Hawaii is one of those dream destinations that feels like it was made for content creators, families, couples, and even solo travelers chasing adventure. Everywhere you turn, there’s another jaw-dropping view — beaches that look straight out of a postcard, lush mountains draped in green, waterfalls you can hear before you see, and food so colorful it deserves its own photoshoot. Honestly, the challenge isn’t finding Instagram spots in Hawaii…it’s narrowing down which ones to hit first! In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of the most Instagrammable places across the islands, plus a few hidden gems that deserve a spot on your feed. And if you really want to take your photos to the next level, Zazzi makes it super easy to book a photographer in Hawaii who knows the best angles and times of day to capture those unforgettable shots.
Beaches That Belong on Your Feed
When it comes to Instagram spots in Hawaii, nothing beats the beaches. The islands are home to some of the best photo spots in Hawaii, and each beach has its own vibe and personality.
Lanikai Beach (Oahu) – Known for its calm turquoise water and powdery white sand, Lanikai is perfect for sunrise shots. Early mornings here feel magical, with the Mokulua Islands glowing in the distance. It’s one of those Hawaii sunrise spots you’ll want on your Hawaii bucket list.
Waikiki Beach (Oahu) – If you want the ultimate mix of city and paradise, Waikiki is it. The iconic Diamond Head backdrop makes every photo instantly recognizable. This is also one of the most popular Oahu Instagram spots, so don’t be surprised if you see influencers setting up photoshoots while you’re there.
Poipu Beach (Kauai) – Famous for golden sunsets, this South Shore gem is an incredible place for Hawaii vacation photos. Families love it because of the calm lagoon, but photographers love it for the light. It’s no wonder it’s a favorite for Hawaii family vacation photos.
✨ Pro tip: While you can absolutely snap these shots yourself, sometimes the lighting and angles can be tricky. That’s where Zazzi comes in — it makes it easy to book a professional photographer in Hawaii who knows exactly how to capture these dreamy moments.
Iconic Landmarks & Scenic Views
Hawaii is more than just beaches — it’s a landscape of epic cliffs, volcanic summits, and panoramic views that will make your feed stand out. These are some of the most Instagrammable places in Hawaii if you’re after jaw-dropping scenery.
Na Pali Coast (Kauai) – Whether you see it by boat, helicopter, or the Kalalau Trail, the Na Pali Coast is one of the most dramatic Hawaii Instagram guide locations. Towering emerald cliffs rise above the ocean, making it one of the most photographed coastlines in the world.
Diamond Head (Oahu) – A quick hike rewards you with sweeping panoramic Honolulu views, from Waikiki’s skyline to the sparkling Pacific. It’s an essential stop on any Hawaii travel guide and a classic Oahu Instagram spot.
Haleakalā Summit (Maui) – Watching the sunrise above the clouds at Haleakalā feels like standing on another planet. Many travelers even say it’s the highlight of their Hawaii itinerary. Dress warm and get there early — this is one of the most popular Hawaii bucket list activities.
Mauna Kea (Big Island) – At nearly 14,000 feet, Mauna Kea offers one of the best stargazing experiences on Earth. On a clear night, you can capture the Milky Way stretching across the sky — the ultimate “wow” shot for your feed.
For more inspiration, check out travel guides like The Hawaii Vacation Guide or blog posts such as The Most Instagrammable Places in Hawaii on The World Pursuit, which also highlight some of these epic spots.
Adventure & Culture Experiences
Some of the most unforgettable Instagram spots in Hawaii aren’t just beaches and views — they’re the experiences you’ll never forget. Adventure + culture here = content gold.
Climb Works Keana Farms (Oahu)– Soaring above Oahu’s North Shore on a zipline with ocean and jungle views is next-level. It’s more than just an adrenaline rush — it’s one of the most unique Hawaii bucket list experiences and makes for epic Hawaii vacation photos. From sweeping drone-worthy shots to candid laughs on the line, it’s the kind of moment you’ll want to share again and again.
Polynesian Cultural Center (Oahu) – Known as one of the most immersive Hawaii cultural experiences, PCC is full of photo opportunities. Paddle a canoe through the lagoon, wander traditional island villages, or capture the energy of a fire dance. If you’re building a Hawaii travel guide or just curating your own Instagram-worthy Hawaii vacation, PCC belongs on your Hawaii itinerary.
