News and reviews of made on Maui products and Maui-based companies and success stories. Also featuring island shopping guides

Posts tagged ‘Family’

25 Things to Do on Maui With Kids This Summer

Summer is rapidly approaching, which means 8 weeks (or more!) of “I’m BORED!” coming from the kids (or maybe even your spouse…) so I’ve put together a Summer Survival Guide of 25* things to do on Maui with Kids… (*more may be added – feel free to add your suggestions!)

Family Friendly Events

  • Hit the Town – (1) Friday Town Parties – Each Friday, a different town hosts a party!
  • Catch a Flick (or a dozen) – (2) Maui Film Festival – Coming up this year from June 3-7, 2015.  There’s sure to be some great family movies, the schedule is usually released a couple weeks prior to the event, be sure to check back or follow the Film Festival on Facebook .
  • Cinderella by Alexander Academy See the Ballerinas – Over 150 dancers from (3) Alexander Academy will present Cinderella on June 6 and 7 at Seabury Hall’s new performing arts center.
  • Check out the 4-H’ers – (4) Upcountry Ag Fair , June 13 & 14 at the Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao
  • Horse Around Upcountry – Do NOT miss (5) Makawao’s Fourth of July Parade and Rodeo. Maui Roping Club presents the 60th annual Makawao Rodeo, July 2 – 5, 2015 – the largest rodeo in Hawai‘i with more than 350 cowboys from all over the world. Parade starts at 9am Saturday, July 4.
makawao 2015 rodeo fourth of july

Image Courtesy Makawao Roping, Credit: Jackalopephoto.com

Free / Cheap Fun

  • maui humane society tortoise

    Who needs a zoo when you have an awesome Humane Society?

    Pretend its Winter –   It’s hot… but it’s still pretty cool atop (9) Haleakala… pack your jackets, fill up the thermos with hot chocolate and head up the hill.  You could even sing Christmas carols if you are really feeling wacky.

  • Pretend we have a Zoo – Check out the animals at the (10) Maui Humane Society!  Besides the cuddly kitties and cute puppies, they have a huge tortoise and miscellaneous pocket pets.  Open daily 11am – 4pm. But remember, this one is only FREE if you don’t go home with anything…
  • Head Under Water – Is this the summer when you finally teach the kids (11) how to snorkel?
  • Stick your Head in a Book – Check out one of the (12) many libraries around the island, or my personal favorite, head to Puunene’s Friends of the Library Bookstore – almost everything is only 25 cents!
  • Get Muddy – (13) Bike Park Maui has something for all ages, from a tiny tot track to miles of dirt track and pump track for your BIGGEST kids… Don’t have a bike?  They have rentals too…
Even the littlest riders have tons of fun at Bike Park Maui
photos courtesy of Bike Park Maui
  • Go Strawberry Picking – (14) Kula Country Farms has transformed from a family-run farm to a family FUN farm, with strawberry picking (seasonally), animals, a children’s garden and mini-golf!
  • Kid Around – There seem to ALWAYS be baby goats at the (15)  Surfing Goat Dairy, and they’ve even set up a sand-toy pit, if the kids (as in children, not baby goats) just want to dig around.  Its free to enter, you just need to pay if you want to go on one of the tours.
  • Go on a Hunt – (16) For the island’s best Shave Ice!  Make it your own family mission to sample each shave ice on island, to discover which company (and which flavor) is the absolute best! Might we suggest starting (or finishing!) with Ululani’s? 
  • Hit the Stream – When it’s just TOO HOT, grab your suits and head on up to the (17) Iao Stream.  The chilly water will cool you down instantly!  Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens- established in 1952 as a showcase for Maui’s diverse heritage with ethnic houses and gardens representing the Hawaiian, Portuguese, Japanese, Caucasian and Filipino cultures – is always a fun little activity, too.
  • Check out the Farm – (18) The Lahaina Animal Farm is a sure winner with the animal-lovers (advanced reservations required.)
  • olinda forest hike

    Olinda Forest is a fun little hike!

    Take a Hike (or a bike)-   Both located in cool upcountry, the (19)  Olinda Forest (Waihou Springs) is fun with the little ones, or the Makawao Forest Reserve has great mountain biking for the older kids.

