Oahu Beyond Wakiki (part 2) - 7 Scenic Spots You Don't Want To Miss
When people think of Oʻahu, they often imagine the vibrant buzz of Waikiki or the crashing waves of the North Shore. But beyond the postcards and peak tourist stops, there’s another rhythm to this island—one that's quiet, thoughtful, and deeply photogenic.
Over the past few months, our family has taken to exploring Oʻahu slowly, one weekend at a time. No jam-packed itineraries, no rush. Just time, space, and curiosity. Check out my previous blog post Oahu’s 8 Best Photo Spots (Beyond Waikiki!) – Must-See Views & Hidden Gems for Photographers
In addition to the above list, here are seven additional photo-worthy locations we recently discovered, each offering something different for photographers who crave meaning over the mainstream.
1. Bellows Field Beach Park
Tucked away on the windward side of the island, Bellows is one of the quietest beaches on Oʻahu's east coast. It’s not far away from Kailua Beach I mentioned in my last post, but much quieter.
With soft white sands, turquoise waters, and ironwood trees lining the shore, it offers a serene setting free from large crowds.
We packed all the usual beach gear but ended up not swimming. Instead, the kids got lost in the joy of creating “sand waves” in the air.
The sky shifted moods—from sunny to overcast—which gave me ever-changing light to document the spontaneous, candid moments. It reminded me that sometimes, the best photos come when you leave the agenda behind.
Did I mention this before? I very rarely pose my family and kids for my photos. The beauty of this approach is that everyone wins: My family and kids can fully enjoy their experiences without interruption, while I as a photographer am free to observe and create while being present. I want to create photos that capture genuine memories, not manufactured ones.
2. Mānoa Falls Trail
This lush rainforest trail near Honolulu is a photographer's dream—towering bamboo groves, winding paths, and a misty waterfall reward you at the end. While it's a popular trail, there are still pockets of quiet if you move mindfully.
The path was muddy and mosquito-heavy when we visited, but the rainforest greens were rich and cinematic. I trailed behind my family, camera in hand, snapping moments that came and went in silence.
The light filtering through the canopy changed with every step. Taking photos with one hand during hiking, oftentimes in the middle of move, in order to capture fleeting moments, was my common practice. My family often didn’t know when their photos were taken. When they were not in sight, I had plenty of other subjects to photograph.
Photo Tip:
If you're capturing movement through dense foliage or shaded areas, set your ISO slightly higher and ensure fast enough shutter speed to freeze action and spontaneous moments.
Want to capture natural family and travel moments like this? Download my free PDF guide - The Art Of Unposed - and learn 3 Simple, Proven Secrets To Authentic Storytelling.
3. Nuʻuanu Pali Lookout
Perched high in the Koʻolau Mountains, this scenic lookout provides sweeping views of the windward coast and jagged cliffs. It's dramatic, moody, and kissed by clouds.
We arrived under a light drizzle, which quickly turned into a downpour. Even though the parking lot was only a minute away, we all got soaked.
But before the rain chased us out, I managed to take a few shots of the mist rolling through the valley. Not your typical sunny vista—but one filled with atmosphere and drama.
The above was a simple panorama stitched from 7 handheld shots, taken within seconds with my Sony A7IV and Sony 35mm f1.4 lens. Even I brought a wider prime of 24mm, I didn’t change the lens due to the weather. This is by no means a perfect landscape shot, but an easy capture without tripod and complicated setup, and a moment worth remembering. Check out my landscape photography portfolio represented by art agent and commercially licensed.
4. Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden
Known for its sweeping mountain views and tranquil walking paths, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden offers a serene escape from the buzz of urban life. While the park’s limited hours (9am–4pm) mean you’ll miss golden-hour light, the lush greenery and dramatic mountain backdrop—often veiled in low-hanging clouds—make it a compelling subject at any time of day.
It’s the kind of place where photographers of all skill levels can walk away with beautiful images, effortlessly.
The first time we visited, we didn’t realize it closed at 4pm. On top of that, I encountered an unexpected battery leakage from my Sony A7IV, which gave out after just a few shots.
On our return, we hiked a short lake trail from Kahua Lehua, and encountered a pair of ducks. I didn’t have a superzoom lens, but still managed to capture some wildlife shots with my Canon RF70-200 f2.8. Watch this video and learn why Canon RF70-200 f2.8 has been my all time favorite outdoor lens.
By the way, do you know what “wildlife” you see most often in Hawaii? The roosters. I’m not sure about the story, but chicken wander around the island everywhere. I was happy to see some ducks here instead.
