My favorite souvenir from a trip is always the photos! And if you’re planning a trip to Oahu, Hawaii, you’re in luck because this island is full of breathtaking photo spots that you simply cannot miss. From turquoise waters to lush green mountains, Oahu has it all. Here are the top 10 photo spots that will take your breath away and leave you with memories to cherish forever.
๐45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Hoสปomaluhia Botanical Garden, located in Kaneohe, Oahu, is a photographer’s paradise. This 400-acre garden boasts over 4000 plant species, including tropical flowers, ferns, and palms, providing a diverse range of backdrops for stunning photographs. The tranquil lake in the garden’s center is a favorite among photographers, offering reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky. Visitors can also capture photos of birds and wildlife, such as peacocks and turtles, that call the garden home. Hoสปomaluhia Botanical Garden is a must-visit for nature and photography enthusiasts alike. This photo was taken at the main entrance of the park, but I also recommend
๐59 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa, HI 96712
Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore is known for its world-class surfing, but it is also home to a unique and iconic tree known as the Crooked Palm. This picturesque palm tree has become a popular spot for photographers seeking to capture the perfect sunset shot. The Crooked Palm is located on the beach, just a short walk from the parking lot. The tree’s unusual shape, combined with its location on the beach, makes it a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of the North Shore. The best time to photograph the Crooked Palm is during sunset, when the sky is painted with hues of pink, orange, and purple, providing a stunning backdrop for the tree. The beach also provides opportunities for creative shots, such as reflections in the wet sand or shots of surfers riding the waves in the distance. Aside from the Crooked Palm, Sunset Beach offers many other photo-worthy spots, including the wide expanse of sandy beach and the towering waves that attract surfers from around the world. Photographers can also capture shots of the nearby Banzai Pipeline, one of the most famous surf breaks in the world. Overall, Sunset Beach and the Crooked Palm offer endless possibilities for photographers looking to capture the natural beauty and unique culture of Oahu’s North Shore.
๐324 Coral St Suite 1A-104b, Honolulu, HI 96813
Arvo Cafe is a charming and cozy coffee shop located in Honolulu’s bustling Kaka’ako neighborhood. This trendy spot has become a popular destination for coffee enthusiasts and Instagrammers alike, thanks to its stylish decor and delicious drinks. The cafe’s minimalist design, with its white walls and natural wood accents, provides a neutral and clean backdrop for photographs. The many potted plants and greenery inside the cafe add a pop of color and a touch of nature to any shot. One of the most popular photo spots in Arvo Cafe is the iconic “But first, coffee” neon sign, which provides a fun and playful backdrop for coffee lovers. Another popular spot is the window seating area, which offers ample natural light and a view of the street outside. In addition to its stylish decor, Arvo Cafe is known for its delicious coffee and espresso drinks, as well as its menu of fresh and healthy food options. Photographers can capture shots of beautifully crafted latte art or colorful smoothie bowls, making it a great spot for food photography as well.
๐59-158 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712
Sunrise Shack is a popular beachside cafe chain located across Oahu, with multiple locations including the North Shore and Waikiki. Known for its delicious and healthy smoothie bowls and acai bowls, it has also become a favorite photo spot for visitors to the island. The rustic wooden benches and tables also offer a charming and natural aesthetic. Of course, the star of Sunrise Shack’s menu is the delicious smoothie and acai bowls, which are as beautiful as they are tasty. These colorful and vibrant bowls make for perfect food photography subjects, with their artistic arrangements of fresh fruits, nuts, and other toppings. Sunrise Shack is a must-visit for those seeking a delicious and photogenic spot on Oahu’s North Shore. Its vibrant decor, beachside location, and delicious food make it a perfect spot for capturing memories and sharing them with friends and followers.
๐Mokulua Dr. Kailua, HI 96734
Lanikai Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand beach located on the windward side of Oahu, known for its crystal clear waters and stunning views of the Mokulua Islands. With its pristine beauty, it has become a popular destination for visitors seeking a peaceful and scenic spot for photos. The beach’s soft, powdery sand and turquoise waters make for a picturesque backdrop, perfect for romantic photos, family portraits, or action shots of water sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. The Mokulua Islands, located just offshore, provide a stunning and iconic backdrop for photos, with their distinct shape and lush vegetation. One of the most popular spots for photos at Lanikai Beach is the pillbox hike, located just behind the beach. The hike offers panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding area, making for incredible photo opportunities. Lanikai Beach offers endless photo opportunities for those seeking natural beauty and stunning views.
