Anaehoomalu Point | Best Beach for Hilton Waikoloa Beach Photos
Why Anaehoomalu Point is the best Hawaii Beach for Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort Photos
If you’re staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village and searching for the perfect place to capture your Hawaii vacation memories, Anaehoomalu Point is one of the Big Island’s best-kept secrets for Waikoloa family photos and couples’ portraits.
As Hilton Waikoloa photographers, we know how valuable it is to step out of your accommodations and head straight to your photoshoot without having to drive anywhere. As the only natural beach directly accessible from Hilton Waikoloa Village, Anaehoomalu Point makes it possible. This breathtaking stretch of coastline offers everything you imagine when you think of Hawaii: dramatic black lava rock, secluded pockets of white sand, swaying palm trees, an island mountain backdrop, sailboats drifting across the horizon, and unforgettable sunsets. With no commute, it’s the perfect location for families with young children, surprise proposals that require a little extra planning, couples sessions, maternity portraits, and intimate elopements.
Getting to Anaehoomalu Point & Parking
One of the biggest advantages of Anaehoomalu Point is how easy it is to access. If you’re staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village, you can simply walk from your accommodations directly to the beach without ever getting in your car.
This location is also incredibly convenient for visitors staying throughout the Waikoloa Resort area, including the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kings’ Land Waikoloa, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Kohala Suites Waikoloa, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Tower Waikoloa Village, nearby vacation rentals, and condos throughout Waikoloa Beach Resort.
If you’re driving, parking is both easy and free. There is complimentary street parking along the main road, as well as a small free public parking lot located near the trailhead. From there, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to Anaehoomalu Point, where you’ll be rewarded with dramatic lava rock, secluded sandy coves, and breathtaking ocean views.
While the trail is relatively easy for most visitors, portions of it cross uneven lava rock and natural terrain. Because of this, we don’t typically recommend Anaehoomalu Point for families with strollers, wheelchairs, or guests with limited mobility. Instead, we’d recommend Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay), just a drive-walk away. It offers much easier access thanks to its paved walkways and sandy beach, making it a wonderful alternative without sacrificing the beauty of your Hawaii photos.
Click here to see our blog post about Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay) with real session photos
Diverse Scenery That Makes Anaehoomalu Point One of Waikoloa’s Best Secluded Photo Locations
One of the reasons we love photographing at Anaehoomalu Point is the incredible variety of landscapes packed into one easily accessible location. Within just a short shoreline, you can experience everything from rugged lava coastlines and secluded sandy coves to swaying coconut palms, panoramic ocean views, and the majestic mountains of the Kohala Coast.
Because each area offers a different backdrop, your gallery naturally feels diverse without spending time driving between multiple locations. Whether you’re planning family portraits, a romantic couples session, or a surprise proposal, Anaehoomalu Point provides a collection of uniquely Hawaiian settings that complement every style of photography.
As the sun begins to set, warm golden light washes over the lava rock while sailboats drift across the horizon and the sky comes alive with vibrant colors. The combination of volcanic landscapes and tropical scenery creates timeless images that truly capture the spirit of the Big Island.
WHAT YOU’LL FIND DURING YOUR SESSION
- Dramatic lava rock formations that add texture, depth, and a distinctly Hawaiian feel.
- Hidden sandy coves perfect for barefoot family portraits and romantic moments.
- Towering coconut palms that create a classic tropical backdrop.
- Panoramic ocean views stretching across Anaehoomalu Bay toward the horizon.
- Views of the Kohala Mountains that add dimension and showcase the island’s diverse landscapes.
- Sailboats anchored in the bay, bringing a peaceful coastal charm to your photographs.
- Beautiful sunset light that transforms the coastline into one of the most scenic places on the Kohala Coast.
- Multiple backdrops within walking distance, allowing your gallery to feel varied without ever leaving the area.
This gallery showcases why Anaehoomalu Point is one of our favorite locations for Hilton Waikoloa beach photos. During your session, we’ll explore the coastline together, moving between dramatic lava rock, secluded sandy coves, swaying palm trees, panoramic ocean views, and the crystal-clear waters of Anaehoomalu Bay. Because so many beautiful backdrops are within walking distance, your gallery will feel diverse and adventurous without ever needing to leave the Waikoloa resort area.
Best Time of Day for Photos at Anaehoomalu Point
One of the things we love about Anaehoomalu Point is how beautiful it looks throughout the day. The lighting changes dramatically from sunrise to sunset, creating a different atmosphere depending on the style of photos you’re hoping to capture. Because this location is largely exposed with very little natural shade, the time of day you choose can have a big impact on your experience and your final gallery.
- Morning is an excellent time for photos at Anaehoomalu Point. The light is soft, even, and flattering, bringing out the vibrant blues of the ocean and the rich textures of the lava rock without harsh shadows. Morning sessions also tend to be quieter, making them a wonderful choice for families with young children, maternity sessions, or anyone looking for a peaceful experience.
