Oahu is the most densely populated island in Hawaii and thus it's also known as the gathering place. With Waikiki on the south shore and the nearby Kakaako and China Town, you might forget that you're in Hawaii at all! Shops, bars, restaurants and hidden foodie gems ("hole in the walls") that are ahhhmazing. I spent the majority of my 20's living on Oahu as a college student and so this island holds a special place in my heart. It's also the island that I have chosen to reside in and base all my professional activities out of. The thing about Oahu that not many people realize is that you can truly get the best of both worlds. There is the hustle and bustle of downtown but also just under an hour away from the city, you'll find yourself in what you'd expect from Hawaii. World renowned beaches, local food fare and restaurants, and local artisan shops. (Always shop local while in Hawaii).
Fun Facts About Oahu
- Official island color is yellow
- island flower is the Ilima
- It is the most populated island with roughly 75% of the states population residing here
- Iolani Palace is the only Royal Palace in the United States
- Waikiki was originally a swamp!
Take a look at these location ideas as you are planning your Oahu wedding, engagement, couples, maternity or family photo session. And remember, if you have a location not listed hear, please tell me. I am all ears and will always be up for an adventure.
About | Botanical Garden, Cacti and Floral
Pros | Beautiful soft light, unique, parking available, perfect color for portraits
Cons | A $20 county fee is needed and 3 weeks notice.
View Photos of Koko Head Garden
About | A large white sand beach
Pros | blue water, white sand, mountains
Cons | popular with beachgoers
Best time of day| an hour before sunset or sunrise
View Photos of Waimanalo
About | A beach location on the North shore
Pros | White sand, coconut trees, sunset views, secluded
Cons | unsecured street parking
Best time of day | 1 hour before sunset
View Photos of "coconut paradise"
About |Beach on the North Shore near Haleiwa
Pros | direct sunset views, mountains, sand, rocks
Cons | No bathrooms, strong waves, popular
Best time of day| 1 hour before sunset
View Photos of Papailoa
About |Beach on the North Shore near Turtle Bay
Pros | direct sunset views, mountains, sand, rocks
Cons | No bathrooms, strong waves
Best time of day| 1 hour before sunset
View Photos of Stables beach
About | A beach location near town
Pros | Cute coconut trees, views of mountains
Cons | Setting sun will not be in photos since its east facing.
Best time of day| Sunrise or sunset
View Photos of Waialae
About |A botanical garden with a greenhouse in town
Pros | A GREENHOUSE, large garden with plenty of photo worthy nooks and crannies.
Fee | $20
Best time of day| 3pm
View Photos of Foster Gardens
About | Plantation style home, backyard
Pros | cozy, cute house to get ready in, lush
Cons | small, no real sunset views
* Only available for weddings
Featured Weddings:
About | A private ranch (Jurassic Park)
Pros | Famous, panoramic mountains, views of ocean in the distance, private
Cons | Must be working with a coordinator to book, no restrooms.
* Only available for Weddings, Elopements or "The Everything" portrait package with an additional fee of $200 for portrait sessions
About | Waikiki Hotel
Pros | In town, hotel amenities, ballroom, outside ceremony
Cons | No photography is allowed on Waikiki beach.
* Only available for weddings
About | Centrally located venue
Pros | Lush, mountain views, jungle access, course amenities, full service
Cons | No sunset views
* Only available for weddings
About | Plantation Style Cottages
Pros | Lush, mountain views, rooms for prep, kitchen, reception area
Cons | No sunset ocean views
* Only available for Weddings, Elopements or "The Everything" portrait package.
About | Downtown urban venue with outside patio
Pros | MODERN, urban, convenient, unique
Cons | Parking is limited
* Only available for weddings
About |Private Venue for Weddings + Portraits
Pros | Beachfront, mountain views, privacy.
Best time of day| 1 hour before sunset
* Only available for Weddings, Elopements or "The Everything" portrait package.
View Photos of Hawaii Polo Field
About |Private Garden in Kailua
Pros | Colorful, private, intimate.
Best time of day| 1 hour before sunset
* Only available for Weddings, Elopements or "The Everything" portrait package.
View Photos of Male'ana Garden
About |Private Valley Overlook
Pros | Private, intimate, sunset facing, multiple backgrounds
* Only available for Weddings, Elopements or "The Everything" portrait package.
View Photos of Hawaii Vista Weddings
About |Private Venue for Weddings + Portraits
Pros | Overlooks Kaneohe Bay, Lush Gardens
* Only available for Weddings, Elopements or "The Everything" portrait package.
Hawaii wedding photographer serving Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai & The Big Island. Specializing in Destination Weddings, Intimate Elopements, Engagements, Maternity and Branding Photography.