Location Ideas and Photo Samples
Halona Beach Cove
A hidden beach on the East Side of Oahu. Take a little walk down these natural rocky steps and you’ll step onto a beautiful beach cove. There’s also a hidden cave!
Optimal time: Morning Golden Hour is absolutely beautiful here and it’s best to start shooting at 6:00am-6:45am (depending on the time of the year). Afternoon is also nice around 4:30pm but there may be a crowd.
Waimanalo Beach
This location is a beautiful spot to shoot at during a morning session!
Optimal time: I usually shoot at this location around 6:30-7:00am. The lighting is perfect as the sun rises above the horizon. Unfortunately you will not be able to see the sunset at this location but if you’d like to book for an early evening session then the best time will be around 4:00-5:00pm depending on the time of the year.
Paiko Beach
This location is a newer addition to my list! This beach is close to town and easily accessible. You’ll see beautiful palms along the shore!
Optimal time: I usually shoot at this location around 3:30/4:30-5:30pm. The lighting is perfect as it shines through the palms.
Makapu’u Beach
Optimal time: I usually shoot at this location around 6:30-7:00am or at 4:30-5:00pm! The lighting is perfect as the sun rises above the horizon but also very beautiful in the afternoon!
Sherwoods Beach
One of my favorite spots to shoot at! The blue ocean and amazing mountains provide an amazing background.
Optimal time: I usually shoot at this location around 3:30/4:30-5:30pm. The lighting is perfect as it peeks over the mountains. Unfortunately you will not be able to see the sunset at this location but if you’d like to book for a morning session then the best time will be around 6:30-7:00am depending on the time of the year.
Kualoa Regional Park
One of my favorite spots to shoot at due its diversity and amazing mountains.
Optimal time: I usually shoot at this location around 3:30/4:30-5:30pm. The lighting is perfect as it peeks over the mountains. Unfortunately you will not be able to see the sunset at this location but if you’d like to book for a sunrise session then the best time will be around 6:00-6:45am depending on the time of the year.
Lanikai Beach
Optimal time: A morning session is beautiful at this location 6:00am-6:45am (depending on the time of the year). Especially since it isn’t crowded in the morning! I would just beware of booking this location on the weekend or afternoon as it does get crowded.
Sandy Beach
Sandy beach is a popular spot for surfers on the East side of the island. The sunrise at this spot is absolutely beautiful! There are rocks, tidepools and the beautiful Koko Head Mountain in the background.
Optimal time: Morning Golden Hour is absolutely beautiful here and it’s best to start shooting at 6:00am-6:45am (depending on the time of the year). Afternoon sessions are nice also! Usually around 4:00-5:00pm is best but it may get crowded and parking will be harder to find.
Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens (Permit needed)
This tropical garden is open to the public, the only thing is we will need to obtain a permit to legally shoot here. It’s such a huge park and there’s so many amazing spots to explore and shoot at. The mountain view all the way at the top is priceless
Optimal time: Because of the heavy greenery surrounding us, we will definitely need more light. I found it best to shoot at this location around 2:00pm-3:00pm since the park closes at 4:00pm. Earlier morning is nice too! Anything around 9/9:30am will work great since the park opens at 9:00am. I would avoid 12:00-1:00pm as the lighting will be directly above us creating shadows and harsh lighting.
Polo Beach
This beach can be found on the North Side of the Island. This location thrives with diversity. Mountains, oceans and greenery all in one!
Optimal time: Most of these photos were taken around 5:00pm-6:30pm. Although it’s never guaranteed, you may see some horses along the trail to the beach! Due to the constant changes of the surf, the famous drifted tree trunk may be placed in different spots.
