Some love stories are instant, others are rewritten with time. For Charlie and Christina, it began as high school sweethearts whose paths drifted apart before reuniting years later. With a deeper appreciation for love and growth, they’re love blossomed and Charlie was ready to ask the big question. We helped him plan a heartfelt Anaehoomalu Beach proposal on the Big Island of Hawaii that turned an ordinary evening into a lifetime of memories.
He wanted a setting that felt calm, private, and surrounded by the island’s natural beauty. We recommended Anaehoomalu Beach, often called “A-Bay,” one of our favorite places for a sunset proposal in Waikoloa. The golden light, lava rock textures, and open ocean views make it an ideal spot for meaningful moments.
To keep the proposal a secret, Charlie told Christina they were just taking vacation photos. It started as just a casual couple’s photo shoot and turned into the surprise of a lifetime. Using our Plot Twist proposal strategy, we guided them through natural posing prompts and timed the moment perfectly! When Christina turned around, she found Charlie on one knee holding her mother’s ring. Her expression said everything: pure joy, surprise, and love all at once.
After she said yes, we captured newly engaged portraits while the sky lit up with a beautiful sunset. We recommended dinner at Lava Lava Beach Club to carry out their evening with live music and local cuisine. It’s a local favorite with oceanfront views and the perfect relaxed atmosphere for celebrating an engagement.
As Big Island proposal photographers, we love helping couples turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. Every proposal has its own story, and we aim to make every experience feel personal and stress-free from start to finish.
A Peaceful Gem on the Kohala Coast
Anaehoomalu Beach is one of the most scenic and peaceful places for a surprise proposal in Waikoloa. Nestled along the Kohala Coast, it features calm turquoise water, gentle palm trees, and a wide sandy shoreline. Couples love how it feels both private and accessible, offering the perfect balance of beauty and comfort.
Golden Light and Ocean Views
The golden tones at sunset create a soft contrast against the dark lava rock, making this beach perfect for a Waikoloa beach proposal. Palm-lined paths, tidepools, and warm light give you endless photo variety. The evenings here are especially romantic when the beach quiets down and the light turns golden and calm.
A Natural Setting for Surprise Proposals
Anaehoomalu Beach gives couples space to relax and be fully present in the moment. It’s perfect for discreet setups and heartfelt surprises. Whether you’re planning a classic sunset surprise or a casual couples session that turns into a proposal, this setting makes everything feel natural and stress-free.
At Hawaii Adventure Portraits, we love recommending Anaehoomalu Beach to couples who want something simple and scenic with the Big Island’s natural beauty.
This collection highlights Charlie and Christina’s favorite moments from their Waikoloa Beach proposal. Captured at sunset under soft golden light and pastel skies, their ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach session felt relaxed, emotional, and full of joy. Every image reflects the natural beauty of Hawaii and the connection between these two as they celebrated their engagement.






























Together, every image tells the story of their joy, laughter, and connection as the sun set over Waikoloa.
“We highly recommend Hawaii Adventure Portraits! We had a surprise proposal shoot, and Christian truly captured the moment beautifully. The entire experience was well-organized, fun, and the photos turned out amazing. The video footage was a memorable touch. She even included a few drone shots at the end that were absolutely incredible. We’ve received so many compliments on both the photos and the video. It was such a special experience, and we’re so grateful she was able to capture it all!”
— Charlie and Christina
What made this proposal so perfect was how effortlessly it caught her by surprise. Charlie told Christina they were just taking “a few sunset photos” on the beach before dinner, and she believed every word! That’s what we call The Plot Twist Strategy! We help you create a believable reason to dress up and get in front of the camera. It’s a sure way to enjoy a “casual” couple’s vacation shoot without giving the proposal away. It’s one of our favorite strategies to keep the surprise authentic while ensuring everything unfolds naturally.
If you’re looking for a creative way to plan your own Hawaii proposal, read our proposal guide to explore more ideas and strategies. ↓
Christina chose a flowy white dress that moved with the ocean breeze, while Charlie wore tan slacks and a crisp button-down. Together, they looked effortlessly classic.
For your own Waikoloa beach proposal, choose neutral or earthy tones that complement the island’s natural colors. Linen, cotton, or other breathable fabrics photograph beautifully in Hawaii’s light. If you’re proposing, a light jacket or layer helps keep the ring box hidden until the moment is right. Simple, timeless outfits keep the focus on the emotion and the scenery.
Every proposal we photograph is unique, but Charlie and Christina’s Waikoloa Beach proposal stood out because of the genuine love they share and the journey to find each other again. Their moment represented everything they had rediscovered. It was more than a proposal; it was the beginning of their next chapter together, and we’re so honored to have been there to capture it.
We’ve answered a few common questions to help you plan your perfect Waikoloa proposal and know exactly what to expect. Once you’ve read through the details, we’d love to help you start planning your own Hawaii proposal experience.

Aloha, I’m Christian, your Waikoloa proposal photographer and the owner of Hawaii Adventure Portraits. My team and I would love to help you plan your own surprise proposal or engagement session on the Big Island.
Whether you imagine a private beach, a mountaintop view, or an adventurous day that tells your story, we’ll help bring your vision to life. From proposal strategy to photography, we ensure everything feels relaxed and authentic.
Please fill out the form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours to confirm availability and share a link to reserve your session.
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Big island based photographer capturing memories across Hawaiʻi including Oahu, Maui, and Kauai.
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