- Afternoon is generally not the ideal time for photography at Anaehoomalu Point. Unlike some beaches on the Big Island, this location offers very little natural shade, so the overhead sun can create harsh light and strong shadows. The exception is on overcast days, when the clouds act as a natural diffuser and provide beautifully soft, even lighting throughout the afternoon.
- Sunset is by far the most popular time for photos at Anaehoomalu Point. As the sun begins to set over the Pacific, the coastline is bathed in warm golden light, creating a beautiful glow across the lava rock, palm trees, and sandy coves. With sailboats anchored in Anaehoomalu Bay and colorful skies overhead, sunset sessions feel especially romantic and are perfect for couples, surprise proposals, anniversaries, and families wanting that iconic Hawaii sunset backdrop.
Real Client Sessions at Anaehoomalu Point
Over the years, Anaehoomalu Point has become one of our favorite locations for Hilton Waikoloa beach photos and photography sessions on the Big Island. Its unique mix of lava rock, sandy coves, tropical palms, and panoramic ocean views creates a stunning backdrop for every stage of life.
From family vacations and surprise proposals to maternity sessions, couples portraits, and intimate elopements, the galleries below feature real client sessions photographed at Anaehoomalu Point. We hope these photos inspire you as you begin planning your own photo session during your visit to the Big Island.
Hawaii Couples Photos at Anaehoomalu Point
Hawaii Surprise Proposals and Engagement Photos at Anaehoomalu Point
If you’re planning to propose while staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village, Anaehoomalu Point is one of our favorite locations. Because it’s just a short walk from the resort, it’s easy to tell your partner you’re heading out for a casual stroll along the beach before dinner, making the surprise feel completely natural.
We often recommend making dinner reservations at one of Hilton Waikoloa Village’s restaurants, such as Kamuela Provision Company for oceanfront sunset dining or Nui Italian for a romantic evening in a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect excuse to get dressed up before heading to the beach, where we’ll be waiting to capture one of the biggest moments of your life.
As local Big Island proposal photographers, we’ve developed a variety of proposal strategies to help everything unfold naturally. Our goal is to make the experience feel easy and stress-free so you can focus on being present.
Planning to pop the question? Explore our Big Island Hawaii Proposal Packages to learn more about our proposal planning services, or read our Big Island Proposal Ideas guide for inspiration on creating an unforgettable engagement in Hawaii.
Know Before You Visit Anaehoomalu Point
Anaehoomalu Point is a natural stretch of coastline, so visitors should plan ahead before heading out. Unlike larger beach parks on the Big Island, there are no public restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, or food vendors at the point itself.
If you’re staying at Hilton Waikoloa Village, this usually isn’t an issue since you can easily use the resort’s amenities before or after your walk to the beach. Visitors driving from nearby resorts or vacation rentals should plan accordingly and bring anything they’ll need for their visit, including water, reef-safe sunscreen, and any other essentials.
Because this is a natural lava coastline, you’ll also want to wear comfortable sandals for the walk to the point. The dramatic lava rock, secluded sandy coves, and sweeping ocean views make the short walk well worth the effort.
Permits for Photography at Anaehoomalu Point
Professional photography sessions at Anaehoomalu Point require commercial insurance and advance permits. A commercial use permit must be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
As experienced photographers, we handle this entire process for you, ensuring all permits, approvals, and logistics are taken care of so your session feels seamless, stress-free, and fully compliant.
Portrait Sessions: Professional portrait sessions require a $20 commercial permit through the DLNR after creating a permit account. Applicants must hold a valid Hawaii General Excise Tax (GET) license and provide proof of liability insurance. Portrait sessions are also limited to a maximum capacity of 30 people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anaehoomalu Point
We’ve answered a few common questions about Anaehoomalu Point, so you know exactly what to expect. Once you’ve read through the details, we’d love to help you start planning your own Hawaii photoshoot.
Where is Anaehoomalu Point?
Can you walk to Anaehoomalu Point from Hilton Waikoloa Village?
Is there parking at Anaehoomalu Point?
Is Anaehoomalu Point stroller or wheelchair accessible?
Is Anaehoomalu Point good for family photos?
What is the best time for photos at Anaehoomalu Point?
Are there restrooms at Anaehoomalu Point?
Do I need a permit to take professional photos at Anaehoomalu Point?
Is Anaehoomalu Point the same as Anaehoomalu Bay (A-Bay)?
How long does it take to walk to Anaehoomalu Point?
Book A Hawaii Photoshoot at Anaehoomalu Point
Aloha, I’m Christian, your Hawaii portrait photographer. My team and I can’t wait to meet you and help capture your time in Hawaii in a way that feels meaningful.
Whether you celebrate a milestone, mark a family vacation, or honor something deeply personal, your story deserves to be beautifully captured, surrounded by the Hawaii you came to experience.
We’d Love to Help You Plan Your Waikoloa Hawaii Photoshoot
Once you’ve had a chance to explore our packages, fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours to confirm availability and share the next steps to reserve your session.
