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The Top 10 Spots To Take Photos In Kauai

an aerial view of waimea canyon in kauai with lush greenery

Nicknamed the “Garden Isle” for its lush landscapes and stunning natural beauty, Kauai is a photographer’s paradise. From dramatic cliffs and waterfalls to serene beaches and lush rainforests, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring backdrops for your next Instagram post or professional photo shoot.  

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just love capturing memories on your phone, this list of Kauai’s top 10 photo spots will guide you to some of the most picture-perfect places on the island. 

  1. Na Pali Coast (Boat Tour View)

Without question, the Na Pali Coast is one of the most iconic photo locations in all of Hawaii. Towering emerald cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and hidden sea caves make this remote coastline a dream for photographers. But here’s the catch: you can’t drive here. To truly experience and photograph this majestic area, you must take a boat tour. 

With Na Pali Riders, you’ll get exclusive access to angles and sights that can only be seen from the ocean. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Kalalau Valley, an iconic gem of the Na Pali Coast, with a boat tour. Capture the rugged coastline at golden hour, snap dramatic shots of spinner dolphins riding the waves, and frame the cliffs as they light up during sunset. A Na Pali Coast boat tour isn’t just an unforgettable experience. It’s a photo op you’ll treasure forever. Check out all of our tours and come see the Na Pali Coast! 

  1. Waimea Canyon (The Grand Canyon of the Pacific)

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon offers an entirely different landscape than the tropical beaches you might expect. Its layered red and green cliffs, deep valleys, and winding hiking trails make for spectacular wide-angle shots. 

The best photo spots are found along Waimea Canyon Drive, with key lookout points like Waimea Canyon Lookout and Puʻu Hinahina Lookout offering panoramic views. If you’re up for a hike, the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls rewards you with a unique perspective of the canyon and waterfall views. 

  1. Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Pier

Hanalei Bay is a North Shore gem that blends natural beauty with a laid-back surf-town vibe. Framed by majestic mountains and lush taro fields, the bay’s calm turquoise waters are perfect for sunrise or sunset photography. 

Make your way to Hanalei Pier, a historic spot that stretches into the ocean and adds a dramatic leading line to your beach compositions. Pro tip: Visit during golden hour for soft lighting and fewer crowds, and don’t forget to turn around—sometimes the best shots are facing the mountains. 

  1. Kalalau Lookout (Kokeʻe State Park)

For a breathtaking aerial view of the Na Pali Coast without needing to take to the skies, head to Kalalau Lookout in Kokeʻe State Park. Perched at over 4,000 feet above sea level, this lookout offers sweeping views of the Kalalau Valley and the Pacific Ocean. 

Photographers love this spot for its misty morning clouds and layered ridgelines that fade into the distance. On clear days, you can see the beach below. The colors shift beautifully with the light, making this a rewarding spot for repeat visits. There’s also the famed, somewhat treacherous Kalalau Trail – however, reservations are required and it requires you to be in very good physical condition. 

  1. Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach)

Tunnels Beach delivers if you’re searching for the perfect mix of beach and mountains. Nestled on Kauai’s North Shore, this beach is backed by the dramatic cliffs of Makana Mountain and is known for its golden sand and clear blue waters. 

It’s a popular snorkeling spot, but photographers will appreciate the contrast between the calm ocean, palm-lined shore, and the jagged peaks in the background. For the best lighting, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun casts soft shadows across the beach. 

  1. Wailua Falls

This twin waterfall just north of Lihue is one of the most accessible and photogenic waterfalls on the island. With a 173-foot drop, Wailua Falls is a stunning natural spectacle that you can view from a convenient roadside lookout. 

Photograph this spot after recent rain for maximum flow. You’ll often see rainbows forming in the mist, especially in the morning light. While hiking to the base is not advised due to safety concerns, the elevated viewpoint offers more than enough photo-worthy views. 

  1. Queen’s Bath (Princeville)

Queen’s Bath is a natural tide pool carved into a lava shelf on the North Shore of Kauai. During calm surf conditions, it becomes a surreal and serene place to photograph, with crystal-clear water reflecting the sky and waves crashing dramatically in the distance. 

This spot can be dangerous during high surf or rainy weather. Always check ocean conditions before you go; never risk your safety for a photo. On a calm day, though, it’s one of Kauai’s most magical and unique landscapes. 

  1. Ke’e Beach

Located at the end of the road on the North Shore, Ke’e Beach is a serene place to relax and marks the start of the famous Kalalau Trail. The beach itself is a gem, especially at sunset, when the sun dips behind the jagged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. 

This beach is perfect for silhouette photography, reflections in tide pools, and dramatic cliffs. Parking can be limited, and reservations are required to enter Haena State Park, so plan ahead. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our full guide to Ke’e Beach. 

  1. Kilauea Lighthouse and Wildlife Refuge

The Kilauea Lighthouse on Kauai’s northeastern tip is a must-see for photographers who love nature and coastal views. Perched on a dramatic bluff, the lighthouse offers panoramic ocean views and a rugged coastline. 

This is also a fantastic spot to capture seabirds like red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and even nēnē (Hawaiian geese). You might even snap a photo of a humpback whale breaching offshore between December and May. 

  1. Polihale State Park

Suppose you want to escape the crowds and capture raw, untamed beauty; head to Polihale State Park on Kauai’s west side. This remote beach stretches for miles, backed by towering dunes and offering views of the Na Pali cliffs. 

The sunsets here are stunning. The beach’s vastness makes for epic wide-angle compositions, and the golden hour light casts a dreamy glow on the sand and cliffs. Note: the road to Polihale is rough and unpaved, so a 4WD vehicle is recommended. Read more about Polihale State Park! 

Tips for Photographing Kauai 

  • Lighting is everything: The golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset—offer the most flattering light. 
  • Respect the land and ocean: Stick to marked trails, avoid stepping on coral and prioritize your safety. 
  • Weather can change quickly: Always pack a rain cover for your camera or phone, and embrace the moody skies—they can make your photos even more dramatic. 
  • Travel light but prepared: A wide-angle lens, tripod, and a polarizing filter can go a long way in Kauai’s diverse landscapes. 

Kauai offers photo opportunities around every cor

Make Your Photo Adventure Unforgettable 

ner, but some unforgettable shots come from perspectives you can’t reach on foot or by car. That’s where Na Pali Riders come in. Our ocean rafting tours give you front-row views of sea caves, waterfalls, and the wild, untouched beauty of the Na Pali Coast. 

If you’re serious about capturing Kauai’s magic or want stunning vacation memories, book a Na Pali Coast boat tour with us and bring your camera. Your followers (and future self) will thank you. Book a tour with us at Na Pali Riders today! 

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