12 Most Instagrammable Places In Oahu You Need To Visit

This post is all about the most instagrammable places in Oahu.

Let’s be honest, half of any island vacation is getting those Instagram worthy pictures, if you know what I’m talking about;) I mean, did you ever really go to Hawaii if you don’t have the most stunning Instagram photos as evidence!

As someone who recently visited Oahu and loves to find those “hidden gems” that make the best photo opportunities, I am giving you the most Instagrammable places in Oahu that you need to add to your itinerary.

But, you know how Instagram is. Like come on, no ones life is as perfect as they portray it on social media. You know it. I know it. We all know it. However, I do have to say, if you are on vacation in Hawaii, it is an exception because your life is pretty close to perfect for the duration of your stay.

I could argue that Hawaii is heaven on Earth. Therefore, these Instagram photos you are about to take are far from fake and simply show the beauty of the island of Oahu, which is very much real. Lastly before you leave, make sure you have packed the most forgotten Hawaii travel essentials.

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Most Instagrammable Places In Oahu

1. Beach Swing

OH YES, the dreamy beach swing that every girl has pinned to her travel Pinterest board! I may or may not be one of those girls… I mean, does this photo give you the “Mamma Mia” vibes as much as it does to me? I may be slightly obsessed with that movie and even though it was filmed in Greece, I still felt like this whole experience was very close to it.

I mean there’s simply no other way to put it, sitting on this beach swing was like being a part of a movie set because that “back drop” is surreal.

You cannot leave Oahu without capturing a stunning Instagram photo on this beach swing, seriously or else you will regret it.

When visiting this beach swing, you will most likely have to park on the side of the road, then walk over to it.

Address: Kamehameha Hwy, Hauula, HI 96717

2. Sideways Palm Trees

Right beside your beach swing Pinterest photo, you most likely also have a sideways palm tree photo.

When I visited this location, there were a few other people waiting to get photos as well. So just as a FYI, you may or may not have to wait in a small line to get a photo depending on the time you are there.

Please be careful if you plan to climb up the palm in order to have a photo similar to mine. You do not want to slip because the palm tree is quite a few feet above the ground, not to mention the rocks that you would land on.

Now I do not have an exact address for you for this location because it is simply one of those cool photo opportunities that you just have to pull off the side of the road for. However, you can find these palms directly across from the Hauula Community Association.

Simply follow the provided address below and you will end up across the street from the sideways palm trees. You will be able to pull off the road to park.

Nearby Address: 54-10 Kukuna Rd, Hauula, HI 96717 (Hauula Community Association)

3. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

Website: http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/

If you have ever come across jungle like photos on social media, then chances are they were taken in this Botanical Garden in Oahu.

Walking through this Botanical Garden makes you feel like you are walking through Jurassic Park (no joke). While Jurassic Park was not filmed in this exact location (filmed on Kualoa Ranch), it sure does feel like a velociraptor could pop out at any moment.

Oahu is well known for its beautiful beaches and blue water, but it is important to explore the other parts of this breathtaking island (such as the jungle side) that has so much to offer.

When driving into the Botanical Gardens, you will see many signs saying to not stop in the middle of the road to take photos. However, don’t be confused, once inside the Botanical Gardens feel free to take photos as you will see many others doing the same.

Address: 45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744

4. Makapu'u Tidepools

If you have ever wondered where the crystal clear tide pools are on Oahu that everyone takes the most BEAUTIFUL photos at, then you are probably talking about the Makapu'u tidepools. This spot is located on the east side of the island and requires a challenging, steep hike down to them.

There are specific directions you need to follow in order to find these tidepools, so I will link website we followed to find this stunning location. Be extremely careful, as this is off the beaten path!

Address: Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo, HI 96795 (free parking)

How To Access: http://www.oahuhike.com/makapuu-tidepools

5. Halona Beach Cove

There are a ton of little coves all around the island of Oahu. This cove is by far one of the best coves on the island because it has a wonderful swimming spot, cliffs to explore, and a small cave!

As soon as I saw this small cave, I instantly knew that it was a perfect opportunity for one of the most iconic Instagram photos.

I love love love the perspective the cave gives you when you stand inside and look out towards the cove. If you wanted to be in the photo, you could stand right in the cave opening and you would have a stunning silhouette effect. Or, you can face the opposite way and have your Instagram photo capture the cave side.

There are so many ways to get creative with your photos at this beautiful Oahu cove.

Address: Halona Beach Cove, Hawaii 96825

6. Sunset Beach Silhouette

I’m still pinching myself because this picture looks like a stock photo. I cannot get over it. If a dream could be summed up in one photo, this is it.

We are just going to simply ignore that someone is swimming by my knee if you look closely… HAHA!

