8 Most Instagrammable Places in Kauai

Ah, Kauai. A tropical paradise nicknamed “the Garden Isle,” as almost every inch of the island is covered in lush rainforest.

Draped in emerald valleys, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls, Kauai is blessed with beautiful scenery for photography. 

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply someone who loves to capture stunning places, Kauai was always destined to be a hit on the ‘gram.

It’s no wonder, then, that the island has been a backdrop for major Hollywood films throughout the years. 

It’s time for you to get a piece of this paradise with these 8 most Instagrammable places in Kauai.

I’m also covering some FAQs and throwing in a few photography tips, so let’s get going. 

Also Read: How to make money while traveling full time. 

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Most Beautiful Places in Kauai for Instagram Photography

Kauai has some of the most beautiful photo spots I’ve ever seen.

While you could hunt endlessly for them, below are the ones I love and recommend the most. 

Check out the camera gear I use for travel here!

1. Tunnels Beach

Locally known as Makua Beach, Tunnels Beach is a haven for nature photography.

This Instagram-worthy beach feels secluded with warm, inviting sand, crystal-clear waters, and green mountains in the background. 

Tunnels Beach has shallow reefs, which are ideal for snorkeling and underwater photography.

In ancient times, native Hawaiians referred to the palm-fringed beach as Makua, which means “parent.” This ancient name symbolizes the nurturing presence of the land. 

The only issue with Tunnels Beach is the limited parking.

You can park on the designated spots along one of the two narrow dirt roads leading to the beach.

Otherwise, park at Ha’ena Beach Park and walk along the shores until you reach the crescent-shaped bay that is Tunnels. 

2. Kapa’a 

Kapa’a is a cute town with lots of scenic spots, fun eateries, and small keepsake shops.

It’s also home to the best Kauai food trucks, boasting everything from Thai to Greek and Mexican. 

Everything here is compact and convenient. You’ll find many restaurants, bars, and hotels within walking distance.

For a variety of content, I suggest visiting the numerous attractions all over Kapa’a. 

Start by catching either the sunrise or sunset at the stunning Keālia Beach, with its long stretch of white sand and bright blue waters.

After taking some beach silhouette photos, head over to the Pono Market to capture authentic Hawaiian dishes.

Lastly, take a refreshing and scenic hike to the Ho’opi’i Falls. 

3. Hanalei Valley Lookout

Allow me to introduce you to one of the best lookouts in Kauai.

Hanalei Valley Lookout offers awe-inspiring views for lovely landscape photography.

And, of course, a picture of you in front of the panoramic views for the ‘gram. 

You’ll see a vast sweep of Kauai’s interior, including Hanalei Valley, and a glimpse of Hanalei Bay, one of Kauai’s most famous beaches.

The lookout point sits along the Kuhio Highway (Route 56) near Princeville. 

4. Kalalau Lookout

Kalalau Lookout is another place that has some of the best views of Kauai.

This viewpoint is in Kokee State Park and sits 4,000 feet high. Take pictures of an expansive scene of Kalalau Valley and the Nā Pali coast.

The lush jungles, the seascapes, and the golden sunlight hitting the crevices of the mountain come together to create a gorgeous image. 

As always, come during sunrise or sunset, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a rainbow.

There are two ways to reach the viewpoint: via Waimea Canyon Drive (also Highway 550 in Waimea) or Koke’e Road (located in Kekaha).

You’d have to pay an entrance fee of $5 per person or $10 per vehicle before entering Kokee State Park.   

5. Kalalau Trail

Sticking to the gorgeous Nā Pali coast, the Kalalau Trail is one you don’t want to miss for excellent pictures.

The trail covers five valleys before ending at the picturesque Kalalau Beach. 

To start your hike, locate the trailhead at Ke’e Beach in Hāʻena State Park.

The nearest parking lot is the Ke’e Beach Parking Overflow Lot. From Ke’e Beach, the 11-mile trail continues along the coast all the way to the rugged and undisturbed Kalalau Beach. 

Note: A reservation is required for day hikes AND camping. The Kalalau Trail is considered one of the most dangerous trails in America. It has plenty of uphills, downhills, and uneven terrain. I suggest tackling this trail with hiking poles, sturdy shoes, and some experience with challenging hikes. 

