SHAYLA TIARE KO’OMOA

A young woman with long wavy blonde hair smiling outdoors while holding a professional camera with a large lens over her shoulder, standing on a beach.

Shayla Tiare is a Maui-based family and wedding photographer with over a decade of experience capturing beautiful moments on the island of Maui. As the founder of Shayla Tiare Photography LLC, Shayla blends her passion for storytelling with her love for Maui’s stunning landscapes and meticulous attention to detail. As a mother to three, a stepmom, a wife, and a dedicated professional, she balances her thriving photography business with family life, bringing warmth and authenticity to every session.

Shayla

A family of six standing on a beach with the ocean behind them, smiling and dressed in light-colored casual clothing.
A family of five with a mother and three children, standing outdoors by the water during daytime. The mother holds a young girl in a blue dress, and the other children, a boy and a girl, stand nearby, all smiling and enjoying each other's company.

Just a few of the things that are prominently featured in my life.

a little more about me

LOVE TO EAT:

I’ve been back and forth between vegetarian and vegan my ENTIRE life—yes, I know, it’s hard to believe that I have never eaten meat! While I’m not much of a cook, I truly enjoy dining in and supporting Maui’s locally-owned restaurants. I feel honored (and a bit humbled) to be known by name—and by my usual order—at all my favorite spots, especially at my favorite Thai restaurant, My Thai Maui. Exploring new flavors and enjoying the creativity of local chefs is always a treat.

IF I WASN’T A PHOTOGRAPHER…

I’d likely be a lawyer. It’s a running joke in my family that I love a good debate, and I’ve always been inspired by the challenge of presenting compelling evidence to support my stance. I have a natural curiosity and passion for understanding different perspectives, and I thrive in situations where I can advocate for what I believe in. Whether it’s capturing a moment through my lens or constructing a persuasive argument, I’m driven by a desire to tell stories and uncover the truth.

A woman in a pink dress sitting among rocks by the ocean, holding a camera with a large telephoto lens and smiling.

MY FAVORITE HOBBIES:

I LOVE to travel, build sand castles, paddle board, and mountain bike. I’m down to chase all the sunsets and rainbows! Ultimately, I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones. Whether it’s exploring new places or just having a cozy movie night at home, being together is what matters most to me. Life’s little adventures are always better when shared with those I love.

I’M MOST THANKFUL FOR:

My family! My husband and my children are everything to me. Plus, I can’t forget about my amazingly helpful and supportive parents. After all, it does take a village, and I’m grateful to have one! I cherish the love and laughter we share and the memories we create together every day. They make every moment special and fill my life with so much joy.

A family of six standing on the beach with the ocean and sky in the background, all dressed in light summer clothing, smiling at the camera.

Meet My Little (not so little) Family

Family is everything to me, and I feel incredibly blessed to have four healthy kids who fill my life with joy and adventure. We create memories every day—whether we’re exploring new places, building epic sandcastles on Maui’s beautiful beaches, catching waves while surfing, paddle boarding in Olowalu with the beautiful views of the West Maui Mountains, or chasing rainbows and sunsets across the island.

And of course, I’m obsessed with capturing every moment. I love freezing time, documenting our shared experiences, and celebrating the beauty in everyday moments. From spontaneous dance parties in our living room to watching the kids' faces light up when they spot a sea turtle, every moment becomes a treasured memory.

I cherish the laughter, the chaos, and all the love that comes with raising four spirited kids—three of my own and my sweet stepson. We’re always up for an adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

A young girl with blonde hair styled in curls and wearing a light blue dress with ruffled sleeves, standing barefoot on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background, smiling happily.

  • Our newest family member is four-years-old. She’s our rainbow baby and has brought our family so much joy! It has been heartwarming to watch the kids and their bond grow together. Mila is constantly winning us over with her contagious smiles and giggles as she tolerates the biggest hugs and kisses from the little AND big people in our family!

Smiling young girl with blonde hair, light pink bows, wearing a white dress and a beaded necklace, standing outdoors against a cloudy sky background.

  • My highly sociable and talkative nine-year-old has a heart of gold! She’s such a snuggly, kind, helpful and thoughtful sweetheart. Ella loves to dance to her own beat, sing, scooter and tell funny stories all while talking our ears off. Haha!

    It has been such a joy to watch Ella as she buds out of toddlerhood and into a beautiful little girl.

Young boy standing on a beach with calm water in the background, wearing a white short-sleeve button-up shirt and gray shorts, smiling with hands in his pockets.

  • My fourteen-year-old son is very active and athletic. Zayden was my very first love. Having him at such a young age, he has been there for my greatest joys and biggest mistakes. He has a very sweet, kind, and caring personality. We are always surprised that he is good at most things he tries—even for the very first time! Fishing, snowboarding, and skateboarding are his current favorite hobbies. Oh, and backflipping on cement!

A young boy standing on a beach with his hands in his pockets, wearing a light blue button-up shirt and gray shorts, with the ocean and distant islands in the background.

  • The oldest is my sixteen-year-old stepson. He is a kind-hearted young man who loves to swim at the beach, hang out with his friends, jump on the trampoline, skateboard, and play video games. Cannon is very gentle and sweet. He loves to help out and is a very easygoing person.

A couple walking hand in hand on a beach, with trees and rocks nearby, and an island in the distance under a cloudy sky.

THOMAS LIHAU KO’OMOA

My hardworking and loving husband, Lihau, is the leader of our bunch. He’s tough on the outside and soft on the inside, which is why we call him an iron marshmallow.

He makes sure everything in our lives runs smoothly and stays consistent. He also happens to be the most amazingly prepared and best packer around. We will indeed have everything we could ever want and need for camping trips and beach days. All while being a playful and active father. Oh… and he’s good at housework too! How did I get so lucky?!