Silhouettes embrace against a vibrant orange and pink Hawaiian sunset with palm trees framing the romantic scene in Kona, Big Island.

Big Island Wedding Photographer

Wedding, Family & Portrait photography
across the Big Island of Hawaii
Golden hour beach photography with silhouettes against dramatic sunset sky at Kona Sea Salt, Big Island Hawaii.

Big Island Wedding Photographer

WEDDING, FAMILY & Portrait PHOTOGRAPHY
Artistic underwater portrait with flowing fabric and ethereal light beams. Big Island of Hawaii.

Big Island Wedding Photographer

WEDDING, FAMILY & Portrait PHOTOGRAPHY
Newlyweds share an intimate moment under a driftwood tree on a tropical beach at sunset. Mauna Kea Beach wedding, Big Island of Hawaii.

Big Island Wedding Photographer

Wedding, Family & Portrait photography
across the Big Island of Hawaii
Silhouettes reflected in still water against a dramatic sunset sky on rocky coastline at Kona Salt Farm, Big Island Hawaii.

Big Island Wedding Photographer

Wedding, Family & Portrait photography
across the Big Island of Hawaii
Limited Weddings accepted each year
Explore my work

 

About

 

Get to know me
Black and white photos of a couple playing and embracing in the ocean waves at Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Big Island Hawaii.

My philosophy

Honest moments, captured naturally in the beauty of Hawaii

Wedding couple silhouetted against a vibrant orange and pink sunset sky in Waikoloa, Big Island of Hawaii.
Abstract black and white motion blur of dancers moving across a white background at Mauna Kea Beach, Big Island Hawaii.

James Rubio is a Big Island wedding photographer based in Hilo, Hawaii. For nearly two decades he has photographed weddings, elopements, families, and couples across the islands — from the waterfalls of Hilo to the lava fields of Kona, the beaches of Waikoloa, the epic landscapes of Kauai and the golden sunsets of Maui.


His approach is simple: create honest images that feel natural and timeless. Rather than stiff poses or trends, James focuses on real moments — quiet glances, soft touches, laughter shared.


Hawaii itself is always part of the story. The way the ocean glistens, the sunset igniting the clouds, turning fleeting moments into something lasting.


James is born and raised in Hawaii.

Featured In



Red circular logo for The Knot magazine with white text.
Elegant circular logo for Style Me Pretty with decorative text and hummingbird design.
Pacific Weddings magazine header text in elegant typography.

 

Selected works

 

Couple walking along rocky coastline during golden hour sunset at Outrigger Kona Resort, Big Island Hawaii.
Family enjoying a sunset photoshoot on a sandy beach in Hawaii with volcanic rocks nearby at Kona Village Resort, Big Island Hawaii.
Majestic waterfall cascading into natural pool surrounded by lush Hawaiian forest. Hilo, Hawaii.
Black and white portrait of a bride in an elegant backless dress with flowing veil.
Family relaxing together on a tropical beach with lush greenery in the background at Puako, Big Island Hawaii.
Vibrant orange sunset over calm waters with silhouetted palm trees at Waikoloa, Big Island Hawaii.
Two people sharing intimate laughs and embraces in a natural outdoor setting at A-Bay, Waikoloa, Big Island Hawaii.
Black and white photos of a couple playing and embracing in the ocean waves at Mauna Kea Beach Resort, Big Island Hawaii.
Family running and playing together on a sandy beach in white outfits at Four Seasons Hualalai, Kona, Big Island Hawaii.
Camping tent illuminated under a starry night sky with mountains in the background on Mauna Kea, Big Island Hawaii.
Ethereal bridal portraits on black volcanic rocks against Hawaiian ocean sunset in Kona, Big Island.
Person in red dress sitting peacefully under tropical foliage by the ocean at Kukio Beach, Kona, Big Island Hawaii.
Dramatic sunset over ocean with silhouettes and stormy clouds in panoramic view at Kona Salt Farm, Kona, Big Island Hawaii.
Children embrace while standing on volcanic rocks at sunset near the ocean with a twisted tree branch at A-bay Waikoloa, Big Island Hawaii.
A romantic wedding portrait of a couple laughing together in a lush garden setting.
Dramatic ocean waves crash behind a couple posing on black volcanic rocks at sunset in Kona, Big Island Hawaii.
Tender family moment captured in warm sunset light with gentle expressions in Waikoloa, Big Island of Hawaii.
Wedding ceremony under a stunning floral arch with coral and peach blooms in a garden setting on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Dramatic sunset wedding portrait on volcanic rocks with bride's veil flowing in the wind at Kikaua Beach, Big Island of Hawaii.
Bridesmaids in tropical print dresses holding colorful bouquets laugh together at Kahua Ranch, Big Island Hawaii.
Kona wedding couple sharing a romantic dance in the rain surrounded by guests.
Bride in off-shoulder lace dress with floral crown poses by tropical coastline on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Testimonials

"His photography is stunning and he has a very special way of capturing things. He has such a great personality, always has a smile on his face, and his joyful spirit is very contagious. He was thoughtful about capturing all the images we specifically requested as well as just shooting candidly as he saw fit throughout. He's the BEST! We would hire and recommend James in an instant."

STEVEN + MALCOLM

"I cannot say enough good things about James! He was truly the best investment of my entire wedding! My best friend found him for me, and from the moment I actually clicked on his website, I was enthralled in his work. Not any other photographer moved me like James' work. His work provoked emotion and a feeling of connection with the subject."

Charita + Niager

"Bottom line, James is fantastic. From our first conversation to our last, James has been absolutely amazing. Friends and family will always compliment your photographer and their work because that is their job. However, we've received hundreds of compliments from family, friends, strangers on social media and even from printing sources on the work that James has done."

KRISTEN + BRET

Dramatic silhouettes against fiery Hawaiian sunset with crashing waves and rocky coastline. Big Island, Hawaii.

AVAILABLE FOR ALL ISLANDS OF HAWAIi.

BIG ISLAND—OAHu—MAUI—KAUAi

 

I'm a Big Island wedding photographer documenting weddings and elopements across the island including Hilo, Kona, Waikoloa, Waimea, and the Kohala Coast. Many of the couples I work with are planning destination weddings in Hawaii and want photography that captures both the beauty of the islands and the real moments of the day.


I'm also available for weddings on Maui, Oahu, and Kauai.