By Capturing Aloha Photography
Originally Published on:
https://www.capturingaloha.com/hawaii-photography-blog/best-photoshoot-locations-oahu-hawaii/
LOOKING FOR THE BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN OAHU?
The island of Oahu is paradise for millions of vacationers from all around the world because of its incredible natural beauty. Stunning white sandy beaches, bright blue and turquoise ocean water, palm trees swaying in the wind, and interesting lava rock formations make Oahu, Hawaii not only a beautiful place to visit, but also makes Oahu one of the most beautiful places on the planet for amateur photographers, professional photographers, and even the causal instagrammer. Here are some of the best photography locations on the island of Oahu, whether you’re capturing photos of your family, a maternity shoot, or just casual scenic photography.
ALA MOANA AND THE HILTON LAGOONS
Ala Moana and the Hilton Lagoons are a popular location for babies and littles on all of Oahu! It has been voted one of the very best beaches in the world for families because surf is protected by an outlining reef which break yards away from the shore line, this location has a very beachy feel with tons of wide sweeping sandy areas.
Features of Ala Moana Park includes a very small U curve of a very sandy lined with white puffy sandy beach. The water here has many different hues of blues and greys all mixed in together. Gentle crashing white waves line the beach for about 500 yards of pure white sand with some big rocks in areas.
A large area of green grasses are nearby and it outlines the area with Hawaiian trees, but not palms in certain areas with a few paved pathways intermixed with the trees and foliage. There are a few gorgeous tall palms tress that really provide that beautiful typical look of Hawaii, the look and feel that most people think of when thinking about coming to Hawaii or who are looking for it for their photos!
You can see downtown Honolulu from any location of the beach and lots of buildings are a ways off in the distance and above in the background! Waikiki Bay is just around the corner and can be viewed from this location.
The beach scape is a wide sandy sweeping area from where the shoreline is to the upper grassy places. There is always ample free parking with 3 sets of bathrooms for public use, plus showers. This location is my favorite to use for family and baby photo sessions because there is always a place for families to sit and mingle for lifestyle story session photos. Babies can freely roam around this location because the beach has very light surf, small waves and shallow waters for play are a favorite of babies and toddlers here.
Swimming here is for literally everyone, and it is sandy, water shoes are not needed. It is common to see airplanes from the airport way off in the distance and above the cityscape from this beach spot. There are lots of shells for gathering and no rough lava rocks for little toddling babies. There are only a few palms abound this area and not as plentiful at Kahala. Baby Ala Moana Beach is great for explorers!
Aka Baby Beach’s nearest city is the downtown area of Honolulu, which has loads to offer. If you are looking for a place to eat after your session is over just head over to Waikiki for great dining and fun things to see or do. Downtown Honolulu is located right where you are at and within just a minutes walk, you have tons to see and do right at your fingertips!
Honolulu and Ala Moana really are so very beautiful, you are at the beach and then the city with it’s tall sky scrapers are right behind you! Together, they combine for a certain look and feel in your photo session. Very urban! Also, many areas of this beach cannot be very private, as on weekdays this spot is not as populated as it is on weekends. In the afternoon there is always great shade in winter time.
To my knowledge, there are no bathrooms nearby. The area is also almost always saturated with tourists because it is right by thousands of resorts, so it tends to be a very trafficked beach spot. Babies LOVE the lagoons and it is a great place for milestone photos! This is also a prime spot for sunset photography!
Getting there from downtown would entail taking the main Highway over to the Waikiki Hilton, by the lagoons. Once you get to the entrance, you will want to park inside the large parking lot. I usually meet up with clients at the shrimp shack inside the lot. Park is open from sunrise to sunset, no pets, drinking or smoking is allowed. No lifeguards are present at this location at the lagoons, but closer by the Ala Moana Beach side, there actually are plenty of lifeguards from AM to PM.
MAKAPUU BEACH
Makapuu Beach is one of Oahu’s most popular surf locations on Oahu! It has been voted one of the very best beaches in the world, outrageous waves are a daily norm! With the nickname Backbreaker Beach, this location has a very beachy feel of lava, large waves and rocky shoreline type of a feel. Many surfers have lost their lives here on this beach, so the beach deserves respect and honor.
