THE BEST INSTAGRAM SPOTS ON OAHU

My Instagram never looked better than after living in Oahu for 7 weeks. While there’s various opportunities for photo spots, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites from my experience living on the island.

Here are the best Instagram spots on Oahu

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

These super lush gardens are a really popular photo spot! A friend and I were able to come to the garden super early and asked the guard if it was okay to snap a photo and he had said yes. However, due to its popularity they now have lined the entry street with bright orange cones and ‘no photography’ signs. Luckily, there are tons of other streets in the gardens to snap a photo!

Makapu'u Tidepools

If you put Makapu’u Tidepools in your GPS there will be a few parking lots that pop up. The Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail is the easiest way to reach the tidepools. However, if you plan on driving, come early in the morning because the parking lots have limited spaces.

Byodo-In Temple

This is hands down one of the most Instagrammable spots in Oahu. There is a $5 entrance fee (cash only) but it’s totally worth the visit. There were several visitors so the earlier in the day the better.

Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach was the first beach I visited on the island and is said to be one of the best beaches in the entire world. The beach has soft white sand, calm blue water and an incredible view.

East Side Sideways Palm Trees

Let me say, getting up here was way harder than it looks. It was quite windy so climb at your own risk! I stumbled across numerous palm trees while driving along the East side of the island. There are also a ton of tree swings that would be great photo props as well.

Makaha Beach

If you are looking for the perfect beach to watch the sun go down, look no further than Makaha Beach. The west side of Oahu has some of the most beautiful beaches and is less touristy.

Kaneohe Sandbar

I will never forget my experiences at the Kaneohe Sandbar. I was able to sail a boat for the first time in my life to the sandbar and was also able to sail upon a catamaran out to watch the Blue Angels the next time out. The Kaneohe Sandbar sits on a little white beach and is surrounded by a coral reef in the middle of the ocean at low tide.

Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay Beach Park is one of the most beautiful yet touristy beaches on the North Shore. It is ideal to snorkel, swim, boogie board, surf or even cliff jump. The park also offers public bathrooms and outdoor showers so visitors can rinse off before leaving.

Sharks Cove

If you enjoy underwater photography, Shark’s Cove is the best spot on the island. The cove is filled with a variety of marine life that is perfect for snorkeling. Free divers and scuba divers also have numerous areas to explore.

Halona Beach Cove

The Halona Beach Cove is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Oahu. To get to the cove you must travel down steep rocky stairs. You can also get a top-down view of the Halona Blowhole lookout. Parking is limited so arrive early if you can.

Manoa Falls

If you are looking to snap a quick picture with a waterfall, I'd recommend Manoa Falls. The hike is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail and only takes a few hours to complete.

Lanikai Pillbox

If you put “Lanikai Pillbox Hike” in Google Maps, it will take you right to the start of the trail. There is no parking at the beginning of the trail, so you will want to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. The pillboxes at the top of the hikes are filled with colorful graffiti and offer a nice view of the ocean.

Beach Side Hot Tub

I saw this spot on another bloggers site and searched high and low for the approximate location. After wandering Ala Moana Beach Park in Waikiki I finally found it!

Three Peaks/Olomana Trail

You can never go wrong with a picture after a treacherous hike and this was by far one of the hardest hikes I ever did on the island. It made the picture that much more rewarding.

Some links in this post are affiliate links—at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you purchase products through these links. Additionally, as an Amazon Associate, I earn when you book through these links below.

SHOP MY FAVORITE CAMERA ESSENTIALS!