trust me, it can be one of the best decisions you make during your trip to Hawaii. Whether you’re staying at the Four Seasons, Disney Aulani, or the Marriott Ko Olina Beach Club, you’re already just steps away from one of my favorite photo spots on the island: Secret Beach!

This session with Madi’s extended family was the perfect example of why I love this spot so much! Gorgeous views, soft golden light, space for toddlers to roam, and just the right amount of privacy for a stress-free experience.

What Makes Secret Beach So Special

Secret Beach (yes, it really feels like a hidden gem) sits just between the Four Seasons Oahu and Disney’s Aulani Resort, making it super convenient if you’re vacationing nearby. It has everything you’d want for your family session, calm waves, tidepools for the kids to explore, swaying palms, and that golden Hawaiian sunset glow that hits just right.

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and soak in a moment with your favorite people, all while I quietly snap away, capture it all unfold.

A Real Oahu Family Photography Session at Secret Beach

Madi’s session included the whole crew: parents, grandparents, kids—you name it! And like most families with toddlers, we had a little bit of everything: smiles, giggles, snacks, and a couple of “I’m not in the mood” toddler moments. And that’s totally okay!

This is something I always like to remind families: your session doesn’t have to be “perfect” to be beautiful. We took our time, followed the kids’ lead, and found little moments of connection everywhere—sandy toes, big hugs, tiny hand-holding, and those belly laughs that make you forget there’s a camera nearby.

We moved through different parts of Secret Beach as the session went on, walking by the Four Seasons Oahu and Disney Aulani while the sun started to dip lower in the sky. The light? Unreal. Soft, glowy, and so flattering. Whether we were framed by palm trees or playing by the water’s edge, the scenery did most of the heavy lifting—and all we had to do was show up.

A family stands barefoot on a sandy beach near rocks and the ocean, with palm trees and a cloudy sky in the background for their oahu family photography session

Why Secret Beach Works So Well for Extended Families

If you’re planning to include grandparents, cousins, or multiple families, Secret Beach is such a solid pick. There’s enough space for group shots and lots of room for little ones to run around safely. Plus, the nearby resorts make it easy for everyone to meet up without needing to travel far from their hotel.

Worried about your toddler’s mood? Don’t be! I’ve worked with lots of families, and we always make it work—whether that means chasing waves, taking snack breaks, or waiting for a quiet cuddle moment that turns into the sweetest photo of the whole day.

Tips for Your Oahu Family Photography Session

Plan for Sunset

The light at Secret Beach during golden hour is next-level dreamy. I always recommend starting your session about an hour before sunset so we can get those soft, glowy vibes.

Coordinate Outfits, Don’t Match

Go for colors that complement the beach—think neutrals, soft pastels, or earthy tones. Avoid busy patterns and neon colors. (And yes, you can totally wear a flowy dress and go barefoot!)

Pack Smart

Bring water, snacks for the little ones, a towel, and maybe a change of clothes if the kids go full beach-mode (which, let’s be honest, they probably will).

Trust the Process

Not every moment has to be posed. Some of my favorite photos come from the in-between moments—when you’re laughing, talking, or just walking hand in hand. Let your family be your family, and I’ll take care of capturing the magic.

A young girl in a light dress walks barefoot on sand, while an adult man follows behind through tall grass and bushes under a cloudy sky.

A man and woman hold hands while walking barefoot on a sandy beach near rocks and the ocean at sunset.

Let’s Talk About Toddlers (Because We Love ‘Em)

If you’re planning an Oahu family photography session with little ones, just know: I get it! Toddlers are unpredictable, full of big feelings, and not always in the mood to smile on command—and honestly, that’s what I love about them. As a mom myself, I’ve been on both sides of the camera. I know what it’s like to hope your kid will cooperate just this once, and I also know that the sweetest moments usually happen when we stop forcing it. That’s why I approach every session with patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor—because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect smiles, it’s about capturing your real, beautiful life just as it is!

During Madi’s family session, we had a few toddler moments where the kiddos weren’t feeling it. And that’s okay! That’s totally normal. I’m never expecting them to be perfect little models the whole time. In fact, some of my favorite images come from the unplanned moments—when they’re snuggling up to mom, playing in the sand, or even having a little pout. It’s all part of the story.

I take a super relaxed and patient approach when working with families. We take breaks when we need to. We play games, sing songs, chase waves, whatever helps your little ones feel safe, comfortable, and like they’re just having fun with their people. There’s zero pressure to force a smile.

The magic always comes through, even if it takes a little extra time and flexibility. You bring the love, I’ll bring the patience (and probably a few silly noises).

Three young children sit on the sandy beach facing the ocean, with the child in the middle putting an arm around the others.

Why Working With the Right Photographer Matters

When you’re planning a family session while traveling, you need someone who’s more than just a photographer, you need someone who gets it. I’m not just here to take photos. I’m here to guide you through the whole experience so that it’s easy, relaxed, and genuinely fun. Whether we’re wrangling toddlers or chasing the last bit of light, I’ve got you.

You don’t need to stress about where to stand or what to do with your hands. I’ll gently direct you while still leaving room for real, candid moments to unfold naturally.

A young girl hugs a crying boy while kneeling together on a sandy beach, with rocks and the ocean in the background.

An adult crouches on sand with arms outstretched toward a toddler who is walking toward them, both appearing engaged and focused.

Let’s Make your Oahu Family Session Happen!

If you’re heading to Oahu and staying near the Four Seasons, Disney Aulani, or Ko Olina Beach Club, this is your sign to book an Oahu family photography session while you’re here! Secret Beach is the kind of place that turns your vacation into a memory you’ll treasure forever, and I’d love to help you capture it! See more of my work on Pinterest and book your Oahu family photography session here!

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