I used my Canon RF70-200 lens extensively during our road trip in Western Sichuan of China last year. Check out that blog post if you are interested in taking a serious adventure to China one day.
5. Lanikai Pillbox Trail
A sunrise favorite among locals and visitors alike, the Lanikai Pillbox Trail offers one of the most iconic panoramic views on Oʻahu. From the top, you’ll see the twin Mokulua islands floating in turquoise waters—framed by golden morning light when conditions are right.
The trail is short but steep, so wear sturdy shoes and start early if you’re chasing that classic sunrise shot. Still, there’s beauty to be found at any hour. Even without reaching the summit, the winding path reveals shifting ocean views and textured landscapes that evolve with each step.
From our photos, it’s clear we didn’t make it there at dawn—in fact, not even close. Both of my kids had just recovered from a week-long stomach flu, and we weren’t about to chase perfect timing.
After traveling to over 30 countries with my children across five continents, one thing I’ve learned is this: stay open, stay flexible, and let the day unfold. Even under harsh light or off-hours, there are always quiet, fleeting moments waiting to be turned into lasting memories—if you’re willing to see them.
Want to learn how I solo traveled with my two kids over a dozen of countries in Europe over 4 months? And some of my favorite photo spots there? Read more here.
6. Spitting Cave of Portlock
Tucked into a residential area near Hawaiʻi Kai, the Spitting Cave is a lesser-known gem. Here, waves crash against lava rock cliffs and funnel through sea caves, creating powerful bursts of water and sound.
Timing is everything— higher tides make for more dramatic shots. It reminded me of Halona Blowhole Lookout we visited a month earlier. Check out my previous blog post for more details.
I went to see Spitting Cave by myself while my husband and kids stayed in the car. I captured a few rounds of “spitting” in high burst mode, a feature I seldom used but was perfect in this scenario.
Since I only came here once, I didn’t know how things might look differently in higher or lower tide, or in different light. Guess I’ll have to revisit to find out. This reminded me of a similar beach in South Oahu, China Walls, which had similar rock formation and textures, without the “spitting” waves.
7. Ko Olina Lagoons
Located on the leeward side of the island, Ko Olina offers calm lagoons, manicured paths, and golden sunsets. If you happen to stay in one of the hotels in this area, you’ll have plenty photo opportunities.
Our family first visited Ko Olina five years ago, just as the pandemic began. I wrote about that visit in a previous blog post, where we got “stuck” for 6 weeks with a canceled flight to China in January 2020.
Returning now, the area felt both familiar and new—a gentle reminder that revisiting places with a different mindset can give your lens a fresh perspective.
Bonus Spot 1 - Kaʻena Point State Park
Over Memorial Day weekend, we set out to hike the west trail of Kaʻena Point State Park, the northwestern tip of Oʻahu. It was our second attempt after turning back in March (see my last post). This time, we hoped to complete the trail and photograph during golden hour.
With sunset after 7pm, we started around 5:30, thinking we had time. But halfway through, a fellow hiker told us the trail actually closes at 7. Cue the surprised panic jog back to the car.
We didn’t reach the destination—but we did catch the golden light. And sometimes, that’s the reminder we need: we might not check every box, hit every goal, or reach the “end” as planned… but we can still soak in the beauty along the way.
Bonus Spot 2 - Tantalus Lookout
Perched high above Honolulu, Tantalus Lookout offers sweeping views of the city skyline, Diamond Head, and the coastline curving toward Waikīkī. It’s a popular spot for sunset, with locals and visitors alike gathering to watch the golden light stretch across the island.
We had visited before, but this time I came with a renewed eye—and better light. As the sun dipped low, a drizzle began to fall. The crowd stayed. And then, so did the rainbow. There were no perfect skies or dramatic compositions—just small, layered moments unfolding under shifting clouds.
As we drove down the hill, the sky turned to pink. I had to step out to capture the scene, just by the roadside. Once again, no tripod, just handheld.
I mentioned this spot in my last post. See the difference of the scene in different light? Sometimes all it takes for the magic to happen is to be in the right place at the right time.
Whether you're a local resident or planning your next visit to Hawaiʻi, I hope these locations inspire you to explore Oʻahu not just for its highlights, but for its quieter, more soulful corners.
Photo Tip
If you want to improve your travel photos, watch my free video training - Your WOW Shot Blueprint, where I’ll show you a simplified approach how you can capture beautiful, authentic life moments intentionally and effortlessly.
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Discover 7 scenic photo spots on O’ahu, perfect for travel photographers seeking soulful views, quiet moments, and meaningful images beyond the tourist trail.