Hawaii

Kaneohe

Oahu

This secluded, scenic stretch of sand is part of the massive 4000-acre Kualoa Ranch, a private cattle ranch and natural reserve. Accessible by catamaran ride across a lake, the peaceful beach offers incredible views of Oahu's east coast, the Kualoa Mountain Range and even Chinaman's Hat!

Located on the east side of Oahu, this road to five botanical gardens can be overlooked as people visiting Hawaii often seek the best hikes and beaches to go to. But as you can see from this image, this location isn't one you want to miss! The viridescent green, with a pristine road leading up to the massive mountains, is an amazing place to experience. You can even stay overnight at one of the campsites and enjoy the gardens during morning, noon and night.

Key Update: camera and mobile photography is now strictly PROHIBITED on the road, so take this beautiful scenerey in visually and hold it as a memory.

Arguably the most beautiful drives in Oahu, this highway is also rumored to be the most expensive — and it's easy to see why! Along the scenic route, you're surrounded by vibrant green mountains as the road snakes through a utopia of tropical forestry. 

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Tucked away on the east side of Oahu, this picturesque beach has surf, sand and epic views of the island sunrise. I love this place because the name of the island really does speak for itself and typically, you'll have the shoreline to yourself.

This view of Moli'l Pond, Secret Island and the Kualoa mountains is worth waking up early for! The peak stands prominently behind the glistening waters and above ground level, you're able to see the reef and varying shades of blue in the gorgeous sea.

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

This small volcanic mound off the east coast of Oahu is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hawaii, but few can say they've actually visited it! Just a short trip off the coast, you can visit this lush but miniature paradise by paddling out on a surfboard or kayak — you can even wade on days with extremely low tide!

If you're up for an adventure, this island off of the east side of Oahu is an incredible experience! Paddle out on a board or kayak as you soak in the sun, swim in the clear turquoise waters and capture an aerial perspective of the uniquely-named, 12-acre basalt islet.

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

With it's picture-perfect coastline, this place looks like it's right out of a movie — and in reality, it is! Right behind the beach is Kualoa Ranch, where over 79 films and TV shows, like Jurassic Park, Pearl Harbor, 50 First Dates and Hawaii Five-0, have been made. There's a reason why so much has been filmed here and from this drone shot, it's easy to see why!

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Capture this rugged, emerald-green mountain emerging from the tropical terrain that overlooks the many shades of the Pacific Ocean's waters. What I love most about this location is how secluded the beach looks from up above — as if there isn't anyone on the beach for miles and miles. You can also swim and snorkel along this coast, so after snapping a few drone shots, spend the day enjoying the natural beauty of the beach.

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

A secluded, seaside slice of heaven, this beach — with its transcending ocean breeze, turquoise waters ebbing and flowing against the white, palm-tree lined sand and the viridescent mountain backdrop — is empty on the weekdays and serves as the perfect location for a lifestyle shot. Grab your surfboard, sunscreen and drone and start snapping away!

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Not for the faint of heart, this 4-mile looped trail treks through vibrant tropical rainforest and leads up dizzying, knife-like ridges with steep drop-offs on either side. The hearty elevation gain is all worth it after soaking in the unbelievable views of Kahana Bay and Oahu's scenic East Coast.

As my all-time favorite sunrise hike, this vantage point offers sweeping views of the lush landscape, state park mountains and glass-like pond. Once you reach the lookout spot, you'll understand that, although extremely photogenic, photos don't do this place justice. When the sun rises and hits the mountain, the colors start to glow and you'll be blown away by the ethereal experience of seeing it for yourself. 

This incredibly easy-to-access, 20-foot tall waterfall is tucked into the mountains beneath the iconic Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Featuring a beautiful two-tier structure that flows down into a shallow but lovely pool, this hidden gem is worth the quick trip!

A short and muddy trek that offers big payoff views, with stunning vistas of the Koʻolau mountain range and a lush bamboo forest, culminating with a beautiful 50-foot waterfall.

Covered in lush greenery and framed by untamed branches, this trail has to be one of my favorites on Oahu. It's a challenge hiking up to the three peaks, but the reward of seeing miles and miles of tropical landscape interrupted by a rigid peak that immediately captivates the eye makes it all worth it!

As one of the top beaches, this affluent shoreline is home to some of the softest sand and bluest water — not only in Hawaii, but all around the world. As the sun rises so close to this beach, you'll have beautiful, golden light during your shoots and an unmatched view of the "Mokes" islands.

This beach access lines up perfectly with the Mokolua Islands just off of Lanikai beach. As one of the most prestigious areas in Hawaii, the coastline paints a vivid picture of beachside living in Oahu.

These isles off of Lanikai Beach are the epitome of a tropical island getaway. To get there, you'll have to paddle board or kayak, but the experience and incredible views from the sandy shore will be well worth the hard work!

(before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Manoa Falls Trail is one of the most popular hikes on Oahu, and in addition to the epic views along the pathway, it also one of the best looking waterfalls on the island. I always try to take a moment to soak in my surroundings on the trail—especially at the spot where I took this photo. The greenery all around you creates a lush canopy that's so cool to see in person, as well as in a photo.

With panoramic vistas of Diamond Head and downtown Honolulu, this spectacular lookout is the perfect place to soak in the sunset or watch the city lights come alive. 

Best photo locations in Kaneohe