Big Island, Hawaii: Photo Guide to the Best Instagram Spots

The Big Island of Hawaii captivates with tropical summer vibes and breathtaking nature, i.e., different colored beaches, waterfalls, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. Since it is the largest Hawaiian island, there are countless things to explore and take unique pictures of. Where exactly can you find the best Instagram-worthy locations though? And what are the tips for a perfect Hawaii camera roll? With this guide to the most instagrammable spots on the Big Island, you’ll discover some of Hawaii’s most iconic sights and hidden gems you don’t want to miss. Without further ado, let’s jump into the inspo & photo examples…

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Intro

The Big Island of Hawaii (= also named Hawai’i) offers diverse picturesque landscapes, from lush rainforests on the east side to beaches and volcanic rock fields on the west. This wide range of nature makes Hawai’i a photographer’s paradise like no other place. Though often overshadowed by the neighboring islands of Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, the Big Island has just as much to offer (+ even more!). In fact, the Big Island is bigger than all Hawaiian islands combined, providing endless opportunities to capture stunning photos. Whether you want to take cute beach pics or adventurous photos of hiking to a cascading waterfall, Big Island will create the ideal tropical Hawaiian canvas for all types of Instagram-worthy pictures. Due to the island’s large size, it’s essential to know the best instagrammable spots with an overview of where they are located. Thus, you’ll even find a map of the best Instagram spots below.

So the question arises: What are the best photo locations in Big Island Hawaii aka Where can I take Instagram pictures on the Big Island? Look no further! This guide highlights some of the best photo ideas & gives inspiration for what to visit. Stay tuned for hidden gems & pictures to save for later.

Most Instagrammable Spots in Big Island, Hawaii

Here you’ll find the most instagrammable spots in Big Island Hawaii with inspiring photo ideas for your next trip...

Map of the Best Photo Spots on the Big Island

Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden

To get started, let’s talk about one of the most underrated Instagram-worthy spots on the Big Island. Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden is home to thousands of tropical flowers & plants on over 20 acres and is THE place for unique Hawaiian rainforest pictures. While walking on the 1.25-mile path, you can explore vibrant rainforest vistas, streams, and plant species. The highlight is located at the very end of the garden, where you reach ocean views of crashing waves on misty-green sea cliffs. Here, you get to see Onomea Bay & Hamakua Coast – a true hidden gem. In short, this is easily one of the Big Island’s most instagrammable places.

Palm Trees at Kailua Bay

Next, an easy-to-reach and centrally located photo spot in Kailua-Kona. The majestic palm trees lining the oceanfront of Kailua Bay create an aesthetic image for tropical shoots. While the palm trees are beautiful all day, the leaves are particularly well-lit during the golden hour before sunset.

Akaka Falls

Following is one of the most popular and famous instagrammable spots on the Big Island of Hawaii: the Akaka Falls. This 422-foot-tall waterfall is near Hilo and comes with spectacular views during the short hike into the forest. You’ll encounter multiple picture opportunities on the way to the falls, like bamboo trees & unique flora and fauna. Nonetheless, the best views begin on the staircase leading down to Akaka Falls. Taking a photo from a higher vantage point here will give you the best angle.

Pololū Valley Lookout

This place is the definition of breathtaking views of the Hawaiian coastline. Tall palm trees, green mountains with jagged ridges, and crashing waves. What makes Pololū so special is the black sand beach at the bottom of the valley. It’s a very unique picture opportunity and can be reached by hiking down from the lookout. But even if you don’t want to hike to the beach, the parking lot by the lookout is just as breathtaking. The views of misty cliffs & palm trees are unparalleled.

Ali’i Saltwater Pool

A memorable photo location when you’re in Kona is the Ali’i Saltwater Swimming Pool. This incredible outdoor pool is built directly on the shortline and is publicly accessible. During high surf, the pool gets filled with ocean water – this results in fish and other wildlife like sea urchins residing there. (Thus, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend swimming.) Either way, the green color and crashing waves photograph beautifully.

Hāpuna & Waialea Beach

As the largest and most popular white sand beach on the Big Island, Hāpuna Beach comes with countless Instagram spots for that radiant summer vibe. To capture the clear blue water on the horizon with green trees framing the shot, go to the top of the hill in the beach park. This way, you can take beach photos that aren’t as common.
Besides, a short drive down the road brings you to Waialea Beach aka Beach 69. Here, you’ll find Kiawe trees overhanging the shore, natural tide pools, and rock formations along the beach. This combination makes it a very unique beach to visit and take pictures at – a total must-visit!

Lava Fields near A-Bay

Adding to the best locations for instagrammable pictures on the Big Island – lava fields. Also known as the volcanic island, Big Island’s landscape consists of large stretches of dark lava rock. Particularly on the west side of the island. If you’re looking for an effortless way to get a photo with this scenic background, head to the east of the parking lot of A-Bay (= Anaeho’omalu Bay). The rocky environment with faint green hills in the background creates an out-of-this-world vista.

Scenic Overlook by Kiholo Bay

Here’s another instagrammable place on the west side of the island: the Scenic Overlook by Kiholo Bay. It is conveniently located right by the road, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Additionally, the vistas of Kiholo Bay are perfect for capturing beautiful photographs.

