Planning a family beach photoshoot on your Hawaii vacation? The right outfits make all the difference. Whether you're going for polished portraits or casual candids, family matching outfits help you capture memories in a way that feels both intentional and relaxed.

On our two-week trip to Kona, Hawaii, I styled five coordinated looks for mom, dad, daughter, and son. Some photos we took ourselves with a tripod and Bluetooth remote. Others were captured during a professional beach photoshoot session. Either way, planning ahead made the process smoother, and packing was easier thanks to this Hawaii packing list.

Here are my favorite Hawaii outfits for a beach photoshoot, including accessories, styling tips, and links to shop.

Family Matching Outfits in White for a Beach Photoshoot

This timeless Hawaii outfit combo always works, especially with the ocean as your backdrop. Clean, simple, and perfect. We also wore this while exploring some of the best Restaurants in Kona.

Mom: White maxi dress with movement and tan sandals
Dad: White linen button-down with khaki shorts
Daughter: White pineapple cotton sundress
Son: White button-up aloha shirt with khaki shorts

Accessories: Gold jewelry, flower clips, brown belts, and natural sandals.

Sage Green Family Matching Outfits

This soft, beachy color palette flatters every skin tone and looks amazing at golden hour. We wore this for sunset photos and also to dinner at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.

Mom: Sage green maxi dress
Dad: Sage green polo or button-down + white shorts
Daughter: Sage green dress
Son: Sage green top + white shorts

Style tips: Add straw hats, gold and lava rock jewelry, white flower hair clips, and layered bracelets for a natural, coordinated look.

Rust Orange Matching Outfits for a Boho Beach Photoshoot

This earthy rust tone is bold without being overwhelming. It looks incredible at sunrise or sunset and feels perfect for laid-back vacation vibes. We also wore this while grabbing iced lattes from one of our favorite coffee shops on the Big Island.

Mom: Rust orange tiered dress + black sandals
Dad: Rust shorts + cream button-up
Daughter: Rust flutter dress
Son: Rust shirt + white shorts

Style it up: Try ocean-themed jewelry, black sandals, and a neutral visor or straw hat to complete the look.

Blush and Linen Outfits for a Hawaii Photoshoot

Blush pink and soft neutrals feel light and romantic, great for beach photoshoots and easy to re-wear for dinners or resort nights. We wore this for our beach shoot and then headed to dinner at our favorite Kona Restaurant.

Mom: Blush flowy dress
Dad: Pink linen button-down + tan pants
Daughter: Blush tulle dress
Son: Blush button-up + khaki shorts

Accessories: Pura Vida-style bracelets, dainty anklets, and neutral sandals.

Black Matching Outfits with Hawaiian Vibes

Black is sleek and bold, perfect for families who want a more dramatic or editorial beach look. We wore this look at sunset on the sand near Magic Sands Beach, and it made the colors pop beautifully in every shot.

Mom: Black wrap or maxi dress
Dad: Black aloha shirt + white shorts
Daughter: Black sundress or romper
Son: Black Hawaiian shirt + linen shorts

Add-ons: Tropical flower crowns, gold bangles, matching black sandals, and layered shell or bead jewelry.

**Shop the black and aloha-inspired look**

What I Packed for Photos on the Go

Not every photo needs a pro behind the lens. Here’s the camera gear I used for our impromptu content days:

Candid Photo Prompts for Natural Family Photos

Try these easy prompts to keep things moving and fun:

Walk hand in hand along the beach
Run toward or away from the camera
Everyone jump together
Mom twirl in a flowy dress
Whisper secrets or play a game
Sit in a circle for a top-down shot
Add Santa hats or leis for holiday card versions

The goal is to keep it light and let real moments shine through.

How to Pull Off a Family Beach Photoshoot on Your Hawaii Vacation

Planning a family photoshoot with coordinated outfits doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep, it can be one of the best parts of your trip, and something you’ll remember forever.

Here’s how to make it happen:

Pick your outfits before the trip
Choose 1–3 looks for your family based on color palettes that suit your destination. Keep it light, breathable, and wrinkle-resistant. Use my Hawaii packing list to help plan your suitcase around your shoot.
Book a photographer or bring your own gear
If you want professional photos, search Instagram using hashtags like #KonaPhotographer or #BigIslandFamilyPhotos and book early. If you're going DIY, bring a tripod and a Bluetooth remote trigger for your phone or camera.
Choose your beach and time of day
I recommend golden hour, an hour after sunrise or before sunset, for the best lighting. Avoid midday when the sun is harsh. Check out my Kona Beach Guide for photo-friendly spots.
Do a quick outfit check before the shoot
Make sure clothes are hung up and steamed before the photoshoot. Bring wipes for little hands, extra hair ties, and a backup outfit just in case.
Have fun with it
Use prompts like walking hand in hand, twirling, jumping, or whispering secrets to each other. Candid shots often turn out to be the best ones. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s connection.

With a little planning, your Hawaii outfits will shine, and you’ll walk away with some of the most meaningful souvenirs of your trip. Need more guidance? Download my Hawaii Packing list so you don’t forget anything.

Download the Hawaii Packing List

Family Matching Outfits for a Beach Photo Shoot