The Most Instagrammable Spots in Hawaii
Nestled on the western shore of Maui, the Nakalele Blowhole delivers a dramatic burst of ocean spray that’s as photogenic as it is powerful. Located about 30 minutes north of the lively town of Lahaina, this natural geyser shoots water through a lava tube with a rhythmic force that creates spectacular plumes reaching up to 100 feet into the air. Visitors can hike a short, rocky trail to the viewing area, where the jagged coastline and crashing surf offer a rugged backdrop unlike anywhere else on the island. The best time to visit is during high tide when the ocean’s push amplifies the spout’s height, making for truly dynamic shots of nature’s raw energy.
On the Big Island, the ethereal green sands of Papakōlea Beach near South Point, about an hour’s drive southwest of Hilo, provide a strikingly unusual coastal scene. This beach’s sand gets its verdant color from the mineral olivine, weathered from the volcanic rock that’s unique to this remote corner of Hawaii. Though the hike to the shore is moderately challenging—roughly 2.5 miles each way over rocky terrain—the reward is a surreal, almost otherworldly beachscape framed by black lava cliffs and turquoise waters. Early morning or late afternoon light softens the scene into dreamlike pastels, perfect for capturing photos that feel both rare and intimate.
Oahu’s iconic Lanikai Beach, located in Kailua about 30 minutes east of Honolulu, offers a postcard-perfect scene with powdery white sand and clear, calm waters framed by twin Mokulua Islands offshore. The beach’s gentle waves and serene atmosphere make it a favorite spot for sunrise photography, where the sky’s delicate hues reflect on the water’s mirror-like surface. Kayaking out toward the islands provides a fresh vantage point for snaps that combine ocean and island silhouettes, and nearby the Lanikai Pillbox Trail offers panoramic overlooks of the coast with vibrant greens and blues that pop especially on sunny days.
Driving the Hana Highway on Maui, roughly a two-hour journey east from Kahului, reveals a cascade of photographic gems culminating in the dramatic Wailua Falls. Although more famous on Kauai, Maui’s Wailua Falls nestles amid lush, tropical foliage and plunges about 80 feet into a jade pool below. The falls are easily accessible from a roadside lookout, enabling visitors to capture their full grandeur without a strenuous hike. The surrounding rainforest blooms vividly after rainfall, so visiting during Hawaii’s wetter months enhances the lushness and flow of the falls, setting a verdant scene that contrasts with the deep blue sky.
In the heart of Honolulu on Oahu, the Iolani Palace stands as the only royal palace on U.S. soil, offering a regal and architectural allure for photographers interested in cultural history. Located downtown and just a short walk from the Aloha Tower, this stately building showcases grand Victorian design fused with Hawaiian motifs. Guided tours invite visitors to explore the richly decorated throne room and ornate interiors, which gleam under natural light streaming through stained-glass windows. Early morning visits before the tourist rush provide softer lighting for exterior shots that highlight the palace’s intricate details and the surrounding manicured gardens.
On Kauai’s north shore, the Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge, about 30 minutes from the town of Princeville, stands as a beacon against rugged cliffs and the vast Pacific. The historic lighthouse offers sweeping views of migratory seabirds and, during the winter months, whales breaching offshore. The refuge’s well-maintained trails loop around the headland, providing multiple photo angles that capture the lighthouse framed by wildflowers and crashing waves below. The setting sun bathes the lighthouse in golden light, making late afternoon the ideal time to shoot this blend of natural beauty and maritime history.
Venturing deep into the volcanic landscapes of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island, about a 45-minute drive from Hilo, visitors find the surreal Thurston Lava Tube. This natural tunnel carved out by flowing lava centuries ago leads through a fern-fringed cavern, illuminated by dappled sunlight filtering through cracks above. Walking through the tube is a cool, mystical experience that contrasts sharply with the nearby steaming vents and barren lava fields. Photographers can capture the vivid greens of the forest against the dark lava rock, especially vibrant after a rain shower. Exploring the park at dawn often means fewer crowds and soft light that brings out the rich textures of volcanic earth and foliage.
Each of these places encapsulates a different facet of Hawaii’s breathtaking variety—from explosive coastlines and emerald sands to royal architecture and volcanic wonders—offering endless inspiration for travelers eager to capture the islands’ unique spirit on camera.