If you love gorgeous tropical flowers and cascading waterfalls, Oahu is a photographer’s dream! Find out some of the most beautiful places on Oahu that will make you fall in love with Hawaii!
This most beautiful places to go in Oahu post 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.
After 40+ visits to Hawaii (and counting!), I can honestly say that Oahu never stops surprising me with its beauty.
Sure, people love to talk about Maui and Kauai, but Oahu?
It’s got everything. Dramatic volcanic rock formations, beaches that look Photoshopped, and mountain ranges that’ll make you question if you’re still on planet Earth.
I’m Marcie, a Certified Hawaii Destination Specialist and professional tourist who’s been traveling to Hawaii since I was 10 years old.
Over the years, I’ve discovered some truly stunning spots across Oahu that I think about constantly when I’m back home in Seattle.
These aren’t just pretty places. They’re the kind of spots that make you stop mid-sentence and just stare.
Ready to see what I mean? Let me show you my favorite gorgeous places on Oahu that’ll have you filling up your phone storage faster than you can say “aloha.”
If you’re planning your first trip to Oahu and feeling overwhelmed, I get it. That’s exactly why I created my comprehensive Oahu Travel Guide with day-by-day itineraries, insider tips, and everything you need to plan your perfect vacation.
Or if you want personalized help planning your trip, book a travel consultation with me and we can chat about exactly what you want to see and do.
Want to learn more about planning an amazing Oahu vacation? Check out my podcast Hawaii Travel Made Easy where I share all my best Hawaii travel tips.
1. Byodo-In Temple
Tucked away in the Valley of the Temples (yes, that’s really what it’s called), the Byodo-In Temple might be the most unexpected sight you’ll find on Oahu.
Picture this: you’re driving through a memorial park in Kaneohe, and suddenly BAM, there’s this stunning red Buddhist temple backed by the jagged green cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains.
I took my youngest son here when he was 5, and he stopped dead in his tracks and asked, “Mom, are we in Japan now?” (Japan was on his bucket list at the time, which was adorable.)
That’s how authentic this place feels. It’s actually a smaller replica of a 1,000-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii.
The temple grounds are absolutely peaceful. There’s a huge koi pond (bring quarters to buy fish food), wild peacocks wandering around, and this massive brass bell that you’re supposed to ring for happiness and longevity.
Don’t be shy about ringing it. Everyone does it, and it’s part of the experience.
What you need to know:
Admission is $7 for adults (13-64), $6 for seniors (65+), and $4 for kids (2-12). They only accept cards, no cash.
The temple is open daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm (last entry at 4:15pm), and the gift shop closes on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Get there early if you can. The morning light is gorgeous, and you’ll beat the tour buses that roll in around mid-morning.
You can book a tour of Oahu that includes the Byodo-In Temple if you want someone else to handle the driving and logistics.
2. Ka’a’awa Valley at Kualoa Ranch
Okay, I’m biased here because Ka’a’awa Valley is probably in my top 3 favorite places on Earth.
I first saw it on a UTV tour at Kualoa Ranch and it absolutely blew me away. The valley is this massive, lush green expanse surrounded by those iconic fluted mountains that you’ve definitely seen in movies.
Speaking of movies, over 200 films and TV shows have been shot here. Jurassic Park, Jumanji, Kong: Skull Island, Lost, Hawaii Five-0… the list goes on and on. When you’re standing in the valley, you half expect a dinosaur to wander past.
The only way to see Ka’a’awa Valley is through Kualoa Ranch tours (it’s private land), but honestly, that’s part of what keeps it so pristine and beautiful.
You can do UTV tours, horseback riding, movie site tours, jungle expeditions, or their awesome full-day packages that combine multiple experiences.
I talked all about Kualoa Ranch in my podcast episode “Everything You Need to Know About Kualoa Ranch on Oahu” if you want more details about which tours are worth it.
You can book Kualoa Ranch tours through Viator or Get Your Guide ahead of time. Tours sell out weeks in advance, especially the UTV tours, so don’t wait until you get there to book.
Pro tip: If you’re doing any of the valley tours, bring a light jacket even if it seems warm. The windward side gets random rain showers, and it can get breezy in those open tour vehicles.
