Embracing the Aloha Spirit: Our Family's Adventure in Hawaii

Travel Story

Our first-ever trip to Hawaii was incredibly special, and capturing beautiful family memories was a priority. Knowing we’d be busy enjoying family time and the beach, I wanted to rely on a professional photographer. Having had a fantastic experience with Flytographer in Boston, I quickly booked a session just 10 days before our trip--14 days before the shoot. I was thrilled to find several photographers available during our visit, but one stood out: Enzo. His fun style, ability to capture candid moments, and experience with kids made him the perfect choice for us. We've worked with many photographers, but I’ve never seen my kids react so positively to anyone. They immediately warmed up to Enzo, resulting in the BEST family photos we have ever taken. We have seriously been talking about planning a return trip for next summer just so that Enzo can take our family photos again next year! From the initial booking to the shoot, Enzo was funny, accommodating, and personable, and made us feel comfortable and confident. He was patient and spent the time and attention necessary to ensure that he got great shots of our family. He even gave us a huge and thoughtful list of recommendations for places to visit on the island, one of which became our favorite beach! Our time in Hawaii was nothing short of enchanting. We explored Kualoa Ranch, where the breathtaking landscapes left us in awe, and spent idyllic days at Lanikai and Kailua beaches, which had the most picturesque turquoise waters. Embracing the laid-back island lifestyle, we relished our adventures on the North Shore, visiting Waimea Falls and Shark's Cove and indulging in local cuisine. Witnessing our autistic son’s remarkable transformation was one of the trip's highlights. For the first time in his 7.5 years, he bravely engaged with the water—a realm that had once frightened him. He splashed joyfully in the waves at every beach, enjoyed relaxing moments in the pools at the Outrigger Waikiki and Hilton Hawaiian Village, and even learned to kayak. Watching him confidently paddle around the lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village brought tears of joy to my husband and me, as we saw him face his fears in such a beautiful place. Our 2-year-old had a blast covering himself in sand at every beach, with grains pouring out of his shoes each night--even after we got back to our home in Texas. Our 14-year-old daughter fully immersed herself in the cultural experiences offered on the island. Together, we explored the art of featherworking and its significance in Hawaiian history, crafted kukui nut bracelets, and learned about the invasive species brought over for its medicinal properties. She took hula and ukulele lessons—her favorites—received temporary Polynesian tattoos, and discovered the rich meanings behind each symbol and the tradition of tattoo artistry. The Polynesian Cultural Center was another must-visit, where we recommend spending one or even two days. The night show was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving us in awe and longing to experience it again. A highlight for our family was snorkeling for the first time at multiple spots around the island including Ko Olina Lagoons, Paradise Cove and Sharks Cove. The serenity we felt as fish swam by, immersing ourselves in their vibrant world, was truly magical. Seeing green sea turtles, or honu as the Hawaiians call them, at Hale'iwa Beach was a deeply moving experience. After learning about their significance in Hawaiian culture as symbols of good luck and longevity, we felt a profound appreciation for these majestic creatures. Witnessing them glide gracefully through the water was a beautiful reminder of the deep connection between the islands’ culture and the ocean. This trip overflowed with joy, cultural richness, and exhilarating adventures. Hawaii was an absolute dream, and I am already counting the days until we can return to explore another one of its enchanting islands. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone, especially for the invaluable cultural insights that made our journey truly unforgettable.