๐92-1185 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707
Disney Aulani is a luxurious resort located on the beautiful Ko Olina coast of Oahu. Known for its Hawaiian-inspired architecture and decor, the resort provides a perfect backdrop for capturing stunning photographs. Disney Aulani offers endless photo opportunities from its pristine beach to its lush tropical gardens. The resort’s grand lobby, with its towering columns, rich wood accents, and intricate carvings, is a popular spot for photographs. The lobby’s centerpiece, a massive chandelier made of thousands of crystals, provides a stunning backdrop for portraits and group photos. Another popular spot for pictures at Disney Aulani are the pools. This includes a lazy river that winds through the resort’s lush gardens and pools and infinity pools that drop off over the ocean. The resort’s private lagoon, surrounded by a pristine beach, is another must-visit spot. The calm and clear waters, with their vibrant shades of blue and green, create a stunning and peaceful photo setting.
๐91-119 Olai St, Kapolei, HI 96707
Luaus are a quintessential Hawaiian experience, and there’s no better way to capture the spirit of the islands than with photos. I went to Germaine’s Luau on my last trip to Hawaii, but they are all unique in their own way when it comes to photos. The vibrant colors of the dancers’ costumes, the flickering flames of the torches, and the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape all come together to create a truly magical atmosphere, perfect for capturing stunning and unforgettable photos. The gentle palms and rhythmic waves provide a stunning natural backdrop for these traditional dances. The food served at luaus is just as visually impressive as it is delicious. The colorful array of fresh fruits, grilled meats, and traditional Hawaiian dishes make for beautiful subjects, perfect for capturing the essence of the island’s cuisine. Luaus provide a feast for the senses and are a truly magical and photogenic experience. From the vibrant colors of the dancers’ costumes to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, to the fiery spectacle of the fire knife dance, a luau is an experience not to be missed, and one that will provide endless opportunities for capturing the beauty and spirit of Hawaii.
๐61-031 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa, HI 96712
Waimea Bay, located on the North Shore of Oahu, is a stunning beach that is famous for its powerful waves and natural beauty. The bay is a great place to take photos due to its towering cliffs, clear waters, and beautiful sunsets. At Waimea Bay, you can capture dramatic shots of surfers as they ride massive waves. For those who prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, the calm waters of the bay are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and basking in the sun. The clear turquoise waters are also great for taking underwater photos of the colorful marine life that inhabit the bay. Waimea Bay is also an ideal place to capture serene beach scenes and romantic sunsets. As the sun sets over the bay, the sky fills with brilliant shades of orange and pink, creating a stunning backdrop for your photos. Overall, Waimea Bay is a photogenic destination that offers endless opportunities for capturing the beauty and essence of Hawaii. Whether you are a professional photographer or a casual tourist, you will find Waimea Bay to be a must-visit location for capturing beautiful and memorable photos.
๐47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
The Byodo-In Temple, located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park on Oahu, is a stunning and tranquil location that offers many great photo opportunities. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan, and its serene and picturesque surroundings provide a unique and peaceful setting for photography. The temple’s stunning architecture is a standout feature, with its striking red color and intricate details, which makes for an amazing subject or photo backdrop. The temple’s traditional Japanese design is also reflected in its beautiful gardens, which are filled with lush greenery, tranquil streams, and ponds filled with colorful koi fish. The temple’s serene atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings provide the perfect photo spot.
๐49-479 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Chinaman’s Hat, also known as Mokoli’i Island, is a small, cone-shaped island located off the coast of Oahu’s east shore. Its unique shape and stunning natural surroundings make it a popular location for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of Hawaii. The island’s distinctive shape and rugged natural beauty make for a perfect photo subject. From afar, the island’s silhouette creates an iconic backdrop against the blue sky and the sparkling ocean. Up close, the island’s volcanic rock formations and lush greenery provide ample opportunities to capture stunning detail shots. The island’s picturesque location also makes it a great spot for capturing scenic landscape photos. The island’s crystal clear waters and soft, sandy beach provide a perfect foreground against the backdrop of the majestic Ko’olau Mountains. The best time to visit Chinaman’s Hat for photography is during sunrise or sunset when the island is bathed in soft golden light.