There is a special stillness
that settles over the Windward side of O’ahu just before the sun breaks the horizon.
While many of my clients worry about the early wake-up call, I always remind them that if you’re visiting from the mainland, your body clock is already working in your favor. Waking up for a sunrise session isn’t a chore; it’s actually the most effortless way to see the island at its absolute best. By the time the rest of the world is fighting for parking spots and shade, we’ve already captured the “golden shiny glow,” and you’re off to breakfast with your whole day ahead of you.
For couples and families looking for something truly dramatic and editorial, Halona Beach Cove is usually the first place I suggest. Depending on the time of year, the sun shines right around the edges of the cove, creating a glow that is almost otherworldly against the rugged black rocks. It’s an adventurous spot that requires being a bit sure-footed, but the payoff is a romantic, cinematic feel that looks like it belongs on a film set—which makes sense, given its history in From Here to Eternity. It’s the kind of place where you can stand right in the sunlight or tuck into the shadows of the rocks for a variety of looks in a single session.
If we’re looking for a bigger, more open feel, Sherwood’s in Waimanalo offers a massive stretch of white sand that feels endless in the morning light. I love incorporating the Ironwood trees here; they add a unique texture and forest-like variety that you don’t find at every beach. From this vantage point, you get a beautiful view of the “Mokes” from behind, framed by the Rabbit Island coastline. It’s incredibly easy to park and has full facilities, though I always remind my clients that cell service can be a little spotty out here, so we always touch base on our meeting spot before we lose signal.
Makapuʻu is where we go when we want raw, dramatic power. It’s one of the few spots that doesn’t require a permit, and at sunrise, the wind is usually at its calmest. There’s something so cool about the big splashes hitting the rocks behind you while the sun comes up over the lighthouse. It’s a unique look because it trades the typical palm trees for a more prehistoric, rugged coastline. Like Waimanalo, the service here can be a bit hit-or-miss, but I have a little secret spot nearby if the wind or rain decides to join us, ensuring we get that beautiful Manana Island backdrop no matter what.
Then, of course, there are the icons: Lanikai and Kailua. Lanikai is arguably the most famous view on the island, and for good reason. With its shallow, light blue water and the Mokulua Islands sitting perfectly in the frame, it is the classic tropical dream. It’s a very chill, quiet neighborhood vibe, but parking becomes nearly impossible as the day goes on, which is why sunrise is the only time I truly recommend it. Just down the road, Kailua Beach offers a bit more “playtime” energy. It’s wider and more maneuverable, perfect for families with rambunctious kids who want to run wild and dig in the sand while still keeping that beautiful blue-water backdrop.
Choosing a sunrise session on the Windward side isn’t just about the light—it’s about the ease. As the morning turns into midday, these spots become crowded, and the heat picks up, but at dawn, everything is calm and beautiful. Whether you want the editorial drama of the cove or the playful shores of Kailua, there is no better way to start your Hawaiian day than by chasing the first light with me.
