The Island of Oahu boasts some of the most spectacular and famous scenery in the world; it’s no wonder Honolulu is Hawaii’s most populous and visited city. Everywhere you turn there is another urban wonder or idyllic landscape to admire—from pristine beaches to towering peaks, from colorful street art to lush valleys and more, it’s where Instagram dreams are made!
We’re spoiled to live in paradise, but after a while, more typical tropical backdrops can start to look the same and, if you’re like us, you’re always looking for ways to have your social media stand out. To that end, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite more unique and unfiltered photo spots
Check out these fun and funky places for your next post, reel, or story and get ready to catch the eyes (and likes) of all of your friends, fans and followers.
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The colorful wall murals at Kaka’ako offer endless opportunities to photograph with a backdrop of local street art. The emerging neighborhood, just south of Honolulu’s center, was once a ghost town of abandoned warehouses, but is now a haven for local art studios, arts nonprofits and public works projects. Bonus: along your “selfie stroll,” you can also enjoy numerous food trucks, microbreweries, and hidden speakeasies.
Honorable Mention: Renowned L.A artist Colette Miller has created beautiful “selfie murals” of wings in locations all across the globe. They’re all part of her Global Angel Wings Project, an initiative that began in 2012 to “remind humanity that we are the Angels of this Earth”. We’re lucky to have one of these stunners in nearby Haleiwa, next to the Rainbow Bridge Gift Shop on Kamehameha Highway!
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Pro tip: We recommend wearing a bright color that will pop against the light wings and its dark background.
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The Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe is one of the island’s most unexpected Insta-worthy spots. Byodo-In, a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Japan, offers a peaceful setting where you can feel worlds away. Capture photos of yourself feeding the koi fish in the pond, strolling along the red wood bridge at the entrance, or contemplating the meaning of life on the stone bench in front of the temple. Remember, this is a popular destination with tourists so you’ll need to arrive early, late, or be patient about capturing a photo without many people around.
Honorable Mention: The Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki is an important cultural landmark that honors Hawaii hero, Duke Kahanamoku. As a record breaking competitive athlete and Olympic medal winner, Duke is considered the “father of modern surfing,” and the founder of the iconic surf culture of the islands. His 9 foot tall commemorative bronze statue is located on Kuhio Beach, a few miles southeast of downtown, and makes for a creative photo opportunity for both surfers and history buffs.
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The Pink Pillbox Trail is a medium-level hike along a short ridge overlooking the beaches of the western shore, which is uncommon for most trails on the island. The pillboxes are small concrete buildings and platforms in Lanikai that were used as coastal observation stations in 1943. Although some pillboxes were armed with weapons and used as defensive stations, most in Oahu held observation instruments which were used to monitor the position of other boats. Today, the pillboxes are popular hiking destinations due to their scenic vantage points and the colorful graffiti that adorns them.
Honorable Mention: Don’t miss the opportunity to pose with Insta-famous Haleiwa surfer signs. These installations were created by Carole Beller, an artist from California, in collaboration with the North Shore Chamber of Commerce. The signs have an interesting history due to vandalism but today are a popular spot to stop and take pictures while you’re in the area (just remember to take safety precautions!). You can find the surfer girl version at 62-330 Kamehameha Highway and the surfer boy at 62-400 Joseph P. Leong Highway.
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For the most vibrant and Hawaiian-branded experience, check out the recently renovated Shoreline Hotel, located just a block from Waikiki beach. From the fun “You are Here” island murals in each room, to the rooftop pool, to the bold modern furniture and artwork in the lobby, every inch of this boutique hotel is waiting to be photographed. Their hotel cafe and bar uses local and organic ingredients whenever possible so it’s the perfect place to post over happy hour. The poolside features original artwork and murals by the acclaimed DJ Neff, but is only accessible to hotel guests. Don’t worry though—ask about their locals’ discount and book your staycation ASAP!
Honorable Mention: The Royal Hawaiian is one of the most iconic places to stage a photoshoot in Honolulu, especially if you’re a fan of all things girly and pink. This property opened its doors in 1927, which means it’s one of the oldest hotels on Waikiki Beach. This “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” as it’s known, has a courtyard area called Coconut Grove, which is an ideal backdrop with views of the property’s historic wing, as well as the iconic “Royal Hawaiian” sign.
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If you’re looking for a delicious meal amidst the most amazing natural ambiance, then Haleiwa Joe’s is a must-do on our list. This chain has two locations on the island: one in Haleiwa and one in Kaneohe. Although the food is great at both, we prefer the Kaneohe site at Haiku Gardens. This is an uber-popular locale so we recommend arriving right when they open at 4:30pm to get your name on the list. We promise the long wait goes by quickly when you’re surrounded by botanical gardens and gorgeous grounds… especially when armed with your camera phone.
Honorable Mention: The Sunrise Shack is a trendy healthy eatery for both locals and tourists. Their original flagship at Sunset Beach is by far the most recognizable of their four island locations, because it’s so quintessentially Hawaiian, beaming like a beacon of sunshine. The menu includes surfer-favorites such as bullet coffee, açai bowls, and fresh smoothies and juices. If you happen to fall in love with their food or their golden vibes, don’t forget to check out their impressive selection of branded merch and shelf-stable pantry items.
Dr. S Larry Schlesinger is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience in providing natural and beautiful results for the face and body. Dr. Schlesinger and his team of medical aesthetic experts are ready to help you radiate confidence for your next Honolulu selfie or photo shoot. Contact us online or call our office at 808.597.8835 to schedule a consultation!