Makapu’u Beach

Oahu portraits near Waikiki you’ll enjoy Makapu’u beach on the east side. For couples traveling together or if you’re traveling alone to Hawaii, this is a great option for you. This beach park location has very unique views. It might be the only beach on Oahu that has an extensive lava rock field.

How to get to Makapu’u beach from Waikiki: The drive from Waikiki to this location is roughly 30 minutes along the scenic highway 72.

Parking: Parking is not easy! There is a lot but it’s often full, I have always waited 10-15 minutes for a spot to open up. Add this additional time to your travel schedule.

Solo or Couples Portraits While On Vacation

Makapu’u beach park is great for individual portraits or couples portraits. I really hesitate to recommend this location to families with kids younger than 12 years old. The ONLY reason I say that this isn’t a family friendly location is because lava rocks are very dangerous. It is shockingly easy to get scratched up on the sharp lava rocks. Lava rocks are not like the rocks on the mainland. Mainland rocks are smooth in comparison to Hawaii’s lava rocks. So if you have younger kids who will likely run about, this is not the location for you. However, if you are a couple, or solo woman traveling, I’d love to take you here!