The Best Photography Spots in Maui In 2025 (With Map)
Looking to find the best photography spots in Maui, Hawaii? You’re in the right place!
From lush rainforests to rugged coastal cliffs, there are endless opportunities for capturing amazing photos on this island, which is the second biggest in the state.
Here are my top 3 photography spots in Maui:
- Secret Cove Beach
- Twin Falls
- Road to Hana
Why listen to me? I’ve been a professional photographer for 15 years, and I’ve been traveling my whole life – most of my photography has been while traveling and living abroad, so I kow how to research to find the best photo spots and information!
In this blog post, you’ll find tips for finding the best photography spots in Maui, Instagram photo spots, the best nature locations for photos, Maui landscape photography locations, places for prom, graduation, engagement and wedding photoshoots and so much more!
Planning Your Maui Trip? Use my favorite resources:
Accommodation: Booking.com
Rent a Car: Discover Cars
Travel Insurance: Allianz
Flights: WayAway
Photo Tour: Maui Turtle Town Small Group Snorkel With Photo & Video
Map of the Best Photography Spots in Maui
Best Maui Photography Tours
Want to just focus on your photos, or get professional photos taken of you, while not having to worry about the logistics and planning? Here are the top-rated photo tours I recommend in Maui!
1. Maui Turtle Town Small Group Snorkel With Photo & Video
This Maui Turtle Town Small Group Snorkel With Photo & Video is one of the best ways to get photos out on the water, specifically of turtles (but also other things) because it’s with a small group with professional local guides.
You’ll go to Maui’s top snorkel location, The Wild Reef, and high-end snorkeling gear is provided. You’ll swim with turtles, tropical fish and have amazing views of the coastline!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Jacqueline_S:
“Honestly the most amazing experience my husband and i have had and we loved it so much last year that we booked this excursion again this year. Shelby and Robbie have been our guides and we love them both. They made us feel safe and got the best photo ops for us. Truly can’t go wrong and definitely worth it! Also, it’s a turtle sanctuary so you will def see turtles.”
📸 Learn More About this Maui Turtle Town Small Group Snorkel With Photo & Video Here
2. Maui Family & Couple Beach Photoshoot
This Maui Family & Couple Beach Photoshoot is the best option for family photoshoots in Maui, for vacations and more! The photoshoot lasts approximately one hour and will take place in a State Park with amazing views and a variety of backdrops, in the morning or late afternoon.
After the session, you’ll get access to a website where you can view and purchase photos that will be professionally edited!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Sarah_R:
“We had our session today with Shizen. He was absolutely wonderful and worked so well with our young son. We can’t wait to see how the photos came out but I know it will be great because we had some genuine fun on the beach.
📸 Learn More About this Maui Family & Couple Beach Photoshoot Here
3. Private Underwater Photo Shoot
This Private Underwater Photo Shoot is the perfect way to get photos of yourself snorkeling and underwater (snorkeling gear is included)! The photographer will teach you water skills and bring you to great locations, and you can use SCUBA gear, watercraft and more if you want. You can recreate a photo, come up with your own ideas or let the photographer be your guide!
📸 Learn More About this Private Underwater Photo Shoot Here
Best Photography Spots in Maui: Beaches
Maui is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and they make for great photography locations!
📸 Tip: To find the best Maui beaches for photos, consider what kind of photos you want to take. For example, if you’re looking to capture dramatic ocean views, then head to one of Maui’s north shore beaches like Honolua Bay or Kapalua Bay.
If you’re more interested in taking photos of people enjoying the beach, then Wailea Beach or Kihei Beach would be better options.
4. Best Photography Spots in Maui: Secret Cove Beach
Secret Cove Beach is also called Paako Cove and Makena Cove, and includes Little Beach and Big Beach. It’s a small spot that used to be secret, and is a popular place for weddings. It’s not the best spot for anything other than taking photos of the lava rocks or having an event, so snap away!
5. Kaihalulu Beach (red sand)
Kaihalulu Beach is a secluded beach in a cove with red sand that’s located in Hana. The short hike to the beach is hazardous – really. People have died going, so I advise against this one (as do many others – do some research and you’ll find that the trail is washed out and people get injured easily).
