Photo Tours in Oahu

Capturing Oahu’s beauty with a camera is a must on any trip to this paradisiacal Hawaiian island. Its landscape invites you to immortalize your visit, be it with a smartphone or a professional camera.

Photo tours in Oahu explore the rocky and verdant terrain and the azure waters with a professional guide. Get tips and pointers to take pictures that you’ll marvel at for years.

You will find below everything you need to know about photo tours, that guarantee that you take home incredible memories of your sightseeing experience in Oahu.

What are the best photo tours in Oahu?

Sunrise or sunset photo tours

Spy the first or last rays of the sun as it touches the horizon off of Oahu. Your professional guide will show you how best to take advantage of lighting and weather to enhance your shots.

Sunset tours may allow you to photograph the fabled “green flash,” a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun sets over the ocean here. You can take a small-group or private sunrise or sunset tour. Private tours also exist.

Beautiful colors of Hawaii photo tours

Follow a guide to the most photogenic spots on Oahu with a tour focused on the island’s natural beauty. Your professional photographer guide will answer questions and help you take home the best pictures possible. Choose a small-group or private photography tour.

Instagram photo shoot tours in Oahu

Dreaming of being an Instagram influencer? Join a small group or private tour with a professional guide who will show you the most colorful and enviable vistas on Oahu. Guides will also photograph you while you experience the attractions.

Oahu circle island photo tours

The most thorough photography tours travel the circumference of Oahu, incorporating the best of other tours. Start at dawn with a sunrise photo shoot in eastern Oahu. Then, circle the island to snap pictures of wildlife, geological phenomena and cultural sites. Small-group and private tours are available.

Private photo shoots in Oahu

Let a professional take the reins for a private photo session. Pose with your family or partner for images that will preserve the memory of your getaway forever. These packages include photo editing and are ideal for your destination wedding memories.

Which places do you visit on Oahu photo tours?

Diamond Head

The dormant volcano Diamond Head reaches into Oahu’s sky and is visible from all points of the island. Although photo tours do not typically take you to the summit to see the crater, snapshots of this 230-meter-high mountain are certain to impress.

Waimea Valley

Follow the Waimea River from Oahu’s western coast into the lush Waimea Valley. At its head is Waimea Falls where waters tumble into the river from a height of nearly 14 meters. In the valley, take in sweeping views of the tropical vegetation and surrounding mountains.

Laniakea Beach

Also known as “Turtle Canyon,” Laniakea is home to the honu, Hawaii’s green sea turtle. You will have your best chance of spotting these creatures from around 11 AM to 2 PM, as they bask on the sand when the sun is hottest.

Halona Blowhole

Witness a spume of water shooting through the Halona Blowhole, an ancient lava tube on the shore of Halona Beach. As waves crash against the coast, water shoots through the stone chute with a thundering roar.

Kalapawai Market

The Kalapawai Market has been a Hawaiian institution for 90 years. Grab a meal or a snack here, and don’t leave without taking some pictures of the tropical produce and Polynesian confections.

How much do photo tours cost in Oahu?

• Sunrise/sunset photo tours cost from US$50 per person to US$100 per person, depending on the duration of the tour.  
• Beautiful colors of Hawaii photo tours cost from US$90 per person to US$150 per person, depending on the duration of the tour.
• Instagram photo tours cost around US$90 per person.
• Circle island or complete island tours cost around US$160 per person. Private tours for groups of up to four people start at US$650 per group.
• Private photo shoots cost from about US$400 to US$700 per group of up to four people, depending on the number of sites visited and the duration of the tour.

What do photo tours include?

Photo tours in Oahu include travel in an airconditioned van from site to site, entry fees to attractions, the attention of a photographer guide and the use of a tripod. All tours offer pickup and drop-off in Honolulu and Waikiki.

Where do photo excursions start in Oahu?

Photo tours in Oahu start in Honolulu with pickup from local hotels. Some tours only offer door-to-door service from Waikiki hotels with pickup at another Honolulu location.

What is the duration of Oahu photo expeditions?

Most Oahu photo tours last around 6 hours, but you can spend anywhere from 1 to 11 hours. One-hour tours spend time in one place, whereas the longest tours enable you to circle the whole island.

When is the best time for a photo tour in Oahu?

Oahu is a great destination year-round. The winter months are the rainiest, but you could catch whales on film during their migration at this time.

Are children allowed on photo tours?

Children aged 6 and over are welcome on photo tours in Oahu. Many tours have children’s rates for travelers from aged 6 to 16. Most tours involve a lot of walking, so parents should decide if that is feasible for their youngsters.

Travel tips

• Wear closed-toe shoes and clothing comfortable for walking.
• Carry water and snacks if they are not included in your tour.
• Make sure that your phone or camera’s batteries are charged before the tour.
• Protect yourself with sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.