Heading to the Big Island and want to know the best places for amazing Big Island photography? Scroll to check out my top Big Island Instagram spots you have to see to believe!
This list of Big Island Instagram spots was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
You know that feeling when you see a photo that makes you want to book a flight immediately? That’s the Big Island.
After 40+ trips to Hawaii and countless hours exploring this incredible island with my kids, I’ve found the spots that genuinely take your breath away (and look amazing on camera).
The Big Island is so different from the other Hawaiian islands. You’ve got active volcanoes, green sand beaches, massive waterfalls, and landscapes that feel prehistoric.
As a Hawaii travel expert and certified Hawaii Destination Specialist, I’m sharing my absolute favorite photo spots that’ll make your Instagram followers think you hired a professional photographer.
1. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
If you only visit one place on the Big Island, make it Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Right now, Kilauea is actively erupting with episodic lava fountaining that started in December 2024. It’s absolutely incredible.
I’ve taken my kids here on every Big Island trip because watching lava is something they’ll remember forever.
My son actually fell and hurt his elbow here once (he’s totally fine now!), but even that didn’t dampen his excitement about seeing the glow from the crater at night.
The park is massive, so you’ll want to drive both Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road to hit all the best viewpoints.
Each road gives you completely different perspectives. The park is open 24 hours, though the visitor center operates 8:30am-4:30pm. Entrance is $30 per vehicle (good for 7 days).
Pro tip: The eruption happens in episodes, usually about once a week. Check the USGS website before you go to see if fountaining is active. Even between episodes, you can usually see glow at night.
Book a volcano tour on Viator to learn from expert guides who know exactly where to position you for the best shots.
2. Waipio Valley Lookout
This might be the single most gorgeous spot on the Big Island. Seriously. The Waipio Valley Lookout gives you sweeping views of this sacred valley with its black sand beach, towering waterfalls, and lush green cliffs.
Here’s the thing though: the road into the valley has been closed to the public since 2022 due to safety concerns.
But the lookout is still fully accessible and absolutely stunning. You can spend time here taking photos, having a picnic, and just soaking in the views.
If you want to actually explore the valley floor (which I highly recommend), you’ll need to book the Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour.
It’s a 90-minute tour in an open-air van where you’ll learn about this sacred place from local guides. The valley is the most beautiful place in Hawaii that most tourists never get to experience properly.
The lookout is free, but parking is limited. Get there early morning if you can.
3. Akaka Falls State Park
Out of all the waterfalls I’ve seen in Hawaii (and trust me, I’ve seen a lot), Akaka Falls holds a special place in my heart.
It’s a 442-foot waterfall that you can reach via an easy 0.4-mile paved loop trail through the rainforest.
What I love about bringing my kids here is that the trail feels safe enough for them to walk ahead of me and feel like they’re on their own little adventure.
It’s an easy win for family photos because the trail is gorgeous, the waterfall is massive, and everyone feels accomplished.
The park is open 8:30am-5pm daily. Admission is $5 per person plus $10 for parking (Hawaii residents enter free). You’ll actually see two waterfalls on the loop: Kahuna Falls and the main Akaka Falls. Budget about an hour here.
Photography tip: Morning light is best. The mist from the falls creates beautiful conditions for photos, and you’ll beat the tour buses.
Looking for more waterfall adventures? Check out my complete guide to Big Island waterfalls.
4. Place of Refuge (Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park)
I take my kids to Place of Refuge on every single Big Island trip. It’s absolutely stunning, and the wooden tikis are perfect for selfies (in a respectful way, of course).
This 180-acre national park sits right on the ocean in South Kona. You’ll see reconstructed Hawaiian structures, royal fishponds, and that incredible Great Wall.
The tikis are smaller than you might expect from photos, but they’re still impressive and make for great shots.
What makes this place special is how well-preserved everything is. You really get a sense of Old Hawaii here. The black lava rocks against the blue ocean, the palm trees, the ancient structures… it’s photogenic from every angle.
The park is open 7am-6pm daily, with the visitor center operating 8:30am-4:30pm. Entrance is $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days). There’s also great snorkeling at nearby Two Step if you want to make a day of it.
Pro tip: Visit in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds. Rangers give talks at 10:30am and 2:30pm if you want to learn more about the history.
5. The Painted Church
I’m not even religious, but the Painted Church is a magical place. This tiny Catholic church in South Kona has hand-painted biblical scenes covering every inch of the interior walls and ceiling.
Father John Velghe painted these murals in the early 1900s using regular house paint. He wasn’t formally trained, but he created this incredible 3D effect that makes you feel like you’re standing in a Spanish Gothic cathedral. It’s wild.
The church is free to visit (donations appreciated), and it’s open daily. It’s very close to Place of Refuge, so you can easily hit both in one outing.
The exterior is charming with its white wood and green roof, but step inside and prepare to be amazed.
The painted walls told stories to native Hawaiians who couldn’t read. Now they tell stories to all of us through their beauty.
6. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden
If you want stunning photo backdrops without a ton of hiking, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden is your answer. This place is an absolute must-stop for photos.
It’s located just outside Hilo, and you’ll walk a nice paved path through tropical gardens where you can see waterfalls, a tiki statue, a reflection pond, and SO many gorgeous Hawaiian flowers and plants.
What I love is how many different backgrounds are located close together. You can get a bunch of different shots without much effort.
The walk is comfortable enough that it works for all ages and abilities. My kids love spotting the different flowers and trying to remember their names.
Check out my full guide to the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden for more details.
7. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park
I love bringing my kids to Kaloko-Honokohau because they usually spot Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles close up. This is one of the best beaches on the Big Island to see turtles.
The park has three main areas: the visitor center, the marina, and the bay. The bay is my top pick because there’s a replica Hawaiian fishing house, ancient temple ruins (heiau), and beautiful coastal scenery. Plus, those sea turtles!
It’s a very short walk through the woods from the parking lot to the beach area. The beach itself is small, so it’s easy to walk out to the rocks and take photos with the traditional Hawaiian structure in the background.
This is a great spot for unique Big Island photos that feel different from your typical beach shots.
8. Lavaloha Chocolate Farm
Okay, hear me out. I’m including Lavaloha Chocolate Farm specifically because they have a secret waterfall on their property that you can only see by taking their tour.
I took my 5-year-old here and it was such a fun and educational experience. You ride through the cacao orchards on an electric bus, learn how chocolate is made, taste fresh cacao fruit, and sample all their chocolate flavors. The tour guides are fantastic.
But here’s the bonus: near the end of the tour, if you have time, they’ll take you to see their private waterfall. It’s tucked away on the property and most people don’t even know it exists. Super cool for photos because it’s not overrun with tourists.
Tours are offered six days a week (closed Sundays), run about an hour, and cost around $42 per person. Book online ahead of time because they fill up quickly.
Located about 10 minutes from Hilo at 1820 Amauulu Road.
9. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit on the Big Island. It’s literally just steps from the parking lot in Hilo, and if you time it right (early morning), you’ll actually see rainbows in the mist.
The main viewing platform is wheelchair accessible. But here’s what a lot of visitors miss: there’s a set of stone stairs (now reopened after being closed during COVID) that take you to an upper lookout.
From there, you can see the waterfall from above and walk to an ancient banyan tree that’s absolutely massive.
Best time to visit is before 10am when the sun is at your back, creating those famous rainbows. It’s also way less crowded in the morning. The falls are free to visit, there’s free parking, and bathrooms are available.
It’s only about 5 minutes from downtown Hilo, so it’s super easy to squeeze in.
10. Papakolea Green Sand Beach
Have you ever seen a green sand beach? There are only four in the world, and Papakolea is one of them.
The sand gets its color from olivine crystals that come from the volcanic cinder cone surrounding the beach.
Here’s the reality though: getting there requires commitment. It’s a 2.5-mile hike each way across exposed lava fields with no shade. The trail is hot, dusty, and windy. You’ll need good shoes, lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
The hike takes about an hour each way, and the best time to go is very early morning (start around 6-7am) to avoid the intense midday heat. Once you reach the beach, there’s a steep scramble down to the sand itself.
Locals sometimes offer rides in their trucks, but this isn’t officially allowed and your rental car agreement probably prohibits driving out there. If you hike, bring way more water than you think you need.
Is it worth it? If you’re up for an adventure and want to see something truly unique, absolutely. Just know what you’re getting into.
The green sand is stunning against the blue water and rugged cliffs. It’s definitely an Instagram-worthy destination, but it’s earned, not given.
Bonus Tips for Amazing Big Island Photos
Get a Haku Lei
Hawaiian flower crowns (haku leis) are having a moment right now, and they add such a beautiful tropical touch to photos.
Find a local maker on Instagram who can create one in your favorite colors. Keep it in the fridge covered with a damp paper towel, and bring a cooler if you’ll be out all day.
Wear the Right Clothes
The Big Island attracts adventurous travelers. Save the high heels and fancy clothes for another island.
Think about flowy maxi dresses, comfortable maxi skirts, and clothes you can move in. Everything should be something you can easily throw on over a swimsuit for quick photos.
Hire a Photographer
Want to guarantee you get amazing family photos? Book a session with Flytographer.
They connect you with local photographers who know the best spots and lighting. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
I’ve used them on almost every Hawaii trip because it ensures I’m actually IN some of the photos, not just behind the camera.
Timing Matters
The Big Island has 14 different climate zones, so weather varies drastically across the island.
Kona tends to be sunny and dry, while Hilo gets more rain. Check weather every morning and plan accordingly. Also pay attention to sunrise and sunset times for the best lighting.
Consider a Rental Car
You’ll absolutely want a rental car for reaching these spots. Book with Discount Hawaii Car Rental for the best rates. Having your own transportation lets you chase the best light and visit spots on your own schedule.
Plan Your Big Island Adventure
The Big Island is incredible for photography because of its diversity. You can shoot waterfalls, volcanoes, beaches, and cultural sites all in one day. It’s a professional tourist’s dream.
Want help planning your entire Big Island itinerary? I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we’ll map out exactly where to go, when to go, and what to skip based on your family’s interests.
You can also check out my comprehensive Big Island Travel Guide for Families which includes detailed daily itineraries, accommodation recommendations, and all my insider tips.
And don’t forget to sign up for my free 7-day email course on How to Plan a Trip to Big Island. I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step.
Listen to my podcast: I cover Big Island travel tips and answer common questions on the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. It’s perfect for listening while you’re researching your trip.
The Big Island offers photo opportunities unlike anywhere else in Hawaii. From glowing lava to green sand beaches to massive waterfalls, every corner of this island has something visually stunning.
Pack your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fill your camera roll with images that’ll make everyone back home jealous.
Looking for more things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii? Check out my Aloha Adventure Farm ATV Tour review, best Big Island waterfall hikes, Royal Kona Luau review, Kona Atlantis Submarine Tour review, and Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour review.
