Ala Moana Beach / Magic Island

One of my favorite spot near Waikiki! Located just minutes from Waikiki! Convenient and unique, Magic Island has both greenery and beach scenery. And the famous Waikiki Lookout, where you can see Oahu's most iconic Diamond Head Mountain and Waikiki city scenery together as your background! Sunset is amazing too! Compared to the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, this place is quieter and more suitable for photography!

Sandy Beach

Located on the southeastern coast of Oʻahu, approximately 35 minutes from Waikiki, Sandy Beach Park offers a stunning backdrop for photography sessions. Known for its powerful waves, black lava rocks, and expansive sandy shores, this beach provides a unique setting that combines natural beauty with dramatic coastal scenery.​

The beach's distinctive features, including the contrast between the deep blue ocean and the dark lava rocks, make it an excellent choice for capturing striking images. The area is particularly popular for sunrise sessions, as it faces east and offers direct views of the sun rising over the ocean, creating soft, pastel skies that enhance the visual appeal of photographs. ​

Makapu'u Beach

Makapuʻu Beach Park, located on Oʻahu’s southeastern coast, is renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views. The beach offers a stunning backdrop of rugged cliffs, pristine sands, and the iconic Makapuʻu Lighthouse perched atop the nearby cliffs. This combination creates a picturesque setting ideal for photography sessions.​

The early morning light casts a warm glow over the landscape, highlighting the natural beauty of the area. The beach's unique features, including its tide pools and lava rock formations, provide diverse options for both candid and posed shots. Additionally, the relatively uncrowded nature of the beach during sunrise hours offers a peaceful environment for capturing memorable moments.

Hilton Lagoon

Situated at the western end of Waikiki, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a tranquil setting for early morning photography sessions. Arriving at sunrise allows you to capture the calm waters reflecting the soft hues of the morning sky, with the iconic Diamond Head crater providing a stunning backdrop. ​

The early hours are ideal for avoiding crowds, ensuring a peaceful environment for both candid and posed shots. The combination of palm-lined shores, gentle waves, and the lagoon's mirror-like surface creates a picturesque scene that embodies the natural beauty of Hawaii. ​

For those seeking a convenient yet serene location in Waikiki, the Hilton Lagoon at sunrise offers a perfect blend of accessibility and scenic charm.​

Kahala Beach

Kahala is located in the southeast of the island, about 15-20 minutes drive from Waikiki. If you want pure sea and beach photography and are close to Waikiki, Kahala is your best choice! Here, the palm trees, the sea and the beach complement each other, making it a convenient place full of characteristics! It is very quiet here, not crowded at all. 

Halona Beach Cove

Halona Beach Cove – A Hidden Gem for Sunrise Photography on Oʻahu

Nestled beneath the Halona Blowhole Lookout on Oʻahu’s southeastern shore, Halona Beach Cove—also known as Eternity Beach—is a secluded spot renowned for its breathtaking sunrise views. The cove's unique combination of rugged lava rock formations, soft sandy shores, and turquoise waters creates a dramatic and intimate setting, ideal for capturing the soft, golden hues of early morning light.

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Accessing the cove involves a short hike down a rocky path from the Halona Blowhole parking area. While the trail requires careful navigation, the effort rewards photographers with a tranquil environment that's typically less crowded during sunrise hours. This peaceful atmosphere allows for uninterrupted sessions, whether you're capturing maternity portraits, engagements, or family moments.​

Ko'Olina

Located in Kapolei on Oʻahu’s leeward side, the Ko Olina Lagoons offer a serene and picturesque setting for sunset photography. Comprising four man-made coves with calm, crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches, these lagoons are framed by swaying palm trees and lush landscapes. The west-facing orientation provides stunning views of the sun dipping below the horizon, casting golden hues across the sky and water.​

Each lagoon presents unique features, from rocky outcrops to grassy areas, allowing for diverse backdrops in your photos. The tranquil environment is ideal for capturing intimate moments, whether it's a family portrait, engagement session, or maternity shoot. The soft lighting during the golden hour enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, located in the heart of Honolulu, is renowned for its stunning sunrise views. The early morning light casts a soft, golden hue over the ocean and the iconic Diamond Head crater, providing a picturesque backdrop for photography sessions. Arriving at sunrise allows photographers to capture the serene beauty of the beach before the crowds arrive, ensuring unobstructed views and a peaceful atmosphere. ​

The tranquil waters and gentle waves during the early hours create ideal conditions for both candid and posed shots. The combination of natural beauty and the absence of crowds makes Waikiki Beach a top choice for sunrise photography in Hawaii.