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Big Island Proposal Photography: The Ultimate Guide to Popping the Question in Paradise

Updated: May 15



Considering proposing to your favorite person on Big Island?


From black sand beaches and lush rainforests to dramatic cliffs and glowing lava fields, Big Island is full of STUNNING backdrops for one of the most unforgettable moments of your life.


Why the Big Island Is the Ultimate Proposal Destination


When it comes to unforgettable proposal spots, the Big Island is one of Hawaii’s best-kept secrets. It’s wild, raw, and romantic — a place where nature feels untamed and every corner of the island offers a different kind of magic.


Here’s why couples who want something next-level are choosing the Big Island:


🌋 Otherworldly Landscapes – Nowhere else in Hawaii can you go from moon-like lava fields to lush rainforests to black sand beaches in a single day. The diversity here is unmatched, and it makes for some seriously stunning backdrops.


🌴 More Privacy, Less Crowds – Unlike the more tourist-heavy islands, the Big Island gives you room to breathe. There are tons of hidden spots where you can share this once-in-a-lifetime moment without an audience — just you, your love, and the sound of the ocean.


☀️ Golden Hour Goals – With wide-open coastlines and fewer buildings blocking the view, the sunsets here are absolutely unreal. Think pastel skies, glowing lava rock, and palm trees catching the last light of the day. Let me help you pick the perfect photography location, and I can help you by arranging 3 dozen roses in a flower heart or just showing up with some additional flowers to give as a bouquet. Let me know in the contact form if thats something you're interested in.


🚁 Adventure – This isn’t your basic beach proposal. Want to hike into a jungle valley, propose by a waterfall, or pop the question after a private helicopter ride? The Big Island is made for adventurous love stories.


💛 Deep Cultural Roots – From ancient Hawaiian temples to sacred valleys, there's a powerful, spiritual energy on this island that adds even more meaning to the moment.



Why Propose on the Big Island?

The Big Island is full of raw, untouched beauty — it's quieter than Oahu or Maui, with a slower pace that’s ideal for a private and personal proposal.

Here are just a few reasons couples love proposing here:

  • Incredible Diversity of Scenery – You can go from lava rock cliffs to green jungles to white or black sand beaches all in one day.

  • Secluded Locations – Plenty of spots where you can have a quiet, private moment without the crowds.

  • Kona's Epic Sunsets – Kona has gorgeous sunsets. Think golden light, cotton candy skies, and palm trees swaying in the breeze.

  • Adventure Meets Romance – Propose on a helicopter tour to the waterfall from the opening credits of Jurassic Park, a beach picnic, epic hike, or even on the top of Mauna Kea at sunset.



    Best Places to Propose on the Big Island

The Big Island isn’t just photogenic — it’s cinematic. Whether you want something adventurous and bold or soft and intimate, this island delivers. Here are a few jaw-dropping locations that make for unforgettable proposal spots:

Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach

Jet-black volcanic sand, swaying palms, and the occasional sea turtle basking in the sun — it’s moody, dramatic, and totally one-of-a-kind. If you’re after something visually striking and totally unexpected, this is it. Its a public beach but I know some great tips for how to avoid the crowd.


Honoli`i Beach

Honoliʻi Beach on the Big Island is a great spot for a surprise proposal, especially at sunrise. It offers lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and ocean views that create a stunning natural backdrop. The beach is easy to access with a short walk from a small parking lot, though parking can be limited during busy times. As an east-facing beach, it’s ideal for sunrise but not suitable for sunset proposals. While it's a popular local surf spot and not entirely secluded, visiting early in the morning can provide a quieter, more intimate experience. It’s perfect for a laid-back, scenic proposal with a local vibe—just plan around surf activity and parking.




Waiaha Bay Beach aka Honl's Beach (Right in Kona, Hawaii) Waiʻaha Bay Beach, also known as Honl’s Beach in Kona, is a perfect spot for a surprise proposal, especially if you're aiming for a relaxed yet memorable sunset moment. Located just a short walk from the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona, it allows you to casually spend the afternoon wandering in and out of local shops, cafés, and restaurants with your partner, all while secretly timing your arrival at the beach just before sunset. The beach itself is small but scenic, framed by lava rocks and palm trees with stunning ocean views as the sun dips into the water. It’s easily accessible with nearby parking and a short walk, though it can be popular during sunset hours. With a photographer discreetly waiting ahead of your arrival, this setting offers the perfect blend of spontaneity and planning, turning an everyday Kona stroll into an unforgettable, romantic surprise.




 On Top of Mauna Kea

For the couple who dreams big — Mauna Kea is quite literally the highest point in all of Hawaii, and watching the sunset above the clouds here feels like standing on another planet. As the sky fades into twilight and the stars begin to appear, it becomes one of the most surreal and awe-inspiring places you could ever ask someone to marry you. This is a proposal you’ll be telling stories about for the rest of your life!



Anaehoʻomalu Bay or sometime called Waikoloa Beach (just North of Kona)

Anaehoʻomalu Bay—affectionately known as A-Bay —is a stunning crescent-shaped beach on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, making it an exceptional location for a surprise proposal. Its west-facing orientation offers breathtaking sunset views. 