Surf Lessons or Paddle boarding (various islands) – Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, so it only makes sense to capture your own surf or paddle board moment. Whether it’s Waikiki’s gentle waves or Maui’s crystal-clear bays, these shots scream Hawaii adventure activities. For content creators, these active shots add energy to your feed and balance out the classic palm tree sunsets.
For more adventure inspiration, The Hawaii Tourism Authority has a great overview of activities (see Go Hawaii) and you can also check out The Blonde Abroad’s blog post on The Most Instagrammable Places in Hawaii for more traveler-tested spots.
Instagrammable Food & Local Flavor
Food is a big part of every Hawaii vacation, and trust me, it’s just as photogenic as the beaches. From bright shave ice to traditional lū‘au feasts, Hawaii is filled with flavors worth sharing on your feed.
Shave Ice in Haleiwa (Oahu) – This is one of those must-have shots for your Hawaii Instagram guide. The colorful cones piled high with syrupy sweetness pop against any tropical backdrop. Bonus: they taste even better than they look.
Poke Bowls – Hawaii’s poke bowls are almost too pretty to eat. Bright ahi tuna, avocado, seaweed salad, and mango all make for stunning flat lays or foodie portraits. They’re perfect for both Hawaii vacation photos and Hawaii food photography.
Lū‘au Feast Plates – A true Hawaii cultural experience, lū‘au dinners bring together kalua pork, poi, lomi salmon, and more. The colors and textures are a dream for any content creator looking for Instagram-worthy Hawaii vacation shots.
-Pro tip: Food photos are some of the hardest to capture just right (lighting, angles, and keeping the ice cream from melting!). That’s why foodies and creators sometimes hire help — with Zazzi, you can book a lifestyle photographer in Hawaii to capture those fun, candid foodie moments without stressing over the perfect shot.
Looking for foodie inspo? Check out Hawaii Magazine’s Food & Drink section or the blog A Taste of Koko’s Guide to Eating in Hawaii for more ideas on what’s worth snapping (and tasting).
Tips for the Perfect Hawaii Instagram Shot
Okay, let me give you the real scoop — even in Hawaii, not every photo turns out magical unless you know a few tricks. If you want your Hawaii vacation photos to look like they belong on Pinterest or Insta, here’s what you’ve gotta keep in mind.
Golden Hour is everything. Seriously, if you take nothing else from me, remember this. Sunrise and sunset make the colors pop in the ocean and sky — it’s when you get those dreamy, glowing, Instagram-worthy Hawaii vacation shots. Midday sun? Nope, it’s too harsh.
Outfits matter more than you think. A flowy dress, a tropical shirt, or even a cute hat changes the whole vibe. If you’re doing family or couple photos, just coordinate a little so you don’t clash. It makes for those timeless Hawaii family vacation photos that you’ll actually want to hang on the wall.
Props make it fun. Grab a lei, a surfboard, or even a coconut drink — it gives your pics personality and shows you’re really soaking in the island life. These little touches make your Hawaii travel photography stand out way more.
And trust me, if you want inspo for outfits, I always peek at The Everygirl’s Vacation Outfit Guide or blogs like Gal Meets Glam in Hawaii. Instant ideas.
Conclusion
Here’s the thing: Hawaii isn’t just another trip — it’s basically the ultimate Hawaii bucket list destination for anyone who loves creating memories (and content). Every island has spots that will blow your mind, and these Instagram spots in Hawaii will give you photos that feel just as magical years later as they do in the moment.
But let’s be real — sometimes selfies and phone pics don’t cut it. If you really want next-level shots, just book a photographer in Hawaii on Zazzi. It’s literally the easiest way to make sure your photos look epic without stressing about angles or lighting. You just show up, enjoy the moment, and let someone else do the magic.
So when you’re planning your Hawaii itinerary, promise me this: don’t just take pictures. Capture the kind of memories you’ll want framed, shared, and cherished forever. Because Hawaii is special, and your photos should be too.
Bonus: Find a Photographer in Hawaii
Loved these Instagram spots but want more tips on getting the perfect shots? Check out our blog Find a Photographer in Hawaii. From golden sunsets to family portraits on the beach, it’s packed with advice on choosing the right photographer and making your photos truly unforgettable.