My name is Kris, and I am a wedding photographer in Hawaii. My wife and I moved to the Big Island of Hawaii 11 years ago. As all stories begin, we moved across the ocean with only two suitcases. We were young and adventurous. We still joke about our first apartment or WV Golf, which didn’t lock and stopped working in the middle of the highway. Some of our fun stories include driving a scooter to Costco or singing Mele Kalikimaka on Alii Drive Kona.
After we landed on the Big Island, we rented a room for a few days from Anya. We contacted her on Craigslist. She was just starting her Airbnb business and owns three houses in Hawaii now. Guess who was the photographer for her vacation rentals?! With another friend, Vaiva, we connected on Facebook; she became a famous writer, and we had just done her photo session for the magazine.
Other friends asked us for advice on how to be a photographer or a videographer and they are thriving today. We all needed to leave our comfort zone and meet new people.
When I came to Hawaii I started working as a photographer at one of the hotels on the Big Island. I needed to prove myself and be a quick learner. During this time, I also began building my portfolio and connecting with wedding vendors on the islands. Together with my wife, we created our photography business and it took us 2 years to fully establish our business. Sandra also started planning elopements and small weddings on the Big Island. She assists with all Couple Cups communications, posts on social media, and comes to brand sessions with me.
I would love to share some simple steps and I hope it will help you to start a photography business in Hawaii.
How to Start a Photography Business in Hawaii
Register your business name.
Register for a GE Tax License
Obtain Permits: Wiki Permits and Hawaii Film Office
Get business insurance and Contract
Educate yourself about Hawaii
Make a list of your favorite locations
Workflow
Establish connections
Your packages and services
Traveling to other islands
Register your business name: Think about your business and be original or SEO-friendly. We love telling the story of our business name, “Couple Cups.” We always knew we wanted to do photography, but we needed a new business name. During our honeymoon in Sicily, my wife and I went for coffee and discussed it.
A good story with a friend or loved one often begins with, “Let’s go for coffee.” This ritual is part of many families, friendships, and love stories.
Here is the link to Hawaii Business Registration
GE TAX: Taxes apply to all business services and products in Hawaii. A GE tax license is required for all business activities. Register as soon as possible and ensure you fulfill your tax obligations. Hawaii Tax Online Remember to add the Hawaii Ge Tax to your Invoice.
Permits: Every photographer or videographer needs to have a permit. Check locations covered by the Wiki Permit and Hawaii Film Office. Respect the island and obtain the necessary permits to avoid legal issues. Understand that without a permit, you cannot conduct any business activities. Always seek permission if you’re on private land. Respect Hawaii’s beauty and culture.
Insurance & Contract: Work with an insurance provider who understands Hawaii’s requirements. We work with State Farm in Hawaii, who can guide you through Wiki Permits and most Hawaii Hotel Requirements. Always, always have a contract with clients.
Educate Yourself About Hawaii: Take the island of Hawaii pono pledge. “I will mindfully seek wonder, but not wander where I do not belong. I will not defy death for breathtaking photos, trespass or venture beyond safety.” Read Full The Pono Pledge and Sign Here
Favorite Locations and Wedding Venues. Explore the island and choose the best locations for your photography style and visions. Create a list for your clients and share with them your recommendations where to go, what to see, and recommendations for other businesses in Hawaii. We always recommend our favorite coffee shop: Waimea Coffee Company or the best breakfast/brunch location at Mauna Lani Hotel
- Olowalu Plantation House in Maui
- Holualoa Inn on the Big Island of Hawaii
- Four Seasons Hotel in Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island
- Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawaii
- Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island
- Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island, and Hilton Hawaiian Village in Oahu
- Marriott Waikoloa, Big Island
Photographer Workflow: Use tools like HoneyBook for emails, inquiries, proposals, invoices, and agreements (30% OFF Link) The Narrative is excellent for image selection and publication on our website. Pic-Time is perfect for delivering images to your clients; they can order prints and albums.
Connections: Maintain professionalism with vendors and share images. Support other businesses by recommending photographers when they are unavailable. Celebrate and be authentic. Start being other photographers’ assistants or associate photographers and learn from them. Go to Events like Rising Tide Kona, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Wedding Association, Big Island Wedding Photographers
Your packages and services: The Hawaii Photography Market is huge, and you can find the kind of photographer you’d like to be. I chose to be a wedding and engagement photographer and, with love, take family vacation pictures. I recently did a magazine cover for an international magazine and started a brand photography for small businesses. I love telling stories about couples, brands, families, or events. Find your niche and explore it. Create your packages and price lists, and check other photographer’s website and their prices. Review your prices every year.
Traveling to Other Islands: I love changing my scenery and going to Kauai, Maui, or Oahu. We usually charge a very small travel fee to other islands, as we take it as an opportunity. After 10 years, we have friends on every island, and it’s a joy to visit. If you will be coming to the Big Island, please send us a DM on our Instagram, and let’s go for a coffee.
THE LESSON I LEARNED THE HARD WAY:
The Electronic Humidity Control Cabinet is a Must: I have this one and put these silica packs in your bag
Understanding Hawaii’s dynamics takes time. Embrace and respect its uniqueness. It takes time to create your portfolio and be approved by other vendors or venues. Be patient and go for a hike, take amazing pictures of the ocean, and post on your Instagram/Facebook/TikTok community.
I would love to hear a start-up story of your business in Hawaii and one piece of advice you would give to others. If you liked our steps, please share our post on your website or social media.