If you want to recreate a similar photo, then you need to visit Sunset Beach during sunset hours! Bring a beach blanket, snacks, drinks, and sit back to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets you will probably ever witness in your lifetime.

If you are traveling with another person or a group of people, designate someone as your personal photographer for about 5 minutes and stand in front of the sun. Make sure you block the direct sunlight, so that you can create that silhouette effect.

Address: Pupukea, HI 96712

7. Lanikai Pillbox Trail

The Lanikai Pillbox Hike is one of the most popular hiking trails on Oahu. As you can see above, it has some of the best views of the island once you reach the top.

Some of the most "instagrammable" photos that you see people take on their Hawaii vacations include the Lanikai Pillbox hike. The elevation of this hike gives you the opportunity to capture Hawaii's beautiful coastline. It is only about a 2 mile hike, but it is fairly steep up, so you will definitely get your heart rate pumping.

I recommend parking at the Kailua Beach Park, then walking over to the hike entrance from there.

Address: Lanikai Pillbox Trail, 265 Kaelepulu Dr, Kailua, HI 96734

Kailua Beach Park (Parking): Parking lot, 2-104 Alala Rd, Kailua, HI 96734

8. Spitting Cave

This is definitely one of the most unique locations you will ever visit.

What makes the spitting cave such an amazing location is that, it is somewhat hidden. It is located in a neighborhood, where you have to walk down a rocky path off the side of a house to get to it.

It is a sea cliff shoreline, where large waves crash into a cave, causing the water to come rushing out. This rushing water creates the appearance that the cave is “spitting”. It is definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Oahu.

The vastness of the ocean, the edge of the sea cliffs, and the high heights make an AMAZING Instagram photo. DO NOT GO NEAR THE EDGE OF THE SEA CLIFFS, IT IS VERY DANGEROUS! It may appear that as if we are sitting on the edge of the sea cliff, but it is actually a small ledge that hangs over more rocks.

Address: 7 Lumahai St, Honolulu, HI 96825

9. Lulumahu Falls

Hawaii is known for having some of the most beautiful waterfalls. The best part is that you have to hike to most of them, so once you reach the waterfall it’s like finding that “treasure”.

This waterfall is HUGE. Also, there is a small pool of water at the bottom of this waterfall, which is makes your Instagram photo even more AMAZING.

Stand next to the waterfall, gaze up at it, stand in the small pool below it, or whatever you wish. There are so many photo opportunities at this waterfall that will make your Instagram feed POP. Take in the beauty of this island as much as you can because you will miss it. P.S looking at the pictures once you leave is not the same:(

Address: Lulumahu Falls, 4459 HI-61, Honolulu, HI 96817

10. Sunrise Shack

Sunrise Shack is the definition of “Instagrammable”. This is the Sunrise Shack near Shark’s Cove, however the original location is even more adorable. The bright yellow shack just gives off so many good vibes and you instantly feel happy when you see it.

You may have seen the original Sunrise Shack in some of your favorite Instagram influencers’ photos. For example, I heard about the Sunrise Shack through one of my favorite youtubers – Hannah Meloche. Her YouTube Channel is linked here if you want to check her channel out.

Original Location: 59-158 KAMEHAMEHA HWY, HALEIWA, HI 96712

Shark’s Cove Location: 59-712 KAMEHAMEHA HWY, HALEIWA, HI 96712

Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort: 2335 KALAKAUA AVE, HONOLULU, HI 96815

11. Popoia Island

Doesn't it looks like I am standing in front of a green screen?! In order to reach this small island, you have to kayak from Kailua Beach. Popoia Island is a tiny island that is a marine bird sanctuary, so you cannot walk/explore the entire island, but you can walk around the edges of the island.

Popoia Island has a beautiful view of the Mokulua islands, which you can see in the distance of this photo.

There are so many stunning photo opportunities on this small island, from small little coves to sea cliffs.

But, do remember this is a bird sanctuary, so respect all of the wildlife on the island.

Address: 130 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734

12. Judd Trail

You know, sometimes you just need to hug a tree. A REALLY REALLY REALLY big tree. It’s actually kind of refreshing, I recommend it.

When you think of Hawaii, you most likely imagine blue water, white sand beaches, palm trees, volcanoes, etc, which is all true. However, Oahu has so much more to offer inland as well, such as trails full of massive trees:)

Judd trail is one of the most peaceful trails you will ever walk on. I’m not kidding when I say it literally feels like the trees are watching you (in the best way possible of course LOL).

Pose with the large trees, hug them, and sit on HUGE rocks. Those are Instagram photo goals that can’t be beat. Don’t lie, when you look at the photo of me hugging that tree, it makes you want to go outside and do the same;).

Address: Judd Trail, 4022 Nuuanu Pali Dr, Honolulu, HI 96817

This post was all about the most Instagrammable Places In Oahu