Maui Photographers | What’s in Our Beach Bag

As Maui photographers, the beach is where we spend most of our mornings and afternoons. Sometimes working with clients in Wailea or West Maui, and sometimes just enjoying the ocean as a family! Occasionally after the kids are dropped at school Adam and I will have an hour to ourselves (with the baby) to ejoy some sun and saltwater. Enjoying this natural beauty is something we’re privileged to do, so we make the most of it when we can!

Over the years I’ve learned exactly what to pack for a morning at the beach so that it’s simple, light, and stress-free, especially with a baby in tow. Here’s a peek inside our bag and the essentials we never leave home without!

Beach Bag

The foundation of every beach morning is the bag itself. Our Las Olitas x Tag Aloha tote is hand-made in Hawaiʻi, durable enough to carry everything, and still lightweight for everyday use. I haven’t been in a wetsuit for years but the smell of this bag is like a hit of endorphins. It brings to mind cold little winter waves back in Australia… one day I’ll get back in the water! Until then you’ll find my head stuck resting inside my beach bag. That’s acceptable, yes?

Pareo and Beach Blanket

A versatile pareo is always in my beach bag. My Tag Aloha ‘Opihi pareo doubles as a towel when it’s just me and Adam, or as a cover-up when I want something quick to throw on. I love Tag Aloha because they are a a small ‘ohana-run company from Kailua on Oahu. Everything they make is either hand-drawn or is printed in collaboration with other Hawai’i artists.

If we need space to lay, especially with baby, this beach blanket for two from Eha Culture is my favorite. It’s so soft and easy to pack.

Sunglasses

I love our Moda sunglasses, a brand just launched by our photography clients. We love supporting our clients as much as they do us! They’re stylish, super sturdy and practical.

Project Reef Sunscreen

We spend long hours in the sun as Maui photographers and a family of 5, so reef-safe protection is non-negotiable. Project Reef’s non-aerosol mist, face stick, and sunscreen lotion are staples in my bag — safe for the reef, easy for reapplication, and perfect for adults and keiki.

Swimwear Favorites

This Monday Swimwear bikini (top and bottom) is a fave, they’re very durable and flattering with a bunch of different cuts in the same colors. I’m also a huge fan of Andie, as well as Lokahi Swimwear and Puka Swimwear on Maui.

Pelican IP68 Marine Case

Our Pelican IP68 Marine Case comes along for snorkeling days or candid shots in the water. Adam is constantly bringing it to the pool too and it’s been fun for tracking our kids’ swimming progress!

Aloha Collection Mini Hip Pack

Little essentials like keys, cards, and phones go into an Aloha Collection Mini Hip Pack. It’s also great for storing some anti-fog and popping on for a snorkeling trip.

Hale Pua Papale

I love my Hale Pua pāpale. I have a really big head (lol) and it’s adjustable and very comfortable to wear over a bun.

Water Bottle

I’ve never really been a Stanley girl but am a huge fan of Reduce water bottles. We have been using them both for ourselves and our kids for a long time and they last. Because they come in large sizes, they’re handy for longer trips away from home and staying hydrated while pregnant and/or feeding baby.

When we’re not barefoot…

I usually go without slippahs to the beach but if you want a barrier against those kiawe thorns, we’ve been using Havaianas for years – they’ll do the trick!

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Ready to Dive In?!

If you’re visiting Maui, why not fit in a photoshoot while you’re here?! These images are from our sunset Land + Sea Wailea portrait session with our return clients whose family had a splash at the end of their session to cool off. We love the carefree results, and our team would love to capture your time on island with a Wailea or West Maui beach session!