Punalu’u Black Sand Beach

Are you looking for black sand & bright green palm trees? The Big Island has THE place for you. As (probably) the most popular black sand beach in the world, Punalu’u has a large stretch of jet-black beach lined with tall palm trees. The lush green color of the plants and trees gives a saturated contrast and is perfect for that Instagram feed. Definitely one of my favorite instagrammable spots on the Big Island. Plus, this beach is one of the few places in the world where you can see endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles nesting in the wild.

Waipi’o Valley Lookout

Another breathtaking lookout on the island of Hawai’i is Waipi’o Valley. Situated on the northeast side of the island (like Pololū Valley), Waipi’o grants panoramic views of the lush valley and its dramatic cliffs. If you look closely, you can also spot a black sand beach and waterfalls running down the cliffs in the far. Its natural beauty makes Waipi’o one of the most photographed valleys in Hawaii.

Waipi’o Fruit Shack

While visiting Waipi’o, don’t forget to plan a stop at Waipi’o Fruit Shack. It can be found on the road to the lookout and is the definition of picturesque locations in Hawaii: bright & colorful signs, surfboards, and a trail running through the green garden. The area is well-maintained and has many little hangout spots, ie., hammocks, benches, game areas, and more. Also, you can snack on tasty local fruits and meet cute ducks & dogs there.

Kua Bay

Moving on to another picture-worthy beach on the Big Island. Kua Bay has beautiful white sand with pristine, bright blue waters. You can choose to explore the beach or take the trail at the north end, leading to a hidden overlook surrounded by striking black & white lava rocks. Standing amidst this landscape feels like stepping onto another planet, making it the perfect Instagram spot in Big Island Hawaii.

Volcanoes National Park

A place that can’t be skipped in Hawai’i is the famous Volcanoes National Park. Here, you have the chance to see active lava flows, volcanic craters, and a surreal landscape that is perfect for taking pictures. Some areas of the park literally look like Mars! The contrast of greenery against the dark, rugged terrain makes it a fantastic instagrammable spot on Big Island.

Note: Down below I listed two more places that are part of Volcanoes National Park but deserved their own mention. So keep reading…

Hōlei Sea Arch

Another place to add to your bucket list within Volcanoes National Park is the Hōlei Sea Arch. This popular photo location showcases the natural beauty of the island, with volcanic rocks eroded into a majestic sea arch. The 90-foot rock formation stands out due to the contrast between the dark arch and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean underneath. A true gem for your Big Island Instagram feed!

Thurston Lava Tube aka Nāhuku

Also located within the Volcanoes National Park, the Thurston Lava Tube is a must-see during your visit. Essentially, it is a dark volcanic cave with a very picturesque entrance to walk through. Overgrown tropical plants & a bridge leading up create a moody and unique setting. Ultimately, it shouldn’t be left out of the most instagrammable spots in Big Island.

Papakōlea Green Sand Beach

Have you ever seen a green sand beach? Now is your time! As one of only four green sand beaches in the world, Papakōlea checks the box of being the most instagrammable place on the Big Island of Hawaii. On a sunny day, the sand appears even greener as the crystals reflect the light with emerald hues. The best spot to take pictures here is on the left side of the beach by the greenish cliffs. To sum up, the combination of soft green sand, rugged cliffs, and bright blue waves crashing on the shore makes this place a must-see.

Rainbow Falls

Next, let’s get back into waterfalls. Located in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a very easily accessible attraction with mesmerizing views. Like the name already suggests, the 80-foot-tall waterfall creates vibrant rainbows when hit by the sun. The majestic tree with cascading water behind gives this place an enchanting feel. This makes Rainbow Falls super unique and instagrammable.

Pepe’ekeo Maikai Scenic Route

Speaking of beautiful spots in Hilo, don’t forget to put Pepe’ekeo Maikai on your list. This scenic route is a picturesque drive through a tropical landscape parallel to Highway 19. The road winds through a lush jungle, with glimpses of hidden waterfalls, one-lane bridges, and Onomea Bay. A magical place where you can take pictures on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Laupāhoehoe Beach Park

Second to last is Laupāhoehoe – a totally underrated place to visit on the Big Island. What makes this beach a hidden gem (mostly popular with locals) is that it’s located in a lush valley with views of grand cliffs & black volcanic rocks washing up on the shore. Laupāhoehoe Beach offers countless picture-worthy spots, from rocky scenery with rough waves to calm tropical vistas. On top of that, the drive down the valley has captivating views too.

Lone Palm Beach

Lastly, I needed to add this special place to the list of most instagrammable places in Big Island Hawaii. Found on the west coast of the island, is this lonely palm tree on a small beach surrounded by volcanic gravel. It’s a fascinating phenomenon that adds a mysterious vibe to your photos, whether you capture the striking contrast of the green tree against black sand on the beach or take an aerial shot from above.

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And that concludes the Most Instagrammable Spots in Big Island, Hawaii – with this photo guide, nothing will stand in your way of finding the best locations. Whether you prefer pictures of tropical flora & fauna with waterfalls or dry volcanic fields and beaches, Big Island has something for everyone.

Let me know where you’ll be heading first with your camera!

Please also share your suggestions for photo spots in the comments! 🙂

Still looking for more Photo Spots? Check out these:
Oahu, Hawaii || Bangkok || Maui, Hawaii

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