Most Instagrammable Spots to Visit in Oahu
Looking for the most Instagrammable places in Oahu? The island's white-sand beaches, warm turquoise ocean waters, majestic surf, and lush jungle landscapes aren't just a place for endless adventure — they set the scene for Insta-worthy photographs.
No trip to Hawaii is complete without sharing the beauty of the islands with friends and family on your social media channels. So where are the best places to take pictures in Oahu?
Up Before the Sun
• Koko Crater
Take a pre-dawn hike up the mostly paved Koko Crater Railway Trail to reach one of the most famous Honolulu Instagram spots. Known as Koko Crater, the elevation of the former military site overlooks much of the island and offers stunning views of the sunrise each morning.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Take Kilauea Ave to Kalanianaole Hwy HI-72
Driving time: 30 minutes
• Puu Ualakaa State Park
Another terrific spot to capture the Oahu sunrise on Instagram is Puu Ualakaa State Park. The easily accessible picnic spot offers a truly breathtaking panorama of Honolulu that stretches from Diamond Head across the city skyline, with the glistening Pacific Ocean in the background.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Follow Prince Edward St to Ala Wai Blvd
Driving time: 20 minutes
Capture the Breakers
• Waikiki Beach
There's a reason Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous photography spots in Oahu. The beach's rolling surf and a myriad of activities make it one of the most fun-filled places in Hawaii. From surfing lessons to scuba diving to kite surfing, Waikiki offers opportunities for Instagrammable moments you'll never forget.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Right outside the main lobby!
Driving time: No driving needed. Just a few steps from the hotel
• Diamond Head Beach
Looking for more local surf spots to capture Hawaiian waves on Instagram? The waves are plentiful at Diamond Head Beach, where lush hedgerows border the sands and the island's more experienced surfers take to the waves on a daily basis.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Head northeast from Prince Edward St to Kalakaua Ave
Driving time: 8 minutes
Gorgeous Scenery
• Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail
Oahu's numerous hiking trails offer a wide variety of excellent Instagram spots that will inspire and delight your followers. The views from the Makapu'u Lighthouse, reached by a relatively easy hike, offer an incredible panoramic view of the Oahu coast. From here, you might be able to catch a glimpse of whales frolicking in the waters.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: ake Kilauea Ave to Kalanianaole Hwy HI-72 onto Makapuu Lighthouse Road
Driving time: 35 minutes
• Waimea Falls Park
Looking to capture the majesty of inland Oahu? Lush tropical forests, interesting birdlife, and cascading waterfalls can all be captured on camera when you visit Waimea Falls Park. In addition to the gorgeous falls themselves, the easily navigable hiking trail offers up-close views of a variety of species of Hawaiian flowers.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Take Ala Wai Blvd and McCully St to I-H-1 West
Driving time: 1 hour
Aloha Ahiahi (Good Evening)
• Shark's Cove
Day's end on Oahu may bring a tinge of sadness, but the sunset on the island is often an unforgettable experience - one that can be captured at some of Honolulu's most Instagrammable spots. Capture the light of the setting sun play off the rocky shores of Shark's Cove, one of the island's most famous locations to capture a Hawaiian sunset.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Take Ala Wai Blvd and McCully St to I-H-1 West
Driving time: 1 hour
• Kaka'ako Waterfront Park
Kaka'ako Waterfront Park allows visitors to pull right into a large parking lot overlooking the Oahu Waterfront, making it one of the most easily accessible places to capture an Oahu sunset on Instagram. The park's numerous palm trees and rolling green lawns make it a terrific spot to capture the setting Hawaiian sun, but also for family portraits and engagement photos.
Directions from Waikiki Resort: Take Ala Wai Blvd to Kapiolani Blvd and Ala Moana Blvd
Driving time: 15 minutes
Mino'aka! (Smile)
Oahu is so full of stunning landscapes and spectacular ocean views, you really can't go wrong if whether your intention is to share your trip with friends or to simply set your Instagram profile to new heights. Check with the friendly front desk staff at the Waikiki Resort Hotel who will happily share their favorite Oahu locations to capture on Instagram.