The beach is easily accessible, featuring a public parking lot just south of the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, and is within walking distance of the Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, providing ample opportunities for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and dining. The beach’s picturesque setting, with its swaying palm trees and historic Hawaiian fishponds, provides a romantic and culturally rich backdrop for your proposal.


It’s one of the island’s most photogenic beaches, with a wide, walkable shoreline and a peaceful vibe that feels just right for a relaxed, beachfront proposal. Whether you're barefoot in the sand or toasting after with a beachside dinner nearby, it's effortlessly romantic without trying too hard.


Kaimū Beach aka New Kalapana Beach (This is a Black Sand Beach!)

Kaimū Beach is one of the Big Island’s most striking and unique coastal spots. Formed by lava flows in the early ‘90s, it’s a raw, evolving landscape — black sand, rugged cliffs, and newly growing palms surrounded by stark volcanic rock. It’s quiet, dramatic, and far from the crowds, making it an ideal place for a low-key but unforgettable proposal with a sense of place and history.



Keʻei Beach, South Kona

Keʻei Beach in South Kona offers a secluded and romantic setting for a surprise proposal, especially for couples seeking a more private and natural experience. Located near Kealakekua Bay, the beach is accessible via a narrow, unpaved road leading to a small parking area with limited spots. From there, a short walk along the rocky shoreline brings you to the sandy cove.  The beach is often quiet, frequented mainly by local fishermen and surfers, it's a very relaxing atmosphere. With its west-facing orientation, Keʻei Beach offers stunning sunset views over the ocean, making it an ideal backdrop for a proposal.  While amenities are minimal, the natural beauty and serenity of the location create a memorable setting. Planning a casual afternoon exploring nearby areas, followed by a timed arrival at the beach just before sunset, can set the stage for a heartfelt proposal, especially with a photographer secretly positioned to capture the moment.


Puako Bay (Fronting Private Residences), South Kohala

With its west-facing orientation, it provides stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal backdrop for an unforgettable moment. The area features nine public shoreline access points along Puako Beach Drive, each offering unique vantage points for sunset watching. While the shoreline is primarily composed of lava rock and coral, some access points offer sandy spots we can set up a proposal scene. 


Pauoa Bay Beach

Tucked along the northern coast of the Big Island, Pauoa Bay offers a peaceful, secluded stretch of beach surrounded by lush, rolling hills and vibrant coastal waters. Its calm, protected waters make it an ideal spot for an intimate, low-key proposal with stunning backdrops. Whether framed by rocky lava formations or soft sands, Pauoa Bay’s serene beauty and privacy create a perfect, undisturbed moment to pop the question.



Private Waterfall Locations

Yes — private waterfalls exist, and yes — I can help you get access. If you're after that secret garden energy with a soundtrack of rushing water, this is next-level romance (and the photos are absolutely wild).



How I Help Plan Your Surprise Proposal


Planning the perfect proposal can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re doing it on vacation. From picking the proposal site to the coordination of location. That’s where your photographer comes in. More than just professional photography, here’s what you can expect when working with Lauren Wylie Photography:


✅ Location Scouting & RecommendationsI’ll help you choose the perfect spot based on your vibe — romantic, adventurous, private, or all three.


✅ Timeline & Lighting HelpWe’ll plan for the best time of day (golden hour, sunrise, or whatever fits your plan) so the photos turn out beautiful.


✅ Discreet Setup & Guidance you want a photographer to be hidden and ready, so your partner has no idea what’s coming. And once you pop the question, we’ll roll right into a mini engagement session to capture the joy!


✅ Photo Delivery You’ll Obsess Over High-res, beautifully edited images delivered in an easy to use online gallery. Perfect for sharing with family, printing, and remembering forever.





When to Book Your Big Island Proposal Photographer


Proposals book out quickly — especially during holiday and summer seasons. I recommend booking at least 30 days in advance (or more if you're traveling during peak season). Last-minute? I’ll still absolutely do my best to fit you in! Reach out here.

Inspiring Big Island Proposal Sessions


For couples planning a proposal on the Big Island, these two remarkable sessions from our portfolio highlight the island’s incredible range of settings and moods.

One unforgettable adventure took place via helicopter, landing at a secluded waterfall deep in the island's hard to access core. This intimate moment, surrounded by tropical forest and cascading water, perfectly captures the magic of a truly unique proposal experience.


Another beautiful session happened just outside Kona, where the couple enjoyed a casual afternoon strolling through downtown shops and restaurants before arriving at a hidden beach at sunset. The warm golden light, rugged lava rocks, and heartfelt emotion made for a timeless and romantic moment. Explore this proposal here: Big Island Proposal | Waikoloa Village, Kona



Let’s Plan Your Proposal in Paradise


Whether you're already on the Big Island or planning the perfect surprise proposal trip, you need help make your perfect moment unforgettable. Lauren Wylie Photography and her group of professional photographers has photographed dozens of amazing surprise proposals and can help you pull it off smoothly, beautifully, and without stress.

If you need help getting gorgeous photos, finding the perfect backdrop, getting the beach permit, or any other aspects of planning you might be feeling stressed about reach out today!


Your Proposal shoot is a big moment that cant be missed, you should trust someone that's used to photographing destination weddings and elopements to help you pull it off. Lauren Wylie Photography and her associates have photographed proposal photoshoots in breathtaking settings all over the Hawaiian Islands.


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