10 Best Photo Spots in Oahu, Hawaii (2026 Guide)
The best photo spots in Oahu are concentrated on the island’s east and west sides — not in Waikiki. My top picks: Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise, the Kaneohe Sandbar for mid-ocean shots, and Koko Head’s 1,000+ stairs for the workout-with-a-view. All 10 spots below are free to visit.
The first few times I visited Oahu, I thought it was overrated. Then I realized that was because I was spending all my time in Waikiki. Once I ventured out, Oahu became my favorite Hawaiian island — delicious food, gnarly hikes, warm clear water, and endless photo spots. Skip Waikiki and head straight for the east side — that’s where Oahu actually shines.
10 Best Photo Spots in Oahu
1. Pali Notches — Currently Closed
2026 update: Pali Notches has been closed indefinitely since March 2026 over safety concerns — check AllTrails for the current status before planning around it. When it was open, it was the coolest hike I’ve done on Oahu: a few notches you climb up and down using ropes, with steep drop-offs on both sides. Not for the faint of heart, and super windy up there (weirdly, the wifi signal was great).
2. Pali Puka
Right across from Pali Notches and slightly less terrifying — the steep drop-offs are only on one side instead of two. At the end you climb down to a cave-like hole that perfectly frames the view. A great alternative if Pali Notches feels like too much.
3. Lanikai Pillbox (Kaiwa Ridge Trail)
An easy hike with insane payoff: baby-blue Lanikai waters spread out below you. At the pillbox you can hop up for a photo that makes it look like you’re sitting high in the sky (you’re really not that far off the ground — don’t worry). Go at sunrise for the best light. 2026 update: parking is now banned all day on the Lanikai loop streets — park at Kailua Beach Park and walk 10–20 minutes, or just take an Uber.
4. Secret Island
If you want a natural runway leading to unobstructed views of Oahu’s green ridges, this is it. (I’m not 100% sure “Secret Island” is the real name — it’s the closest thing I could find on Google Maps.) We parked at the nearest lot, walked through trees to a beach, then down the beach through more trees to find this spot. Worth the mini-adventure.
5. Kewalo Basin
There’s this random circular structure in the ocean where Ala Moana Park meets Kewalo Basin Park, and it looks cool in photos. Honest take: the water was deeper than expected and there was trash around, so it’s a look-don’t-swim spot. Still worth seeing if you’re in the area.
6. Makapu’u Tide Pools
Perfect for photos AND for swimming and chilling with friends while ocean spray mists over you. The hike down isn’t long but it’s all loose rock — take your time. The rocks in the pools are slippery with moss, and you’ll spot fish, crabs, and all kinds of little sea creatures. Check surf conditions before you go; skip it when the surf is high.
7. Kaneohe Sandbar
My second favorite spot on the island — you’re literally hanging out in the middle of the ocean with 360-degree views. You need a boat to get here (kayaking is possible too), which means no crowds. Bring snacks and good company; this is the spot.
8. Mermaid Caves (Nanakauli)
A great cliff-jumping spot with plenty of holes to jump through into the ocean — none of the jumps are too high. At low tide you can walk down inside the cave itself. Only go at low tide and calm seas — this spot has a serious injury history, so check conditions carefully.
9. Maili Pillbox (Pink Pillbox)
A lesser-known pillbox hike on the west side — and the pillboxes are actually pink! Not a hard hike, with nice views over the island’s drier west coast. Way fewer people than Lanikai.
10. Koko Head Stairs
Thinking about the Stairway to Heaven? Try Koko Head first — around 1,048 steps straight up an old railway track, and it’s a serious workout. (Note: the actual Haiku Stairs are closed to the public and being removed — don’t attempt them.) You’ll share the trail with locals who run it for exercise, which tells you everything about the difficulty. The view from the top is worth every step.
Tips for Photographing Oahu
- Rent a car or use Uber. The best spots are spread across the island, far from Waikiki.
- Sunrise > sunset for the east-side spots like Lanikai Pillbox and Makapu’u.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Check surf and tide conditions before tide pools, caves, and the sandbar.
Love photo-spot guides? Check out my 10 most Instagrammable spots in Barcelona and my swim with flamingos in Aruba guide for more island adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best photo spots in Oahu?
Lanikai Pillbox, Kaneohe Sandbar, Koko Head Stairs, Makapu’u Tide Pools, and the Pali Notches are my top picks. They’re spread across the east and west sides of the island — skip Waikiki and rent a car to reach them all.
Is Oahu worth visiting compared to other Hawaiian islands?
Yes — I thought Oahu was overrated until I left Waikiki. The east side has the island’s best hikes, beaches, and photo spots. It has the most variety of any Hawaiian island: city, hikes, and beaches all in one.
Can you still hike the Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs)?
No. The Haiku Stairs are closed to the public and the structure is being removed. Hiking them is illegal and dangerous. Koko Head Stairs are the legal alternative with a similar stair-climb workout.
How many days do you need in Oahu?
Four to five days is ideal — enough for the east-side hikes and photo spots, a beach day, and exploring Honolulu’s food scene without rushing.
Do you need a car in Oahu?
For the photo spots in this guide, yes — or budget for Ubers. TheBus covers the island but won’t get you to trailheads efficiently. Waikiki itself is walkable, but everything good is outside it.
