Looking for a location for your portrait session?
O'ahu is one of the most beautiful places in the world, IMHO. When planning your sesion, it can almost be overwhelming to decide what kind of location you want to use as the backdrop for your session. So, how do you decide what's right for you? Welcome to the KCP location guide with Pros & Cons for my favorite locations on island. By the time you read through this guide, you'll have everything you need to decide what location is right for your vision!
Let's get started.
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Waimanalo Beach
Pros
One of the most scenic and private beaches on island featuring teal waters and epic mountains with a long sandy beach. Sunrise and sunset are both perfect times for this beach.
Cons
Only offers street parking with no access to bathrooms. One of the more windy locations.
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Kualoa Regional Park
Pros
This location offers three unique views within one location. Mountains, calm waters featuring mountains, and a narrow beach showcasing Mokoli'i Island, nicknamed "Chinaman's Hat." Easy access to parking, showers & bathrooms.
Cons
Popular with the tourists and can get very crowded. Typically only offered for sunset sessions.
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Bellows AFB Beach
Pros
Offers a panoramic view of the beach, teal waters, white sand, and mountains. Has access to a large parking lot, bathrooms, and showers.
Cons
Must have military base access. One of the more windy locations. Can get crowded during holidays and summer vacations.
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Paradise Cove
Pros
Located next to Aulani, this lagoon is within walking distance and features palm trees and calm colorful waters. Best at sunset for the most magical lighting.
Cons
A very popular location for watching the sunset, so it can get quite crowded. There is extremely limited free parking and there are no bathrooms.
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Sandy's Beach
Pros
When you're wanting deep blue waters, white sand, palm trees, a mountain view, and glowy sunlight, this location checks off all the boxes! Easy access to bathrooms, parking, and showers.
Cons
Is very windy and a popular spot for surfing at both sunrise and sunset so the area can get very crowded.
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Backyard Beach
Pros
Backyard Beach offers a long sandy beach, coral reef close to shore, and is a well-kept secret on the North Shore.
Cons
Limited parking and no access to bathrooms or showers. Can get windy during the winter months.
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Waikiki
Pros
Offers a beautiful view of the cityscape of Honolulu featuring Diamond Head in the background with white sand beaches, palm trees, lagoons, and a garden within Hilton Hawaiian Village. It's a great choice when you want options in your backgrounds.
Cons
Located in the heart of Waikiki, crowds are to be expected. Because of this, this location is only an option at sunrise.
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Botanical Gardens
Pros
O'ahu has a few botanical gardens that feature different flora native to the islands. Koko Crater and Ho'omaluhia botanical gardens offer unique backdrops for your session. Easy access to parking, free entry, and toilets.
Cons
Sessions require an additional permit needing 30 days' notice. Session start and end times are not flexible as it depends on each garden's hours of operations.
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