6. Ulua Beach, South Shore
Ulua Beach is located in the Wailea resort and is a great spot for bodyboarding, surfing when the wind is right, and snorkeling/scuba diving when it’s calm (usually in the mornings).
Photo ops:
- Surfers
- Neighboring islands
- Unobstructed ocean & beach
- Colorful fish
📸 Tip: Get there early, like at 7am, for a parking spot!
7. Sugar Beach, North Shore
Sugar Beach is located on the North Shore of Maui and is a great spot for relaxing or walking/running and taking in the stunning views. It’s known for it’s fine, sugar-like sandy beaches. It’s not the most popular spot, but has a 2-mile stretch which means you can go here and not worry as much about crowds! The water tends to be less clear here because of the finer sand.
Photo ops:
- Beach photoshoots
- Sunset photography
- Wildlife like turtles and whales
- Night & Star photography
8. Po’olenalena Beach, South Shore
Also known as Paipu Beach, Po’olenalena Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. It’s also a popular place for surfing, so if you’re interested in capturing some action shots, this is the beach for you! Tip: this beach does get crowded these days – if you see otherwise, it’s old news!
Photo ops:
- Surfers
- Sunset photography
- Weddings
- The yellow rock on the golf course that the beach is named after
9. Kapalua Bay, West Shore
Kapalua Bay is super popular for snorkeling. It’s known for brown coral, sea turtles and eel sightings. You can also hike one of the trails here, and eat at the Sea House.
10. Baldwin Beach Park, North Shore
Baldwin Beach Park is a last-stop beach before the airport, because it’s close. It’s also a nice beach for whenever, people see turtles and maybe you’ll spot a rainbow for your photograph collection!
11. Wailea Beach
Wailea Beach is popular with families. For snorkeling, get a kayak and go to one of the outer areas for better views. It’s near the Four Seasons and Grand Wailea Resorts and is lined with palm trees, giving it a more luxurious feel.
12. White Rock or Palauea Beach, South Shore
“Lazy” beach (translation of “Palauea”) describes Palauea Beach well, because it’s more undeveloped and unpopulated. It’s great for snorkeling, avoiding crowds and for photographing the lava rocks, colorful fish, and more. Just be careful of the currents and access – you have to go through an unmarked area of trees.
13. Keawakapu Beach, South Shore
Located at the end of South Kihei Road, Keawakapu Beach is great for all beach-y activities – just make sure it’s not too windy when you go. This area has a lot of hotels and condos, so staying near here can also be an option, especially because the hotels are kept far enough from shore that you won’t get them messing up your photos!
Take photos of the view, snorkeling activities, tide pools, swimmers and other activities like SUP and kayaking, which many people love to do in this area. Also check out the artificial reef if you go scuba diving.
14. La Perouse Bay
La Perouse Bay is not for the faint of heart! There’s dangerous rocky terrain to get to this place that’s all raw nature, and even the snorkeling and swimming aren’t easy here, so don’t go unless you’re strong enough.
If you do go here, it’s famous for the lava rock beaches, blow holes (dangerous if you get too close though) and wild black goats.
15. Kaanapali Beach
This beach is located in West Maui. It’s 3 miles long and very well-known, especially for Black Rock, a volcanic cliff where people cliff jump into the water.
Get photos of the nighttime cliff diving ceremony, sunset, whales, and other beach activities here!
16. Polo Beach
Polo beach is another secluded beach located at the end of the scenic Wailea Coastal walk, and part of it is clothing optional. The part that is not clothing optional is good for families, and the snorkeling is good here and especially between Polo and Wailea beaches. The Hyatt has a beach club here as well.
17. Ukumehame Beach Park
Ukumehame Beach Park is a small beach with a small park right off the highway, and can be easy to miss – but it’s good for photos!
Take photos of the ironwood tree branches with the ocean in the background and the sunset!
The Best Photography Spots In Maui: Nature & Secret Spots
18. Olowalu Reef, West Shore
Olowalu Reef is a small beach area that’s also called Turtle Reef and is near Lahaina. This is one of the best places to snorkel or dive because of the ancient coral, manta ray cleaning station, black tip reef shark nursery, and other amazing marine life! It’s also a great spot for beginners.
19. Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District
The Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District is known for its diving and surfing, and is a protected reserve. The name translates to “twin bays” and there’s a lot of history and cultural significance to check out here.
