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Circle Island Sunrise Photography Tour

Location: Waikiki, Oahu

Tour Highlights

Witness Oʻahu through a photographer’s eye as your guide brings you to each location at the exact moment the light is most dramatic, teaching you how to capture it like a pro. This full-day sunrise adventure blends world-class scenery with hands-on instruction, giving you images (and skills) that a normal circle-island tour could never deliver.

  • Catch the best sunrise at Sandy Beach with a pre-sunrise hotel pickup that gets you set up before golden hour begins.
  • Experience a full Circle Island route designed around changing light, giving you opportunities to shoot a variety of environments at their optimal times.  
  • Travel in a true small group (max 7), giving you space to shoot, ask questions, and compose freely without crowds edging into your frame.
  • Get hands-on photography coaching all day long, including help with exposure, composition, shutter speed, and even smartphone techniques for guests without traditional cameras.
  • Use provided tripods at key stops for long exposures, wave photography, sunrise shots, and any low-light scenes where stability makes the difference.

Quick Local Tip: When shooting at Byodo-In Temple, most visitors walk clockwise. Instead, step off to the right side of the main walkway and crouch low. This angle lets you frame the red temple with its perfect reflection in the pond and removes most of the foot traffic from your shot.

What to Expect

The tour begins an hour before sunrise with pickup from your Waikiki hotel. You’ll join a small group of no more than seven guests and your photography guide, who’s not only an expert in capturing light and landscapes but also deeply familiar with Oahu’s rich history and geography. First stop: Sandy Beach on the island’s rugged eastern shore, where powerful waves crash under the first golden rays of sun. Tripods are set up, camera settings dialed in, and the day begins with a truly unforgettable shoot.

From there, you'll travel along the Kaiwi coastline, pausing at scenic lookouts for wide-angle shots of sea cliffs and rolling waves. In Waimanalo, the dramatic backdrop of the Koʻolau Mountains offers another chance to hone your composition. A quick stop at Kalapawai Market in Kailua allows time for breakfast and coffee (not included), followed by a visit to Leonard’s Bakery where you’ll enjoy a classic malasada—warm, fluffy, and sugar-dusted (included).

We then head toward the tranquil Byodo-In Temple nestled in the lush Valley of the Temples. Its dramatic architecture and koi-filled pond provide a serene contrast to the wild coastline and mountain views. After ringing the peace bell and capturing your favorite angles, you'll continue north.

Along the way, you'll explore Kualoa Beach Park, home to panoramic views of Mokoli‘i Island (also known as Chinaman’s Hat), and then stop at the Kahuku fruit stands, where you can sample exotic tropical produce and fresh coconut juice (not included). If the season is right, turtles may be spotted lounging in the sun at Turtle Beach, or you might catch world-class surfers charging the legendary waves at Banzai Pipeline.

Your final stop is Haleʻiwa, a historic surf town filled with colorful shops, local art galleries, and laid-back charm. There's time to explore, grab lunch from a local food truck, and review the day's photos before the return drive to Waikiki.

From sunrise on volcanic sands to afternoon shadows in temple courtyards, this tour is crafted to give you both the best photo ops on Oahu and the stories behind them.

Included

  • Professional photography guide
  • Hands-on camera instruction and compositional tips
  • Tripod use (1 per guest)
  • One malasada from Leonard’s Bakery
  • Admission to Byodo-In Temple
  • Transportation in air-conditioned van
  • Wi-Fi on board
  • Rain gear (if needed)
  • Private tour upgrade available (max 14 guests)

Requirements

  • Maximum 7 guests per group
  • All camera types welcome (DSLR, mirrorless, smartphone, drone)
  • Guests must carry all personal items—nothing is left in the van
  • Moderate walking required at certain stops
  • Not suitable for children under 5

What to Bring

  • Your camera and extra batteries/memory cards
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
  • Light jacket for cooler morning temps
  • Reusable water bottle or drink
  • Cash or card for food, drinks, and optional souvenirs
  • Coffee (we won’t stop for it until later in the morning)

Tour Stops May Include:

  • Sandy Beach
  • Kaiwi Coast Lookouts
  • Waimanalo & Koʻolau Mountains
  • Kalapawai Market (breakfast stop)
  • Leonard’s Bakery (malasada included)
  • Byodo-In Temple (admission included)
  • Kualoa Beach Park ("Chinaman’s Hat")
  • Kahuku Fruit Stands (snacks not included)
  • Turtle Beach (seasonal turtle sightings)
  • Banzai Pipeline (seasonal surf viewing)
  • Haleʻiwa Town

Duration

10 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.

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