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.
25 gorgeous locations for your perfect photo session on Oahu, Hawaii
Here is a guide to help navigate all 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 guide can be found Here!
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.
Lanikai, Waimanalo, Makapu’u, Baby Maks, Sandy’s, Kualoa, Lanai Lookout, Kaloko
Halona Blowhole, Kahana Bay, Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, Crouching Lion
Waikiki Central, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hale Koa, Waialae, Ala Moana Beach Park
Secret Beach, Paradise Cove
Turtle Bay, Kawela Bay, Mokuleia
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.
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. It is just gorgeous. I prefer to shoot here at sunrise since the beach can get very busy throughout the day but I will also shoot here at sunset on weekdays only.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise + sunset weekdays only
Lanikai offers: Gorgeous Sunrises, Baby Powder Sand, Turquoise Water, Palm Trees, Island Views
Want to see more pictures of Lanikai Beach? Check out these galleries below
Lanikai Engagement Photography
Waimanalo Beach is Oahu’s best-kept secret. It is almost away empty and just plain gorgeous. It is a classic Hawaii Beach look.
Best Times of Day: Morning or Evening.
Waimanalo offers: a long stretch of perfect sand, turquoise waters, greenery, palm trees, evergreen forest, purple flowers
Want to see more pictures of Waimanalo? Check out these galleries below
Makapu’u Lookout and Makapu’u Beach are two separate locations that you should drive in-between. The drive is less than a min away but the road is very windy and steep with no good place to walk. Makapu’u lookout is a great place to propose and get an epic view of the Eastside of Oahu.
Best Time: Morning or Evening
Makapu’u offers: Sandy Beach, Gorgeous Scenic, Lava Rocks, Mountains, Palm Trees
Want to see more pictures of Makapu’u beach? Check out these galleries below
Baby maks is a great location for kids since it can be a fun and interactive location with the large sandy tidepools
Best Time: Morning or Evening
Baby Maks offers: Sandy Beach, Gorgeous Scenic, Lava Rocks, Mountains, tidepools
Want to see more pictures of Baby Maks beach? Check out these galleries below
Baby Maks Maternity Session
Sandy’s beach is not the best location for kids since there are waves that break close to shore, but Sandy’s beach offers sand, mountains and lava rocks. Sandy’s beach does have ample parking, bathrooms, and showers.
Want to see more pictures of Sandy’s beach? Check out these galleries below
Kaloko is a local’s spot 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
This is my locations for photoshoots. I love Kualoa Regional Park because if its soft afternoon light. Because of the Koolau Mountains, the sun is blocked in the late afternoon creating a gorgeous soft light. I can start shooting int he late afternoon until sunset and get very beautiful colors that allow for the best light on your skin. It really creates a golden hour effect a lot longer at this location.
Best Times of Day: Afternoon to Evening
Kualoa offers: Mountains, Turquoise Waters, Greenery, Rocks, Palms Trees, Grass, Plants, private
Want to see more pictures of Kualoa Regional Park beach? Check out these galleries below
Kualoa Regional Park Elopement
Ever wanted to take pictures in a field of Sunflowers?
Waimanalo Farms is a great location if you are not wanting to shoot at the beach. During sunflower season it is a unique and gorgeous location. Please note, for this location we will need to coordinate with the farms ahead of time.
Best Times of Day: mid-late afternoon
Waimanalo Farms offers a long stretch of perfect sunflowers, farms, farm animals, rustic, mountains, and local goods for purchase.
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
Halona Blowhole is a gorgeous place to take photos. I highly recommend sunrise. This beach gets very busy later in the day. You need to be athletic to go on this shoot. It is a steep walk down. I would not recommend this shoot for your grandparents. For people with small children, if you are comfortable carrying them down the hill then you can go for it. There is very limited Parking so make sure you arrive early for your session just in case you have to wait for a parking space. I do not recommend this location for maternity sessions since the walk is steep and I do not want you to fall.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise!
Halona Blowhole offers: an amazing sunrise location, rocks, Sand, Water, Mountains to climb on!, cave
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. Sunset
Maunalua Bay Beach Park offers shallow calm water, great scenic must get wet
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.
See Jessika’s + Dustin’s Full Gallery HERE
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.
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, checking out the koi and unusual ducks and seeing all the vibrant foliage this gardens has to offer.
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
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 FIT ADULTS (no kids, maternity, or elderly)
Best Time of Day: Morning and Afternoon
Crouching Lion offers an Iconic Landscape, Lush Tropical Forest, a workout
Want to see more pictures of Crouching Lion? Check out these galleries below
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.
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
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.
Located in the heart of the ritzy town of Kahala, this is one of my favorite options for people that 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
If you want a Honolulu city life feel head over to Kakaako Waterfront. This location does not offer a sandy beach, but an urban style filled with cafes, graffiti, colorful murals, rocks, a tall grassy hill, and some stray cats. Great if you are looking for more an editorial vibe or want some vibrant colorful new Instagram photographs.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset
Kakaako Waterfront offers: colorful, art, murals, cafes, rocks, large hill, waterfront
Ala Moana Beach Park aka Magic Island is close to Waikiki and offers great views of Diamond Head, palm trees, rocks, urban buildings. It is a very challenging place to get beach photos since the beach is very small and is often busy.
Best Time of Day: Sunrise preferred
Ala Moana Beach Park offers diamond head views, palm trees, marina, hotel views
The Palm tree forest to located on the North Shore of Oahu. Bring bug repellent!
Best Time of Day: Sunrise or Sunset
Palm Tree Forest Offers: palm trees of course
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 or Sunset (can be busy)
Turtle Bay Offers: conventionally located if you are staying at Turtle Bay Resort, Sand, Trees, Rocks, Tide pools
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 or Sunset
Kawela Bay Offers: Calm Water-No waves, Forest, Trees, Sand, Off the Beaten Path
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
Ko’olina Area: Aulani Hotel, Marriot, Four Seasons
If you are staying on the west side of the Island in Ko’olina with the hotels such as Aulani, Four Seasons, and Marriot. Secret Beach is a great option. While they offer a very small parking lot, you can most definitely walk from your hotel. I prefer shooting here at sunrise since it is way less busy but I can also shoot at sunset.
Best Time of Day: Morning or Evening (If evening I like right before sunset)
Paradise Cove offers: Sandy Beach, Palm Trees, Rocks, Gorgeous Tree
Want to see more photos from Secret beach?
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. I prefer shooting here at sunrise since it is way less busy but I can also shoot at sunset.
Best Time of Day: Morning or Evening (If evening I like right before sunset)
Paradise Cove offers: Sandy Beach, Palm Trees, Rocks, Gorgeous Tree
Do you have another location on your mind? Let me know. I love discovering new locations.
Amazing suggestions. Thanks for all the details.