Photo: Ossewa · CC BY-SA 4.0Photo Spots
The best photo spots in Honolulu: Diamond Head from Waikiki, the summit trail, Magic Island sunsets, Kakaako murals, Tantalus lookouts and the Makapuu coast.
Honolulu is a photographer's city of turquoise water, volcanic craters and green mountains.
The crater of Diamond Head rises behind Waikiki in countless photos, the hotel towers line a long curve of sand, and the steep ridges of the Koolau Range glow green behind the city, often crowned with rainbows after a passing shower.
The city rewards shooters who plan around the light: early mornings bring calm water, soft color and empty beaches, while evenings bring golden light on Waikiki and sunsets over the Pacific.
This guide is built from real, specific locations, organized so you can shoot skyline panoramas, iconic Instagram frames, views from above, night scenes, sunsets, water views and architecture.
Bring a wide lens for beaches and murals, a telephoto lens to bring Diamond Head closer from Magic Island, and a waterproof case for days on the water.
The top pick in each category, at a glance.
| Category | Our pick | |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Diamond Head from Waikiki | 📍 View |
| Skyline Views | Magic Island | 📍 View |
| Most Iconic & Instagrammable Spots | Diamond Head from Kuhio Beach | 📍 View |
| Views From Above: Observation Decks & High Points | Diamond Head summit | 📍 View |
| Spots to Photograph Honolulu at Night | Waikiki from Magic Island | 📍 View |
| Sunset Spots | Magic Island | 📍 View |
| Views From the Water | Sunset catamaran | 📍 View |
| Aesthetic Streets & Architecture | Iolani Palace | 📍 View |
📍 Waikiki
◷ Morning
The classic view of the crater rising behind the beach, surfers and palm trees.
Where to shoot: Stand at Kuhio Beach or on the Kapahulu Groin and look east toward the crater.
Pro tip: Come early for calm water, soft light and fewer people on the sand.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Diamond Head
◷ Morning
A sweeping view of Waikiki, the city and the coast from the rim of the crater.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the summit platforms looking west over Waikiki.
Pro tip: Reserve one of the first entry slots for gentle light and cooler temperatures.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Ala Moana
◷ Sunset
A lagoon and a seawall with views of the Waikiki skyline and Diamond Head.
Where to shoot: Walk to the tip of the peninsula and shoot east toward Waikiki.
Pro tip: Use a telephoto lens to compress the towers and the crater.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Tantalus
◷ Golden hour
A hilltop lookout over the whole city, from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the main lookout terrace facing the ocean.
Pro tip: Check the park's closing time, as the gate closes in the evening.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Kakaako
◷ Morning
Large, colorful murals on warehouse walls, renewed regularly by local and international artists.
Where to shoot: Shoot from across the street to capture each wall in full.
Pro tip: Weekend mornings are quiet, and the light is even on many walls.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Waikiki
◷ Morning
The bronze statue of the surfing legend, often draped with lei.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the beach side with the statue against the sky.
Pro tip: Come early to photograph it without crowds.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Waikiki
◷ Golden hour
The pink hotel of 1927, framed by palm trees and gardens.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the beach or from the gardens on the Kalakaua Avenue side.
Pro tip: Warm afternoon light makes the pink walls glow.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 East Oahu
◷ Morning
A red-roofed lighthouse above turquoise water and offshore islands.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the lookouts near the end of the paved trail.
Pro tip: Bring a telephoto lens and watch for whales in winter.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 East Oahu
◷ Morning
A lava rock coast where waves shoot up through a blowhole.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the lookout along the highway.
Pro tip: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the spray.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Windward Oahu
◷ Sunrise
Old military bunkers above Lanikai Beach and the Mokulua Islands.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the pillboxes looking down at the beach and the islands.
Pro tip: Start before dawn and respect the residential neighborhood at the trailhead.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Nuuanu
◷ Morning
Dramatic green cliffs of the Koolau Range overlooking the windward coast.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the lookout terrace toward Kaneohe.
Pro tip: It is often very windy, so hold on to hats and gear.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Downtown
◷ Morning
The royal palace of the Hawaiian monarchy, with its grand staircase and verandas.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the lawn in front of the palace.
Pro tip: Morning light falls nicely on the facade.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Waikiki
◷ Golden hour
A huge banyan tree in the beachfront courtyard of Waikiki's oldest hotel.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the courtyard looking toward the ocean.
