The words that best describe Hawaii are sunny, sandy, and stunning. With so many natural wonders, it’s no wonder that Hawaii is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world! It’s just impossible to take a bad photo here. When you head over to Waikiki, Oahu, you’ll need all the time in the world to take in the surfing, sunsets, and skyline.
Best Western The Plaza Hotel is home (for at least a few weeks!) to tourists and locals in Hawaii. What makes us the best? We understand how photos are the best way to capture your memories in the Aloha State. We’ve put together a list of some of the best places to take photos in Waikiki, so go get your cameras ready now!
Photo Location 1: Laniakea Beach
📍Distance from hotel: 28.0 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
Let’s start with the farthest from the Best Western The Plaza Hotel. Laniakea Beach is a bit far from the hotel, but it’s absolutely worth the drive! Laniakea Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the North Shore of Oahu; it’s first on our list of the best places to take photos in Oahu.
Best known for its sea turtles, you’re almost guaranteed to see a few gentle giants sunbathing on the sand. But don’t just focus on the turtles! The sparkling blue water and soft white sand make for some stunning photos. You’ll instantly forget about the long-ish travel time when you see the views from Laniakea.
Photo Location 2: Lanikai Beach
📍Distance from hotel: 21.3 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
Take note! We didn’t repeat Laniakea Beach! Lanikai Beach is a different location and one of the most popular beaches on Oahu. Lanikai means “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian, which we think is pretty accurate.
The water here is an unreal turquoise color, and the soft sand looks like it’s been imported from the Caribbean. The views of the nearby Mokulua Islands are simply breathtaking. You’ll definitely want to spend a few hours (or even the whole day!) at Lanikai Beach. Our tip would be to be there for sunrise. The beach is the best place to watch the sun peek over the horizon.
Photo Location 3: Spitting Caves
📍Distance from hotel: 16.9 mi
Rating: ★★★★☆
If you’re looking for a different beach experience, head to Spitting Caves. The best time to visit is during high tide when the waves are at their biggest. But be careful — the waves can get big and dangerous, so stay back from the edge of the cave. Stay safe in your search for the best photo opts in Waikiki!
The best part about Spitting Caves? The views! You’ll get a great view of the coastline from inside the cave. If you time it right, you might even be able to get a photo of the waves crashing into the cave.
Photo Location 4: Hanauma Bay
📍Distance from hotel: 16.7 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu. Even if you don’t want to get in the water, it’s still worth a visit! The bay is surrounded by coral reefs, so the fish are incredibly colorful. It’s definitely one of our favorite locations for photo opts in Hawaii.
Hanauma Bay is also a great place to watch the sunset. The bay faces west, so you’ll get a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful sunsets in the country.
Photo Location 5: Waikiki Wall
📍Distance from hotel: 9.4 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
We’re getting closer to the hotel, and the Waikiki Wall is where you’ll want to be for sunsets. This is a man-made rock wall built to protect Waikiki Beach, but it’s become one of the most famous sunset spots on the island.
The wall is the perfect place to watch the sun dip below the horizon. You might even be able to get a photo of the famous Waikiki skyline. Just imagine the astonishing photos you could take from the Waikiki Wall! The surfers are your foreground, and the cityscape is the background.
Photo Location 6: Kaimana Beach
📍Distance from hotel: 9.0 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
You just can’t run out of beaches in Hawaii. Kaimana Beach is another one of our favorites. You’ll meet other tourists and locals here enjoying the sun, sand, and surf. The beach is also another great place to watch the sunset!
While the beach is near the hotel, it doesn’t get as crowded as Waikiki Beach. With enough patience and creativity, the beach can have one of the best photo opts in Oahu! You will still have to try your best to get other people out of your shot, but it’ll be worth getting that perfect photo of the sun setting over the ocean.
Photo Location 7: Kalakaua Avenue
📍Distance from hotel: 8.0 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
Take a break from the beach and explore Kalakaua Avenue! This is the main street in Waikiki, full of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the perfect place to do some souvenir shopping or grab a bite to eat.
Kalakaua Avenue is also one of the best places to take photos of life in Waikiki. The street is lined with palm trees, so you’ll get a perfect frame for your photo. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to get a photo of the famous Diamond Head in the background.
Photo Location 8: Magic Island
📍Distance from hotel: 6.8 mi
Rating: ★★★★★
If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, head over to Magic Island. You can walk, run, or bike around like you have all the time in your hands. It’s an excellent place to take in all your experiences in Hawaii.
Of course, Magic Island is also a great place to take photos. The island has many open spaces, so you can get creative with your shots. You can even get a photo of the Honolulu skyline in the background!
Mahalo, Hawaii!
These are only some of the best places to take photos in Hawaii. Honestly, you’re bound to find a beautiful place to snap a picture anywhere in Waikiki. Make the most of your trip and take as many photos as possible! Who knows? You might even be able to capture the magic of Hawaii in one frame. Explore Hawaii and let Best Western The Plaza Hotel take care of your comfort after a long day of adventure!
