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It’s no secret that Hawaii is inherently photogenic. The great diversity of beaches, the tall mountain peaks covered in lush vegetation, the magnificent sunsets, they all make great subjects for landscape photography. I think it’s pretty hard to take a bad pictures in Hawaii.
Over the years I visited the islands many times and managed to accumulate a great deal of pictures. I have assembled here 20 amazing pictures of Hawaii, representing a cross selection of the beautiful places on these islands. I hope you will enjoy them and if you never visited Hawaii, they will inspire you to travel there.
30 Amazing Pictures of Hawaii
Hawaiian islands are incredibly beautiful, yet very different from each other. People’s idea of a tropical paradise may vary a lot, depending on their lifestyle. Some people consider Kauai is everything a tropical island should be. Others swear by Maui and wouldn’t go anywhere else. And some only like the Big Island of Hawaii.
Not sure what Hawaiian Island to visit? Read next: Kauai vs. Maui: Which Island is Better?
Kauai Photos
From all the islands of Hawaii, Kauai is the one the I consider perfect for picture taking. The reef at Ke’e Beach, on the North Shore of Kauai. I took this picture when the tide was very low which is why the coral reef appears at the surface of the water
Kalalau Valley seen from Koke’e State Park. This is one of the most spectacular views on the island of Kauai and my favorite of all the pictures of Hawaii.
Also on the island of Kauai is the Waimea Canyon, which is called by many “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” The canyon is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Kauai.
Hanalei River Estuary and Bay, one of Kauai’s most popular rivers for kayaking and paddle boarding.
The Secret Falls, a very popular spot in Kauai. To get to the trailhead you have to kayak up the Wailua River.
Allerton Botanical Garden in Kauai, a romantic and tranquil place, a real walk through paradise
Hanalei Valley Overlook where the mountains form a superb backdrop for the green watery Taro fields. One of Kauai’s most scenic views
The Big Island of Hawaii Photos
One of my favorite places to hike and photograph is the Kilauea Iki trail in the Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Tide Hawaii is famous for its unique black sand beaches. The lava flows generated the Big Island’s volcanos have met the blue Pacific, creating luxurious black sand beaches.
Puna District is one of the areas where you can view the lava flow and its destruction on the Big Island.
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are in the northern part of the island, next to Hilo. An example is the gorgeous Rainbow Falls below.
Formed by the Wailuku River, the fall is 80 ft tall and almost 100 ft in diameter, forming a large pool below.
This next picture was taken at Makalawena Beach, on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Makalawena in my favorite beach in Hawaii. It’s the only white sand beach on the island. Unfortunately, the beach is extremely remote and the only way to reach it is through a long lava road.
Maui Photos
Maui is my second favorite island in Hawaii for picture taking. This picture was taken on one of the beaches next to Lahaina, in the afternoon.
Farm on the road to Hana, one of the most heart-clutching and beautiful drives in Maui.
Maui’s land is abundant in life-giving foods, so you’ll see numerous farms spread across the four corners of the island.
View of the Molokai island from our hotel room in Maui.
Lahaina Harbor, one of the best places to watch the sunset on Maui island.
The small beach in front of the Four Seasons Resort at Wailea, on Maui island.
Nakalele Blowhole on the island of Maui is a great spot to come looking for shells and starfish. There are plenty of tide pools in this area.
Iao Valley State Park in Maui is one of the most scenic hikes on the island. There are many Hawaiian legends connected to this place.
Watching the sun rising from the Haleakala Crater is one of the most sought after activities on Maui. This picture of the crater was taken right after the sunrise.
Taking pictures of the sunset is one of my favorite things to do in Hawaii. This one was taken at Kaanapali Beach, on Maui.
One of my favorite parts of Maui is Kihei, in the western part of the Island.
West Maui is famous for its friendly beaches, which are a great destination for romantic getaways. Also in this area you’ll find Maui’s most exquisite shops, from where you can buy some unique Hawaiian souvenirs.
Oahu Photos
Of all the Hawaiian Islands,, Oahu is the one I personally like the least. That’s not because I don’t consider the island beautiful enough. No, not even far! Oahu is as blessed with beautiful scenery as the other islands.
However, unlike Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island witch have many pristine spots and wild nature, Oahu is heavily populated and way more developed. That being said, if you have never visited the island you should definitely go at least once.
Located on the south shore of Honolulu, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world.
Hanauma Bay is Oahu’s most popular snorkeling spot. The Bay is a former volcanic crater that became a protected marine life conservation area in 1967.
The North Shore of Oahu is sublime. With a stunning mixture of beauty, and tranquility, it’s the place to be if you like a more remote beach.
One of the biggest attractions on Oahu is the Polynesian Cultural Center. Located in Laie, on the northeast shore of Oahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center demonstrates the traditions of six native Pacific islands: Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Maori.