  • Become a Nature Tracker – Grab a bucket, some water shoes and (20) explore the tide pools!
  • Splash Around – When the heat of the day gets to be too much, and you don’t want to have to worry about watching the little ones at the beach or pool, just grab some suits and towels and head to the mall!  (21) The Maui Mall has a great little water-play area…
  • Go on a Treasure Hunt – an (22) Art treasure hunt! Who needs an art museum when you have the The Grand Wailea?  Rumor has it if you ask around there’s an art ‘treasure’ hunt that you can go on…

Stay-cation/Splurge

  • Pretend you are a tourist-  Sure, you live on Maui, but there are tons of family friendly activities that you’ve probably not done yet, so (23) treat yourself to a stay-cation and check out a submarine or helicopter ride, or check out one of the zip-line tours!  Most tours have great kama’aina discounts.
  • Get a Hole-in-One – Does anything say SUMMER like some (24) mini-golf and bumper boats?  Make a holiDAY of it – maybe even head to the aquarium (AGAIN! – Hard to beat that air-conditioning!) and there’s also the Kealia Boardwalk if the kids still need to run… and while you are in Ma’alaea dont forget about the ice-cream cookie sandwiches from Hula Cookies
Nothing Says Summer like Bumper Boats and Mini Golf!
Finish your Staycation with an Ice Cream Sandwich from Hula Cookies

Category:

Activity, Event, Food and Beverage, Kids

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Maui’s Best Family Photographers – Part 1

PC: L-R Top - Caprice Nicole, Wendy Laurel, Love and Water L-R Bottom - Kristy Copperfield, Joanna Tano, Angela Nelson

PC: L-R Top – Caprice Nicole, Wendy Laurel, Love and Water
L-R Bottom – Kristy Copperfield, Joanna Tano, Angela Nelson

Wow.  This was an intimidating post to put together.  Maui has a TON of talented photographers.  And let’s just say there are lots of photographers that can combine a good camera, a cute family and a spectacular sunset on the beach to make a frame-worthy memory.  But what if you want something just a bit different for your next family portrait?  You want to capture this magical moment, remember this particular age as they are growing so fast…  Whether you are just on Maui for a special vacation or live here full time, here’s a list of photographers that are sure to be worthy of your family portrait wall.

I’ve scoured the web and interviewed some particularly talented photographers to put together this post of Maui’s BEST Family Portrait Photographers.  In fact, there were so many amazing photographers that there will be a PART TWO (which will be linked here when it’s completed)

Each photographer has offered some tips to help create the perfect family memories! I’ve also included photographers at each price point, and included their base rates, to help you pick the photographer that works best for your family!

Angela Nelson Photography

maui family photographer - maui's best family photographers

Meet Angela Nelson

Meet Angela: I’m a Midwest girl at heart, but I feel so blessed to call Maui my home! I’ll make sure you and your loved ones are relaxed and confident in front of the camera. You can expect a lot of fun coupled with a dash of creativity and spontaneity!

Family Portrait Tip: Be sure that if you have little ones that they have eaten and had a nap before our session! I’m a master at helping children loosen up in front of the camera, but a full belly and adequate sleep always help! As for moms and dads, let me worry about having your child look at the camera and, for goodness sakes, let them be kids! The best moments happen when mom and dad relax and let the children play!

Specializing in: family, couples, and weddings

Packages start at: $399 for a tiny session (30 minutes, North Shore Maui mornings only, 10 digital images), $549 is full hour package with all edited images,1 hour of photography, any location.

Minimum lead time: I’ve booked sessions that occur that day! If I’m available, I take the session!

Check out more of Angela’s work – 

Joanna Tano Photography

Maui Family Photographer Joanna TanoMeet Joanna: Born and raised on Maui, Joanna watched her journalist mother snap photos for local newspapers. Taking photography classes at Baldwin High School and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Joanna learned the techniques of the art of photography. Specializing in small weddings and Maui family portraits, Joanna Tano utilizes top professional equipment to ensure the highest quality photography.

Family Portrait Tips: The beach is always a great place for photos but it’s fun to think outside the box about different beautiful Maui locations such as Olinda Forest, Iao Valley, a waterfall, or even an urban shoot like Paia town (in which case shave ice or ono-gelato makes for really happy kids and amazing photos). And keep in mind your location when deciding on what to wear.  At the beach you might choose to wear a short dress or shorts so that you can get your feet in the water, whereas if you do an urban shoot, maybe jeans or a long dress.

Packages start at: $500, all packages include an Online gallery and USB of professionally edited images with printing rights. Ask about the Kama’aina discount.

