Oahu Photo Tours

Highlights

• Guided tours to REALLY scenic photo spots
• Tips for improving your vacation photos
• Small group sizes limited to 7 per van for buy-in tours
• Complimentary hotel / resort pickup

Description

Oahu Photo Tours is a guided photography tour that is dedicated to getting you the finest photos on your vacation! Oahu Photo Tours began in late 2010 and was founded by Alex Wilson, a photographer and adventurer living in Hawaii. The tours are designed for photographers of all levels. The tour guides will help in any way to ensure you get a great shot, and they will also help you understand how you got that shot. They constantly evolve and discover new ways to improve their photography tours. They make your photography experience educational and enjoyable. Not only will you have fantastic photographs, you'll also learn about Oahu's history, wildlife, and culture!

Packages

COMPLETE ISLAND SUNRISE

On the Complete Island Sunrise begin your day watching and photographing the rays of light appear across the horizon. On the east side of the island, the sun will paint the sky with an array of colors along Sandy's beach. After you witness the sunrise, the tour continues to the scenic Kaiwi shoreline, and you will stop at Makapu'u Lookout and Makapu'u Beach. Some exciting points of interest include a hidden blowhole, extinct volcanoes, giant tide pools, and the Makapu'u lighthouse landmark. Next stop is Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, which has longest uninterrupted white-sand beach on Oahu and it is lined with Australian ironwood trees. It was ranked #1 beach in America!

Next on the tour, you will head up the Windward coast and gaze upon the majestic Ko'olau Mountains, that will take your breath away. Then enjoy a tasty breakfast (not included in tour cost) at Kalapawai Market. Since 1932, this market has part of Hawaiian life and offers a variety of food and drink choices. After breakfast, the tour takes you to the crystal clear waters of Kaneohe Bay, and Kualao Beach Park to see the small island called Mokoliʻi, commonly known as Chinaman's Hat. Then you'll check out Byodo-In Temple, a non-denominational shrine located at the Valley of the Temples. On the way to the famous North shore, the tour continues passing through Waiahole, viewing the country scenery, local fruit stands, and a stunning 150-year old Banyan tree.

Depending on the time of year, you can witness the world famous Banzai Pipeline and the fearless surfers who test the powerful waves. Or you will search for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles who bask on the white sandy beaches. Other stops may include Shark's Cove or Hale'iwa Harbor. The final stop is at Green World Coffee farm where you can taste free samples of local coffee, as well as unique Hawaiian goodies. The adventure filled day will leave you with fantastic photos, as well as memories to last a lifetime!

Schedule: 7 days a week. Depending on the sunrise, start time is between 4:50am – 6am.

Duration: About 10 hours

Circle Island Sunrise Photography Tour Rate (OPT1)

$162.34 per Adult, $100.27 per Child (5-16), $19.09 per Infants (under 5 in lap)   (plus 4.71% Hawaii sales tax)

COMPLETE ISLAND WITH WATERFALL SWIM

A similar route to the Complete Island with Sunrise, except the start time is a little later and instead of watching a sunrise over he ocean your tour will include the botanical garens and waterfall of Waimea Valley. Get your morning coffee fix by tasting 100% Hawaiian coffee at the Coffee Farm.

You will visit world-famous surfer hub: the Banzai Pipeline. The buzz grows as we hit up a lovely waterfall where you can swim. Bring your bathing suit to feel Waimea's refreshing spring waters. Then enjoy a leisurely nature walk through a beautiful botanical garden. After the garden, we spice it up with the fantastic North Shore surfing beaches. Continue to the favorite food trucks, and China mans Hat island, The Byodo-In temple, and the best lookouts on the island.

Schedule: Daily except for Mondays with start time at 7:00am

Duration: About 10 hours

Circle Island with Waterfall Photography Tour Rate (OPT2)

$162.34 per Adult, $100.27 per Child (5-16), $19.09 per Infants (under 5 in lap)   (plus 4.71% Hawaii sales tax)

BEAUTIFUL COLORS OF HAWAII

On the Beautiful Hawaii tour you'll get to sleep in a bit, but also get to photograph many beautiful locations. This is their easiest pace tour, with only short walks, so is great for anyone that may have trouble getting around. The first stop is Hanauma Bay, a protected marine life conservation area formed in 1967. You will explore the are for more photography opportunities stopping by Lanai'i Lookout, Sandy's Beach and Blow Hole Lookout. Then cruise to Makapu'u Lookout & Beach Park to capture the stunning landscape of east side.