Features of Makapuu Beach Park includes a very small curve of a U'shaped, white puffy sandy beach. The water here has many different hues of blues and deep dark blue to light blue and turquoise water all mixed in together. Huge Crashing waves line the beach for about 300 yards of pure white sand. Lots of green shrubbery outline the area and palms are in certain areas with a few sandy pathways intermixed with the foliage.
There are a few gorgeous tall palms tress that really provide that beautiful typical look of Hawaii, the look and feel that most people think of when thinking about coming to Hawaii or who are looking for it for their photos! There are many surfers here from dawn to dusk and many people come here from all over the world to surf the big waves, it’s a great backdrop for photography.
You can see Makapuu Lighthouse immediately above in the background! Hanamauna Bay is just around the corner, but can’t be viewed from this locationl The beach scape is a wide sandy sweeping area from where the shoreline is to the upper rocky and lava places. There is always ample free parking with one set of bathroom for public use, plus showers.
This location is my favorite to use for family photo sessions because there is always a place for families to sit and mingle for lifestyle story session photos. Babies cannot freely roam around this location because the beach has very strong surf, high waves and sometimes it can have very rough conditions.
Swimming here is for those who are extremely experienced ONLY. It is common to see parasailers above the mountains at the beach spot. There are lots of rough lava rocks for little climbers, pebbles for collecting for tiny hands, too. Palms abound this area and are also around but not as plentiful at Kahala.
Aka Makapuu Beach nearest city is the suburb Hawaii Kai, in Honolulu, which has lots to offer. If you are looking for a place to eat after your session is over just head over to Hawaii Kai, Niu Valley or Aina Haina for some great sushi or mexcian food restaurants.
Downtown Honolulu is located about 20 minutes away and in a likely good traffic situation, about 15 minutes away at most. Also near to Hawaii Kai, is the lovely suburb of Portlock, where the famous Dog The Bounty Hunter lives! Hanamua Bay is a fantastic landmark in Hawaii Kai and is a must see for scenic views and snorkeling. From Makapuu to Hawaii Kai is about a 10 minutes total drive away.
One of the main reasons this location of Makapuu is just so very beautiful, are the beach and mountains together, they combine for a certain look and feel in your photo session. Also, many areas of the beach can be private, as on weekdays this spot is not as populated as it is on weekends. In the afternoon there is always great shade in winter time.
Getting there from downtown would entail taking the H1 Hwy over to Kahala and heading south bound, beach access will be several miles down on your left. Once you get to the entrance, you will want to park inside the parking lot. I usually meet up with client at the tables nearby the bathrooms near the sidewalk. Park is open from sunrise to sunset, no pets, drinking or smoking is allowed. Lifeguards are present from 9 to 4 usually and monitor waves and current conditions. You can also talk to them at anytime if you are in question about the weather or ocean conditions.
MAKAPUU TIDEPOOLS
Makapuu Tidepools Beach is one of Oahu’s most popular photography locations for babies and littles on all of Oahu! It has been voted one of the very best beaches in the world for families because surf is protected by an outlining reef which break yards away from the shore line, this location has a very beachy feel of lava rocky shoreline type of feel.
Features of Makapuu “baby’ Beach Park includes a very small S curve of a rocky lava rock lined with white puffy sandy beach. The water here has many different hues of blues and deep dark blue to light blue and turquoise water all mixed in together. Small crashing white waves line the beach for about 300 yards of pure white sand and lava. A large area of green grasses are nearby and it outlines the area and palms are in certain areas with a few sandy pathways intermixed with the shrubbery and foliage.
There are a few gorgeous tall palms tress that really provide that beautiful typical look of Hawaii, the look and feel that most people think of when thinking about coming to Hawaii or who are looking for it for their photos! You can see Makapuu Lighthouse somewhat off in the distance and above in the background!
Hanamauna Bay is just around the corner, but can’t be viewed from this location. The beach scape is a wide sandy sweeping area from where the shoreline is to the upper rocky and lava places. There is always ample free parking with one set of bathroom for public use, plus showers. This location is my favorite to use for family photo sessions because there is always a place for families to sit and mingle for lifestyle story session photos.