Minimum lead time recommended: It’s best to book your session at least a week or two in advance.

Also specializing in: weddings

Check out more of Joanna’s work –

Caprice Nicole Photography

caprice maui photographerMeet Caprice: When I was a child, I wanted to be many things. But most of all I wanted to make people happy and somehow encapsulate all the beauty I saw every day. Once I discovered photography, it was love at first click! Growing up in Hawaii, I never took it for granted. I witnessed the ever changing beauty that blew through the islands and simply wanted to share it. Now I get too! Capturing people’s most happy & intimate moments amongst all the colors and textures Hawaii has to offer, is like a dream come true.

Family Portrait Tips: My best tip is to do some research on the type of portrait you want. Depending on what you are looking for, different time frames or locations might work better.  Certainly do not be afraid to communicate your desires with your photographer!  As far as clothing goes, I prefer when every one is not perfectly matching.  Choose a color scheme to use as a guide, but allow every one to wear what they feel best in whether it be shorts, skirts, pants or dresses!  Also, stay away from loud patterns. Portraits are about you and your family.  So let your selves shine! Most of all, have fun!!

Packages start at: $550.00 – The starting package for a family of 4 includes:

  • 1 hour on location photography by Caprice Nicole
  • All Images on a High Resolution Flash Drive
  • 20 Favorites chosen by the family for “detail edits”
  • Custom keepsake Case for their Flash Drive with family name, photo and date
  • Copy Release Form
  • Web Viewing and Sharing

Minimum lead time recommended: Booking 2-3 weeks in advance that is perfect, especially if you are not locked on an exact day. If it is something like a family reunion and have to organize a lot of family then 1 or 2 months ahead might be better!

Also specializing in: I specialize in people, so I cover the whole spectrum of portraits including Engagements, Weddings, Maternity, New Borns, Models, Styled Sessions, etc.

maui holiday portrait photographers

 

maui newborn photographer

Check out more of Caprice’s work:

Kristy Copperfield Photography

Meet Kristy: Hey, I’m Kristy! kristy maui family best photography I’m a born and raised island creative. I specialize in newborn and maternity photography with a cute little natural light studio in Makawao. I’ve been photographing people of Maui for just about 4 years now. My passion for photography was inspired through my 8 years as a preschool teacher. Years of observing and documenting their development and freezing these observations through my lens morphed into an entirely different, and unexpected, career path. I spent the first couple years of photography searching google, youtube and the inter webs, teaching myself this craft. Once I knew newborn photography was where my heart was, I flew to New York for a one day mentorship with a newborn photographer and,as they say, the rest is history. When I’m not behind the lens, I enjoy a good ole beach day, a drink with friends or an intense #deathbydiy home improvement project. Seriously, check me out on the gram, I’m quite handy.

Family portrait tips: Matching outfits are out, coordinating colors and textures are in….accessories too! Have fun with your outfits, have fun with your family and leave it to me to produce images that are a by-product of your love for each other.

maui best photographer family newborn

Packages start at: $550 for one hour, outdoor shoot, and 25 digital images on USB

Minimum lead time: That depends. Newborns are photographed within the first 14 days, so 3rd trimester booking is highly suggested. My assistant Eva runs my life so shoot her a message and she’ll take care of ya!

Also specializing in: Family, child, newborn and maternity photography

maui newborn photography

maui newborn photography

Check out more of Kristy’s work: 

Wendy Laurel Photography

maui family photographer wendy laurel Meet Wendy: I am a beach girl at heart – love the ocean, the salt, the sand, the sun, the colors. I moved to Hawaii the day after graduating Stanford Law School and never looked back. As my babies came along (I have 4!), I started to experiment with photography. That experimenting quickly grew into a head over heels love affair with film photography. Film captures light, water, and color in a gorgeous magical way that inspires me and will make you happy.  Hawaii is just plain gorgeous with tons of color and light and film handles that light best and truly records those colors for timeless photos.

Family Portrait Tip: :  Just be relaxed and yourselves! Don’t be stressed if the kids don’t cooperate, I’ll get good photos no matter what!

underwater photography maui

 

Packages Start At: $575 for  20 min mini session (available on the West side only  – Lahaina, Kaanapali, Kapalua), includes an online gallery and free instant digital downloads of full resolution images.

Minimum Lead Time Recommended:  just depends, please check with me!