Pro tip: Respect hotel guests and ask before setting up a tripod.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Waikiki
◷ Late afternoon
Outrigger canoe teams paddle on the canal with the mountains in the background.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the bridges or the canal path.
Pro tip: Look for paddlers training in the late afternoon.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Hawaii Kai
◷ Morning
A curved bay in a volcanic crater with a reef visible through the clear water.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the overlook above the beach.
Pro tip: Visit early, when the water is calm and the reef is easy to see.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Windward Oahu
◷ Morning
A replica of a Japanese temple at the foot of the Koolau cliffs.
Where to shoot: Shoot across the reflecting pond toward the temple.
Pro tip: Visit early for soft light and reflections.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Chinatown
◷ Morning
Colorful stands where lei makers string flowers by hand.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the sidewalk with permission.
Pro tip: Ask before photographing people and buy a lei to support the makers.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Manoa
◷ Late afternoon
Rainbows over the green walls of Manoa Valley after a passing shower.
Where to shoot: Shoot from the University of Hawaii area looking toward the valley.
Pro tip: Keep the sun behind you and watch for light showers.
📍 View on Google Maps →
📍 Diamond Head
◷ Sunset
A small beach near Kapiolani Park with views of the Waikiki skyline.
Where to shoot: Shoot west from the sand toward the hotels.
Pro tip: Stay for blue hour, when the city lights come on.
📍 View on Google Maps →Honolulu's skyline is best seen from its hills, from the water and from the beaches around Waikiki. The towers with Diamond Head behind them make golden hour and blue hour especially photogenic.
◷ Sunset
Waikiki and Diamond Head.
Pro tip: Use a telephoto lens.
◷ Golden hour
The whole city from above.
Pro tip: Check the closing time.
◷ Golden hour
City views from the forested ridge.
Pro tip: Drive the winding road slowly.
◷ Morning
Waikiki from the crater rim.
Pro tip: Reserve an early slot.
◷ Blue hour
The Waikiki skyline from the east.
Pro tip: Use a tripod.
◷ Sunset
Waikiki towers across the water.
Pro tip: Shoot from the beach.
◷ Golden hour
The city and the harbor.
Pro tip: Climb the grassy mounds.
◷ Morning
The beach and the hotels.
Pro tip: Watch the waves on the walkway.
◷ Daytime
The harbor and downtown.
Pro tip: Check observation deck hours.
◷ Sunset
Waikiki from the ocean.
Pro tip: Shoot from the bow.
Honolulu's most iconic images mix beaches, the crater of Diamond Head, Hawaiian history and street art. These are the spots that appear again and again on social media.
◷ Morning
The classic Waikiki view.
Pro tip: Go early.
◷ Morning
A surfing legend with lei.
Pro tip: Shoot against the sky.
◷ Golden hour
The Pink Palace.
Pro tip: Frame with palm trees.
◷ Morning
Colorful street art.
Pro tip: Shoot each wall straight on.
◷ Sunrise
Bunkers above the islands.
Pro tip: Start before dawn.
◷ Morning
A red roof above the sea.
Pro tip: Use a telephoto lens.
◷ Daytime
Colorful boards by the beach.
Pro tip: Include the ocean.
◷ Midday
A volcano-shaped modernist building.
Pro tip: Look up from the courtyard.
◷ Afternoon
A rainbow of flavors.
Pro tip: Shoot before it melts.
◷ Morning
Royal architecture.
Pro tip: Shoot from the lawn.
◷ Sunset
Silhouettes on the waves.
Pro tip: Use a fast shutter speed.
◷ Morning
Cliffs and windward views.
Pro tip: Hold on in the wind.
Honolulu's craters, ridges and lookouts offer many elevated views. The Diamond Head summit is the classic, while Tantalus, the Pali Lookout and Koko Head offer other perspectives.
◷ Morning
Waikiki from the rim.
Pro tip: Reserve ahead.
◷ Golden hour
A panoramic terrace.
Pro tip: Check closing hours.
◷ Morning
The windward coast from the cliffs.
Pro tip: Expect wind.
◷ Sunrise
Hanauma Bay and the coast from above.
Pro tip: The stairs are very steep.
◷ Daytime
The harbor from the top floor.
Pro tip: Check hours.
Honolulu glows after dark, with the lights of Waikiki reflected in the water, tiki torches along the beach and fireworks on Friday nights.
◷ Night
City lights over the water.
Pro tip: Use a tripod.
◷ Night
Fireworks over the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Pro tip: Shoot from the beach.
◷ Blue hour
The city lights below.
