KAUAI LOCATIONS

Kauaʻi’s stunning landscapes provide incredible opportunities for photography, especially at sunrise and sunset. Each region offers unique backdrops that capture the island’s beauty in golden light. While we can do shoots in all locations for Sunrise or Sunset here are some ideas to consider about timing and location.

North Shore (Sunrise or Sunset)

Princeville – Perched on high cliffs, Princeville offers breathtaking sunset views over Hanalei Bay, with golden light reflecting off the ocean and lush mountains in the background.

Hanalei – The Hanalei Pier and surrounding taro fields create picturesque compositions at sunset, with the rugged mountains glowing in the warm light.

Kīlauea – The Kīlauea Lighthouse is an excellent spot for sunset photography, where you can capture seabirds soaring against a glowing sky.

East Side (Best for Sunrise)

Kapa‘a – With its beachfront paths and unobstructed ocean views, Kapa‘a is one of the best places for a sunrise session, with pastel-colored skies reflecting off the water.

Wailua – The Wailua River and nearby waterfalls, such as ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, provide dramatic early morning mist and light filtering through the tropical foliage.

Anahola – This quiet beach town has rugged, uncrowded coastline views, making it perfect for capturing the sun rising over the Pacific.

Līhu‘e (Sunrise or Sunset)

Līhu‘e – Kalapaki Beach is ideal for sunrise, with its calm waters and palm trees silhouetted against the morning sky. In the evening, sunset colors reflect beautifully off the ocean.

Puhi – The rolling hills and Kaua‘i Coffee Plantation create a unique backdrop for sunrise photography, with golden light casting long shadows across the fields.

South Shore (Sunrise or Sunset)

Poʻipū – This sunny resort area is famous for its golden beaches and lava rock formations, making for stunning sunset shots with glowing reflections on the waves.

Kōloa – The historic charm of Kōloa, combined with its tree tunnels and rustic plantation-era buildings, provides a timeless look, especially in the warm evening light.

Spouting Horn – This natural blowhole is an excellent location for dramatic sunset photography, with water bursts illuminated by the fading light.

West Side (Sunrise or Sunset)

Waimea – Waimea Canyon is best photographed in the late afternoon, as the sun casts warm hues on the red and green canyon walls, creating a striking contrast.

Hanapēpē – The artistic town of Hanapēpē has a charming, rustic look, and the Hanapēpē Swinging Bridge at sunset makes for an interesting and unique composition.

Kekaha – With its long stretches of sandy beach and views of the forbidden island of Ni‘ihau, Kekaha Beach is a stunning location for sunset photography.

Kauaʻi offers diverse photography opportunities, whether you're capturing the first light of day over the ocean or the fiery hues of a tropical sunset over dramatic cliffs and beaches.