20. Scenic Kahekili Highway
The Scenic Kahekili highway is beautiful, but it’s narrow and on a cliff, so make sure you’re ready for it! There’s no shoulder, guardrails or cell service, either. It’s paved, but there are a lot of curves where you can’t see what cars are coming the other way. So basically, if you love driving and being on the risky side, you’ll probably love it – otherwise, maybe pick a different route!
21. Mala Wharf
Considered one of the best locations for scuba diving and snorkeling, Mala Wharf is a historic shipping location that was built in 1922. It’s also one of the best beaches, and people come here for all kinds of beach activities.
22. Road to Hana
The Road to Hana is the longest highway with rainforest in the US. You can drive this famous route yourself or book a group tour here so you can soak up all the views and get photos along the way! With a guide, you’ll also make sure to stop at all the best spots for photos and get the full stories behind each.
Plus, this road isn’t unlike the other scenic highways in Maui; there are steep drops and one-lane bridges along the way, and some may find it too dangerous for driving comfort. The speed limit is also 25 mph over the entire 52 miles, so it takes 2.5 hours if you drive the whole thing straight.
23. Best Photography Spots in Maui: Rainbow Trees
This is a grove of rainbow eucalyptus trees that are full of color on the Road to Hana! A guide on a tour is the best way to find them, but it’s worthwhile to see these amazing trees.
24. Honomanū Bay
This local spot on the Road to Hana is popular with expert surfers, but it’s not a good idea for surfing for most because it’s dangerous (plus the surfers there won’t let newbies in)… there are sharks and other things here besides the dangerous currents. There is also a lot of black sand and rocks here, so it’s best to go for the views and photos!
The Best Waterfalls In Maui For Photography
Maui is also home to several stunning waterfalls, which make for another great type of photography subject. Some of the best ones to photograph are Twin Falls, Waimoku Falls, and Maui’s tallest waterfall, Sacred Falls.
25. Twin Falls
Located at Wailele Farm, there’s a hike to Twin Falls – there are 3 waterfalls to see here. Bring water shoes and be prepared for hiking and crowds, plus a $10 parking fee.
26. Upper Waikani Falls (also called Three Bears Waterfalls)
The Upper Waikani Falls are viewable from your car, or you can hike to and around them, and even swim in the pool beneath! The water falls 70 feet, so it’s an amazing view. Just be prepared – it’s difficult to find parking and the hike can be dangerous at points.
27. Makapipi Falls
You can also get photos of Makapipi Falls from your car, or from the bridge above.
28. The Pools of ‘Ohe’o (also known as the Seven Sacred Pools)
Located in the ‘Ohe’o Gulch in Haleakalā National Park, The Pools of ‘Ohe’o are tiered pools with waterfalls. Save your receipt from the $15 ticket, which also gets you to the Summit (you get a few days to use this ticket)! If you get there early, sunrise is a great time to get photos!
The Best Photography Spots in Maui: Parks & Lava Fields
For a completely different type of landscape, head to one of Maui’s lava fields. These otherworldly landscapes are best photographed at sunrise or sunset, when the light is softer and the colors are more vibrant. One of the best lava fields to photograph is the Haleakala Crater, which is also home to Maui’s highest point.
29. ʻĪao Valley State Park – Iao Needle State Monument
The ʻĪao Valley State Park – Iao Needle State Monument, when open, is an iconic landmark in Maui. The entire park spans 4,000 acres of beautiful nature, plus history from the Battle of Kepaniwai.
30. Haleakalā National Park
Haleakalā National Park is a must-visit spot for any photographer visiting Maui. This park offers incredible views of the island, as well as the chance to see some rare Hawaiian plants and animals. For the best Haleakalā National Park experience, be sure to arrive early and hike to the summit for sunrise. This is an incredibly popular activity, so get there early to secure a spot!
Things to see, experience and photograph in Haleakalā National Park:
31. Haleakala Crater
Go to Haleakala Crater at sunrise to capture photos of this amazing, awe-inspiring crater that takes you through multiple climate zones as you hike to the top. It also is home to the highest number of endangered species of any US National Park.
32. Bamboo Forest hike (Waimoku Falls)
Early morning is perfect to experience the serenity of this 4-mile Bamboo Forest hike (Waimoku Falls) where you’re surrounded by bamboo, a stream is flowing beside you and you end up at a giant waterfall.