Babies can freely roam around this location because the beach has very light surf, small waves and tidepools for play are a favorite of toddlers. Swimming here is for literally everyone, but it IS rocky, water shoes are advised. It is common to see parasailers above the mountains at the beach spot. There are lots of rough lava rocks for little climbers, pebbles and small shells for collecting for tiny hands, too. There are only a few palms abound this area and not as plentiful at Kahala. Baby Beach is great for explorers!
Aka Baby Beach’s nearest city is the suburb Hawaii Kai, in Honolulu, which has lots to offer. If you are looking for a place to eat after your session is over just head over to Hawaii Kai, Niu Valley or Aina Haina for some great sushi or mexcian food restaurants. Downtown Honolulu is located about 20 minutes away and in a likely good traffic situation, about 15 minutes away at most.
Also near to Hawaii Kai, is the lovely suburb of Portlock, where the famous Dog The Bounty Hunter lives! Hanamua Bay is a fantastic landmark in Hawaii Kai and is a must see for scenic views and snorkeling. From Makapuu to Hawaii Kai is about a 10 minutes total drive away.
One of the main reasons this location of Makapuu is just so very beautiful, are the beach and mountains together, they combine for a certain look and feel in your photo session. Also, many areas of the beach can be private, as on weekdays this spot is not as populated as it is on weekends. In the afternoon there is always great shade in winter time. To my knowledge, there are no bathrooms nearby.
Getting there from downtown would entail taking the H1 Hwy over to the eastside and heading south bound up past through Koko Head Crater, beach access will be several miles down on your right. Once you get to the entrance, you will want to park inside the parking lot. I usually meet up with clients at the ridge above the beach on the grassy knoll. Park is open from sunrise to sunset, no pets, drinking or smoking is allowed. No lifeguards are present at this location.
WAIALAE BEACH PARK
Waialae Beach is Oahu’s number one locations for family photography and has been voted one of the very best beaches in the world! With the nickname Kahala Beach, this location has a residential, palm lined beachy feel.
Features of Waialae Beach Park includes 2 miles of sweeping, curvy, pebble filled sand. The water here has many different hues of blues and beautiful blue-grey colors mixed in together. Gently Crashing waves line the beach for miles and miles. Lots of grassy patches line the beach as well as greenery and shrubs and palms in certain areas with a few grassy pathways intermixed with the foliage. There are so many gorgeous tall palms tress that really provide that beautiful typical of Hawaii, looks that most people think of when thinking about Hawaii or who are looking for it for their photos! There are many old palms in the park that provide great shade and a great backdrop to photography.
You can see Diamond Head mountain miles away in the background! Hanamauna Bay lines the back drop and the foreground of the beach is lined with the well known Kahala Resort and Hotel, that has been on the beach for many years and is a beautiful landmark to the area from the East. The beach scape is a wide sandy sweeping area from where the shoreline is to the upper dry sandy places.
There is always ample free parking with one set of bathroom for public use, plus showers. The Koko Crater head Mountain soar up behind this location quite majestically and make for a gorgeous background to the surrounding area. This location is my favorite to use for family photo sessions because there is always a lot of room to spread out and have some fun! Babies can freely roam around this location because the fairly calm beach has a protected reef several hundreds yards away that protects the bay from harmful surf conditions.
Swimming here is for those who are experienced down to the littlest of swimmers. It is common to see parasailers, surfers way past the reef in the ocean and kite flyers. There are lots of rough lava rocks for little climbers, pebbles for collecting for tiny hands, too. Palms abound this area and are around the resort and beach areas and in the park. The park also has a quaint bridge for crossing the small canal.
There are tables, benches and grassy areas for picnicking and shady areas as well for sitting down to rest and relax after along day. I feel safest here as the beach is an "out of the way” location and not many people are aware of it.
Aka Kahala Beach has many beach weddings daily and is known for providing a picturesque view of the ocean down to Hanamuana Bay to the East. The nearest city is Honolulu, which has lots to offer. Nearby this beach you can find a mall within 3 minutes and many eateries. If you are looking for a place to eat after your session is over just head over to Kahala or Kaimuki for great sushi or mexcian food restuarants.
Downtown Honolulu is located about 10 minutes away and in a likely good traffic situation, about 15 minutes away at most. Also near to Hawaii Kai, is the lovely suburb of Portlock, where the famous Dog The Bounty Hunter lives! Hanamua Bay is a fantastic landmark in Hawaii Kai and is a must see for scenic views and snorkeling. From Kahala to Hawaii Kai is about a 10 minutes total drive away.
