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Beautiful Hawaii Photography Tour

Location: Waikiki, Oahu

Tour Highlights

See Oʻahu the way photographers dream of it, lava cliffs, rolling surf, emerald mountains, and beaches so bright they feel illuminated from within. With a local photo expert leading the way, every stop becomes a chance to create the kind of images people swear must be postcards.

  • Shoot from exclusive local lookouts with sweeping views of Honolulu, Diamond Head, and Oʻahu’s volcanic backbones.
  • Capture wave drama and cinematic coastlines at spots like Lanai Lookout, Halona Blowhole, and Sandy Beach.
  • Wander postcard-perfect beaches at Makapuʻu and Waimanalo, where turquoise water and white sand practically compose the shot for you.
  • Learn pro techniques hands-on as your guide helps refine your angles, settings, and storytelling through the lens.
  • End the day above Honolulu’s golden skyline, photographing the island’s soft sunset light from Tantalus Lookout.

Quick Local Tip: At Lanai Lookout, don’t just shoot from the railing, instead angle your lens slightly southwest toward the lava shelf coastline. The diagonal lines of the rock, the crashing swell, and the morning side-light create one of the island’s cleanest natural leading-lines compositions. Most visitors miss it because they only point straight out to sea.

What to Expect

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Waikiki, where your guide will welcome you into a comfortable, Wi-Fi-equipped vehicle and introduce the day’s route. Unlike rushed bus tours, this intimate group experience offers plenty of time to absorb the surroundings, get photo tips, and enjoy each stop without feeling crowded.

Your first stop brings you to a scenic overlook high above Waikiki, offering panoramic views of the skyline and the iconic Diamond Head crater. This vantage point sets the tone for the day with dramatic landscapes, thoughtful composition, and authentic island moments.

Heading east along the coast, you’ll photograph the jagged sea cliffs of Lanai Lookout and pause to watch ocean spray shoot skyward at the Halona Blowhole. If conditions allow, you'll also explore nearby Eternity Beach, a cove immortalized in classic Hollywood films. At Sandy Beach, capture the raw power of crashing waves—one of Oahu’s favorite spots for wave photography.

Continuing along the windward coast, you'll arrive at Makapuʻu Lookout, where deep blue waters meet rugged lava cliffs under a wide Hawaiian sky. Just up the road lies Waimanalo Bay, often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. Here, the white sand and turquoise water offer the perfect contrast for vibrant shoreline images. Midday, the group pauses for a local-style lunch at Ono Steaks & Shrimp Shack in Waimanalo, known for its garlic shrimp, fish tacos, and laid-back atmosphere. After lunch, enjoy a sweet treat from Leonard’s Bakery. 

From there, you’ll head inland to the historic Pali Lookout, where fierce winds and panoramic views greet you at the site of a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, the Battle of Nuʻuanu. Your guide will share the story of King Kamehameha’s unification of Oahu while you capture images of the dramatic Koʻolau cliffs that frame the valley below.

The final stop is Tantalus Lookout, perched high above Honolulu. As the light softens in the late afternoon, you’ll shoot sweeping views of the city, coastline, and volcanic ridges beyond for a peaceful end to a visually rich day. Then it's a comfortable return to Waikiki, memory cards full and spirits high.

Included

  • Local photography guide with expert knowledge of Oahu’s landscapes
  • Assistance with camera settings, composition, and framing
  • Free tripod use
  • Free Wi-Fi in vehicle
  • Rain gear (if needed)
  • One malasada from Leonard’s Bakery
  • Private tour upgrade available  (max 14 guests)

What to Bring

  • Any camera (smartphones, point-and-shoots, DSLRs welcome)
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
  • A light jacket for cooler lookout points
  • Refillable water bottle or beverage of choice
  • Coffee if desired (no early coffee stop)
  • Extra batteries and memory cards
  • Minimal personal items—nothing is left in the van at stops

Sites You May Visit

  • Waikiki Lookout – Honolulu Skyline & Diamond Head Crater
  • Lanai Lookout – Dramatic cliffs and whale-watching potential
  • Halona Blowhole – Iconic lava tube and ocean spray views
  • Sandy Beach Lookout – Powerful waves and surf action
  • Makapuʻu Lookout – Rugged sea cliffs and distant islets
  • Waimanalo Bay – White sand beach with turquoise waters
  • Ono Steaks & Shrimp Shack – Local lunch stop (food not included)
  • Leonard’s Bakery – Malasada treat (included)
  • Pali Lookout – Historic battleground with valley views
  • Tantalus Lookout – Cityscape from a tropical mountain ridge

Duration

5.5 hours

Address

We pick you up at your hotel in Waikiki. If your hotel is outside of Waikiki, which is from the Ala Moana Hotel to the end of Kalakaua, we ask you to make your way to the paid parking area of the Honolulu Zoo.

Cancellation Policy

To receive a full refund you must contact us within 48 hours of your tour. Any time after that we will charge a $25 cancellation fee per person and it will take up to two weeks to refund the remaining balance, but we will work with you to reschedule. If you do not cancel by closing hours (5:30 HST) of the day before your tour no refund will be given.

Book now!