Kiholo Bay: Black Sand Beach Elopement & Portraits on the Big Island
Why Kiholo Bay Is One of Our Favorite Big Island Photo Locations
Tucked along the rugged Kohala Coast, Kiholo Bay is one of the most unique places for photos on the Big Island of Hawaii. Black lava rock, turquoise water, tropical palms, and an untouched coastline come together to create a location that feels wild, secluded, and distinctly Hawaii.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about planning your Kiholo Bay photo session or elopement, including when to go, what to expect, and how to prepare.
As Hawaii photographers, we love Kiholo Bay because it offers so much variety within a single location. From the palm-lined shoreline and brilliant blue water to dramatic lava landscapes and golden sunset light, every part of the bay creates a completely different backdrop.
It’s one of our favorite locations to recommend for Big Island elopements, couples, and family photography, especially for those who want something a little more adventurous than a traditional resort beach. Kiholo Bay feels less like simply showing up for photos and more like exploring one of the island’s hidden gems together.
Getting to Kiholo Bay and Parking
Kiholo Bay is a little more adventurous to access than many beaches on the Big Island. Located along the Kohala Coast between Kona and Waikoloa, the bay is reached by turning off Queen Kaahumanu Highway between mile markers 82 and 83 and following an unpaved access road toward the coastline. The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through a rugged lava landscape before reaching the designated parking area.
Kiholo State Park Reserve is currently open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (always double-check gate closure signs). The entrance gates are locked nightly, and once the gates close, vehicles cannot enter or leave the park. This is especially important when planning a sunset photo session, so we always schedule our sessions with enough time to photograph the sunset and make our way back before the gate closes.
Because Kiholo Bay is more remote, there are very few amenities and no potable water, so we recommend bringing plenty of water, packing lightly, and arriving prepared for your time at the bay.
From the parking area, you’ll need to walk to reach the shoreline and our photography locations. The terrain includes loose lava rock, uneven ground, and sandy stretches, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walk and changing into your photo-session shoes once we arrive.
When you book a Kiholo Bay session or elopement with us, we’ll provide detailed directions, an exact meeting location, and everything you need to know before your adventure so getting there feels easy.
Which Part of Kiholo Bay Should You Explore?
Kiholo Bay is much larger than it first appears, and where you park makes a big difference in what part of the coastline you’ll explore. When you reach the bottom of the main access road, you essentially have two options: turn left toward the campground and southern shoreline, or continue straight toward the turnaround and northern end of Kiholo Bay.
South Kiholo Bay: Campground & Black Sand Beach
If you turn left toward the Kiholo campground, you’ll reach the southern portion of the park and its black sand and pebble shoreline.
This area is more rugged and exposed, with black sand, lava rock, and very little shade along the shoreline. We don’t typically recommend this section for swimming because of the rocky coastline and changing ocean conditions. Instead, we love this side of Kiholo Bay for photography and intimate elopement ceremonies, especially for couples dreaming of exchanging vows surrounded by one of the Big Island’s dramatic black sand landscapes.
Click here to learn more about camping permits
North Kiholo Bay: The Bay, Swimming & Sea Turtles
If you continue straight instead of turning left, the road ends near a turnaround and portable toilet. Parking is available along the designated roadside areas before the turnaround, making this our preferred starting point for exploring the northern side of Kiholo. The state’s park plan specifically identifies parking at the end of this road next to the toilets and along the road leading to the turnaround.
From here, you can walk north along the coastline toward the beautiful turquoise waters of Kiholo Bay. This is the side we recommend if you want to swim, explore the bay, or look for Hawaiian green sea turtles, which are frequently seen around Kiholo’s shoreline and protected waters. Just remember to admire any turtles you encounter from a respectful distance and never touch or approach them.
For photography, both sides offer something completely different. The southern end gives us dramatic black sand and rugged lava landscapes, while the northern end offers turquoise water, greenery, palms, and the iconic scenery most people picture when they think of Kiholo Bay.
