13 Oʻahu Spots for Perfect Vacation Photos

Everywhere you look on Oʻahu, there’s beautiful scenery, from the windswept beaches in Kailua to the majestic pali (cliffs) of the Koʻolau Mountains. These images are all over social media—and we figure you probably want to know where these spots are.

While some places—like the top of Haʻikū Stairs—are off-limits and others—like the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe—aren’t allowed anymore, Oʻahu has a ton of gorgeous backdrops for vacation photos sure to make your coworkers jealous.

Here are 13 easily accessible ones.

1. Makai Research Pier, Waimānalo

Makai Research Pier in Waimānalo.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This working research pier off Kalanianaʻole Highway in Waimānalo on Oʻahu’s windward side is a popular stop for photographers. This view (above) is what everyone wants to capture—but the beach itself is stunning, especially with Mānana and Kāohikaipu islets offshore.

2. Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Makapuʻu

At the top of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

The easy 2-mile (round trip) hike up to the summit of the Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail offers breathtaking views from every part of the trail: the rugged and wild Kaiwi Coastline, the dramatic panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the historic red-roofed lighthouse and the sleepy town of Waimānalo. During winter months this is a great place to see migrating North Pacific humpback whales.

3. Byodo-In Temple, Kāneʻoha

Byodo-In Temple in Kāneʻohe.
Photo: David Croxford

It’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo at the Byodo-In Temple, located at the base of the lush Koʻolau Mountains on Oʻahu windward side. This temple is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. (It’s a United Nations World Heritage Site.) The grounds are gorgeously landscaped and home to wild peacocks, Japanese koi (carp) and swan.

4. Kualoa Regional Park, Kualoa

Sunrise at Kualoa Regional Park.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

This sprawling beach park on the island’s eastern coastline boasts calm waters and great views of the Koʻolau Mountains and Mokoliʻi (aka Chinaman’s Hat), a 12.5-acre offshore islet.

5. Murals of wings, The Honolulu Zoo and Oʻahu’s North Shore

Wings at The Honolulu Zoo and on the North Shore.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

Wings are a thing! There’s a pair of butterfly wing murals at The Honolulu Zoo in Waikīkī (left) and angel wings outside Anahulu’s Shave Ice (66-620 Kamehameha Highway) in Haleʻiwa on Oʻahu’s North Shore. The latter is part of the Global Angel Wings Project that started in Los Angeles in 2012 to remind people we are all angels on Earth. This is the only one of these interactive art displays in Hawaiʻi.

6. Lanikai Beach, Kailua

Lanikai Beach, Kailua.
Photo: Getty Images/Wirestock

It’s hard to find a more picturesque beach on Oʻahu than Lanikai Beach in Kailua. With the Nā Mokulua islands offshore and clear aquamarine waters, this beach is easily one of the most photographed on the island.

7. Sunflower field, Waimānalo

Sunflowers in Waimānalo.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Right now, through mid-November, Waimānalo Country Farms opens its sunflower fields for visits—and it’s spectacular. The family-run farm is nestled against the Koʻolau Mountains with views of the ocean, and the sunflowers are shockingly beautiful against the green mountains. It also sells farm-fresh food, including corn on the cob, freshly squeezed lemonade and even sunflower heads, grilled and slathered with butter and garlic. You can even book private picnics in the fields.

8. Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikīkī

Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikīkī.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku on Kalākaua Avenue is a must-stop in Waikīkī. Often draped or holding lei, this status honors Hawaiʻi’s first Olympian and the father of modern surfing. Kahanamoku grew up swimming and surfing in Waikīkī. He later went on to win Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle and silver in the relay in 1912. He also won two gold medals in 1920 and won a silver medal at age 34 in the 1924 Olympics.

9. Hanauma Bay, East Honolulu

Hanauma Bay in East Honolulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

As you make your way down the road to Hanauma Bay, the protected marine sanctuary in East Honolulu, stop and snap a photo. The vantage from here is everything.

10. Royal Hawaiian, Waikīkī

The Royal Hawaiian in Waikīkī.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

There are so many gorgeous hotels on Oʻahu, from the historic Moana Surfrider to the retro-cool décor of the revamped Kaimana Beach Hotel, both in Waikīkī. But nothing compares to The Pink Palace of the Pacific. The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort is one of the most iconic hotels in Hawaiʻi. Its distinctive architecture and rosy color have made this a popular—and beautiful—backdrop for vacation photos.

11. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden, Kāneʻohe

Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden in Kāneʻohe.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

You see it all over Instagram: the tree-lined road from the entrance of Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden toward the Koʻolau Mountains. Pulling over to snap photos isn’t allowed, but there are so many other spots in this 400-acre city-run garden to photograph. Take the trek to the top of Kilonani Mauka for a nearly 360-degree view of the mountains and Kāneʻohe Bay. Or head to the overlook of Loko Waimaluhia, for a view of the garden’s 32-acre lake built in 1982.

12. Leonard’s Bakery, Kapahulu

Leonard’s Bakery, Kapahulu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox

Hawaiʻi boasts some of the most Instagrammable vacation foods—the kind of food pics that make you want to lick your screen. Malasadas are hot—figuratively and literally—and the most iconic shot is at Leonard’s Bakery. This family-run bakery opened in 1953 and started serving these Portuguese doughnuts. Today, it’s a must-try when visiting the Islands—and a must-photograph outside the landmark bakery on Kapahulu Avenue.

13. Liljestrand House, Tantalus

The Liljestrand House, Tantalus.
Photos: Catherine Toth Fox

There are few Hawai‘i architects whose work is as recognizable as that of Vladimir Ossipoff, with his distinctly mid-century modern aesthetic. One of the most outstanding examples of his work—and one that you can tour—is the Liljestrand House on the slopes of Puʻu ʻŌhiʻa (Mount Tantalus) in Honolulu. The 6,700-square-foot, two-story home is perched above Honolulu, with views of the city and ocean beyond. You can book private tours of the residence; the best is to get a group of 10 friends to book the private sunset tour ($800 for 2 hours), where you can bring your own bottles of wine and pūpū (appetizers) and enjoy the sunset.