Oahu Photo Tour II: Best Photo Spots in Oahu

These are unusual times so with restrictions being put in place and lifted with little notice, please confirm the operating hours before visiting any of the tours, venues or attractions mentioned in this article. 

Ambassador Hotel Waikiki is located in the heart of Waikiki and we're also very close to many of the best Things to do in Oahu and some of the best photo opportunities on the island.

In this latest Oahu Travel Blog article; 'Oahu Photo Tour II: Best Photo Spots in Oahu' showcases some of the best and most inspiring photo opportunities you can discover during your next visit to Oahu.

Here we go!

Waikiki Beach: Let’s start off with an easy one!  Waikiki Beach is located just 2 blocks from our hotel, and it is one of the most popular beaches in the world. This beautiful beach is very popular, so the crowds hit the beach early and stay all day.  Be sure to arrive very early in the morning, or very late, even at night for the best photos.  The lighting is best for a ‘golden hour’ natural light affect. Since Waikiki Beach is a shallow beach consider taking some photos from the water looking back onto the beach.  The lights from the restaurants and hotels make for an interesting affect as well.

Details: There are many opportunities to shoot interesting and beautiful 'details' all across the island, including close up shots of flowers, ocean waves, wildlife and much more. Taking a shot of an object from a close range or an interesting angle can often capture an amazing photograph.

Diamond Head: Diamond Head is just a few short miles from our hotel, and it is a great photo opportunity. You can take photos of Diamond Head from the road as you approach, and if you in for a bit of exercise, take the hike up the mountain for more great photos looking down on the West Coast of Oahu, Waikiki and Honolulu. If you can schedule your time right, try to arrive at the top of Diamond Head for an amazing sunset photo.  It is worth it!

Hanauma Bay: Like most of the photo locations on this list, Hanauma Bay is a great activity to enjoy beyond a simple Photo shoot. Hanauma Bay is a protected state park and some of the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii. If you have a waterproof camera or waterproof case for your camera, you can count on capturing some nice shots of fish, reef life and if you are lucky, you may see a couple of Turtles!

Luau: Will you be attending a Luau during your visit to Oahu? A Luau is a great event to capture fantastic photos during your visit. You'll have a chance to photograph Hula dancers, fire dancers, singers and various entertainers – and of course the great food can be an interesting photo subject as well!

Hiking: Oahu is an island with many great hiking trails for all skill and experience level. A number of these hikes have waterfalls as reward along the way or at the end of the hike.  Many of the hikes offer amazing views of Oahu, the coast line and often, waterfalls. 

Oahu Beaches: Oahu has many beautiful beaches, but the best, most beautiful beach on Oahu is Lanikai Beach, always rated the best beach on Oahu and highly ranked among the world’s best beaches. As always, it is best to plan to shoot this beach early in the mornings to capture a great sunrise. This shallow beach and beautiful watercolor makes for amazing photos.

Food: Food shots are a very popular subject matter, and best of all you can eat it what you photograph!   If you’re looking for great food to shoot, and eat, the variety of Oahu Restaurants will not disappoint. Enjoy Fish Tacos, Sushi, Steaks, Pizza and of course you must try, and photograph, Oahu’s famous Garlic Shrimp and Rice.  You’ll thank us later!

North Shore: Ahh, there is so much to enjoy and photograph on the North Shore of Oahu.  Fantastic Beaches. Great Activities. Turtles on the beach and if you are here during the Winter months, you can witness and photograph some of the biggest waves on the planet and the brave professional surfers who ride them!

Sea Turtles: You can see Turtles swimming in the waters around Oahu and on a number of Beaches on the island, but perhaps the best place to have a chance to view Turtles on the beach and entering the water is Laniakea Beach on the North Shore. Turtles like to make their way onto this stretch of beach and rest and sleep during the afternoons.

Of course, this is not a complete list of the Best Photo Spots in Oahu, but it is a great start.  Be sure to check our Oahu Visitor Blog in the future for additional recommendations for great photo spots on Oahu.

We hope our Oahu Travel Blog article; 'Oahu Photo Tour: Best Photo Spots in Oahu' has inspired you to plan a visit to Oahu to explore these and other Instagram worthy photo spots.

Visit our Oahu Visitors Guide for more recommendations for all there is to do, see and experience when visiting Oahu.

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