Use the Kiholo Trailhead to Stay for Sunset
During the winter months, Kiholo Bay’s vehicle gate may close before sunset, which can make photographing the very end of the day tricky.
If you want to stay at the bay through sunset, there is another option that doesn’t require driving through the main park entrance.
A separate Kiholo trailhead near Queen Kaahumanu Highway provides pedestrian access to the northern end of the bay. From the trailhead, plan for approximately a 20–30 minute walk across the lava landscape before reaching the coastline.
This route takes a little more effort, but it’s a great option for adventurous couples who want those beautiful sunset and afterglow photos without having to leave early. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, plenty of water, and being prepared to make the return walk after sunset.
A quick safety note for anyone driving from Kona: avoid making a direct left turn across Queen Kaahumanu Highway into the Kiholo trailhead. Traffic moves quickly through this area, making the turn difficult and potentially dangerous. We recommend continuing north to a safe place to turn around, then approaching the trailhead from the opposite direction so you can make an easy right turn into the parking area.
For our Kiholo Bay elopements and portrait sessions, we’ll help you choose the best access point based on the time of year, sunset time, and the areas of the bay you want to explore.
Areas We Love to Photograph at Kiholo Bay
One of our favorite things about photographing at Kiholo Bay is how much the landscape changes as you explore the coastline. Within one location, you can go from black sand and weathered driftwood to towering palms, turquoise water, tide pools, and dramatic layers of lava.
- Black Sand Beach at the Campground
A rugged stretch of black sand and lava rock near the campground that feels completely different from the turquoise bay farther north.
- Driftwood Along the Walking Path
Weathered driftwood scattered along the coastline adds texture and a natural, untouched feeling to photos as we make our way toward the bay.
- Palm Trees
One of the most beautiful stretches of the walk is the palm-lined coastline. Tall palms, black lava, and blue ocean create one of Kiholo’s most distinctly Hawaiian backdrops.
- Hawaiian Sea Turtles and Monk Seals
Kiholo is known for wildlife, and you may encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles or even Hawaiian monk seals during your visit. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and we always photograph from a respectful distance without approaching or disturbing the animals. Please stay at least 20 feet away.
- Kiholo Bay
The actual bay is the reward at the end of the walk. Calm turquoise water surrounded by dark lava rock creates one of the most recognizable and beautiful landscapes at Kiholo.
- Tide Pools
Depending on the tide and ocean conditions, shallow pools form among the lava rock and create beautiful reflections, textures, and pockets of clear blue water.
- Historic Lava Fields
Layers of black lava surrounding Kiholo tell the volcanic history of this coastline. The landscape includes lava from Hualālai’s eruption around 1801 as well as the 1859 Mauna Loa eruption, creating dramatic textures and an incredible contrast against the ocean.
How to Plan an Elopement or Photoshoot at Kiholo Bay
Planning an elopement or photoshoot at Kiholo Bay takes a little more preparation than simply choosing a beautiful spot along the coast. Between permits, park access, walking distances, changing terrain, and Hawaii’s weather, planning ahead will help you make the most of your time here while still leaving plenty of room for adventure.
01. Get the Right Permit
Because Kiholo Bay is part of Hawaii’s State Park system, weddings and certain commercial photography activities may require permits. If you’re planning an elopement, weddings require a Special Use Permit, and applications should be submitted at least 45 days in advance.
If you’re booking a professional photoshoot, your photographer can help determine which photography permits are required for your session.
Hawaii State Parks Special Use Permit Information & Application
02. Plan Around Park Hours & Access
Kiholo Bay State Park Reserve is currently open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so you’ll want to plan your elopement or photoshoot around the park’s operating hours.
This becomes especially important when planning photos around sunset. Depending on the time of year, sunset may fall close to the park’s closing time, so leave enough time to explore and return to your vehicle without rushing. Park hours, gate access, road conditions, and temporary closures can change, so always check current park information before your visit.
