One of the best parts about going on a vacation to Hawaiʻi is taking pictures and creating memories around the state’s many landmarks and points of interest. And from the verdant green gardens of Hoʻomaluhia to the towering ridges of Lēʻahi (Diamond Head), Oʻahu has some of the best photo-op locations in all of Hawaiʻi. So if you’re looking for content to post on your Instagram or Facebook feed for the foreseeable future—or just want to capture a moment in time when you were in Hawaiʻi—check out some of these visually-appealing locales around Oʻahu.
1. Haleʻiwa Sign(s)
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One of the most iconic roadside attractions on the North Shore, there are actually two Haleʻiwa signs—one as you enter the town coming from Pūpūkea and another on the tail end of the bypass road around Haleʻiwa. Both are fantastic places to get a quick photo with the fam as you enter or exit Haleʻiwa, and the signs have truly become synonymous with Oʻahu’s beach culture.
2. The Angel Wings
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Quite possibly the most Instagrammed location in Hawaiʻi, the angel wing painting on the side of the (now closed) Anahulu’s Shave Ice and (still open) surf shop Blue Planet is the perfect frame for any photo. The wings are a part of Colette Miller’s “Global Angel Wings Project,” which started in 2012. Miller has been painting angel wings around the globe in an effort to remind everyone that “we are the angels of the earth,” and encourages everyone to take a picture with her wings and share the message on social media.
3. Sunrise Shack
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Capping out the North Shore—although there are way more photo-op spots to find—is the original Sunrise Shack right on Kamehameha Highway. Looking like a literal ray of sunshine, this bright yellow shack is known for its bulletproof coffee, acai bowls and smoothies. It’s also adorable, and is absolutely worth posing in front of—if there’s no line—for a picture or two.
4. Lanikai Pillbox
On Oʻahu’s east side, the Lanikai Pillbox reigns supreme as being one of the most visited—and photographed—landmarks in the area. It’s not a difficult hike to the summit and the view of the pillbox, and from the pillbox, is more than worth the effort. It does get crowded, especially on weekends, so it’s best to go early in the day or to try to find time on the weekday.
5. Lanikai Beach (The Mokes)
The jewel of Oʻahu’s eastern coastline, Lanikai Beach provides visitors and locals with a gorgeous stretch of sand, crystal clear blue waters and an impressive view of the two islets sitting off the coast, Nā Mokulua—commonly referred to as The Mokes. It’s one of the most idyllic beaches and views on Oʻahu, and if you can frame yourself between the two islands for a photo, you’ll have a great memory to share.
6. Haʻikū Gardens
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A lesser known locale, Haʻikū Gardens is located just below Haleiwa Joes in Kāneʻohe and is the perfect place to have a picnic or quick photoshoot. With a small pier, manicured green lawn and a variety of local flora, the area exudes that natural, tropical charm Hawaiʻi is known for. However, it is also a wedding venue, so if there is a matrimonial procession in place, you’ll have to come at another time.
7. Byodo-In Temple
Hidden amongst the ridges of the Koʻolau Mountain Range, the elegant Byodo-In Temple is one of Oʻahu’s top visitor attractions. The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple at Uji in Kyoto Prefecture of Japan, and it is a gorgeous representation of Eastern culture and styles.
8. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
A lush wonderland of local plants and flora as well as international greenery, Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden has become a bit of an Instagram phenomenon—for the wrong reason. People love taking photos of the magnificent driveway into the garden, which has an epic view of the Koʻolau Mountain Range. However, this has led to numerous traffic issues and park officials have since prohibited photography on the road. If that’s the shot you were after, don’t fret—there are way more places to photograph in the gardens.
9. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
If you want a bird’s-eye view of Kāneʻohe and Kailua—and much of Oʻahu’s east coast—head over to the Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout. Located thousands of feet above sea level, it’s a great place to capture the beauty of the island and get a high-altitude selfie. Beware, it does get windy up on the Pali and if you have long, flowing hair, you may want to bring a tie or scrunchie to keep things manageable.
10. Makapuʻu Lookout
This one requires a bit of a hike, but making it to the top of Makapuʻu Lookout provides an excellent vision—and backdrop—of the coast. You may even see whales breaching on the horizon during the Island’s whale watching season. Not only is Makapuʻu Lookout a great place to get the photo of your vacation, but it’s also a particularly fun and easy hike to do with the family, and parents will feel safe letting their keiki take the trail as it’s really just a paved road to the top.
11. Kakaʻako Murals
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Painted by some of the best mural artists in the world, the large-scale murals found along the streets of Kakaʻako—specifically around Auahi Street—are a pop of color and style for your social media feed. The street art is painted annually when POW! WOW! Hawaii brings some of the most talented international artists to Hawaiʻi for a week of art and culture.
12. Leonard’s Bakery
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There’s more to Leonard’s Bakery than its fluffy malasadas and ʻono plate lunches. The local favorite has a distinctly old-Hawaiʻi look and vibe, and its big neon sign is just asking to get its picture taken. And, of course, you have to get the staple “hand holding a malasada” photo to remember just how good the food was in Hawaiʻi.
13. Leʻahi (Diamond Head)
No trip to Oʻahu is complete without a handful of shots at the summit of Leʻahi, also known as Diamond Head. A postcard-perfect view from the top, Diamond Head has been a favorite amongst visitors and locals for literal decades. There is a reservation process now in effect for visiting hikers, so be sure to have your reservation in place before being turned away at the gate.
