5 ReasonS why: Nahokulani Photography


1.

Professional & Creative Advisor

Using high-quality photography equipment, including cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software, to produce artistic and high-quality images. Professional retouching on all images includes taming stray hairs, blemish removal, deleting distracting objects and more to create a polished/frameable final image 📸 We also add brainstorming and extra creative touches to sprinkle a little extra ✨magic✨ into every session!


2.

High-Quality Experience

You will receive a high-quality experience from start to end. Sit back, and let me handle everything during our photography session! I'll take care of all the thinking, posing, and organizing. Just show up ready to enjoy the experience, and we'll capture beautiful memories for you to cherish. 


3.

Aesthetic Vision

Working magic behind the camera to capture the perfect shot using camera angles and lighting. With my tricks to grab children's attention and keep everyone looking their best, you can trust that no one will be blinking and the composition will be perfectly balanced. I'll ensure that every image reflects the joy and personality of you and your loved ones, creating timeless memories that you'll treasure forever.


4.

A Fun, Safe Space

Being in front of the camera can feel anxious and awkward, but I'm here to create a fun and comfortable atmosphere for you! I'll bring the energy, hype you up, fixing your hair and ensuring you look and feel your absolute best. My goal is to make you feel confident and at ease during our session, capturing your true essence and personality in every shot. 🌟


5.

The Memories

You and your family will always look back and treasure that they have those irreplaceable memories to hold onto forever! Long past when we are gone, these photos will continue to tell the story of our lives and the love we shared with our families and will be treasured by future generations.


Whether it is a wedding, couples, engagement, maternit or mommy-and-me session, trust us to get gorgeous and amazing shots during your session!

What sets me apart:


You deserve more than a gallery full of everyone looking at the camera ✨


If you've ever worried you're not photogenic or don't know how to pose >>> I'm your girl! The most common feedback I get is my ability to direct the session in a way that feels fun and easy for everyone involved. I lean into emotional moments, candids, with a less "posey" feeling, and prefer moments with lots of movement, laughter and fun. My photography style is a blend of dreamy storytelling and timeless portraits. Romantic, warm, cozy, emotional, and artistic. The kind of images that not only show what your family looked like, but what it felt like to be there. I also include high quality retouching (removing stray hairs, blemishes, distracting objects and people) to create a polished, frameable final image.


My sessions are a safe space for all love & body types, where we will create a vision that is true to you 🤍 I'll guide you every step of the way, while also adapting quickly to your unique personalities and energy. As a mom of two toddlers, I also know that keiki aren't just meant to stand perfectly still! And that's ok! I am known for my patience and love working with children of all ages 🌟


Whether it is a couples, engagement, wedding or maternity, trust that we will get gorgeous and amazing shots you will treasure forever 🌟



big island hilo maternity photographer

Hilo x Kailua-Kona, HI |

Kaneohe, Oahu, HI


Aloha, I'm Hoku!


I am a mama x2 and I am at my happiest when I'm making memories with my babies. I was born and raised in Kane'ohe with strong ties to Hilo, having lived here off-and-on since I was a little girl. I've been taking photos since I was 11 years old and photography has been my passion ever since. Over the years, I have continued to absorb as much as I can and am forever learning and growing and inspired.


I love to create in all aspects of my life, from decor in my home to my children's birthday parties- CREATING IS MY JAM 😍. I strive to provide this creative perspective in every shoot to sprinkle a little extra 🪄 into every one of my sessions.


A romantic couple shares intimate moments in a series of close-up shots with twinkling lights in the background.

my style

My style is a combination of both storytelling and posed images, highly focusing on capturing emotional and poetic moments in your story. I love anything warm, sweet, cozy, intimate. I gently guide each session with prompts and poses, first beginning by finding the light, telling you where to stand, walk, and look if needed! As the ice breaks and my clients begin to feel more comfortable, I capture all the unposed, authentic and intimate shots that capture the essence of your loved ones' personality & story.


Choosing a photographer based on their work and editing style is the best way to gauge what you can expect in your final gallery! My editing style can be viewed as:


warm, earthy, Soft and romantic


If this also sounds like you, I would love to connect! I get so excited for every single session. I love people, families, keiki and anything motherhood!


My greatest hope is that you love your photos and how you look and feel in them, while also providing a high-quality experience from start to end.


A series of connected beach sunset photos showing a person doing martial arts moves on the sand at dusk.
Couple walking hand in hand along a sandy beach at sunset.
Holiday photo session outdoors with decorated Christmas trees and white backdrop against golden sunlight.
Woman in white bikini floating in dark water with eyes closed and peaceful expression.
Family walking together on a path with a beautiful rainbow in the sky overhead.
Maternity photo session on rocky beach at sunset with ocean waves.

This is our process:

A couple walks hand in hand along a golden sandy beach at sunset while waves crash on the shore.

I. Book the date.

Fill out my contact form to confirm date availability, then book directly through the link above. Date is secured!

II. Take photos.

We will choose a color scheme, any inspiration photos and session location! You show up and relax and I will guide you through poses and location.

