Engagement At Hōkūliʻa On The Big Island, Hawaii
Alanna & Hunter's Engagement Session | Hōkūliʻa at South Kona
Alanna and Hunter’s engagement session was nothing short of breathtaking. Set in the lush, serene environment of South Kona at Hōkūleʻa on the Big Island, this session blended elegance, intimacy, and a lively celebration with close friends and family. This blog captures the story of their engagement session, offering insights into their day and providing inspiration for couples planning a similar event in this beautiful location.
Alanna and Hunter’s engagement took place during the summer of 2024. The event was formal but filled with fun energy—guests wore white, which created a visually striking and sophisticated atmosphere. However, it was far from a stuffy, formal event. With close friends and family by their side, the couple embraced a joyful and carefree celebration.
This engagement session was unique as it combined a classic photo session with an engagement party. The couple’s closest family and friends gathered at a stunning venue, beautifully decorated for a celebratory dinner. The evening ended with a cake cutting, making the experience feel like a mini wedding. It was the perfect preview of what their wedding day would bring.
Hōkūleʻa is a gem on the Big Island. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, lush greenery, and sweeping views of South Kona, the location provided the perfect backdrop for Alanna and Hunter’s session. South Kona is often overcast and rainy, but the couple lucked out with just light cloud cover and no rain during the session. The soft lighting created by the clouds added a magical touch to each shot, eliminating the harshness of direct sunlight and bringing out the natural tones of the landscape.
The landscape of Hōkūleʻa is nothing short of breathtaking. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze as Alanna and Hunter posed on the lush golf course, with elevated views that showcased the stunning beauty of Kona. Whether down by the coast or high on the hilltops, each location we visited unraveled a new, captivating vista.
What made this engagement session especially fun was the couple’s enthusiasm and vision. Alanna and Hunter came prepared with specific ideas for the types of shots they wanted to capture. They had a clear picture of their dream session and were eager to include several outfit changes and multiple locations across the venue. Their vision ranged from coastal shots, to photos taken on the golf course, to views overlooking the sprawling Kona landscape.
Alanna’s three different outfit changes gave the session even more dynamic. Her first look was classic and elegant, which paired beautifully with the serene ocean views. As the session moved to the lush golf course and hilltop views of Kona, her second outfit brought a touch of casual elegance, allowing for more movement and playfulness. Finally, her third outfit for the engagement party and cake-cutting was a simple, modern dress that perfectly matched the evening’s relaxed yet celebratory tone.
This type of session was incredibly collaborative, and it was clear that Alanna and Hunter were deeply invested in making their engagement session reflect their personalities and relationship. As a photographer, I always appreciate when a couple comes to the table with ideas and inspiration. It allows for a session that feels more alive and meaningful, as was the case with Alanna and Hunter’s day.
This session didn’t just stop at photos—it morphed into a full-fledged engagement party. After the photo shoot, Alanna and Hunter walked into their venue, greeted by family and friends who were there to celebrate their engagement. The transition from a private engagement shoot to a party with loved ones gave the entire experience a sense of completeness and joy.
We captured candid moments as they interacted with their loved ones, followed by the dinner and cake-cutting portion of the evening. It was a perfect balance of posed shots, natural candids, and emotional moments that captured the essence of who they are as a couple.
Natural light was the star of this session. The soft, diffused light that comes with cloud cover is every photographer's dream. It allowed for a consistent, beautiful glow that made every shot feel warm and inviting. South Kona’s typical weather worked in our favor, providing an even, natural lighting environment without the harsh shadows or bright spots that can sometimes come with direct sunlight.
Though a little rain crept in at one point, we simply waited it out in a covered area before resuming the session. The slight drizzle didn’t dampen the mood—in fact, it added to the coziness and intimacy of the day.
Choose a Location That Resonates with You:
Hōkūleʻa’s mix of lush greenery, open spaces, and panoramic views offered so many options for creative shots. This is a fantastic spot for couples who want to incorporate nature into their engagement photos. Keep in mind that you may need special access to the venue, as it’s a private location.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative:
Alanna and Hunter’s willingness to incorporate multiple locations and outfit changes made their session feel dynamic and diverse. If you’re planning an engagement session, think about what outfits, props, or settings represent your relationship, and don’t hesitate to communicate those ideas to your photographer.
Go with the Flow:
Even if the weather isn’t ideal, you can still have an incredible session. We had a brief shower during the shoot, but it wasn’t a big deal. Instead, we used the downtime to get even more creative and capture moments that might have otherwise been missed.
Alanna and Hunter’s engagement session was filled with personal touches, scenic beauty, and heartfelt moments. It was clear from the start that this couple knew what they wanted, and their input made this session incredibly fun to shoot. Whether it was the formal yet lively energy of the party or the peaceful, adventurous vibe of their photoshoot locations, every moment of this day felt deeply reflective of who they are as a couple.
If you’re planning an engagement session on the Big Island, Hōkūleʻa is an excellent choice. It offers everything from lush landscapes to private, intimate settings, perfect for making your day as personal and memorable as possible.
For more inspiration and to see more sessions like this, be sure to check out our Engagement Sessions Portfolio, or get in touch to learn more about our signature experience and pricing. Planning a destination engagement session? We’ve got you covered! Inquire today to start planning your dream photoshoot.
