Looking for the best Hawaii Instagram spots? Well, you have come to the right place. 🙂 I already went – and have come back – and can share with you all of my favorite Instagram spots in Hawaii.
You might find that these spots revolve around a few main topics; food, coffee, and hiking, which I personally think makes a well-rounded vacation.
Maybe add in some beach time and we’re good to go. 🙂
I hope you check out as many of these spots as you can, and if you post them, tag me (@lavendervines)! I’d love to see what you come up with. 🙂
So with that, let’s discover some of Hawaii’s best Instagram spots.
Hawaii’s Most Instagram-Worthy Spots
Honolulu Instagram Spots
1. Arvo Café
Arvo Café was at the top of my “Hawaii Instagram spots” list when I went. I loved it and am confident you will love it, too. Arvo is a cute little flower shop and coffee spot that serves lattes with fun designs on them. You can get your latte colored too, which is fun and unique. @arvocoffee
My only complaint is Arvo is in the Kaka’ako neighborhood which is roughly a 15-30 minute drive away from Waikiki, depending on traffic.
2. Kaka’ako Wall Murals
Speaking of which, since you’re already in the Kaka’ako neighborhood you should also check out the wall murals. These murals are everywhere! Take a stroll around the neighborhood and see what you can find. 🙂
As you’re walking around you will also notice that this area is a bit up and coming. Maybe when you visit there will be more to see, but besides a few streets, the rest of this neighborhood didn’t have much going on. I got to talking with my Uber driver and apparently this neighborhood will likely be very different even in the next couple of months.
3. Oliver & Oliver
I adored Oliver & Oliver! Located in Waikiki this cute little coffee shop and boutique is soooo adorable. If you’re loving the little pineapple coffee cups as much as me, you can even purchase a ceramic version to take home! @oliverandoliverhawaii
4. Leonard’s Bakery
Is Leonard’s Bakery really an Instagram spot, or is it more of a foodie spot? Not entirely sure, but it’s still worth a visit. 🙂 Leonard’s is famous for their malasadas, a Portuguese confection similar to a doughnut. #leonardsbakery
5. Hawaiian Aroma Caffe
I stumbled upon the Hawaiian Aroma Caffe on accident and I am SO glad I did. It is Instagram fabulous! I wish I could have spent more time here. Everything in this cute little café is Instagrammable and if you have time, there’s even a rooftop pool!
6. The Royal Hawaiian
Welcome to the The Royal Hawaiian. If you are staying at this gorgeous hotel, then can I please please please be a stowaway in your luggage? 🙂
For those not familiar with this hotel, The Royal Hawaiian is considered “The Pink Palace of the Pacific”. It overlooks the famous Waikiki Beach and is what Instagram dreams are made of. From poolside pink cabanas to pink and white striped towels, this place is absolutely adorable. 🙂
7. Diamond Head
Even if you know nothing about things to do in Oahu, it is likely you’ve heard of Diamond Head. This hike is famous and a Hawaii must see. Don’t worry though, it’s an easy mile-long hike (seriously girls do it in heels) and only takes 40 to 60 minutes to reach the top. From there you can enjoy an amazing 360-degree view of Waikiki.
North Shore Instagram Spots
8. Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade
Wow Wow Hawaiian Lemonade is known for the Aloha mason jars they serve their lemonade in. It’s a super cute and refreshing spot! There are a two locations on Oahu, however the most accessible is in Haleiwa on the North Shore. @wowwowhawaiianlemonade
9. Anahulu’s Shaved Ice
Another Haleiwa gem is Anahulu’s Shaved Ice. The popular thing to do is to enjoy some shaved ice to cool you down, and then have a mini photo shoot in front of the angel wings.
FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @LAVENDERVINES
10. Sunrise Shack
I am not going to lie, I went looking for the Sunrise Shack, and couldn’t find it. However, another Instagram friend went recently and found it. So it’s possible your girl’s just challenged. But regardless, this spot is super cute and deserving of a visit – if you can find it. 🙂 It’s “supposedly” located on the North Shore. 😉 #GoodVibesOnly
11. Malia’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
Another shaved ice spot? Trust me, it gets so hot you will be eating lots of shaved ice, lol. But yesssss, Malia’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice was a cute little find, I think you’ll like it, too!
Other Oahu Instagram Spots
12. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden
If you’re wondering if all my Instagram spots revolve around food I must assure you that no, they don’t. However food is good, so…there’s that.
But guys, just know I am letting you in on one of the most secret Instagram spots on the island. I didn’t read about Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden anywhere online, but instead was told by a fellow Instagrammer. Thank God. This place is incredible and you won’t even believe the best part, (drumroll please!) IT’S FREE. Yes, you heard right, free.
The only caveat is it’s hard to take photos here, and they do patrol to see if you are stopping your car to take photos. Apparently I got extremely lucky because I had a full-blown photoshoot in the middle of the road without getting any grief. But just know that you’re not supposed to do this.
13. Kualoa Ranch – Secret Island
Kualoa Ranch is where Jurassic Park was filmed so as you can imagine, this spot is amazing! The only problem is you do have to pay in order to actually go into the ranch, however I would highly recommend you book a tour. Unfortunately I did not get to do any tours because I arrived too late, which was truly disappointing.
So don’t be like me, plan ahead and book a tour in advance. I’ve included some tour options to help you out!
Also – there’s a secret island within the property that’s a nice added bonus.
- Horseback Adventure at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu
- Price: $84.95
- Kualoa Ranch Experience Pass
- Price: $119.95
- Kualoa Ranch Off-Road Adventure Tour
- Price: $45.95
- Kualoa Ranch Zipline Tour
- Price: $159.95
- Kualoa Ranch Movie Tour
- Price: $45.95
- Kualoa Ranch ATV Adventure
- Price: $84.95
14. Pillbox Hike
The Pillbox Hike has to be one of the most Instagrammed spots on the island. It's a moderate hike that takes roughly an hour to 90 minutes depending on how far you decide to go. The views are gorgeous and overlooks the famous Lanikai Beach.
15. Lanikai Beach
After you've finished the hike, take a splash in Lanikai Beach to cool you off. This beach is seriously famous! Here you'll find white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise-blue waters. But what makes this spot Insta-famous are the islands in the distance.
I hope you enjoyed this list of Hawaii Instagram spots! There are so many beautiful cafés, beaches, hikes and waterfalls. You'll also find you'll stumble upon a few hidden gems of your own. If you do, tag me (@lavendervines). I wanna see, too! :)
PS: I shoot everything on my Olympus’ OM-D E-M5 Mark II which I LOVE and totally recommend. I also have a post on why I recommend Mirrorless over DSLR, check it out!
What are you favorite Hawaii Instagram spots? Love to know in the comments below!
Read More
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20 Hawaiian Movies for a Hawaiian-Themed Movie Night!
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I’m off to Hawaii soon so this was SUPER helpful for me and I’m going to check out these spots you mentioned. Thanks!
Julia // The Sunday Mode
YAY that makes me so happy! Hawaii is so beautiful, you’ll find so many amazing spots not mentioned I’m sure 🙂