33. Pipiwai Trail (connects the Falls of Makahiku and Waimoku Falls)
Pipiwai Trail is another nearly 4-mile hike, but it will likely be more crowded than the bamboo forest. You’ll see waterfalls and more bamboo, and lots of pools engulfed in the rainforest.
34. Puu Olai Beach Park (also called Makena State Park or Little Beach)
Puu Olai Beach Park (Makena State Park) is usually packed, and is clothing optional. It’s great for body surfing, but beware of dangerous currents. Also, don’t leave anything valuable in your car or trunk here.
35. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a protected area and is considered to be the number one snorkeling spot in Hawaii. You must make reservations to visit, and entry is $25. Go here for underwater photos!
36. Red Hill, Haleakala
Red Hill is the highest summit in Haleakala, and is fantastic for photos of the crater and lava chunks left by the volcano. You can see the observatory from here, but visitors aren’t allowed. The hill is actually shrinking. Go for photos of sunrise, but be prepared: it’s really cold and windy, so bring a coat!
37. Kapalua Coastal Trail & Boardwalk
The Kapalua Coastal Trail & Boardwalk hike is a bit under 2 miles each way, and takes you along the ocean on one side and luxury condos on the other. Go for photos of the amazing views of the ocean and landscapes.
38. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Ho’okipa Beach Park is best known for windsurfing – like, actually one of, if not the best spots – and is also a popular surf locale. Go for photos of all of that, tidepools, turtles and more – go to the Ho’okipa Lookout for the best view!
39. Waiʻānapanapa State Park
Go to Waiʻānapanapa State Park for the black sand beach of Hana, a natural stone arch, and forests to photograph. There’s also a heiau, or temple, plus blowholes, tide pools that turn red, and lava tubes to photograph.
40. Honolua Bay Access Trail Moss-Covered Forest
Go to Honolua Bay Access Trail to photograph the moss-covered trees in this forest that feels enchanted! As you hike here, you’ll also see lava rock cliffs and shoreline views. This hike is right off the main road, so it’s easy to access and it’s a short hike.
41. Molokini Crater Look Down
If you have a drone, bring it here! This is a partially-submerged volcano (one of only 3 in the world), and what you see is a crescent-shaped rock feature that’s amazing to photograph surrounded by the super blue and green water. This is also home to Hawaii’s only marine sanctuary, making it an unforgettable place to snorkel and take underwater photos!
42. Ke’anae Peninsula
Ke’anae Peninsula is a half-mile long cliff on the Hana Highway with lava rocks jutting out ruggedly all along the way. Before reaching the peninsula, you can see it from the lookouts on the highway.
43. Lahaina Banyan Tree Park
Lahaina Banyan Tree Park has a famous, old Banyan tree that is over 60 feet tall and spans 1.94 acres wide. It has 16 trunks, and is the largest in the US, plus one of the largest in the world! So go and get some amazing photos of this tree!
The Best Maui Experiences For Photography
44. Snorkeling in Maui
Snorkeling is a must-do activity when in Maui, and it’s such a great way to get the best underwater photos and shots of marine life!
I recommend this boat adventure snorkeling experience, where you get a lot more than snorkeling, including:
- The Molokini Crater, which has the best marine life including manta rays, eels, sharks and more
- Stop at Turtle Town and swim with huge Green Sea Turtles
- Take photos through the glass-bottom room, and get someone to get photos or video of you going on the water slide which is onboard!
The boat also has showers and restrooms, and lunch is included, so you can really enjoy your day!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Amy_R:
“This experience was a lot of fun! From the start it was very well set up and organized. The information was provided clearly and all of the staff was able to assist with any questions. The food was delicious and they offered more than what we expected. Always great with teenagers! The snorkeling was great for our first experience and a helpful class was provided to assist. I highly recommend the Calypso for a fun experience!”