Also Specializing In: weddings, commercial

Check out more of Wendy’s work:

Love and Water Photography 

Shawn Adam - Love and Water Photography - Maui Underwater Photographers Meet Shawn-Marie and Adam: We are Maui photographers who consistently work with fun loving clients who are not only in love with one another, but with life, and appreciate the value of having the story of their experience told through timeless imagery while enjoying a fun afternoon in the company of friends.

Family Portrait Tip: Bring a change of clothes for everyone, and wear something you don’t mind getting sandy/wet. Definitely be prepared to run around in the sand and have fun!

Specializing In: Family and maternity beach portraits, trash the dress shoots, underwater photography sessions for couples and individuals and adventurous elopements.

Packages start at: $650 + tax for a 1 hour shoot with the two of us as your photographers, a private online gallery for two months and 10 artfully edited images with release to print.

Minimum lead time recommended: As soon as you know you’re coming to Maui!

Check out more about Love and Water Photography

Want to apply to be featured in Part 2?

Must be a professional photographer on Maui.  Find my email in the About Maui Made section, send in some details about yourself and ten sample photographs to apply.

 

And for your pinning pleasure – I’ve created these images for posting to your Pinterest Page…

Category:

Kids, Photography

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Seven Maui Photographers to Follow on Facebook

If you could use a daily dose of ‘ooooohhh’, ‘awwwww’, or ‘WOW!’, then you need to follow these Maui-based photographers on Facebook:

(I’ve asked them to share their favorite photo, but for a photographer, that’s probably like asking them to pick their favorite child. )

(Here’s a hint: Click on ‘Follow…’ to go directly to their Facebook page)

Todd Kawasaki:

Todd’s vibrant images capture the beauty of the world as he sees it.  He calls it ‘realistic’, we call it ‘amazing!’
Follow if you like: The ethereal glow of Maui’s beaches at sunset

Love it? Todd’s images are available for sale on his website.

Gone Fishing by Todd Kawasaki
Taking It Easy by Todd Kawasaki

Amity Mason Photography:

Amity features a little bit of everything on her page: sunsets, underwater, weddings, fashion and fine art photography.

Follow if you like: Classic Maui beauty with a unique artistic spin.

Love it? Amity Mason is offering wedding packages- check out her portfolio

Secret Forest by Amity Mason
Amity Mason Photography

Kristy Copperfield Photography:

Kristy specializes in newborn and family portraits, and its easy to see why.  She is as magical with children as she is with the camera.

Follow if you like: Cuddly babies, a new spin on family portraits

Love it? Kristy Copperfield would love to photograph your baby and family

Sweet Baby Poses are Kristy’s specialty
Newborn Photography by Kristy Copperfield
A modern spin on classic family portraits

Tamiz Photography:

Rebecca and Jonathan capture the romance of weddings unlike any other.

Follow if you like: Real-life fairy tales

Love it? Tamiz Photography will document your special moment – wedding, engagement, anniversary or just because?

Tamiz Photography matches the vintage styling of Haiku Mill
There are no words to describe this beauty…
Treasure this day for years to come…

Jimmie Hepp:

Jimmie photographs sunsets, landscapes, animals and more, but his true talent lies in capturing Maui’s watermen and women.

Follow if you like: Feeling the wind through your hair and the saltwater on your face – through a picture.

(funny, Jimmie let me pic my favorites from his page, I didn’t realize until now that these two are almost mirror images of each other)

Kai Lenny reaches atmospheric heights- as captured by Jimmie Hepp
Jimmie Hepp probably lives at Hookipa, for all the shots he has from there…
Jimmie has perfected the art of photographing Maui’s watersports

EverydayMaui.com:

Lehia is a full-time reporter who blogs about, you guessed it, everyday maui events.  Her wonderful photographs give color and insight to those events.

Follow if you like: everyday life on Maui.  and food.

Yoga at Alii Kula Lavender by everydaymaui.com
Haleakala Halemau’u by everydaymaui.com
Dawn Patrol by everydaymaui.com

MauiWindCam.com:

Ray Masters shares the day’s best pics from his backyard, the Pacific Ocean, and we are jealous.

Follow if you like: Surfing Dogs.  And who doesn’t like surfing dogs?

Sevin ponders his day’s activities
Sevin likes to hang ten, or is that twenty?

Wanna share all these great pics with your Pinterest followers?  We made it easy for you – here they are all together:

Seven Maui Based Photographers to Follow on Facebook

Category:

Surf, Uncategorized, Wedding

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