03. Choose Which Areas You Want to Explore
Kiholo offers several completely different landscapes within one location. You can explore the rugged black sand coastline, photograph beneath the palms, wander across dramatic lava landscapes, or make your way north toward the turquoise waters of the bay.
For elopements, you can choose one area for your ceremony and then explore the coastline together afterward. For couples and family photoshoots, visiting a few different areas creates plenty of variety without having to drive to another location.
04. Build Walking Time Into Your Timeline
Kiholo is much larger than it looks on a map, and exploring multiple areas requires some walking. If you want to experience the black sand beach, palm-lined coastline, lava fields, and Kiholo Bay, make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy each area without feeling rushed.
Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, especially for navigating lava rock and uneven terrain. You can always carry your dress shoes, heels, or sandals and change once you reach your photo location.
05. Pack Light
Kiholo is a location where you’ll likely be carrying everything you bring with you as you explore. For an elopement, consider keeping ceremony details simple with your bouquet, leis, vow books, rings, and a few personal touches. For a portrait session, bring only the essentials you’ll need while we’re exploring.
The less you have to carry, the easier it is to move between locations and enjoy the experience.
06. Respect the Wildlife
One of the highlights of visiting Kiholo Bay is the possibility of seeing honu, or Hawaiian green sea turtles, in and around the bay.
If you encounter turtles or other wildlife, enjoy them from a respectful distance and allow them to move naturally through their environment. Wildlife should never be approached, touched, or disturbed for a photograph.
06. Have a Backup Plan
Kiholo is a wild, exposed coastal location, and conditions can change. Wind, rain, surf, road conditions, or temporary park closures can all affect what is accessible on the day of your elopement or photoshoot.
Having some flexibility in your plans means you can adapt to whatever the day brings without losing the experience you came to Kiholo for.
What to Bring to Kiholo Bay
Kiholo Bay is a rugged location with uneven lava rock, plenty of walking, and very little shade, so coming prepared will make your elopement or photoshoot much more comfortable.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the trails and lava rock. You can change into your photo shoes once we reach each location.
- Plenty of water, especially for longer sessions or walks to the bay.
- Reef-safe sunscreen since much of Kiholo is exposed to the sun.
- A hat or sunglasses for the walk. We can tuck them away once we start photographing.
- A small towel in case you get your feet or clothing wet along the shoreline.
- Bug spray, particularly around sunset and areas with more vegetation.
- A lightweight bag or backpack so your hands are free while walking over uneven terrain.
- Your photo or elopement essentials, such as rings, vow books, leis, bouquet, touch-up makeup, or a change of shoes.
- A flashlight or headlamp if you’ll be walking back near sunset or after the light begins to fade.
- A sense of adventure! Kiholo isn’t a manicured resort beach, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kiholo Bay and Beach Park
We’ve answered a few common questions about Kiholo Bay so you know exactly what to expect. Once you’ve read through the details, we’d love to help you start planning your own Big Island elopement or Hawaii photoshoot.
Where is Kiholo Bay?
Is Kiholo Bay easy to get to?
What are the park hours?
How far is the walk to Kiholo Bay?
Is there a black sand beach at Kiholo Bay?
Can you see sea turtles at Kiholo Bay?
Are there Hawaiian monk seals at Kiholo Bay?
Can you swim at Kiholo Bay?
Are there bathrooms at Kiholo Bay?
Is there shade?
Can you have an elopement or professional photoshoot at Kiholo Bay?
Is Kiholo Bay good for sunset photos?
What should I wear for photos at Kiholo Bay?
Is Kiholo Bay good for families?
Do I need four-wheel drive to get to Kiholo Bay?
Book a Hawaii Island Photography Experience
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 Hawaii Elopement or Portraits at Kiholo Bay
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.
