# Mauna Kea Beach Hotel: Guest FAQ

Pacific Dream Photography · studio in the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel lobby, Kohala Coast, Hawaii Island

Last updated: 2026-11-02.

## Quick facts

| | |
|---|---|
| Where to meet | Pacific Dream Photography studio, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel lobby |
| Session | 45 minutes, complimentary, no purchase obligation |
| Photo viewing | The next day, in person at the lobby studio (20 to 60 minutes) |
| Prices | Collections from $695 (the Island Classic, also called the Aloha Classic: 20 high-resolution digital images); extra images $89 each |
| Book online | https://pacificdreamphotography4.fullslate.com/ (48 hours to one year ahead) |
| Short notice | mkh@pacificdreamphotography.com · (808) 882-5210 (ext. 5210 from your room) |
| Cancellation | 24 hours' notice; no-shows and cancellations within 24 hours: $150 fee |
| Website | https://pacificdreamphotography.com/location/mauna-kea-beach-hotel/ |

## Questions and answers

**Who can book a session?**

Pacific Dream Photography welcomes guests staying at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, guests of our sister property the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Mauna Kea residence homeowners, Mauna Kea Hotel Club members, and visitors enjoying the luau and fine dining on property.

**What does the session cost?**

The experience is complimentary and comes in two parts. First, a 45-minute session with your photographer, with no session fee and no obligation to buy. Then, the next day, a private cinematic viewing in our office, where you choose and purchase only the photos you love. We recommend everyone comes to the viewing together. Collections start at $695 for the Island Classic, your favorite 20 digital images; additional images are $89 each. You receive full rights to your high-resolution JPG images. We also offer canvas, metal and paper prints, and albums.

**Can we book more than one session, a proposal or a wedding?**

Yes. Email mkh@pacificdreamphotography.com for multiple sessions during your stay, surprise proposals, weddings and other events that need more time.

**How long is the session, and where do we go?**

45 minutes. We start at the main lobby, visit the best ocean views on property and finish at the beach, giving you a variety of tropical Hawaiian backdrops.

**Where do we meet?**

At the Pacific Dream Photography studio in the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel lobby.

**How do I book, and how far ahead?**

Book online from 48 hours up to one year ahead. For shorter notice, email mkh@pacificdreamphotography.com (checked at all hours) or call (808) 882-5210 (ext. 5210 from your room) and we will get back to you when we are in the office. We recommend booking early in your stay: it leaves time to reschedule if someone is not feeling their best, and time to come back for your viewing the day after your session without feeling rushed.

**What's the best time of day?**

Every time of day is beautiful here. Morning and early-afternoon sessions have tropical colors and vivid ocean blues. The 4 pm and 5 pm golden-hour sessions are cooler and fit nicely before dinner reservations. With young children, the best time is whenever your child is happiest, often the morning. Many guests change outfits or switch to swimwear for the last 15 minutes and get into the ocean.

**Who are sessions for?**

Families, couples, multi-generation families, friends and solo travelers, from newborns to 80th birthdays. When you book, tell us what you are celebrating, what the trip means to you, and any special requests, health concerns or surprises.

**Are young children OK?**

We love children. Tell them they are meeting a friend of yours and you will all explore together. Play with them for a few seconds before each photo: hug them, whisper a joke, make a silly face, swing them around, run on the beach and play in the sand. We have 45 minutes to capture you having the most fun with your child.

**What should we wear?**

Cream and pastel combinations photograph beautifully, but above all wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. We suggest a spare shirt for gentlemen who may get warm, and more than one outfit for maternity sessions. See our What to Wear guide: https://pacificdreamphotography.com/beach-photos-what-to-wear/

**What should we bring?**

One light bag with only what you need: a hairbrush to share, a spare shirt or outfit. Couples celebrating an anniversary or engagement are welcome to bring two glasses and a bottle of champagne. For maternity sessions, bring an outfit change, an ultrasound print and a pair of baby shoes or a baby shirt. Please leave phones and cameras in your room and let us capture the memories for you.

**When do we see our photos?**

We edit your photos overnight and invite you back to our office in the hotel lobby the next day to see them on a large screen and purchase the ones you love. The viewing takes 20 to 60 minutes. Collections start at $695; additional images are $89 each. You receive full digital rights to the high-resolution JPGs you purchase.

**Can we view online instead?**

We prefer to show you your photos in person the next day: it is fun for the whole family, and we can show you how to download them and answer your questions. If you have to leave early, you can choose your photos from a watermarked online gallery once you have prepaid the Island Classic package ($695 for your favorite 20 high-resolution digital images).

**What do we receive?**

High-resolution JPG images, professionally edited for color and light, delivered in an online gallery where you download them with full personal-use rights. Prints, canvas and albums can be ordered from the gallery and shipped to your home.

**What if we need to cancel?**

Plans change, and we're happy to help you find a new time. Please give at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule your photo session. A no-show or a cancellation within 24 hours of the session carries a $150 fee. You can change or cancel online up to 24 hours before your session, or email or call us. If you need to move your viewing, just let us know as early as you can.

**What if it rains?**

Mauna Kea sits in the rain shadow of Mauna Kea mountain, and it rarely rains here; local forecasts tend to overstate rain. Check our exact location on windy.com 24 hours before your session. Clouds act as nature's soft box: cloudy days give flattering, even light and dramatic sunsets. If it does rain, we can reschedule to the next morning or afternoon, photograph you indoors with ocean views from the lobby and restaurants, or, if you are adventurous, head to the beach with umbrellas. Ask us for examples.

**Can you photograph a proposal?**

Yes, we love to plan and capture proposals. Email us and we will help you plan a moment your partner will remember forever.

**Do you photograph weddings or vow renewals?**

Yes. Our wedding photographers and videographers are recommended providers for weddings at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Westin Hapuna, the Fairmont Orchid and more.

**Do you take photos at the luau?**

Yes. Our luau photographers photograph guests at the luau and have the high-resolution digital images ready after the show. The luau package is 5 images for $120, from a quick 5-minute session in front of the ocean at golden hour, open to all luau guests. Contact us for details.

**How do we reach you?**

Pacific Dream Photography, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel lobby · (808) 882-5210 · mkh@pacificdreamphotography.com