At Sky and Reef Photography, we focus on getting a mix of both candids and posed. We are about having fun and getting those once-in-a-lifetime shots that last a lifetime. Our photos are bright, vivid, true to life color, which showcases Hawaii's natural beauty. Ultimately, I am here to make you look Damn good in your photographs.
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Best Photo Shoot Locations in Hawaii
25 gorgeous locations for your perfect photo session on Oahu, Hawaii
Here is a guide to help navigate many of my most frequented gorgeous location options for photo sessions. Please note if you have a special location in mind that is not on the list please don’t hesitate to inquire.
All are located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Each of these locations can be perfect for either a Family Photography Session, Engagement Session, Maternity, or Elopement.
My proposal location guide can be found Here!
The Four Regions on Oahu, Hawaii:
To help choose the best location for you, I have organized this guide into four regions of the island. I have also included a map of each location to help you choose the best location for you.
Eastside:
Lanikai, Makapu’u, Baby Maks, Sandy’s, Kualoa Regional Park, Lanai Lookout, Kaloko
Halona Blowhole, Kahana Bay, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, Crouching Lion
Waikiki:
Waikiki Central, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hale Koa, Waialae, Ala Moana Beach Park(Magic Island)
Westside:
Secret Beach, Paradise Cove
Northshore
Turtle Bay, Kawela Bay, Mokuleia
TIPS to Choose Your Perfect Hawaii Photo Shoot Location
- Traffic-Keep in mind traffic, drive time, and if you need to rent a car. It is best to give yourself plenty of time so you are not rushed.
- Ideal shooting time-I prefer shooting at ‘golden hour,’ that is sunrise to 90 mins or 90min prior to sunset. Some locations offer better qualities of light than others. I do refrain from shooting during high noon. First off, it is hot, it hurts your eyes and it doesn’t do your skin justice.
- Crowds- I try to not shoot at busy beaches, I can edit out a person here or there, but I will not edit out crowds of people from your shoot.
Final Tip: Always bring a towel and a change of clothes in the car. Oftentimes, we do end up getting a bit wet and sandy and it is great to have a spare set of clothes to change into after your photoshoot.
EASTSIDE
Lanikai, Makapu’u, Baby Maks, Sandy’s, Kualoa Regional Park, Lanai Lookout, Kaloko
Halona Blowhole, Kahana Bay, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, Crouching Lion
1. Kualoa Regional Park
This is one of my favorite locations for photoshoots. Kualoa Regional Park has the most variety compared to any other location. The large green Koolau Mountains along the water make this location so unique beach and quite unlike anything else. This location is fantastic for large groups.
Best Times of Day: Sunrise and Sunset
Kualoa offers: Mountains, Turquoise Waters, Greenery, Rocks, Palms Trees, Grass, Plants
Other amenities: Never busy, Easy parking, Restrooms, and Showers
Want to see more pictures of Kualoa Regional Park beach? Check out these galleries below
Kualoa Regional Park Elopement
2. Makapu’u Lookout & Makapu’u Beach
Makapu’u Lookout is my number ONE location for proposals. It is just a 30 sec walk from a parking lot but it gives you such a spectacular view. Makapu’u offers such diverse backgrounds within this location.
Best Time: Morning or Evening
Makapu’u offers: Sandy Beach, Gorgeous Scenic, Grass, Lava Rocks, Mountains, Palm Trees
Other amenities: Never busy, Easy parking, Restrooms, and Showers
Want to see more pictures of Makapu’u Beach? Check out these galleries below
3. Lanikai Beach
Lanikai has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by National Geographic and after visiting, you will understand why. The sand feels like powdered sugar and the water is less like the ocean and more like a bathtub. It is where I take my kids to learn how to swim. Best for smaller groups since beach can be small.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise
Lanikai offers: Gorgeous Sunrises, Baby Powder Sand, Turquoise Water, Palm Trees, Mokalua Island Views
Other amenities: This is a neighborhood beach. No restrooms, and street parking
4. Baby Maks
Baby Maks is a great location for kids since it can be a fun and interactive location with the large sandy beach, tidepools, Green mountains, and grassy area.
Best Time: Morning or Evening
Baby Maks offers: Sandy Beach, Gorgeous Scenic, Lava Rocks, Mountains, tidepools, grassy area, Island Views
Other amenities: Easy Parking and Showers, No Restroom
Want to see more pictures of Baby Maks Beach? Check out these galleries below
More Baby Maks Photos
Baby Maks Maternity Photography
5. Sandy’s Beach
Sandy’s Beach is famous for its bodysurfing and gorgeous soft sand.
