O'ahu Location Guide
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise and sunset. It’s usually bright and sunny, with a mix of greenery, rock, and beach. In the winter months, the tide runs higher and the waves pick up, so there’s often less beach to work with. It’s generally quiet during the week, but weekends can get busy. I recommend shooting here at sunrise if you’ve booked a weekend spot, as the evenings can be crowded on weekends. The light is soft here during sunrise and a bit more intense for sunset. The photo of the family was taken at sunset, the portrait was taken at sunrise.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise and sunset. Kualoa Park is an amazing choice if you want both beach and mountain scenery options in one spot. It’s beautiful at sunrise and sunset, these photos were taken at sunrise! I recommend this location any day of the week, weekends can be a bit busier.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. Kahana Bay is a stunning location for sunrise. For sunset, it can be busy and get dark quickly. It is surrounded by tall green mountains that wrap around the entire bay. If you’re hoping for sunny photos, sunrise is your best bet, the light comes through the mountains beautifully in the morning. During the winter, there are a handful of days when the waves break here and the beach fills with surfers. If that happens around your session date, I’ll reach out a few days beforehand so we can choose a different location.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunset. Secret Beach is a gorgeous spot with a beautiful beach, greenery, and access to the Kualoa Ranch docks, which look out toward the mountains. It sits just behind Kualoa Park. That said, it does require about a half-mile walk to get in. If you’re planning to bring a wagon, small children, or anything heavy, this may not be the most convenient option. The walk also takes about 15 minutes. The docks aren’t guaranteed; they operate on a first-come first-served basis. If you’re up for the walk, this location is absolutely worth it.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. This spot is perfect if you’re looking for lots of greenery. It sits right across from Kahana Bay, so if you’ve booked a one-hour session, we can easily use both locations. It’s beautiful at both sunrise and sunset, but I especially love it for sunrise, the light comes out right behind the mountains and looks amazing.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. Pounders is a great choice if you’re looking for a rocky beach setting. The large rock in the background adds beautiful contrast in photos. The beach is usually calm, though weekends can get a bit busier. There’s a path that leads onto the top of the rock as well that overlooks the water, photos from up there would be beautiful.
(Outside of travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. This spot is stunning for sunrise! I would only recommend it for a sunrise session since this beach is very busy for sunset. However, the light is beautiful here for a sunrise session. If you're wanting sunny, dreamy beach photos, this is a great spot!
(Outside of travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. This location is my favorite for sunrise, it's beautiful for sunset as well. It offers lots of rock and beach, as well as some greenery. The sun rises right over the mountains & lighthouse in the background, it's beautiful.
(Outside of travel radius) Recommended for sunrise and sunset. This spot has a great mix of greenery & beach. It's a beautiful location for either sunrise or sunset, these photos were taken during sunrise! This beach can get busy, but there is a long stretch of beach to work with.
(Outside of travel radius) Recommended for sunset. The Ko Olina lagoons are perfect for those staying at a resort in Ko Olina, as this spot is right behind the Marriott and the Aulani. This location is typically sunny and offers a mix of rock, greenry, and beach!
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise and sunset. Laie Point is a beautiful rocky spot that overlooks the ocean. It's right next to bikini beach, so you're able to do both locations! Parking can be limited at this spot.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunrise and sunset. Bikini Beach is such a fun location that offers a beautiful mix of rock, beach, and some greenery. It’s perfect for anyone wanting playful, adventurous photos. If you’re hoping to get in the ocean during your session, this is an amazing spot for that! Just keep in mind that parking can be a bit limited.
(Outside of travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. Halona Beach Cove is such a unique and absolutely stunning location! There are so many fun spots to shoot at within this location. I do not recommend this spot for maternity or young children, since the entrance is a steep walk down.
(Outside of travel radius) Recommended for sunrise. This spot is perfect for those wanting classic beach photos and beautiful sunrise lighting. Parking is easy, there's a parking lot right next to the beach.
(In travel radius) Recommended for sunset. Chun's is one of my favorite North Shore beach locations! It offers a mix of rock, greenry and beach. It's not busy on weekdays and can sometimes be busy on the weekend. Parking is easy.
The locations listed below are spots I have not yet shot at, but I would love to try out! Since I would love to try these new spots, all travel fees are waived for this section! :)
- Waialae Beach Park (South Side)
- Lania Lookout (South Side)
- Spitting Caves (South Side)
- Botanical Gardens (East Shore)