There is no shortage of incredible photo opportunities while visiting the island of Oahu. Whether you are a beach bum, thrill-seeking explorer, or anything in between, this gorgeous slice of paradise neatly tucked in the Pacific Ocean has tons of exciting and romantic photo spots waiting for you to discover.

Find the ideal cover photo for your blog, or snap a great family portrait at some of the most picturesque photo spots in Hawaii. Photographers agree that you will find ample photo shoot locations both on land and underwater on Oahu.

Explore your way through all of these amazing photo spots and you will have plenty of pictures to fill your Hawaii Travel Photo Book with. For some great tips to help you capture that extra-special pic, check out our guide on Travel Photography for Hobbyists and Professionals.

Gorgeous Beaches in Oahu

The coastline of Oahu varies from calm to stormy waters, with some great for swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving, while others may be tricky to find, natural reserves, or surfer’s paradise.

Ko Olina Lagoons

Take a swim in one of the calm waters of the manmade shallow crescent-shaped swimming holes tucked into the Marriott Ko Olina beachfront property.

2. Lanikai Beach

Float in the calm shallow turquoise waters of this white sandy beach with spectacular coastal scenery. You can also hike the Kaiwa Ridge Trail up the Lanikai Pillbox for spectacular panoramic views of the beach.

3. Kailua Beach

Mild waves are great for boogie boarding, and the water radiates an aqua blue color.

4. Waikiki Beach

Honolulu’s most famous and central beach, was once the stomping ground for Hawaiian royalty.

5. Halona Beach Cove

Take a dip in the waters of this small sand pocket hidden among the rock formations of southeastern Oahu. You will also see the Halona Blowhole Lookout close by, where the ocean fills a lava hole that blows ocean water up into the air.

6. Sunset Beach

Get some shots of Oahu’s stunning world-renowned sunsets while sitting on the famous crooked palm tree.

7. Secret Beach

You will have to hike a steep trail to get there, but the turquoise waters of this secluded beach are enclosed by a gorgeous cliff range on the north shore of the island. Tripadvisor says the lava rock tide pools and Kilauea lighthouse make for a great photo backdrop.

8. Laniakei Beach

Check out the herds of adorable sea turtles who hang out on this beach, most often between 11am and 1pm. You’ll want to buy advance tickets to visit.

9. Mokuleia Army Beach

Walk along crystal blue waters and powdery sand beach, but beware that swells here can reach up to 15 feet making them incredibly dangerous for swimming. However, in the winter months between November and March, there is a small reef ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

10. Banzai Pipeline at Ehukai Beach Park

Watch experienced surfers brave the legendary site known worldwide for crafting perfect barrel waves. This incredible natural phenomenon is extremely dangerous to surf but makes for ideal photo shots. This @instaclaimfunk Banzai Pipeline photo got some serious love on Instagram.

11. Waimea Bay

Another of the north shore surfer’s havens, here you will find up to 30-foot winter swells with loads of big-wave riders at this well-known Oahu beach.

12. Shark’s Cove

Snorkeling is ideal in the shallow waters of this kid-friendly protected cove. Contrary to its name, there are no sharks there. Marella Photography highlights Shark’s cove as a great spot for family photos.

13. Hanauma Bay

Visit the unspoiled aquatic ecosystem formed within the scenic cone of a former volcano. You must book in advance and are required to watch an informational video before entry.

14. Waimānalo Bay State Recreation Park

Bask in the 180-degree “postcard worthy” panoramic view of this wonderful sandy beach. On a clear day, you can see Lanai, Molokai, and Maui islands from the coast. Boogie boarding is great here but beware of the occasionally powerful shore break.

Wonderful Parks, Gardens, Farms & Plantations

Oahu has an abundance of parks and gardens rich in vegetation. For some great photo spots unique to this Hawaiian island, be sure to visit:

15. Kawela Bay Beach Park

Aside from being one of the most scenic, secluded, and hard to find beaches on Oahu, you’ll recognize this park from the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Remember to get your photo by the Banyan tree.

16. Haiku Gardens

Take a stroll through one of Oahu’s most renowned wedding venues. The stunning backdrop behind the impeccably maintained garden makes for amazing photos.

17 .Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (Park Access Road)

Revel in Oahu’s fantastic green mountains and rainforest from the public access road of this two-mile-long botanic garden.

18. Kualoa Ranch

Visit this incredible 4,000-acre private nature reserve which is also home to a functional cattle ranch. This ranch is the film site for many films such as Jurassic World and Pearl Harbor.

19. Dole Plantation

Get fascinated by how pineapples grow at this fruit stand turned Hawaiian “Pineapple Experience”. Take a ride on the Pineapple Express Train Tour or wander through the Pineapple Garden Maze.

Stunning Hikes, Waterfalls & Panoramas

While there are tons of great ways to connect with nature on Oahu, be mindful that some places may be on private property or closed to the public. Make sure to get informed before you visit.

20. Manoa Falls

Take a short hike through the beautiful, lush trail to the base of this fascinating 150fl waterfall in the Manoa Valley.

21. Pali Lookout and Likeke Falls

A short but moderate hike will lead you to exquisite panoramic views and a two-tier waterfall that is picture-perfect.

22. Koko Head Crater Trail

Challenge yourself on a hike up a former World War II tramway that scales to the edge of a dormant volcano. If you are up for the task, you will find vastly interesting things to see along this trail. Rated nearly 8,000 times on AllTrails, this hike boasts “spectacular panoramic views of the east Honolulu shoreline, Hanauma Bay, and parts of Moloka'i”.

23. Diamond Head Trail

Climb your way to stellar panoramic views of Honolulu, the Pacific Ocean and mainland Oahu from this former military outlook. Located on the edge of a 300,000-year-old volcano crater, it is the island’s most well-known hike.

24. Ko’olau Range

There are various hikes, lookout points, and incredible photo ops scattered throughout the mountain range remnants of a volcano that erupted over 2 million years ago.

25. Tantalus Lookout Tree

Enjoy a panoramic view of Honolulu and Diamond Head Crater from Oahu’s most iconic treehouse.

26. Farrington Highway

Stop at the various lookouts along Oahu’s major coastal highways for incredible views of the island.

Picture Perfect Landmarks, Art, & Architecture

Oahu is a fascinating island with its own individual flair. It has deep Polynesian roots and takes inspiration from American and Asian cultures alike. These are some of the most photo-worthy structures on Oahu.

27. Kaka’ako Downtown Murals

Immerse yourself in the vibrant murals and street art scattered throughout Honolulu.

28. Byodo-in Temple

Find serenity in this stunning Buddhist temple and garden in Temples Memorial Park, at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains.

29. Pearl Harbor

Visit the memorial site where World War II began for America, where you can still see the USS Arizona sunk below the water. Capture a bit of history on your trip along with all the amazing beach shots.

30. Iolani Palace

Explore the magnificent home and grounds that once housed Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs.

31. The Royal Hawaiian & Moana Surfrider

Even if you are not a guest, take some time to marvel at Waikiki Beach’s luxury hotels. The establishments and grounds of these famous resorts offer fantastic photo ops.

32. “The Sunrise Shack”

Grab a snack at what is arguably Honolulu’s most photographed beachfront shack.

Gorgeous Beaches in Oahu