Baby Maks offers: Sandy Beach, Gorgeous Scenic, Lava Rocks, Mountains, tidepools, grassy area, Island Views
Other amenities: Easy parking, Restrooms, and Showers, Wedding Permits available
Want to see more pictures of Sandy’s beach? Check out these galleries below
6. Kaloko Beach
Kaloko is a secret local beach that offers a lot of privacy and is rarely busy.
Best Time of Day: Morning or Evening
Lanai Lookout offers Rocks, large tidepools, greenery, private
Other amenities: Quiet, Easy parking
7. Lanai Lookout
Lanai Lookout is a unique location on Oahu. To get down to the rocks, you must be active and agile. It is very steep, I do not recommend this location for maternity sessions or for small children
Best Time of Day: Morning or Evening
Lanai Lookout offers: Rocks, Ocean Views, Amazing Scenic
Other amenities: small parking. No restrooms
More Photos from Lanai Lookout:
8. Halona Blowhole
Halona Blowhole is a gorgeous place to take photos. I highly recommend sunrise. This beach gets very busy later in the day. This is a fun and interactive location for teenagers. It is a steep walk down. I would not recommend this shoot for maternity, elderly, and anyone who is not active.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise
Halona Blowhole offers The Cave is so cool. Sand, Water, small beach and Cliffs to climb on,
Other amenities: plenty of parking in the morning. no restrooms
9. Maunalua Bay Beach Park
Want to get your feet wet? Maunalua Bay Beach Park offers lake-like very shallow calm water that can be fun to dip your toes into. Hui Nalu paddling team are close by so you may get photobombed by the canoe club.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise and Sunset
Maunalua Bay Beach Park offers shallow calm water, great scenic
Other amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Parking
10. Kahana Bay
When you think of Hawaii, you think of empty beaches and green mountains and crystal blue waters, right? Then this is your spot. The quiet beaches along Kahana Bay and the sleepy eastside are very often empty and pristine. If you are up for a drive, it is often worth it, plus we often find hidden swings!
Best Time of Day: late Afternoon- to early evening
Kahan Bay offers mountains, Lush Tropical Foliage, hidden swings, empty beaches, turquoise calm waters.
Other amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Parking
11. Kailua Neighborhood Jungle
The east side of the is the greenest and jungle-like. Come to my neighborhood to find some secret jungle vibes.
Best Time of Day: Morning and Afternoon
Kailua Neighborhood Jungle offers Lush Tropical Forest and foliage.
Other amenities: Street Parking only, no restrooms
12. Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens is a botanical gardens located in Kaneohe and is unlike any other botanical garden. It is huge and awe-inspiring and you could literally spend the whole day exploring the gardens.
Best Time of Day: Morning and Afternoon (closes at 4pm)
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens offers Iconic Landscape, Lush Tropical Forest, Fresh Water Lake, Mountains, it is a great location for an afternoon photo session since there is great shade in the forest
Other amenities: Restrooms, Parking, Wedding Permits available, No Drones
More Photos of Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens
Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens Family
13. Crouching Lion
Crouching Lion Hike is a short but steep incline hike that offers breathtaking views of Kahana Bay. The view from the top is seriously one of my favorite landscapes on the entire island of Oahu in Hawaii. ONLY FOR ACTIVE ADULTS (no kids, maternity, or elderly)
Best Time of Day: Morning and Afternoon
Crouching Lion offers an Iconic Landscape, Lush Tropical Forest, a workout
Other amenities: Street Parking only, restrooms at the beach nearby
Want to see more pictures of Crouching Lion? Check out these galleries below
16. KAAWAA BEACH
Kaaawa Beach Park is where the North Shore and the Eastside come together and showcaseing the end of the Koolau Mountains.
Best Time of Day: Morning and Afternoon
Crouching Lion offers Koolau mountains, sandy beach, palm tree, sometimes beach swing
Other amenities: Small lot and street parking, Restrooms and Showers
WAIKIKI AREA
Waikiki, Hale Koa, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waialae Beach, Ala Moana Beach Park
15. Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach is a great and convenient option. It offers a metropolis beach feel. Do not expect to get a beach shot where the beach looks empty. It most likely will not work at this location.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise. Sunset can be VERY busy
Waikiki offers accessibility, gorgeous cityscape, sandy beaches, palm trees galore.
