Oahu Photowalk Itinerary

Explore Oahu: The Ultimate Photo Walk Travel Itinerary

While Honolulu and the North Shore are famous, there's so much more to discover if you're willing to explore the rest of the island.

Day 1: Arrival and Sunrise at Sandy Beach

Early Morning:

• Arrival at Honolulu International Airport

  • Pick up your rental car and head east.

  • Sunrise at Sandy Beach

    • Capture the sunrise over the water with crashing waves against the rocks. This is a prime spot for early morning photography.

    • Hike to Makapu’u Point Lighthouse

      • Enjoy a 1.5-mile hike to this historic lighthouse. It's a great spot for panoramic views and selfies. It gets very crowded here and you’ll want to arrive by 7 a.m. in order to find a parking spot.

Mid-Morning:

• Explore the Blowhole Lookout

  • Visit this natural wonder created by molten lava tubes. Look for the dramatic spouts of water and smoke.

Afternoon:

• Relax at Kailua Beach

  • Explore the town of Kailua and its beautiful beach. It’s an ideal place for beach shots and alternative accommodations to ritzy Waikiki.

Day 2: North Shore Adventures

Early Morning:

• Sunrise at Kailua Beach

  • Capture the peaceful morning light over the beach. Remember that the best colors are often seen right before sunrise.

Mid-Morning:

• Explore the North Shore

  • Visit Turtle Bay Resort for luxury shots and beautiful landscapes.

  • Shark's Cove

    • Snorkel and photograph underwater life.

Afternoon:

• Discover Small Towns and Shrimp Shacks

  • Drive through charming small towns and enjoy fresh shrimp from roadside food trucks.

Evening:

• Sunset at Sunset Beach

  • Capture the stunning sunset and stay a bit longer to photograph the vibrant colors that appear just after the sun sets.

Day 3: East and Central Oahu

Early Morning:

• Sunrise at Makapu’u Beach

  • Another great spot for sunrise photography with dramatic coastal views.

Mid-Morning:

• Visit Chinaman's Hat (Mokoli'i Island)

  • Capture this unique island that resembles a traditional Chinese hat.

Afternoon:

• Explore Haleiwa Town

  • Stroll through this surf town, known for its artistic vibe and local eateries.

Evening:

• Sunset at Pearl Harbor

  • End your day with a solemn visit to the Pearl Harbor monument and capture the sunset over the historic site.

Day 4: South Shore and Departure

Early Morning:

• Sunrise at Diamond Head

  • Hike to the top of Diamond Head for panoramic views of the island at sunrise.

Mid-Morning:

• Explore Honolulu

  • Visit key spots like Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Park for urban and beach shots.

Afternoon:

• Relax and Prepare for Departure

  • Spend your final hours revisiting favorite spots or discovering new ones around Honolulu.

Evening:

• Return to Honolulu International Airport

  • Return your rental car and prepare for departure, ensuring all your captured memories are stored safely.

Photography Tips for Oahu

1. Best Times for Photos: Early morning and around sunset for the best lighting.

2. Gear: Bring a tripod for slow exposures and time-lapses. A selfie stick is handy for group shots.

3. Smartphone Tips: Use the iPhone’s long exposure feature in live photos for smooth water effects.

4. Stay Safe: Be cautious at beaches known for strong currents like Sandy Beach (also known as Breakneck Beach).