3. Waikiki Beach (The East End)
I know what you’re thinking. “Waikiki? Really? Isn’t that super touristy?” Yes, but hear me out. If you head to the eastern end of Waikiki, closer to Diamond Head, it’s a completely different vibe.
This is one of my absolute favorite spots on Oahu. The golden sand, the swaying palm trees, those cute boutique hotels in the background, and the view of Diamond Head crater right there? It’s perfect.
Plus, there’s incredible people watching. Surfers catching waves, families building sandcastles, paddleboarders gliding by.
The eastern end is way less crowded than the main Waikiki strip, so you can actually find a spot for your towel without sitting on top of strangers.
It’s beautiful, accessible, and you’re close to restaurants and shops if you need anything.
If you’ve never been to Waikiki before, you can read more about the best things to do in Waikiki.
Want to stay near Waikiki? Check out hotels on Expedia to find the perfect place for your trip.
4. Lanai Lookout
This is one of those pull-off-the-side-of-the-road spots that you absolutely can’t skip. Lanai Lookout is located on Kalanianaole Highway (Highway 72) on Oahu’s southeastern coast, and the volcanic rock formations here are absolutely wild.
The waves crash into these jagged black lava rocks, creating this dramatic scene that looks like something from another planet.
On clear days, you can see the islands of Lanai, Molokai, and even Maui on the horizon. During winter months (November through May), you might even spot humpback whales breaching offshore.
It’s free, there’s a small parking lot, and you can stop for as long or as short as you want. Just be careful near the rocks because the waves are powerful and the lava is sharp and slippery.
5. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach)
Want to see Hawaiian green sea turtles? Head to Laniakea Beach on the North Shore.
This spot is famous because sea turtles regularly come up on the sand to bask in the sun. And I’m not talking about one or two turtles. On a good day, you might see half a dozen of these gentle giants hanging out.
There are usually volunteers on site who help keep people at a respectful distance from the turtles (remember, it’s illegal to touch or harass them). But you can absolutely take photos and watch them as they slowly make their way across the sand or float in the surf.
Laniakea Beach is part of the famous 7 Mile Miracle, a stretch of North Shore beaches known for perfect surf, golden sand, and incredible natural beauty. While you’re up there, you can also check out other amazing North Shore spots.
You can book North Shore tours through Viator that include Turtle Beach and other iconic locations.
6. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout
If you’re doing a circle island tour (which I highly recommend), you have to stop at Nu’uanu Pali Lookout. The views from up here are absolutely insane.
You’re standing on a cliff about 1,000 feet up, looking down at the windward coast of Oahu with its lush green valleys and turquoise ocean.
This spot is also historically significant. It’s where King Kamehameha I fought one of the most important battles in Hawaiian history in 1795, helping him unite the Hawaiian Islands.
Fair warning: it is WINDY up here. Like, hold-onto-your-hat, might-blow-away windy. When I brought my oldest here a few years ago, he literally thought it was going to blow away!
But that’s part of the fun. Just maybe don’t bring your fanciest hat or try to use an umbrella.
The lookout is open daily from 6am to 6pm, and there’s a small entrance fee of $7 per vehicle or $3 per pedestrian/cyclist.
7. Kailua Beach
Kailua Beach consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the entire United States, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
The sand is soft and white, the water is that perfect shade of turquoise blue, and the beach is long and wide enough that it never feels too crowded.
From here, you can see Mokulua Islands (also called “the Mokes”), these two small islands sitting just offshore.
Some people kayak or paddleboard out to them, which makes for great photos. You can also spot Chinaman’s Hat, that distinctive little island you’ve probably seen in photos.
Kailua is on Oahu’s windward side, about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. There’s parking available (though it fills up on weekends), restrooms, showers, and usually some food trucks nearby.
If you’re looking for the best beaches on Oahu, Kailua should definitely be on your list.
Need a rental car for exploring Oahu? I always recommend booking early, especially during peak season, because prices can skyrocket the closer you get to your travel dates.
8. Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley is different from a lot of Oahu attractions because it’s not just about getting to a destination.
The whole journey is beautiful. You walk through botanical gardens featuring plants from around the world, learning about Hawaiian culture along the way, until you reach Waimea Falls.
The waterfall itself is about 45 feet tall, and here’s the best part: you can actually swim in it! It’s one of the few waterfalls on Oahu where swimming is allowed. They provide life jackets at no extra charge, and lifeguards are on duty.