Pro tip: Arrive before closing time.
◷ Night
Waikiki's lit main street.
Pro tip: Use a fast lens.
◷ Blue hour
Tiki torches by the sand.
Pro tip: Shoot low.
◷ Night
Waikiki's lights across the bay.
Pro tip: Use a long exposure.
◷ Night
Neon signs and old facades.
Pro tip: Capture the mood.
◷ Night
Holiday displays at Honolulu Hale.
Pro tip: Visit in December.
◷ Night
The lit clock tower.
Pro tip: Shoot from the waterfront.
◷ Night
Stars from a quiet beach.
Pro tip: Get away from Waikiki's lights.
Honolulu sunsets glow over the Pacific from Waikiki and Ala Moana. For sunrise, head to the east and windward coasts, where the sun rises over the ocean.
◷ Sunset
Sunset over the ocean.
Pro tip: Shoot from the seawall.
◷ Sunset
Sunset with surfers and canoes.
Pro tip: Include silhouettes.
◷ Sunset
A calm sunset beach.
Pro tip: Look for reflections.
◷ Sunset
Sunset from the water.
Pro tip: Shoot from the deck.
◷ Golden hour
Golden light on the hotels.
Pro tip: Look west.
◷ Sunrise
Sunrise over the ocean.
Pro tip: Start early.
◷ Sunrise
Sunrise behind the Mokulua Islands.
Pro tip: Arrive before dawn.
◷ Sunrise
Sunrise over the coast.
Pro tip: Bring a headlamp.
◷ Sunrise
Sunrise along Diamond Head Road.
Pro tip: Park carefully.
◷ Sunset
Sunset over the city.
Pro tip: Check closing time.
The ocean surrounds Honolulu, and some of the best views of the city come from canoes, catamarans and paddleboards off Waikiki.
◷ Sunset
Waikiki and Diamond Head from the sea.
Pro tip: Shoot from the bow.
◷ Morning
Waves and the skyline.
Pro tip: Use a waterproof case.
◷ Morning
Calm water at Ala Moana.
Pro tip: Keep your phone in a dry bag.
◷ Morning
Humpbacks off the coast in winter.
Pro tip: Use a telephoto lens.
◷ Morning
Turquoise water and islets.
Pro tip: Protect your gear.
Honolulu's architecture ranges from royal buildings and coral stone churches to historic hotels, Chinatown storefronts and modernist landmarks. Murals and gardens add color across the city.
◷ Morning
Royal architecture.
Pro tip: Look for details.
◷ Morning
Walls of coral blocks.
Pro tip: Shoot the texture.
◷ Midday
Volcano-shaped chambers.
Pro tip: Look up.
◷ Daytime
Peaceful courtyards.
Pro tip: Shoot through archways.
◷ Morning
Historic storefronts.
Pro tip: Go early.
◷ Morning
Murals and warehouses.
Pro tip: Explore side streets.
◷ Golden hour
Waikiki's oldest hotel.
Pro tip: Shoot from the beach.
◷ Daytime
A historic clock tower.
Pro tip: Shoot from the pier.
◷ Morning
Giant tropical trees.
Pro tip: Use a wide lens.
◷ Daytime
Stone halls and koa wood galleries.
Pro tip: Check photo rules.
The view of Diamond Head behind Waikiki Beach, shot from Kuhio Beach or from the Kapahulu Groin, is Honolulu's classic image. For a view from above, the Diamond Head summit and Puu Ualakaa State Wayside offer sweeping panoramas of the city.
Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park offer views of the Waikiki skyline with Diamond Head, while Puu Ualakaa and the Tantalus lookouts show the whole city from above. The Diamond Head summit frames Waikiki from the east.
The murals cover warehouse walls in the blocks between Ala Moana Boulevard and Queen Street in Kakaako, between downtown and Ala Moana. Many are renewed during the annual POW! WOW! Hawaii festival, so the street art changes over time.
Manoa Valley is famous for rainbows, especially in the morning and late afternoon when showers pass and the sun is low. Look toward the mountains with the sun behind you.
Early morning offers calm water, few people and soft light on Diamond Head. Late afternoon and sunset bring golden light on Waikiki and colorful skies over the ocean. Midday light is harsh but shows the turquoise water at its brightest.
Personal photography in public places does not require a permit. Commercial shoots, professional sessions on beaches and in parks and drone flights may need permits, and drones are restricted near the airport, Pearl Harbor and military areas. Check the rules first.
