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

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.

Pololū Valley Lookout + Trail

Tucked away on the island’s lush northern coast, this spot feels like a secret gateway to another world. Hike down to the black sand beach below for a private moment, or propose at the lookout with sweeping views of cliffs and ocean mist.

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 (Waikoloa Beach)

Located on the Kohala Coast, Anaehoʻomalu Bay — often called Waikoloa Beach just North of Kona — offers calm waters, swaying palms, and golden sunsets that stretch across the horizon. 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 (New Kalapana 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

Tucked away along the South Kona / Captain Cook coastline, Keʻei Beach is quiet, scenic, and full of old Hawai‘i charm. With clear turquoise water, tide pools, and a rugged lava shoreline framed by lush greenery, it’s a peaceful spot that feels worlds away from the resorts. Perfect for couples looking for a more local, untouched setting, Keʻei offers a beautiful mix of serenity and natural texture — ideal for a private, heartfelt proposal without distractions.

Puako Bay (Fronting Private Residences), South Kohala

Nestled along the coast of South Kohala, Puako Bay offers a serene and intimate setting with crystal-clear waters and gentle surf. Fronting private residences, this quiet, hidden gem feels like your own private paradise. With its calm bay, lush greenery, and golden sandy beach, Puako is perfect for a proposal that combines luxury with natural beauty. It’s a peaceful retreat where the moment feels all your own, with the added elegance of a pristine coastline.

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.

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.

📩 Reach out today to start planning — your partner will never forget this moment, and you’ll have photos to relive the memory forever.