Best Oʻahu Photoshoot Locations
Top 10 Best Photoshoot Locations on Oʻahu
As a local photographer born and raised here on Oʻahu, I can tell you — there’s truly no place like home when it comes to capturing photos that take your breath away. From sunrise sessions on the east side to golden sunsets on the west, this island has the most stunning backdrops you could imagine.
Whether you’re visiting for your honeymoon, a family vacation, or want to remember your trip to Hawaiʻi especially, here are my top 10 favorite photo shoot locations on Oʻahu that I always recommend to my clients.
Let’s Explore
Looking for the most picture-perfect spots on Oʻahu?
From golden beaches to vibrant murals and breathtaking lookouts, these locations capture the island’s heart, beauty, and aloha spirit — all waiting for you to explore.
Feel the breeze and soak in the scenery at Kualoa Regional Park
Sink your toes into soft sands at Waimanalo Beach
Catch the first light of day at Halona Beach Cove sunrise
Unwind in a hidden gem at Paiko Beach
Bask in the serene vibes at Waialae/Kahala Beach
Discover the resort-style beauty and calm lagoons at Ko Olina Beach
Marvel at turquoise waters and soft sands at Lanikai Beach
Take in the beauty of the coastline at Polo Beach
Stroll through lush tranquility at Ho‘omaluhia Gardens
Escape to calm waters and scenic views at Kawela Bay
Kualoa Regional Park
Where the Mountains Meet the Sea
This spot feels like a scene from Jurassic Park, with amazing views of the Koʻolau Range and Chinaman’s Hat in the distance.
Best Time to Shoot: I usually schedule sessions between 3:30–5:30 PM for soft, golden-hour light over the mountains. Sunsets aren’t visible here, but the light is still beautiful. If you prefer a sunrise session, the best time is 6:00–6:45 AM, depending on the season.
Waimanalo Beach
A Peaceful Slice of Paradise
Soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and palm trees swaying in the breeze make this spot perfect for sunrise photos.
Best Time to Shoot: The ideal time is 6:30–7:00 AM, when the rising sun fills the area with soft, warm light. Sunsets aren’t visible here, but early evening sessions between 4:00–5:00 PM (depending on the season) still provide beautiful, glowing light for your photos.
Halona Beach Cove
A Hidden East Oahu Gem
Tucked away on Oahu’s East Side, this hidden beach is reached by walking down natural rocky steps that lead to a stunning beach cove. Don’t miss the hidden cave—it’s a fun spot to explore!
Best Time to Shoot: Morning golden hour is absolutely magical here, with the ideal window between 6:00–6:45 AM (season-dependent). Afternoon sessions around 4:30 PM can also be beautiful, though the beach may be a bit more crowded.
Paiko Beach
A Central Coastal Escape
Paiko Beach is close to town and easily accessible, with beautiful palms lining the shore. It’s a lovely spot for capturing the tropical scenery and palm-lined coastline.
Best Time to Shoot: I usually schedule sessions between 3:30–5:30 PM, when the light filters beautifully through the palm trees, creating soft, golden-hour photos.
Waialae/Kahala Beach
Elegant Shoreline Views
Bask in the calm and relaxing atmosphere at Waialae/Kahala Beach, perfect for dreamy, laid-back photos.
Best Time to Shoot: The best time to capture Waialae and Kahala Beach is early in the morning, around 6:30–8:00 AM. The sunlight is soft and golden, casting a gentle glow over the sand and palm trees while the ocean stays calm and glassy. This time of day brings out the true blues and greens of the water — perfect for bright, dreamy shots.
Ko Olina Beach Resort
Resort Paradise
Discover the resort-style beauty and calm lagoons of Ko Olina Beach. With its crystal-clear water and palm-lined walkways, this spot is perfect for capturing soft, tropical scenes that feel straight out of a postcard.
Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon offers warm, glowing light across the lagoons—perfect for romantic or family sessions.
Lanikai Beach
Turquoise Dream
Marvel at turquoise waters and powdery white sands at Lanikai Beach. This world-famous spot captures the essence of paradise and offers a dreamy backdrop for sunrise sessions.
Best Time to Shoot: The ideal time for a session at Lanikai Beach is early morning, between 6:00–6:45 AM (depending on the season). The light is soft and golden, and the beach is much less crowded, making it perfect for clean, dreamy shots.
P.S. Weekends and afternoons tend to get busy, so if you want a quieter, more peaceful session, mornings during the weekdays are your best bet..
Polo Beach + Trail
Coastal Beauty
Take in the beauty of the coastline at Polo Beach, located on the North Side of the island. This location thrives with diversity — mountains, ocean, and lush greenery all in one spot!
Best Time to Shoot: Most sessions work best around 5:00–6:30 PM, when the light is warm and golden. While the famous drifted tree trunk may shift due to the surf, it still makes a unique focal point for your photos. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some horses along the trail to the beach!
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Gardens
Lush Tranquility
Stroll through the lush tranquility of Ho‘omaluhia Gardens. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and the towering Ko‘olau Mountains, this peaceful spot feels like stepping into a tropical oasis.
Best Time to Shoot: Morning light between 7:00–9:00 AM beautifully highlights the mountains and misty backdrop.
Kawela Bay
Hidden Serenity
Escape to Kawela Bay, a quiet retreat with calm waters and scenic views framed by towering trees and soft sand. This tucked-away spot offers a peaceful setting for intimate, natural photos.
Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon between 3:30–5:30 PM provides warm, even lighting through the trees and along the shoreline.