🧜♀️ Learn More About this Maui Snorkeling Adventure Here
45. Best Photography Spots in Maui: Jeep riding
This all-day, air-conditioned Jeep tour goes to some off-the-beaten-path locations, including scenic lookouts, so you can ride in a Jeep AND get amazing photos! You’ll get amazing panoramic views of Hawaii’s Valley Isle, a trip to wine country and more with photo ops including:
- Sea cliffs
- Rocky beaches
- Kaupo
- Harold Rice Park
- Kahikinui Forest Reserve
- Kaupo Gap Trail
- Haleakala Crater
🌟 Check out this 5-star review by Heather_S:
“Loved this day with Shawn. He was knowledgeable about the island history and showed us some really cool secluded places on the island. Walked on the Kings Path, saw some wall markings, enjoyed off roading down to the beach. Truely amazing day and well worth our money and time. If you want to enjoy your day, book this trip”
🚙 Book a Private Rocky Coast Jeep Tour Here
46.Best Photography Spots in Maui: Whale Watching
Grab some amazing whale photos while on a cruise specifically to spot whales! This 2-hour cruise in Lahaina Harbor, Maui guarantees whale sightings (or you go again for free)!
The tour includes narration, amazing views of the coastline and more photo opportunities!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review by Vickie_U:
“Great! We got on one of the last trips of the season. Saw whales! And dolphins and flying fish. The captain went out of his way to find the whales, which was a lot harder at end of season, but he found them. Had a good time, nice trip.”
🐋 Book a Maui Whale-Watching Cruise Here
47. Maui Cacao Farm Tour & Chocolate Tasting
This tour and tasting at Ku’ia Estate Chocolate Factory is a great way to learn about Hawaii’s biggest working chocolate factory with tastings! it’s a 1.5-hour small group tour, and you can also get amazing photos of the views and 20-acre cacao tree property!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Elsa_S:
“Excellent tour and beautiful views. The tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the cacao fields. I would recommend this tour.”
🍫 Book a Cacao Farm Tour & Tasting Here
48. Maui Luau
Participating in a traditional Hawaiian Luau is an excellent way to experience and learn about the culture and Polynesian history of the Hawaiian islands!
In the one I recommend, called “Te Au Moana: The Ocean Tide”, you’ll watch dancers in the Luau showing stories of voyaging, fishing and more in this Luau put on at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort in Maui. Plus, you’ll get entertainment before the Luau, a buffet, and a fire knife performance.
🌺 Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau & Fire Show by Clicking Here
49. Surfing in Maui
Maui is one of the best places for surfing and surf photography!
If you’re a beginner and want a surf lesson, check out this 2-hour beginner fundamentals group class!
🌟 Check out this 5-star review by Amy_C:
“My family had a great time learning to surf! And they all were successful! They now feel comfortable surfing on their own. The instructor was friendly and good and we bought the photo package. All the pictures came out great – good times!”
🏄♀️ Book a Maui Group Surf Lesson Here
50. Turtle-Spotting in Maui
Make sure you get photos of all the Turtles in Maui! You can also go on a snorkel tour and photograph them underwater.
The one I recommend is on a reef explorer raft and it’s in the Molokini Crater, so you can get photos of all the best marine life, in the cleanest water. The raft gives you more snorkel time, and it’s away from the crowds. There’s a stop at Turtle Cove, where there are a lot of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles so you can get tons of photos! You also get lunch and more on this half-day tour.
🐢 Snorkel with Turtles in Maui Here
More Recommended Maui Tours/Cruises for Photography
Get some photos at sunset on a dinner cruise, or from the air on a helicopter tour:
🌅 Book a Maui Sunset Dinner Cruise Here
🚁 Book a Maui Helicopter Tour Here
The Most Instagrammable Places In Maui
What follows are some unique photographic spots in Maui, that are perfect for your Instagram or other photos.
51. Sunflower Field (Google Maps)
Just Google “Sunflower Field” or “Sunflower Farm” in Maui and you’ll find this place off the Kuihelani Highway, near Honoapi’lani Highway. It’s literally a giant sunflower field!
52. Paia Town
Paia Town has been known since the 1970’s as a laid-back surfer town, with one main road and an air of hippie-cool vibes. You can get photos of the town and shops, as well as the West Maui mountain views and windsurfers.
53. Nakalele Blowhole
First rule of blowholes for the unaware: they don’t put guardrails up, but you are not supposed to go up close and personal to these. People do get sucked in and are never seen again; so, please keep a safe and respectful distance! This area is public, but not a park, so no one is watching and you have to use your brain!
