Romantic Kona Sunset Proposal | Big Island Hawaii Engagement Photographer

Surprise Sunset Proposal in Kona – a Picture-Perfect Engagement

Storytelling Hawaii & PNW Couples Photographer

Planning a surprise proposal in Kona, Hawaii? You’re in the right place. There’s nothing quite like popping the question with the golden Hawaiian sunset in the background, the waves softly rolling in, and that perfect element of surprise.

I recently had the privilege of photographing an intimate beachfront proposal in Kona, and it was straight out of a dream. If you’re considering a romantic Hawaii engagement, here’s everything you need to know—plus some inspiration from this magical moment!

How We Pulled Off the Perfect Surprise Engagement in Kona

Z contacted me a few weeks before his trip to plan a surprise proposal in Hawaii. He wanted a moment that felt natural, romantic, and completely unexpected. After scouting a few locations, we picked a secluded Big Island beach for the proposal—one with a clear ocean view and gorgeous lava rock formations to frame the shots.

To keep the surprise element intact, I blended in as a regular beach photographer, capturing the sunset and the scenery. Meanwhile, Z led M on what seemed like a casual sunset self-portrait photoshoot—until he saw me (I told him I was wearing a bright green yankees hat, and he sent me a selfie prior of them and met me at the pin I had sent!) he casually asked if I could take a few pictures of them and before M knew it, he was on his knee asking her to marry him!!!

The Big Moment: A Dreamy Hawaii Beach Proposal

Her reaction? Absolute shock—then happy tears, laughter, and an instant, enthusiastic "YES!".

Moments like these are why I love being a Hawaii proposal photographer. The raw emotion, the nerves, the joy—it’s all so real and beautiful. I snapped away, capturing:

📸 The exact second she realized what was happening.
📸 That first tear-filled hug after she said yes.
📸 A glowing Hawaii sunset engagement photo with their silhouettes.
📸 A close-up of the ring with the waves crashing behind it.

Post-Proposal Engagement Photos in Kona

After the excitement settled in, we took advantage of Hawaii’s golden hour for some romantic Kona engagement photos. Every single shot was pure magic. We continued the rest of the magic hour exploring the beach and taking photos in the water, against palm trees and in the sand! The lava rock is very romantic and the perfect backdrop for such a special milestone!

Some of my favorite shots:
✔️ Z & M holding hands snuggled up to one another with the sunset behind them.
✔️ A dreamy engagement ring close-up against a palm tree.
✔️ A candid moment of them running in the ocean waves while laughing together.

Thinking about your own beach proposal in Hawaii?

Sunset is hands-down the best time for a Hawaii engagement photography session. The soft, golden light is flattering, romantic, and makes for those Pinterest-worthy proposal.

Ready to Plan Your Hawaii Surprise Proposal?

Capturing this romantic sunset session in Kona was an absolute dream. If you’re planning to pop the question and want every incredible moment documented, I’d love to help you plan and capture your own unforgettable story.

📩 Let’s make it happen! Contact me today to start planning your perfect surprise proposal in Hawaii.

The big island is full of secluded, hidden gems from hilo to south point, if you are feeling adventurous be sure to inquire about my Adventure Package.

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