Some places carry meaning far beyond how they look.
Maluaka Beach in Wailea–Makena is one of those places for the Olson family. It’s not just where their home is. It’s where decades of memories live, where multiple chapters of life have unfolded, and where three generations came together on a quiet December morning to pause and document what their family looks like right now.
We met just after sunrise on December 27th, when the light is soft, the beach is still empty, and the day hasn’t quite begun yet. Sunrise sessions at Maluaka Beach are some of our favorites for family photos in South Maui. The calm atmosphere allows space for kids to explore and families to simply be together without distractions.
Multi-Generational Maui Family Photos in South Maui
The Olson family session included ten family members, making it a beautiful mix of generations & personalities.
And, of course, two very loved dogs who were very much part of the story.
The younger kids explored the sand and water. The older kids stepped in and out of frames with ease. The grandparents watched, laughed, and held space for it all.
That’s always our goal with large family photo sessions in Maui. Not perfection, but presence.
Why Maluaka Beach Is Perfect for Family Photos
Maluaka Beach is located in the Wailea–Makena area and offers a wide shoreline, gentle morning light, and a sense of openness that works beautifully for larger families.
For the Olsons, Maluaka Beach holds deep personal meaning. Their connection to Maui goes back to the early 1990s. Their family company constructed the Maui Coast Hotel in 1993, later purchasing and managing it, and their roots on the island have continued to grow over the years. From living along the Kihei shoreline to Wailea Beach Villas and now Ocean Villas at Maluaka, Maui has been a constant thread in their family story.
Choosing Maluaka Beach for their family photo session wasn’t about aesthetics alone. It was about honoring that connection.
Photographing Families with Young Kids (and Dogs)
Sessions with toddlers often come with unpredictability, and that’s completely okay. Their three and one year old brought exactly the kind of energy you’d expect. Curious, playful, sometimes fast, sometimes still. Rather than trying to control those moments, we lean into them.
Family photography, especially with young children, works best when everyone is allowed to be. The beach gives kids space to explore, and the early morning quiet helps keep the energy grounded. The dogs became part of the session too, weaving in and out of frames, adding another layer of real life to the images.
A Quiet Morning to Remember
Sunrise family sessions in Maui aren’t just about avoiding crowds or harsh light. They create a feeling that’s hard to replicate later in the day. There’s a softness to everything. The pace slows. Conversations happen in between photos. Kids warm up gradually. And families get a chance to be together without rushing.
For the Olson family, this morning felt like a reflection of their long relationship with the island. Calm, steady, and deeply rooted.
Maui Family Photography That Tells a Story
Family photos don’t need to be loud or overly styled to be meaningful. Sometimes the most powerful images come from simple moments. A walk along the shoreline. A grandparent holding a grandchild’s hand. A family standing together in a place that has shaped their lives.
Photographing the Olson family at Maluaka Beach was an honor. Not just because of the size of the group or the beauty of the location, but because of the history, intention, and care behind their choice to document this family moment.
If you’re considering a family photo session in Maui, and want something that feels natural and connected to your story, let’s talk!
📸 Learn more or book your Maui family photography session here:
https://www.vanessaariasphotography.com/families
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