One of the main reasons this location of Kahala is just so very beautiful, are the beach and mountains together, they combine for a certain look and feel in your photo session. Also, many areas of the beach can be private, as on weekdays this spot is not as populated as it is on weekends.
Getting there from downtown would entail taking the H1 Hwy over to Kahala and heading south bound, beach access will be several miles down on your left. Once you get to the entrance, you will want to park inside the parking lot. I usually meet up with client at the tables nearby the bathrooms near the sidewalk. Park is open from sunrise to sunset, no pets, drinking or smoking is allowed.
WAIMANALO BAY
Waimanalo Bay is Oahu’s number one location for family photography and has been voted one of the very best beaches in the world! With the nickname Sherwoods Beach, this location has a deep forest-pinewood feel.
Features of Waimanalo Bay Beach Park includes 4 miles of sweeping white sand. The water here has many different hues of blues and beautiful turquoise colors mixed in together. Crashing white foam lines the beach for miles and miles. Greenery and shrubs line the beach in certain areas with a few grassy pathways intermixed with the foliage. There are so many soaring pine trees that the forest can feel like you’re in another world away from the “palm tree” look that most people think of when thinking about Hawaii.
There are many old trees that have fallen over and provide a rustic backdrop to photography. You can even see Maka'puu Lighthouse miles away in the background! Large mountains line the background and foreground of the beach from the South and North. The beach scape is a wide sandy area from where the shoreline is to the upper dry sandy places. There is always ample free parking with two different sets of bathrooms for public use, plus showers.
The Koo'Lau mountains soar up behind this location quite majestically and make for a gorgeous background and surrounding area. This location is my favorite to use for family photo sessions because there is always a lot of room to spread out and have some fun! Babies do need to be watched carefully, as this location is known for a strong rip tide and challenging current. Swimming here is for those who are experienced swimmers only. Life jackets recommended if you are staying after your session has ended to swim and play in the ocean.
Aka Sherwoods Beach has many beach weddings daily and is known for providing a picturesque view of Kailua to the North and Maka'puu to the South. The nearest city is Kailua, which has the best known number one beach in the entire world as voted on by many popular magazines! If you are looking for a place to eat after your session is over to the North, this is the very best option for you, Kailua.
Target is located here and is likely in a good traffic situation, about 15 minutes away. Other nearby places include Waimanalo McDonalds, too. If you want to head South, then the nearest town is Hawaii Kai. This quaint town is about 35,000 people and has Costco, Koko Marina and Hawaii Kai Towne Center and all these strip malls offer many places to eat, shop or dine. Also near to Hawaii Kai, is the lovely suburb of Portlock, where the famous Dog The Bounty Hunter lives! Hanamua Bay is a fantastic landmark in Hawaii Kai and is a must see for scenic views and snorkeling.
One of the main reasons this location of Sherwoods is so beautiful, are the beach and mountains together, they combine for a certain look and feel in your photo session. Also, many areas of the beach can be private, as on weekdays this spot is not as populated as it is on weekends.
Getting there from downtown would entail taking the Pali Hwy over to Kailua and heading south bound, beach access will be several miles down on your left. Once you get to the entrance, you will want to stay straight ahead and veer right and you’ll see the large parking lot ahead. I usually meet up with client at the bathrooms near the sidewalk. Park is open from sunrise to sunset, no pets, drinking or smoking is allowed.
NOW GET OUT THERE AND SHOOT AT THE TOP PHOTO SPOTS IN OAHU!
There you have it, the best photography locations in Oahu, Hawaii! Now you have plenty of ideas for places to explore on your photography adventures! Regardless if you’re looking for a place to take quick instagram photos, or professional photography, now we’ve got you covered so get out there and explore the stunning and diverse landscape of Hawaii!
Capturing Aloha Photography is a Photography company located in Honolulu, Hawaii specializing in family photography, maternity photography, and birth photography. We would love to be a part of your next photoshoot! To schedule your next photoshoot, or if you have any questions, contact us today by calling (808) 892-5433 or emailing capturingaloha@gmail.com
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