For lunch, you will dine at Ono Steaks & Shrimp Truck which offers Hawaiian specialties like loco moco, as well as seafood and burgers. Lunch is not included in the tour cost. Next, you will walk along Waimanalo Bay Beach Park. The uninterrupted white-sand beach lined with Australian ironwood trees is a perfect phot opportunity.

Then the tour continues to the Pali Lookout where you have panoramic views of the sheer Ko'olau cliffs and lush windward coast. Pali means "cliff" in Hawaiian, and this was the site of the Battle of Nuuanu. In 1795, King Kamehameha won to finally unite Oahu under his rule. The final stop is the panoramic views of Tantalus Lookout, where you can see from Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor!

Schedule: Daily except for Tuesday ... tour starts at 9:30am.

Duration: About 5 hours

Beautiful Colors of Hawaii Photography Tour Rate (OPT3)

$90.72 per Adult, $62.07 per Child (5-16), $19.09 per Infants (under 5 in lap)   (plus 4.71% Hawaii sales tax)

HONOLULU SEA CLIFFS AND SUNSET

Capture stunning photos of the eastern sea cliff shoreline of Oahu and be positioned for a potentially epic view as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Sites visited on this tour include the Tantalus Lookout, Halona Blowhole, Makapu'u Beach Lookout, Koko Crater Botanical Gardens, and features the best of Oahu sightseeing in a short period of time.

Schedule: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday starting at 1:30pm in the winter and 2:30pm in the summer

Duration: About 5 hours

Honolulu Sea Cliffs and Sunset Photography Tour Rate (OPT4)

$90.72 per Adult, $62.07 per Child (5-16), $19.09 per Infants (under 5 in lap)   (plus 4.71% Hawaii sales tax)

SUNSET AND LIGHT PAINTING

Explore Hawaii's night sky and learn how to take creastive photos using available light on this unique tour! Tripods are included and you'll get instruction on how to produce jaw-dropping images using long exposure times. Your guide will help you understand the settings needed to capture images you did not think were possible!

Sunset, the starry Hawaiian night sky, a twinkling lighthouse, and light painting at a secluded cove are all opportunities to compose during this tour.

Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday ... start time varies with the season but is typically between 4:15pm in the winter and 5:45pm in the summer

Duration: About 4 hourws

Sunset and Light Painting Night Photography Tour Rate (OPT5)

$90.72 per Adult, $62.07 per Child (5-16), $19.09 per Infants (under 5 in lap)   (plus 4.71% Hawaii sales tax)

Details

Pickup: Complimentary hotel pickup and drop off in Waikiki. If your hotel is outside of Waikiki, which is from the Ala Moana Hotel to the end of Kalakaua, we ask you to make your way to the paid parking area of the Honolulu Zoo. Sunrise pick you up one hour prior to sunrise.

What to Bring & Wear: Bring your camera or whatever you take pictures with. These tours are not just for those with expensive camera equipment. Fabtstic photos can be captured with a cell phone these days! Pack light and bring something to carry everything you bring with you when you leave the van ... nothing is left in the van at the frequent stops to discounrage theft. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock. They recommend that you wear closed toe shoes.

Tour Includes: Tripod, Free van Wi-Fi, camera cleaning cloths, information books about the island, and rain gear.

Capacity: They use a 12 passenger van and it has space for everyone's camera gear and small personal items. They keep each tour to a 7 person limit unless you book a private tour, which has a 10 person limit.

Restrictions: There is no age restriction to participate in a tour, the tours are adventurous in nature and anyone under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

Note: The tours stop to grab something small to eat during the tour and the cost of food is not included. They recommend bringing cash as some small food establishments do not accept credit cards.

Reservations: Advanced reservations required ... A credit card is required to secure your space but for those who are planning ahead our office does not charge your card until a few days before your vacation. This event is "Reserve Now Pay Later."

Minimum Notice for Cancellations / Changes: At least 48 hours before the start of the event.