Top 10 Honolulu Engagement Photo Locations for Stunning, Memorable Sessions
Looking for the best Honolulu engagement photo locations? Whether you’re dreaming of beachside golden hour photos, urban architecture, or something a little more adventurous, Oʻahu has it all. From the heart of Waikīkī to quiet forest trails and secret beaches, Honolulu offers a unique mix of vibrant scenery and romantic backdrops that are perfect for any couple.
As someone born and raised in Hawaiʻi and photographing love stories since 2009, I’ve had the privilege of exploring every hidden corner of this island. Most of my couples start out feeling a little camera-shy, but by the end of our session, they’re smiling, relaxed, and saying how fun the whole experience was. That’s the magic of choosing the right location—and the right photographer.
Below are my top 10 favorite engagement photo spots in and around Honolulu. I’ve included practical tips for each location, like whether you’ll need a rental car, how busy it gets, and the best time of day for beautiful light. If you’re planning a destination engagement shoot in Hawaii, I hope this list helps you find a place that feels just right for your love story.
Not sure where to start? Contact me here and I’ll help you choose the perfect spot for your session.
1. Magic island.
It’s a popular beach in Waikiki with crowds lining up for sunset and fireworks on friday nights. It’s a great location for a shoot if you don’t have a rental car and want to stay somewhere close to your Waikiki hotel.
2. Downtown Honolulu
Downtown is one of my favorite places to shoot just because I get to play with light and shadow. This is a great place if you wanted a downtown city vibe.
3. Pali Highway.
Off the Pali Highways is one of our favorite engagement shoots in Oahu’s forested trails—romantic, adventurous, and unforgettable.
4. Makapuu Lookout.
Makapuu is of my favorite places because it offers the breathtaking views of oahu’s cliffside and is about 5 min away from sandy beach so that you can get 2 completely different looks in one session.
5. Kakaako
Kakaako art district is for the couples that want something different. They want that bright, colorful and fun vibe to their engagement session.
6. NorthShore Beaches
There are tons of beaches on the Northshore that I love to shoot at so I can’t just post one. I’m glad to take you around to a couple and offer my suggestions to help avoid some crowds and north shore traffic. (police beach is the majority of these).
7.Koolina beach.
If your staying in Koolina then Koolina has some great beaches to shoot at. Watch out for the crowds during sunset though.
8. Halona Blowhole
Halona Blowhole aka Cockroach cove. A great spot that requires a short hike down but offers some seclusion from large crowds. It’s a beach cove and it offers beautiful spots to shoot with towering cliffside views and waves crashing into the cove, what else is there to say?
9. Yokohama beach.
Remote, wild, and absolutely stunning. It is gorgeous and remote so there is hardly any crowds. Highly recommend if you have a rental car and don’t mind some driving.
10. My own little secret beach.
I love to shoot here because it’s not well known however it offers up a great sunset view of Hawaii. Easily accessible while offering up different looks for a shoot.
