Our Favorite Oahu Portrait Locations

Palm trees, sandy beaches, stunning sunsets...Hawaii is nature at her most beautiful! Here are a few of our favorite locations for beach, park, sunset & sunrise for families, couples & maternity photo sessions,

HINT: For a overview map of Oahu with the locations marked and starred, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

First Step - Choose Your "Look"

Before choosing a location...decide what style or "look" you want from your session. Morning and mid-day sessions are bright and cheerful, while sunset and sunrise sessions are more moody and dramatic. Neither is better than the other, just different. (Note: since sunset sessions are 90 minutes, even Sunset/Sunrise sessions have sunny, bright images...the light is simply warmer and more directional than during the day.)

Morning/Daytime sessions are
bright, sunny and Cheerful

Sunset/Sunrise sessions are
soft, moody and dramatic

Second Step - Choose A Location

Your choice of location will be determined by factors such as your ability to travel, what "look" you chose (ie; some locations are on the wrong side of the island for direct sunset views), and what you prefer for your backgrounds, etc. The first three Locations listed below are the closest to Waikiki. Each location has a basic description, example images, and the pros and cons of each. 

Hawaii Hilton Village (click to view Google Map)
A very popular Waikiki resort, it's the only Waikiki beach location legal for photographers to operate at. Easy access, lots of different backgrounds in all directions, multiple great shooting spots, direct sunset views, view of Diamond Head...and thousands of people. However, people are usually less of an issue than you might expect. I can usually find an angle that has few people in the background. The images below were all taken at the Hilton Village/Hale Koa location. (See example images from the Hawaiian Hilton Village here.)

*Best for sunset sessions only - or early mornings.* (This location is really only ideal for those who don't have transportation and who are staying at the Hilton Village.)

Magic Island (click to view Google Map)
Magic Island is not really an island, but it's a great location midweek. It has many of the same characteristics as the Hilton Village above...only better. At only half a mile from the Hawaiian Hilton Village, Magic Island is a very popular park with locals which can make parking difficult on weekends (impossible if there is an event going on). However, people in the background are rarely an issue. I like this location because of the diversity of different looks/backgrounds it offers: family friendly, calm sandy beach, rock promenades, Diamond Head views, Waikiki views, direct sunset views...  (See example images from Magic Island Park here.)

*This location is great for sunset, mid-day or morning sessions*

Waialae Beach Park (click to view Google Map)
With nearly deserted beaches and located only 15 minutes from Waikiki, Waialae Beach Park is excellent for those classic Hawaii palm tree beach shots. It's both romantic for couples and fun for families. Connects to Kahala Hotel Resort beaches. One of my favorite locations and a big hit with most clients. Parking can occasionally be limited so arrive early. Click here for more detailed information on this location. Be aware we simply park at the Park and then walk down the beach about two blocks. (See example images from Waialae Beach Park here.)

*Excellent for morning and sunset sessions - but there are no direct sunset views*

Sandy Beach (click to view Google Map)
Just a short 20 minute drive from Waikiki gets you to Sandy Beach, a VERY popular place for locals to hang out, party, boogie board and body surf. The waves can be so rough here, there are more ambulance calls to this beach for injured tourists than any other location on the island. However, just off to one side there are no people and a beach and tide pools sheltered from the rough waves. (See example photos from Sandy Beach here.)

*Excellent for sunrise, morning/day and sunset sessions - but there are no direct sunset views.*

Waimanalo Beaches (click to view Google Map)
Located on the quieter, lusher side of the island (30-40 min from Waikiki), just a few miles from Lanikai Beach and Kailua, there are several great beach locations in the Waimanalo area, all of which have better views and backgrounds than Lanikai Beach and with far fewer people around. Beautiful white sand beaches, crashing waves, mountains and islands in the distance, as well as a forest at your back round out this location. Click here for more detailed information about this location.There are several great spots I recommend depending on the size of the party and the time of day. (See example images from Waimanalo Beaches here.)

** NOW OFFICIALLY CLOSED TO ALL COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY AS OF APRIL 2022. **

Ko Olina Resorts (click to view Goggle Map)
The Aulani Disney Resort, Ko Olina Beach Villas, Marriots Ko Olina Beach Club Resort and the spectacular Four Seasons Resort make up the west side destination resorts in Ko Olina. Together they share four man-made beach and palm tree-lined lagoons that are romantic, family friendly and perfect for sun bathing.  The lagoons beaches are the property of the resorts and they do not allow outside photographers. However, there is a secret natural lagoon tucked among them and that lagoon plus the shorelines are all public property. If you are staying in the Ko Olina area, this location is ideal for stunning beautiful sunset sessions. I love this location for the spectacular sunsets and the sheer variety of options it offers! (See more images from Ko Olina Resorts here.)

*This location is great for morning, mid-day and sunset sessions.*

Kawela Bay Park - North Shore (click to view Google Map)
Great North Shore photo locations are all over the place, you almost can't go wrong anywhere you choose. One of my favorites, however, is Kawela Bay Park located near Turtle Bay Resort. A huge forested park with two beautiful beaches, rocky shores, fantastic sunset views and very few people. Click here for more information on this location. 

*Kawela Bay Park is great for morning, mid-day and sunset sessions.*

Off-The-Beaten-Path Locations

For the more active and adventurous - or those just wanting something a little different - there are many great out of the way locations, from deserted white sand beaches, to WWII hill top bunkers with fantastic views, to rocky coves with spectacularly crashing waves. Most require a little more driving time, effort and sometimes even a little bit of hiking. I seldom charge more for out of the way locations since I love adventure. If you like the idea of spicing up your session with a little adventure and exploring for unique and epic portraits, check out off the beaten path location ideas.