Also, watch out for Crawler’s Ledge, just after mile marker seven. Due to steep, rocky conditions, it’s the most dangerous and intimidating part of the trail. 

6. Waimea Canyon Overlook 

Of all Kauai’s scenic spots, Waimea Canyon Lookout is the most striking and fascinating.

The overlook offers never-ending panoramic views of deep valley gorges, dramatic canyons, crags, buttes, and waterfalls.

With three viewing platforms and jaw-dropping sights, you can spend hours taking pictures here. 

Getting to Waimea Canyon Lookout is easy with this short trail, taking a mere two minutes to complete.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, and I’d recommend this over Kalalau Trail for beginners or anyone with mobility issues.

Depending on when you go, you might find it a bit misty, but it’s still worth seeing. 

For the clearest conditions, I recommend visiting the Waimea Canyon Lookout in June.

Lastly, expect to pay a $5 per person entrance fee at Waimea Canyon State Park. 

7. Hanakapi’ai Falls

So, what should you not miss in Kauai? Perhaps one of (if not) the most photogenic waterfalls on the island.

Hanakapi’ai Falls is a 300-foot-high plunging waterfall on the Nā Pali coast, about two miles from Hanakapi’ai Beach. 

Why not take photos of both the beach and waterfall on one trip?

The Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail is a strenuous 7.7-mile hike that takes you to Hanakapiai Beach and then a few more miles to the falls.

The trail is rocky and slippery due to flash floods and heavy rain, so keep an eye on the weather before going.   

Note: This hike is on Kalalau trail, and a reservation is required to enter Haena State Park. 

8. Red Dirt Waterfall

The Red Dirt Waterfall is truly otherworldly as it gushes out of the red walls of Waimea Canyon.

It almost looks like it belongs on Mars, which makes it great for photos. It’s quite a small, plunging fall but enough to charm you into whipping out your camera. 

The red soil naturally formed due to the dark, iron-rich basalt rock that surrounds the canyon.

As a result, the soil comes in various vivid shades of red, which is spectacular for photography. 

From Waimea Town, take Waimea Canyon Drive (Route 550) and look for the Red Dirt Waterfall on the left side of the road near the 23-mile marker.

Tips for Capturing the Stunning Kauai Scenery

Professional photographers might want to skip this part.

But if you’re starting out as an Instagram content creator or just the everyday person trying to “beautify” your page, these handy tips can take your photos to another level. 

• Take pictures during golden hour — Kauai is all about outdoor scenery, from beaches to viewpoints and waterfalls. There’s no better time to capture its beautiful nature than during sunrise or sunset. Plus, the soft, ethereal golden light is also flattering on people, allowing you to take the most stunning portraits.

• Wear the right clothing — Opt for comfortable, breathable, and flowy beach wear when taking pictures around Kauai. Wear something you don’t mind getting wet or sandy. Anything too structured and tight might not match the laid-back vibes of the island. 

• Bring a tripod — A tripod can really come in handy if you’re traveling solo. You can set up your camera in various positions, and it’s great for photographing in lower light, such as sunrise or sunset. The tripod I use: Peak Design

• Use the rule of thirds — This is a classic photography composition guideline for capturing compelling and well-composed shots. You do this by splitting a scene into thirds and then placing your subject at an intersection. 

• Pay attention to details — Take note of how level the horizon is, how the image is framed, or where the light is hitting your subject. These tiny adjustments can take your photos from good to great. 

• Practice makes perfect — Practise your photography, combined with these tips, before going on your trip. 

FAQs: Kauai’s Most Beautiful Places for Instagram Photos

Now, let’s wrap up with some common FAQs for taking photos on Kauai!   

Is Maui or Kauai Better for Instagram?

Maui is more developed, completely centered around tourism, and has generally drier weather.

However, Kauai offers a more authentic and adventurous experience with fewer crowds, even in peak season.

In that case, Kauai is better for taking Instagram photos. 

What’s the Best Time To Visit Kauai for Photos?

For picture-perfect white-sand beach moments, it’s best to visit Kauai in the summer.

The weather will play along, and your photos will come out bright and colorful thanks to clear skies.

The summer season is from June to September. 

Is Kauai the Most Beautiful Island of Hawaii?

Each Hawaiian island is distinct and beautiful in its own way. That said, many have named Kauai the most naturally pretty island on the archipelago. 

Next Up: Discover the most Instagrammable spots in Mallorca.