Cinematic Kauaʻi wedding films, from a former surf cinematographer who knows the island's specific light.
I'm Kanoa Kalama. I shoot wedding films on Kauaʻi. Solo, mostly — sometimes with a second-camera friend when the venue calls for it.
My background is surf cinematography. I came up shooting north-shore Kauaʻi swells for a small surf magazine, then realized I could apply the same patience to wedding days — the long lens, the unobtrusive position, the cinematic restraint. The recap films I deliver lean documentary. Slow cuts. Music that fits. Nothing that feels like a music video.
I'm Kauaʻi-based and I think Kauaʻi weddings deserve films made by someone who knows the island's specific light. Final films delivered in 8 weeks.
Mara & Ben L. · Princeville / San Francisco
Kanoa filmed our Princeville wedding. The recap film is a piece of art — we've watched it eight times. He stays out of the way during the day and the footage looks cinematic, not like wedding-video cliché.
Sage R. · Hanalei
Hired Kanoa solo for a small Hanalei elopement. He brought one camera, kept it simple. Final film was 4 minutes of pure mood. Completely worth the spend. Knew Kauaʻi backroads we didn't.
These are starting packages. Most vendors will customize for your date, headcount, and the kind of party you're throwing — ask.
3 hours coverage
Solo shoot, single camera, 3-minute recap film. For elopements and small ceremonies.
6 hours coverage
Single camera, ceremony through first dances, 5-minute recap film, drone overflight. Most-booked.
10 hours coverage
Two cameras, full day, 8-minute cinematic recap plus 90-second teaser, drone footage, raw audio of vows.
Booked dates are pulled from the vendor's own calendar. If your date is open, you can request a quote — they'll confirm in their reply. Most events lock in 2–6 months ahead in Hawaiʻi; for May–August dates, sooner is safer.
North-shore Kauaʻi private estate. Cliff lawn for ceremonies, restored cottage for receptions of 80 or fewer.
Family portraits, milestone sessions, and small-ceremony photography. Hanalei-based, focused on the unhurried sessions.
Solo ʻukulele for cocktail hours, lānai dinners, and the slow part of the night. Hanalei-based, neighbor-island travel welcome.