About Us - Our Mo'olelo

Lulua'ina - The Pu'uwai of Hawai'i Island Photography

The name Lulua‘ina comes from a beautiful Hawaiian word that means “freckles.” According to the Hawaiian Dictionary(1986), luluāʻina ʻole — “without a freckle” — was once said of someone who grew up well cared for, handsome, and gracious. In those days, beauty was often seen as something flawless.

But for our ‘ohana, Lulua‘ina carries a deeper, more personal meaning — one that celebrates the natural beauty found in the details that make each person, and each island moment, unique. In older Polynesian roots, lulua refers to “pure flowers,” while ‘ina speaks to variation — the differences in color, shape, and texture that make life so vibrant here in Hawaii Nei. To us, it’s a reminder that true beauty lives in diversity, authenticity, and the little details often overlooked.

My wife, Nani, was given her Hawaiian name with love, yet she used to feel self-conscious about her freckles. I’ve always seen them as one of her most beautiful features — a reflection of her warm spirit and the life she’s lived under the Hawaiian sun. Her story inspired the name Lulua'ina and is the heart behind our business: a celebration of real, unfiltered beauty.

In Hawai‘i Nei, kama‘āina know how special these islands are — yet sometimes, we forget to slow down and notice the small things that make them so extraordinary. Through Lulua‘ina, we’re reminded to holoholo — to go out, explore, and see our home with fresh eyes and hearts full of aloha.

That same spirit is what guides Hawai‘i Island Photography. Every photo we take is a reflection of this belief — that true beauty isn’t staged or flawless, but lived and felt. Whether it’s an intimate island portrait, a family moment on the beach, or a golden Hawaii sunset, our goal is to preserve the beauty that makes this place and its people so special.

Lulua‘ina is more than a name — it’s the heart behind our lens, our way of saying mahalo to these islands and to everyone who helps us see their beauty anew.

We love a good story. Mo'olelo is part of our culture and our heritage.

Some stories give a new adventure. and others help us remember a old adventure.

. . . and we want to capture Your story! that special moment that when you look back you think of your adventure!

We consider it as part of our kuleana, our responsibility to our Ohana

Meet Our Team

At the heart of Hawai’i Island Photography is a dedicated team who bring creativity, organization, and aloha to every session.

Keoni is our administrator and the backbone of our operations — overseeing media, client registration, contracts and all necessary photography permits to ensure every session runs smoothly and responsibly.

Nani, “Lulua‘ina,” serves as our creative director, with a natural eye for beauty and flow. She carefully selects each location and curates our signature list of poses, making sure every shoot feels unique, effortless, and true to the spirit of Hawai‘i Nei.

Kaimana is our lead photographer and editor — the artist behind the lens whose storytelling captures the emotion, light, and aloha that define our work.

Together, they form the heart of Hawai’i Island Photography, blending skill, creativity, and island spirit to create images that truly reflect the beauty and connection of Hawai‘i Nei. 🌺