The walk to the falls is about a mile on a paved path, so it’s super accessible for families or people who don’t want to do a hardcore hike.
Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for kids (4-12), and they’re open daily from 9am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm).
You can read my complete guide to visiting Waimea Valley for more details and tips.
9. Kaneohe Sandbar
The Kaneohe Sandbar is seriously one of the most unique places in all of Hawaii.
At low tide, this sandbar emerges in the middle of Kaneohe Bay, creating this shallow, crystal-clear area where you can literally walk around in knee-deep water surrounded by turquoise ocean and dramatic mountain views.
It’s like someone created a natural swimming pool in the middle of the bay. Families bring pool floaties and just hang out in the shallow water. Boats anchor nearby. It’s this totally chill, uniquely Hawaiian experience.
The only way to get there is by boat. You can book tours through Viator or Get Your Guide that include the sandbar along with snorkeling and other activities.
10. Tantalus Lookout
If you want to see Honolulu from above, Tantalus is the place.
This scenic drive takes you up into the mountains above the city, with multiple lookout points where you can see Diamond Head, Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, and the ocean all spread out below you.
The drive itself is gorgeous too. You’ll wind through a lush rainforest with huge banyan trees, thick vegetation, and the sounds of birds singing. It feels like you’re deep in the jungle, even though you’re just minutes from downtown Honolulu.
Go in the late afternoon for the best light, or go for sunset if you want to see the city lights start to twinkle on. Just be aware that the road can be narrow and winding, so take it slow.
Bonus: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
I have to mention Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden because it’s stunning, BUT there’s something you need to know.
That famous Instagram photo of the palm tree-lined road with the mountains in the background? You can’t stop and take photos there anymore.
The garden got so popular from social media that it became a safety issue, with people stopping their cars in the middle of the road. Now there are strict no-stopping, no-photography rules on that main entrance road, and they actually enforce them.
That said, the rest of the 400-acre garden is absolutely beautiful and you can take photos anywhere else.
There are hiking trails, a gorgeous lake, and viewpoints throughout the garden.
Admission is free, and it’s open daily from 9am to 4pm (closed Thursdays). They’re currently doing some road repaving through December 2025, so check their website before you go.
Capture Your Oahu Memories with Flytographer
If you really want professional photos at these gorgeous locations, I always recommend booking a session with Flytographer.
They have amazing photographers all over Oahu who know the best spots and the best lighting.
I’ve used Flytographer multiple times during our Hawaii trips, and I love that the photos come back so quickly (sometimes before we even leave Hawaii!).
Plus, as the mom who’s usually behind the camera, it guarantees I’m actually IN some of the photos.
Right now, you can save $20 on your first Flytographer session when you book through my link. They do family photos, couples sessions, proposals, engagements, and just-because photo shoots at any of these beautiful locations.
Planning Your Oahu Trip
Feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out where to go and when? I totally get it. Oahu has SO much to see and do, and it can be hard to plan everything, especially if it’s your first time.
That’s exactly why I created my comprehensive Oahu Travel Guide.
It includes detailed day-by-day itineraries, my favorite restaurants, the best beaches, insider tips I’ve learned over 40+ visits, and everything you need to plan the perfect Oahu vacation.
Or if you want personalized help, I offer one-on-one travel consultations where we can chat about your specific trip.
I’ll help you create a custom itinerary based on your interests, travel style, and the amount of time you have.
Want to learn the basics of Hawaii travel first? Sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning an Oahu vacation. I’ll walk you through everything step by step.
More Oahu Travel Resources
Looking for more Oahu inspiration? Check out these posts:
- Best Things to Do on Oahu’s North Shore
- Ultimate Guide to Turtle Beach Oahu
- Best Oahu Hikes for Families
- Best Oahu Beaches
Oahu is seriously one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, and I’ve been lucky enough to visit over 40 times.
Every single trip, I’m blown away by the scenery.
Whether you’re standing on a volcanic lookout watching waves crash, floating in turquoise water at a sandbar, or walking through a peaceful temple garden backed by dramatic mountains, Oahu never disappoints.
These 10 spots are some of my absolute favorites, and they’re all accessible, safe, and worth the trip.
Don’t try to cram them all into one day though. Take your time, soak in the views, and enjoy every minute of your Oahu adventure.
