A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to O’ahu (Hawai’i), USA

O’ahu is one of the eight main Hawaiian islands and has probably one of the most diverse landscapes. Honolulu is a bustling city settled right on the white sandy beaches of Hawai’i, while the North Shore, known for its iconic surf spots, is not too far away. The island also has beautifully lush jungle and mountains, which you can explore on foot or by air in a helicopter. Explore everything the island has to offer as well as the crystal blue water with the Lomography camera of your choosing!

While in O’ahu, visit Treehouse to stock up on photography equipment! Located in the heart of Honolulu at SALT at Our Kaka’ako, this shopping district has island charm while featuring several boutiques, art galleries and diverse dining. Pick up some photo equipment or even develop some of your island film as well! Photo by Chris Rohrer

While in O’ahu, visit Treehouse to stock up on photography equipment! Located in the heart of Honolulu at SALT at Our Kaka’ako, this shopping district has island charm while featuring several boutiques, art galleries and diverse dining. Pick up some photo equipment or even develop some of your island film as well! Photo by Chris Rohrer

675, 215 Auahi St E3, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Venture to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and explore the diverse island wildlife! If you’re lucky, maybe you will spot a Green Sea Turtle, or a “Honu” in Hawaiian. The Honu is a sacred symbol of the Hawaiian Islands, and represent resilience and wisdom. But remember not to touch them, as they are protected under federal and state laws. Photo by chvo

Venture to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve and explore the diverse island wildlife! If you’re lucky, maybe you will spot a Green Sea Turtle, or a “Honu” in Hawaiian. The Honu is a sacred symbol of the Hawaiian Islands, and represent resilience and wisdom. But remember not to touch them, as they are protected under federal and state laws. Photo by chvo

100 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Mānoa Falls: Looking for some gentle hiking in O’ahu? Explore the Mānoa Falls Trail and find a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall along it, and a beautifully-lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for some birds, like cockatoos and green parakeets, as well as geckos! Photo by prologue

Mānoa Falls: Looking for some gentle hiking in O’ahu? Explore the Mānoa Falls Trail and find a breathtaking 150-foot waterfall along it, and a beautifully-lush rainforest. Keep an eye out for some birds, like cockatoos and green parakeets, as well as geckos! Photo by prologue

Manoa Falls, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Just North of Hanauma Bay, along the Kalaniana’ole Highway, you’ll find the Halona Blow Hole. With easy access, this is a perfect stop while driving the coast of O’ahu! Formed from past volcanic activity, the Blow Hole shoots seawater up to 30 feet in the air when waves pass through the lava tubes. Halona Cove is located close by, which has been featured in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates. If you visit in the winter, you might even see a whale or two. Wait for the perfect moment and shoot with either the Lomography LomoKino or ActionSampler to capture the Blowhole in action! Photo by joshsjackson

Just North of Hanauma Bay, along the Kalaniana’ole Highway, you’ll find the Halona Blow Hole. With easy access, this is a perfect stop while driving the coast of O’ahu! Formed from past volcanic activity, the Blow Hole shoots seawater up to 30 feet in the air when waves pass through the lava tubes. Halona Cove is located close by, which has been featured in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and 50 First Dates. If you visit in the winter, you might even see a whale or two. Wait for the perfect moment and shoot with either the Lomography LomoKino or ActionSampler to capture the Blowhole in action! Photo by joshsjackson

Halona Blow Hole, Honolulu, HI 96825, USA
Looking for a mix of old and new? Chinatown is a historic district in Honolulu, filled with traditional markets and art galleries. Walking through Maunakea Marketplace you’ll find noodles being prepared, exotic foods and Chinese herbs. Chinatown in Honolulu is one of the oldest in the United States, so you can mix some history with the beach! Photo by neanderthalis

Looking for a mix of old and new? Chinatown is a historic district in Honolulu, filled with traditional markets and art galleries. Walking through Maunakea Marketplace you’ll find noodles being prepared, exotic foods and Chinese herbs. Chinatown in Honolulu is one of the oldest in the United States, so you can mix some history with the beach! Photo by neanderthalis

1034 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
One of O’ahu’s most iconic geological features is Diamond Head (Lē’ahi). After a two-hour moderate hike you’ll see the dormant volcanic crater and beautiful coastal views. Lē’ahi is a sacred site for Hawaiians and is seen as a space of spiritual power and communication with the gods. Take your Lomography Spinner 360 and shoot with film at the top! Photo by itsdebraanne

One of O’ahu’s most iconic geological features is Diamond Head (Lē’ahi). After a two-hour moderate hike you’ll see the dormant volcanic crater and beautiful coastal views. Lē’ahi is a sacred site for Hawaiians and is seen as a space of spiritual power and communication with the gods. Take your Lomography Spinner 360 and shoot with film at the top! Photo by itsdebraanne

Kapahulu, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Already a surfer or want to learn how? Waikīkī Beach is one of the best places to have some fun in the waves of O’ahu. The North Shore is one of the most iconic places on the island and Waikīkī has a plethora of rental places to choose from. Photo by duffman

Already a surfer or want to learn how? Waikīkī Beach is one of the best places to have some fun in the waves of O’ahu. The North Shore is one of the most iconic places on the island and Waikīkī has a plethora of rental places to choose from. Photo by duffman

Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
On the windward side of O’ahu in Kāne’ohe, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens span almost 400 acres and is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The gardens are filled with lush flowers from Hawai’i, Polynesia and Melanesia, among other spots in the Pacific. It is set against the stunning Ko’olau mountain range, and be sure to grab your LomoChrome Purple or Turquoise Film to get some breathtaking shots of the foliage. Photo by lakeushinthesky

On the windward side of O’ahu in Kāne’ohe, the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Gardens span almost 400 acres and is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The gardens are filled with lush flowers from Hawai’i, Polynesia and Melanesia, among other spots in the Pacific. It is set against the stunning Ko’olau mountain range, and be sure to grab your LomoChrome Purple or Turquoise Film to get some breathtaking shots of the foliage. Photo by lakeushinthesky

45-680 Luluku Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Want to look for the state fish of Hawai’i, the humuhumunukunukuāpua’a? No better place than Shark’s Cove on the North Shore. Don’t let the name scare you, sharks aren’t common here! During the winter there are massive swells, but in the summer it is perfect for an ocean adventure, with clear and shallow waters with rainbows of fish. Take your Lomo LC-Wide and the Krab Underwater Housing to shoot some film under the Hawaiian waves! Photo by lomo_the_nations

Want to look for the state fish of Hawai’i, the humuhumunukunukuāpua’a? No better place than Shark’s Cove on the North Shore. Don’t let the name scare you, sharks aren’t common here! During the winter there are massive swells, but in the summer it is perfect for an ocean adventure, with clear and shallow waters with rainbows of fish. Take your Lomo LC-Wide and the Krab Underwater Housing to shoot some film under the Hawaiian waves! Photo by lomo_the_nations

Shark’s Cove, Haleiwa, HI 96712, USA
The Bishop Museum is designated as the Hawai’i State Museum of Natural Science and Cultural history, and is located in the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu. It features cultural exhibits and events, so take some time to learn about the rich history of the Hawaiian islands. There are whispers from locals and security guards of the museum being haunted, so grab your film camera and take a long exposure shot – maybe you’ll even capture a ghost! Photo by Lomography Magazine

The Bishop Museum is designated as the Hawai’i State Museum of Natural Science and Cultural history, and is located in the historic Kalihi district of Honolulu. It features cultural exhibits and events, so take some time to learn about the rich history of the Hawaiian islands. There are whispers from locals and security guards of the museum being haunted, so grab your film camera and take a long exposure shot – maybe you’ll even capture a ghost! Photo by Lomography Magazine

1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817, USA
The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko’olau mountains, and means the “Temple of Equality”. It is a replica of a temple in Uji, Japan and is made entirely without nails. Grab your LomoChrome Color ’92 to bring out its vibrant red hues! Photo by neanderthalis

The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko’olau mountains, and means the “Temple of Equality”. It is a replica of a temple in Uji, Japan and is made entirely without nails. Grab your LomoChrome Color ’92 to bring out its vibrant red hues! Photo by neanderthalis

47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Photo by gracelysprocket
Photo by gracelysprocket

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in O’ahu

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in O’ahu to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Honolulu Museum of Art
Discover traditional Hawaiian art mixed with international works from Hokusai, van Gogh and Monet. It features one of the largest collections of Pan-Pacific and Asian art in the United States.

Bishop Museum
Designed to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Hawai’i and the Pacific islands, this historical building holds heirlooms from the royal family as well as millions of artifacts.

’Iolani Palace
Built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, this palace was the last royal residence of the king and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani. The beautiful estate was the only official state residence of royalty in the United States! Its architectural style of American Florentine is unlike anything in the world, and features a grand staircase and piano made of koa wood. After the death of the king and queen, many belongings were sold at a public auction, and some have been retrieved over the years, while a few pieces, like the bed of the king, are still missing. Grab your LomoChrome Metropolis Film to capture the opulent contrast of colors inside the palace.

Photo by bronwyn_byrnefilm
Photo by bronwyn_byrnefilm

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in O’ahu

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the island of O’ahu. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Hawai’i-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Kualoa Ranch
Located on Hawai’i State Route 83 between Kaʻaʻawa and Waikane, the site of the filming of Jurassic Park! Recreate some of your favorite scenes through film and take an ATV tour through the stunning landscape.

Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts
Just inland of the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī, stop into Bailey’s to pick up Hawaiian shirts in all different prints, and who knows, you might even find a vintage camera among the antiques!

Kaka’ako Murals
Venture to this former industrial neighborhood to check out the local art scene. Take your film camera for when one of the murals catches your eye!

Byodo-In Temple
Secluded in the back of Valley of the Temples in Kāneʻohe, this non-denominational Buddhist temple is one of the most photogenic places in O’ahu and dedicated to the first Japanese immigrants to Hawai’i.

Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail
If you are looking for an adventure to get the perfect shot on film, then Makapu’u Point is a 2.5-mile there-and-back trail near Waimānalo. Take your Sprocket Rocket for a panoramic view of the coast and the lighthouse.

Photo by duffman
Photo by duffman
Photo by macpro3000
Photo by macpro3000

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

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Tips from Lomography Magazine

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