Other amenities: Showers
16. Hale Koa Hotel & Beach
The Hale Koa Hotel located in Waikiki is a great location for a shoot in Waikiki. It offers a less busy part of Waikiki Beach and has a lovely tropical garden inside the Hale Koa Hotel grounds. I highly suggest sunrise for this location.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise
17. Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton is located on the far side of Waikiki shore and offers a little gem at the corner of the beach. At the end of the beach, there are canoes so there isn’t too many beachgoers and a perfect spot to take photos. There is a great rock wall getty that is great for taking photos and we can even squeeze diamond Head behind you.
PS. The Hilton offers fireworks every Friday Night at 7:45pm. Want to do a sunset and fireworks shoot?
Best Time of Day: Sunrise
The Hilton Offers: accessibility, gorgeous cityscape, sandy beaches, palm trees galore.
Other amenities: Showers
18. Waialae Beach
This is a great location for large groups, multi-generational, and physical disabilities since there is shade, benches, showers and restrooms. Waialae Beach is located in the heart of the ritzy town of Kahala, this is one of my favorite options for people who want to stay close to Waikiki without the crowds. There is a palm tree island right off the beach. Many times, from the shore, I can sea turtles. One of the best features of Waialae Beach is the “Palm Tree Chair,” many people love to either sit or stand on the palm tree to create a very unique picture.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset
Waialae Beach Offers: Sand, Water, Palm Trees, Island, Greenery, Palm Tree Chair
Other amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Parking, Benches,
19. Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park aka Magic Island is close to Waikiki and offers great views of Diamond Head, palm trees, rocks, urban buildings. This location usually requires a bit of walking since the location is set up like a horseshoe.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise and Sunset
Ala Moana Beach Park offers diamond head views, palm trees, marina, hotel views
Other amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Parking, Benches,
NORTH SHORE
Turtle Bay, Kawela Bay, Mokuleia Beach, Laniloa Beach
20. Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is a gorgeous location along the North Shore of Oahu. This shoot below was a sunrise session which is a great option since it is the least busy time of day where most of the beaches are empty
Best Time of Day: Sunrise and Sunset
Turtle Bay Offers: conventionally located if you are staying at Turtle Bay Resort, Sand, Trees, Rocks, Tide pools
Other amenities: Restrooms, Showers, Parking
More Photos from Turtle Bay
21. Kawela Bay
Kawela Bay is a great beach for little kids during the North Shore winter’s months with the massive waves. I love this location on the North Shore because it is a beach that is off the beaten track. It offers a gorgeous bay with a forest. It also offers very unique trees. Finding this beach can be a bit tricky, but if you follow my directions, it is right across the street from the Kahuku fruit stand. If you follow the dirt path it is less than a 5 min walk from the road.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise and Sunset
Kawela Bay Offers: Calm water, Forest, Banyan Tree, Sand, Off the Beaten Path
Other amenities: Street Parking
22. Mokuleia Beach
With the Mokuleia mountains and North Shore windmills in the distance, this secluded beach has no shortage of stunning blue water and soft Hawaiian sand.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset
Mokuleia Offers Calm Water, Palm Trees, Sand, Off the Beaten Path, Windmills
Other amenities: Porta-potty, Showers, Parking
23.Laniloa Beach
Located across the street from the Courtyard Marriot Oahu North Shore. This Is a quiet neighborhood beach. Think Classic Hawaii Beach
Best Time of Day: Sunrise + Sunset
Laniloa Beach offers: Sandy Beach, tree with swing, greenery
Other amenities: Easy to walk from Marriot
WESTSIDE
Ko’olina Area: Secret Beach and Paradise Cove
24. Secret Beach
If you are staying on the west side of the Island in Ko’olina Secret Beach is a great option. While they offer a very small parking lot, you can most definitely walk from your hotel.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise + sunset
Paradise Cove offers: Sandy Beach, Palm Trees, Rocks, Gorgeous trees, tidepools, monk seal sightings
Other amenities: easy to walk from Aulani and Four Seasons, showers, No Drones
More Photos from Secret Beach:
25. Paradise Cove
If you are staying in Ko’olina, Paradise Cove is the most covenant location for taking photos. While they offer a very small parking lot, you can most definitely walk from your hotel. .
Best Time of Day: Sunrise and Sunset
Paradise Cove offers: Sandy Beach, Palm Trees, Rocks, and Greenery
Other amenities: No restrooms, VERY small parking lot, Walking is highly suggested, No Drones
Want to see more photos from Paradise Cove?
Do you have another location on your mind? Let me know. I love discovering new locations.
Amazing suggestions. Thanks for all the details.