Planning a trip to Hawaii? You may also like these:
Kauai Activities to Keep Your Family Entertained
Best Places to Eat on Maui Island
Myths and Legends of Hawaii
Where to Find the Best Black Beaches in Maui
What to Wear in Hawaii – the Ultimate Packing List
I hope you enjoyed this visual tour of the best photos of Hawaii. If you liked this post, please pin it for later.
anda
I really appreciate this information. It’s very useful.
These Hawaii photos are absolutely breathtaking — the turquoise waters at Lanikai and the lava fields near Volcanoes National Park are especially stunning. Hawaii has such a cinematic quality that makes every shot look like a movie still. I’ve been experimenting with turning travel photos like these into short AI videos to relive the atmosphere, and coastal scenes like Napali Coast translate incredibly well. Thanks for the wonderful collection — definitely adding the Road to Hana and Waimea Canyon to my bucket list!
Each of the places looks stunning!The Hapuna Beach looks amazing, I would love to visit Hawai, Anda!
Iao Valley State Park is a best place for having enjoyment and tourists can enjoy there stunning views of nature beauty. I also spent really awesome time there before my 3 day tour to Grand Canyon with my few friends. We all had huge fun there and I really enjoyed it. I have a plan to go to there once again with my whole family in my free time for enjoyment.
Absolutely gorgeous photos, Anda! Hawaii is one of those places that I’m dying to visit and photograph. Hopefully it will happen one day 😀
It’s really beautiful in Hawaii, Vlad. Hope you’ll go visit the islands.
That was a fantastic armchair trip through Hawaii. I’ve been to both the Big Island and Maui but never Kauai. Even though I’ve been to some of the very same spots you photographed, I really like that you captured the images in a unique way. Just gorgeous all around!
Beautiful, really beautiful photos – very enticing to go! Shame that Hawaii is so far from any mainland and near impossible to reach by vehicle – our preferred travel option (our own overland camper). But one day I might decide to take a longer lay-over on the way from Australia to the States…
Yea, I hear you, Juergen. Sometimes I’d like to be able to reach Hawaii by car too, but then it wouldn’t be an archipelago anymore, ha,ha,ha!
What spectacular photos of Hawaii and the Waimea Canyon looks amazing. Is it possible to trek down part of it?
Not down the canyon itself, Suze. However, there are plenty of trails around in the area above the canyon that are gorgeously beautiful.
What great photo’s! Hawaii has become more accessible to Aussie’s over the past few years but I still haven’t get there yet! Your photo’s are stunning and as I’ve scrolled down all I can think is why haven’t I been there yet!
Thank you, Vicki. Hope you’ll get to visit the Hawaiian islands soon.
My jaw dropped several times while looking at these pictures. Seriously! I have been to Hawaii only once (Oahu) and I really had a great time. I want to go back to Oahu and explore more on my own. Of course, I want to go to the other islands too. I have to make the time to visit.
I highly recommend you go to Maui or Kauai before you return for a second trip to Oahu. Actually Oahu is the least spectacular of all the Hawaiian islands.
its all good there are no better places in the world then HAWAII my fav place
Stunning photos
Hawaii is a stunning place. I am not surprised that you have such a lovely collection of photos.
It has been a few years since my last trip to Hawaii. Your beautiful photos took me back to lovely memories of warm sunshine and beautiful sandy beaches which was most appreciated today as I watch the snow accumulating out my window.
Oh, Vicki, I feel your pain. I love snow, but not where I live. Only when I go skiing.
These photos are stunning! I only really have memories of Maui (but been to Oahu as a child), and would love to go back and explore some of other islands.
I think you’d enjoy Hawaii even more on a second visit, Adeline.
The Botanical Gardens in Kauai are really worth a vitas and they have two locations: one in Princeville, the other next to Poipu Beach.
Anda, what dramatic photos! Well done!
Thanks, Arnie!
Thanks, Anda. Great photos. I’ve only been to Maui, but want to get out to Kauai on another trip of trails, pictures, black beaches.
We spent a month in Hawaii, spread across Kauai, Big Isaland and Oahu – My top pics would be from Sunset beach (because a monk seal came up on the sand) and Lanakai on Oahu, Mauna Kea Beach on Big Island (and all around the volcano – just mind blowing), and pretty much what you’ve shared on Kauai…so beautiful!
Thank you Lydia. I love reminiscing about Hawaii.
Wow Anda, these photos are stunning and so inviting. I haven’t been to Hawaii in 16 years, and now that I live in New Zealand, my general thinking pushed it way down on my list, until now. Your photos are really inviting. Secret falls, palm trees, sunset, and warm tropical waters. Maybe it’s time for another visit.
Well, if you live in New Zealand you might not miss Hawaii that much. You have a lot of beautiful beaches where you live.
All the pictures are amazing!! I would never thought that Hawaii has such a beautiful and divers landscape. I always associate Hawaii with sand beaches and party 🙁
I associate it more with relaxation and good food. Ha,ha,ha!