Top 5 Scenic Spots in Oʻahu for Engagement Sessions

If you’re planning an engagement session in Oʻahu, you’re already halfway to stunning photos. This island does a lot of the work for you. With its mix of golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and soft morning light, Oʻahu is one of the most romantic places to celebrate your next chapter.

But with so many scenic spots, how do you choose the right one?

Here are five of the most beautiful (and versatile) locations on the island, handpicked for couples who want engagement photos that feel both natural and unforgettable.

1. Makapuʻu Lookout

Best for: Sweeping ocean views, cliffs, dramatic light

Makapuʻu is a dream if you’re looking for something bold and scenic. With its rugged cliffs, deep blue ocean, and wide-open skies, it brings a little adventure into your session without a big hike.

Early mornings here are peaceful and bright, while sunset brings soft, golden hues across the coastline. It’s especially popular for couples who want something that feels epic but still intimate.

Location: East Shore

Best light: Sunrise or golden hour

2. Kahala Beach

Best for: Soft sand, calm water, romantic glow

Tucked away from the hustle of Waikiki, Kahala Beach is one of Oʻahu’s most peaceful beachfront spots. The sand is soft, the water is gentle, and the palm trees offer just enough shade to mix up your shots.

It’s perfect for couples who want classic beach engagement photos with a side of quiet. Bring a blanket, walk along the shoreline, or just enjoy the stillness together.

Location: Waikiki area

Best light: Early morning or sunset

3. Lanai Lookout

Best for: Edgy textures, lava rock, moody vibes

Looking for something different? Lanai Lookout is raw, powerful, and totally unlike the soft beaches most people imagine when they think of Hawaii. With black lava rock, crashing waves, and dramatic ocean backdrops, it’s perfect for couples who want photos that feel bold and cinematic.

Just be mindful. This isn’t a barefoot-on-the-beach kind of spot. It’s for standing close, holding tight, and letting the wind do its thing.

Location: East Shore

Best light: Sunrise

4. Ala Moana Beach Park

Best for: City-meets-nature, iconic views, versatility

If you’re staying in Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is a great location that offers both greenery and beachfront in one setting. You get palm-lined paths, wide lawns, and views of Diamond Head in the distance, plus a beach that’s often less crowded than Waikiki itself.

It’s especially great for sunset sessions when the sky lights up and the city begins to glow behind you.

Location: Waikiki area

Best light: Sunset

5. Sandy Beach

Best for: Natural drama, golden light, movement

Sandy Beach lives up to its name, but what makes it special is the movement: the wind, the waves, the way everything flows. This is a great location for playful, windswept portraits and soft, romantic moments with the ocean just behind you.

It’s also a favorite for couples who want their session to feel less posed and more like a story unfolding in real time.

Location: East Shore

Best light: Sunset

Final Thoughts

The best location is the one that matches you: your story, your energy, and how you want to remember this season of life. I help each couple choose a location based on light, privacy, accessibility, and the kind of session they’re dreaming of.

Whether you’re drawn to bold cliffs or soft beaches, Oʻahu gives us everything we need to create something timeless and true.

Planning an engagement session in Oʻahu?

Let’s talk and I’ll help you find the perfect spot, time, and vibe for photos you’ll always love.