III. Deliver memories.

After your session, all galleries are individually culled to select your best shots, fully retouched, and finally, delivered in a private online gallery where you can immediately download in high-resolution.

We'll absolutely capture those beautiful, smiling-at-the camera family portraits that everyone loves, but I will also intentionally create & guide moments that allow genuine connection to unfold. A hand kiss, a forehead touch, a toddler running into your arms. Rather than simply waiting for moments to happen, I gently direct and prompt them in a way that feels natural, resulting in images that are both beautiful and meaningful 🤍

A family enjoys a casual stroll through a misty wooded area during a photo session.

 

 

“The absolute best!! You brought the vision to life and then some✨ Thank you so so much again for going over and beyond for my Ohana. We already can’t wait for our next session with you🤍"


KELIA + OCEAN MATERNITy

 

 

A family sits together on a fallen log in a natural outdoor setting during a casual photo session.

 

"Thank you for capturing our family🤍 will definitely keep in touch for future photoshoots🤍 we’re glad we chose you!”


ISHIBASHI 'OHANA



 

testimonials

 

A baby sits on a surfboard at the beach during golden hour.



“Couldn’t have made the vision reality without you! Thank you for an amazing experience 🥰❤️”


IGE 'OHANA + FIRST BIRTHDAY CAKE SMASH



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Treat Yourself

artsy sunrise couples maternity photoshoot at honolii in hilo, hawaii white shirt and jeans maternity

The New way to treat yourself

Hiring a photographer allows YOU to be part of the memory:

If you often look back & realize you're hardly in any of the moments or memories bc you are behind the camera.. When the photos you do take, you don't like the way you look.. Hiring a professional allows you to be a part of that precious, irreplaceable season in life, and high-quality photos from a photographer's perspective will be your (and your keiki's) lifelong memories

I always keep in mind: what looks flattering, angles, lighting, etc.


sunset hawaii maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless sun flares at mana road in hilo, hawaii
sunset hawaii maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless sun flares at mana road in hilo, hawaii
sunset hawaii maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless sun flares at mana road in hilo, hawaii
sunset hawaii maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless sun flares at mana road in hilo, hawaii
sunset hawaii maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless sun flares at mana road in hilo, hawaii
sunset hawaii maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless lying in field at mana road in hilo, hawaii
sunset maternity photoshoot flower bouquet white sheet topless sitting in field mauna loa mana road in hilo, hawaii
Two children in white dresses pose together against a decorated white wall with tropical plants.
A joyful family moment captured against a white wall with tropical plants in the background.
A family sitting together on a white bench with festive garlands and plants in the background.
Three people in casual attire pose playfully against a wall with festive decorations.
A relaxed family portrait in a hanging rattan chair with orange string lights and tropical decor.
A family sitting together on white bedding with festive garlands and floral decorations.
An intimate family portrait showcasing love and affection in a cozy indoor setting with decorative garlands.
Maternity photo of someone lying on rocky beach shore at sunset wearing a white bodysuit.
A couple sits on a fallen tree trunk along a rocky coastline.
An expectant couple shares an intimate moment in a lush garden setting.
A couple dances together on a windswept beach at sunset.
A tender moment between a couple on a tropical beach with palm trees.
A couple walks hand in hand through a tropical garden path during maternity photos.
A couple embraces on a grassy coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.
A couple holds hands while standing in shallow water by a lake.
sunset waikoloa marriot family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
Happy family enjoying sunset together at the beach in tropical print outfits.
sunset waikoloa marriot family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
sunset waikoloa marriot family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
sunset waikoloa marriot family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
sunset waikoloa marriot family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
sunset waikoloa hilton family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
sunset waikoloa marriot family photoshoot beach 69 a-bay hawaii photography hilo waimea newborn baby photographer
People walking hand in hand down a tree-lined path wearing casual attire.
A couple sits intimately together on volcanic rocks by the ocean at sunset.
A group relaxes together on rocky beach terrain during a cloudy day.
A romantic couple embraces on a rocky volcanic landscape.
A casual group portrait in neutral tones sitting and standing on a dirt path with trees behind.
A group in coordinated white and denim outfits poses against a holiday-decorated backdrop.
A group walking together from behind on a dirt path wearing coordinated casual outfits.
A group in matching white sweaters and jeans sits together on a wooden bench.
A family sits together on a rustic wooden bench near a large tree trunk in an outdoor setting.
A heartwarming family moment captured on a wooden bench under a large tree.
A family group poses by exposed tree roots in matching olive-colored outfits.
A family portrait on a blanket with red flowers in the garden setting.
Someone in a flowing white wedding dress holds a bouquet in a tropical garden setting.
What's in store | nahokulani photography

Client Closet x Studio

Client Closet | I'm so excited to announce the arrival of my client closet! I have over 11 gowns and 3 toddler girls gowns for complimentary use.

Studio Goals | We are currently working very hard to create a beautiful indoor studio at our home on 3-acres. The idea is the perfect space to take gorgeous, cozy LIFESTYLE shots away from the rainy Hilo skies. Capturing maternity, family, newborn, fresh-48 etc. here would be a DREAM

click here to View my closet