Oahu's Most Instagrammable Places: A Guide to Capturing Oahu

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Do you want to share the best of your trip to Oahu with your Instagram friends and followers?

Then you’re going to want to visit the MOST Instagrammable places on the island! After living on Oahu for 9 years I’ve seen it all, and I’ve discovered the most beautiful, most photographable spots there are.

🏝️ Want the easiest way to hit all of these spots? I’ll let you in on a secret: the best private tour on the island. The local company will customize a day just for you. Give them your list, or ask for the best spots for photos, and voilà – the perfect day planned for you!

Of course on an island paradise like Oahu, there are many of them! Everywhere I go I’m in awe of the beauty, colour, and energy I see. Here are the best of the best.

Capturing Oahu For the ‘Gram

Oahu is “the gathering place” of Hawaii, and it offers a blend of jaw-dropping natural beauty and energetic city life! It really is a paradise for photographers, Instagram influencers, and anyone who enjoys photos of THE most stunning places.

From the busy yet beautiful streets of Honolulu to the sublime beaches that fringe the island, there’s a picture-perfect spot waiting around every corner. I’m going to share some of my own favourite, most Instagram-worthy locations on the island.

Two Hawaiian sea turtles resting on Laniakea Beach on Oahu's North Shore — *Sea Turtles on Laniakea Beach*

Urban Delights: Honolulu and Beyond

1. Kaka’ako District

between Ala Moana near Waikiki and downtown Honolulu:

Known for its ever-changing displays of street murals, Kaka’ako will bring a burst of colour and creativity to your feed.

The area hosts the annual Pow! Wow! Hawaii Art Festival, resulting in incredible new artwork every year. Capture the vibrant murals that tell stories of Hawaiian culture and contemporary life.

Visit at different times of day to catch the different light play.

Iolani Palace Honolulu DH — *Iolani Palace*

2. Iolani Palace

in the historic capitol district of downtown Honolulu at 364 South King Street

As the only royal palace in the United States, its imposing architecture and manicured grounds make for a regal backdrop. There’s no other word for it!

The Palace’s intricate details and obvious history will give your photographs a depth that goes beyond just surface beauty. Again, the lighting changes throughout the day, making for entirely different photos.

Bright blue water and white sand on Lanikai Beach with a redkayak — *Lanikai Beach*

Natural Wonders: Beaches and Beyond

3. Lanikai Beach

east of Kailua Beach in Kailua, southeast of the monument

Capture its powdery white sand and the iconic Twin Islands (aka Mokulua Islands) in the background. Lanikai offers sunrise views that are very worth waking up early for (and I don’t say this about every sunrise).

The soft morning light is a natural filter that enhances the turquoise waters. It’s ideal for your dreamy beach shots.

4. Hanauma Bay

on the southeast top of the island

You might know it as a snorkelling paradise. But the natural crescent shape and shimmering waters of Hanauma Bay also make it a fantastic photography spot.

Try to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds – and there will be crowds. Capture the clear, calm waters and insane marine life, including green sea turtles. Make sure your camera or phone is waterproof!

Tropical greenery along the Manoa Falls trail DP — *Along the Manoa Falls Trail*

Lush Landscapes: Trails and Waterfalls

5. Manoa Falls Trail

in the Manoa Valley, a short drive from downtown Honolulu

The fairly easy hike will lead you to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall. The lavish greenery and the misty ambiance of the falls create a mystical feel in photos.

Photo Tip: A polarizing filter can help reduce the glare from the wet leaves and rocks. This will make the greens really pop in your photos.

6. Pali Notches

near the Pali Lookout on the windward side of Oahu

If you’re feeling more adventurous, this short trail offers mind-blowing views of the Koolau Mountains and the windward coast. It’s a challenging hike, so be cautious, but the dramatic cliffside shots are unrivalled.

Make sure your camera is secured so it won’t get dropped – that’s a long fall! Use a wide-angle lens to capture the broad landscape.

The view from the top of Diamond Head — View from the top of Diamond Head

Secret Spots: Hidden Gems of Oahu

7. Papailoa Beach

on the North Shore of Oahu, near Haleiwa

Less known than many other beaches, this Papailoa is a hidden treasure and a quiet escape. The fantastic shoreline views make for ideal sunset photos.

There are rarely crowds, so you can take your time setting up the perfect shot. Get as many as you can so you have plenty to choose from.

Tantalus lookout view of Diamond Head and Honolulu DP — *Diamond Head and Honolulu from Tantalus*

8. Tantalus Lookout

located in the hills above Honolulu, in Puu Ualakaa State Park, accessible via Round Top Drive

I’ll never forget the first time I saw the views from Tantalus – breathtaking. For a spectacular panoramic view of Honolulu, especially at night, head to this lookout.

The city lights against the backdrop of the ocean make for a dynamic night-time cityscape. Use a tripod and a long exposure to capture the sprawling lights.

Then make a trip back up the windy road in the daytime – trust me, it’s amazing.

Lanikai Beach access - a portal to spectacular turquois waters — *Lanikai Beach Access*

Instagram Tips for Extraordinary Posts

• Golden Hour Glow: The best light for photos is during ‘golden hour’, just after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, diffused light enhances natural colours and reduces any harsh shadows.

• Rule of Thirds: Use this classic composition technique to create balance and interest in your photos. Most phones and cameras have a grid option that you can turn on when taking pictures. This will help find that balance.

• Focus on Details: Sometimes, the magic really is in the details. Close-up shots of native flowers, unusual textures of a mural or intricate patterns in the sand, can add a unique element to your Oahu story.

• Captions Matter: Engage your followers with interesting facts or personal reflections about the photo. It’s a great way to add depth to your post and connect with your audience.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Step Outside the Box: If something catches your eye, capture it! If it’s not ‘the kind of thing you see on Instagram’, don’t let that hold you back. It could be the key to a viral post.

Oahu looking out toward Chinaman's Hat — *Along the Kam Hwy, looking out to Chinaman’s Hat*

Oahu is a gold mine of exquisite spots that are as diverse as they are stunning. Whether you’re looking for a shot that captures the essence of city life or the tranquillity of nature, these locations are the perfect backdrop for your Instagram gallery.

Remember, the island is more than just a gorgeous spot. It’s a dynamic, living place that respects and cherishes its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

* Please, kokua. Always explore responsibly and leave no trace! Preserve the beauty of Oahu for future photographers to capture.

Makakp'u Beach from the trail - beautiful views are everywhere! — *Makakp’u Beach from the trail – beautiful views are everywhere!*

What’s Next?

While you’re on Oahu, make sure you see as much as you can! I highly recommend spending at least a day at Waimea Valley. It’s the home of my favourite botanical garden, and they also have a lot of activities, like movie nights and games.

You’re also going to want to find the best beaches, especially the snorkelling beaches. But every once in a while, jellyfish show up. It’s pretty predictable, so read this to be prepared.

Happy Travels!

Oahu’s Most Instagrammable Places: A Guide to Capturing Oahu