MAUI LOCATIONS FOR SHOOTS

Maui, known as the "Valley Isle," offers an abundance of breathtaking locations perfect for sunrise and sunset photography. Each region of the island provides unique landscapes that make for stunning golden-hour shots.

West Maui (Sunrise or Sunset)

Lāhainā – The historic whaling town offers vibrant sunset colors reflecting off the harbor, with boats and the West Maui Mountains creating a picturesque background.

Kāʻanapali – The golden beaches of Kāʻanapali provide a perfect setting for sunset photography, with palm trees, lava rocks, and silhouettes of people enjoying the evening waves.

Kapalua – A great sunset location with rocky cliffs and dramatic coastal views, making it perfect for capturing waves crashing against the shore.

Napili – The crescent-shaped Napili Bay is excellent for sunset photos, with soft sand, coconut trees, and a calm, reflective ocean.

South Maui (Sunrise or Sunset - but may be windy)

Kīhei – This laid-back town features long, open beaches perfect for capturing sunset reflections over tide pools and lava rock formations.

Wailea – The luxury resort area offers incredible sunset views with perfectly manicured beaches, swaying palms, and warm golden light.

Makena – One of Maui’s most iconic sunset locations, Big Beach and Little Beach in Makena provide unspoiled, expansive shorelines with fiery colors at dusk.

Central Maui (Sunrise or Sunset)

Kahului – As the island’s commercial hub, Kahului offers a mix of urban and natural photography, with sunset views near Kanaha Beach Park and the harbor.

Wailuku – Nestled in the West Maui Mountains, Wailuku offers stunning golden-hour lighting on the lush slopes, perfect for sunrise and sunset shots.

ʻĪao Valley – Best for early morning photography, the famous ʻĪao Needle is surrounded by mist and soft sunrise light, creating a mystical scene.

Upcountry Maui (Sunrise or Sunset)

Pukalani – The elevated landscapes of Pukalani provide stunning views of the valley and coastline as the sun rises over Haleakalā.

Makawao – This paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) town is great for sunrise shots of rolling hills, rustic ranches, and misty morning light.

Kula – Known for its farms and botanical gardens, Kula’s high elevation makes it an incredible location for capturing soft sunrise light and expansive views.

North Shore Maui (Sunrise or Sunset)

Pāʻia – The best place for a bohemian beach sunrise, with golden light hitting the famous Baldwin Beach and Ho‘okipa Beach Park, a well-known surf spot.

Spreckelsville – A hidden gem, this quiet stretch of beach near the airport is great for capturing the first light reflecting off the turquoise waves.

East Maui (Sunrise or Sunset)

Hāna – The Road to Hāna offers many incredible sunrise spots, including Wailua Falls and Black Sand Beach at Wai‘ānapanapa State Park, where the contrast of black lava rocks and golden light creates dramatic images.

Kīpahulu – Near the Pools of ‘Ohe‘o (Seven Sacred Pools), sunrise here offers soft light filtering through lush rainforest and waterfalls.

Haleakalā (Best for Sunrise)

Haleakalā National Park – One of the most famous sunrise locations in the world, the summit of Haleakalā offers a breathtaking view above the clouds, where the first light of the day bathes the volcanic landscape in deep purples, pinks, and oranges.

Maui is a dream destination for photography, with sunrise sessions offering soft morning hues over Haleakalā, lush valleys, and golden beaches, while sunset provides fiery skies over dramatic coastlines, lava rocks, and ocean waves. Maui delivers unforgettable golden-hour moments.