Hikes and Viewpoints in Oahu, Lanikai Pillbox Hike, Kaiwa Ridge Trail, Most instagrammable places in Oahu

Going to Oahu soon and still looking for the best places to take pictures at?
Here you’ll find some of the best & most unique picture ideas to elevate your Instagram or fill your camera roll! Get ready for these stunning Instagrammable spots in Oahu.
Without further ado, let’s get right into the inspirations and examples…

Not sure why to choose Oahu or how to plan your itinerary yet?
Check out The north shore guide and Oahu’s Absolute Best Beaches!

Intro

Beautiful Oahu – you really will have no struggles finding picture-worthy spots around the island given that you stumble upon unique and scenic places anywhere in Hawaii. Cotton candy skies, luscious palm trees, scenic beaches, and tropical jungles are just some of Oahu’s charms…
Yet, if you are looking for a specific picture opportunity or incredible inspiration, this list will be great!

This guide highlights some of the best photo ideas & gives inspiration for what to visit on your next trip.
Keep reading for some hidden gems & amazing pictures that you can save for later.


Most Instagrammable Spots in Oahu

Diamond Head

Oahu’s 300,000-year-old crater is located near the coastline of Waikīkī, making it easily accessible when in Honolulu. Hiking up Diamond Head will offer many great picture opportunities with amazing views of the ocean and the city’s skyscrapers.

Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden

As probably the most popular picture-worthy spot, Ho’omaluhia offers 400 acres worth of beautiful greenery and scenic driving. A super famous spot here is right on the palm-tree-lined road with lush mountains in the background, making it look like out of the movie Jurassic Park!

Hale’iwa (North Shore)

While visiting Oahu’s North Shore, the historic hippie town of Hale’iwa has to be a must-visit on the list. Plantation-era buildings, a mural from the Global Angel Wings Project, and dreamy beaches will await you here.

Waimea Valley & Beach (North Shore)

Another spot up north you definitely cannot miss. Whether it’s walking through Waimea Valley to visit the waterfall and see tropical plants or visiting the nearby beach and doing cliff jumping – these areas are absolutely stunning to take pictures of.

Check out the perfect North Shore Itinerary, if you’re looking for more things to do here.

Waikīkī Beach

Trendy surfboards, skyscrapers, and a soft sandy beach. You’ll find all of those on Hawaii’s most known beach. Waikīkī is the perfect spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos if you enjoy the unique city-by-the-sea vibe.

Check out Oahu’s Best Beaches, if you’re looking for more suggestions.

Mānoa Falls

Hawaii wouldn’t be Hawaii without its breathtaking waterfalls, and the island of Oahu is no exception.
The short hike to Mānoa Falls leads through luscious rainforests with mesmerizing scenery. Getting to the 150-foot tall waterfall and standing on the rocks in front of it will reward you with some adventurous shots.

Lāna’i Lookout

If hiking all the way to a great photo spot isn’t for you, consider stopping at this amazing viewpoint along the SE coastline. Sitting by these unique rock formations makes for great pictures with an ocean view.

Byodo-In Temple

Having a relaxing day here doesn’t mean you won’t get any instagrammable pictures. This replica of a traditional Japanese temple is super popular on Oahu and offers astounding spots to take pictures in, such as the bridge and benches in front of the temple.

Sandy Beach Park

Aside from being known as “the beach of broken necks” due to its dangerous choppy waves, Sandy Beach has beautiful nature backdrops for pictures. The golden sand, black rocks, and green hills in the back will give you true Hawaiian vibes.

The Streets of Honolulu

Big city vibes on a tropical island? That’s totally possible in Hawaii’s capital Honolulu. Taking pictures in the city’s streets right by the beach is 100 % instagrammable while shopping at all the cute shops and boutiques underneath palm trees.

Lanikai Pillbox Hike

During this breathtaking hike, you’ll be able to see colorfully revived military bunkers and luscious greenery on Oahu’s mountain ridge. The highlight here is the views of Mokulua Islands, two little islets in stunning turquoise waters. The pictures taken here will look like you’re on top of the world!

Hikes and Viewpoints in Oahu, best beaches in Oahu, Lanikai Pillbox Hike, Kaiwa Ridge Trail, Most instagrammable places in Oahu

Interested in learning more about Oahu’s best hikes & viewpoints? Click Here

Kapi’olani Park

A normal park you might think – WRONG! Right by Waikīkī Beach and Honolulu’s city center, you can find Kapi’olani. The huge banyan trees and roots look amazing in pictures and can give your Instagram that special something.

Plus, you might find some Hawaiian Hibiscus on the ground that you can use as a cute accessory!

Kualoa Ranch

Visiting the Kuloa Ranch is a must! Not only have movies like Jurassic Park been filmed here but you can also indulge in great activities while being here – e.g. horseback riding. Regardless of what you end up doing here, the pictures will speak for themselves. Lush green mountains in a foggy landscape, exotic plants, and amazing scenery.

Honolulu by Night

Lastly, if you’re lucky enough to find yourself on a balcony or rooftop in the city of Honolulu, consider taking some pictures here during sunset when the buildings turn golden and light up.


And that wraps up the Most Instagrammable Spots in Oahu – hopefully, you found something in here that sparked your interest!
As I mentioned above, you will have no trouble finding awesome picture opportunities all over the island. This list mainly points out inspirations and ideas.

Let me know which pictures you liked the best and where you’re going to head first!

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

Still looking for more Oahu travel tips? Check out these:
Oahu’s Best Beaches || A North Shore Itinerary || Best Hikes & Views

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9 Comments

  1. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden is like a dream!! I also love Byodo-In Temple!! So many beautiful spots to explore and play with the camera. Love the article and hope to visit someday.

  2. So many beautiful places! I have seen the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden a lot on IG, looks stunning! Would love to visit Oahu, since I have only been to the Big Island! Thanks for the inspiration

  3. Oahu has always been a dream of mine and your photos made me want to explore it even more. So hopefully one day I’ll be able to visit. Thanks for sharing your tips and beautiful photos.

  4. Oahu is so beautiful. You found some amazing spots to take photos. I like the surfboard line looking toward the beach the best.