You can get all kinds of photos at Nakalele Blowhole, not only of the blowhole but the surrounding terrain, including a light beacon and tide pools, and the “Acid War Zone” with rocks that have a specific look with lots of holes from the salt spray they’ve endured from the blowholes throughout time.
54. Ali’i Kula Lavender Fields
Ali’i Kula Lavender Fields farm has shops and amazing lavender field views overlooking the ocean – check their hours at the link above!
55. Olivine Pools
Olivine Pools are another location that needs a big safety warning – don’t get close to the tide pools, just take photos from a distance – even when the water appears calm, people have been severly injured or died here.
That said, you can get photos of these tide pools sitting on lava, right along the ocean in West Maui.
56. Makaluapuna Point/ Dragons Teeth/Labyrinth
Makaluapuna Point is one of the most unique places in Maui, which is saying something! The lava rocks stick up all around like dragon’s teeth (hence the nickname), and is also an ancient burial site (Honokahua Burial Site). There is a prayer labyrinth here as well, which is a large circle of stones that are meditative. All of these also make for great photos!
57. Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
The Ritz-Carlton Kapalua is an amazing beachfront area for photos of more than just the beach; there’s snorkeling with sea turtles, a zipline through the mountains, golf courses and spa. Plus, it’s surrounded by natural preserve areas and marine sanctuaries so you can get amazing wildlife and nature photos!
📸 Photography Gear for Maui Photoshoot Locations
If you want to get amazing photos in Maui, you totally can whether you have a smart phone or a DSLR! Here are some things you’ll need to make sure you get those photos and don’t lose them:
✅ Protective Rain Gear
This Rain cover and this waterproof bag for cameras are great ways to be prepared for rain! Also, this phone case is the best (I have it) for submerging your phone in water to get cool snorkeling pics:
- Waterproof design tested to withstand submerging 6.6ft/1h for 1000 times
- Shockproof design proven through 6.6ft/2m drops for 1000 times
- All-Environment Assurance
✅ Camera
There are DSLRs, Mirrorless options and more that are all great to consider. Check out this post on surf cameras for a full list of beginner-expert level cameras of each type, and more gear for outdoor and water photography, which is also necessary to consider for photography in Maui!
Canon 6D: This is the camera I currently own and use. It has wifi connectivity, is a full-frame professional camera:
- Well-built and weather sealed
- Lightweight for travel
- 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- 45-point all cross-type AF system
📸 For more affordable DSLR options, check out this post on the 5 Best DSLR Cameras Under $300.
✅ Lens
Depending on your photography style, you might want a wide angle, telephoto (for close-up nature and wildlife photography), and standard zoom for an all-around lens.
I use this Canon EF 16-35mm Wide-Angle Zoom Lens, because I love wide-angle photos but don’t want to sacrifice zoom capability:
- Make sure this fits by entering your model number
- Full-time manual focus permits critical focusing precision, even in AF mode. Help provide excellent color balance
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covers Approx. 100% Area with 1,053 AF Areas
✅ GoPro Action Camera
A GoPro is a perfect addition to your main camera to capture water sports, hiking, snorkeling, diving, surfing, biking or anything that involves movement!
The GoPro HERO 11 Black is waterproof down to 10m (33ft) without housing. Just attach it to anything and film as you go!
- 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video
- Emmy Award- Winning HyperSmooth Image Stabilization
- Up to 75 minutes of uninterrupted video recording
For water adventures deeper than 10m (33ft), waterproof housing like this is needed:
📷 Get Waterproof Housing for GoPro HERO 11 Black
✅ Dome for dual under- and over-water photos
If you want half-under, half-over water photos, you’ll need a dome like this one that works with a GoPro:
✅ Drone
The DJI Mini 4 Pro is a great option for travel because it doesn’t weigh as much as others and it can fold to fit in a camera bag!
- Lightweight and compact, no registration required for easy travel
- Stunning 4K/60fps HDR vertical videos, perfect for capturing various scenic landscapes
- Omnidirectional obstacle sensing for enhanced safety during flights
✅ 4-In-One Travel Tripod
This one folds up small enough for packing, and you can use it with cameras & phones – plus, it doubles as a monopod & trekking pole. I use this tripod because it’s the perfect versatile tool for travel photography!
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Works with smartphones & cameras
- Folds up small & lightweight
- Turns into a selfie stick & trekking poles
- Comes with a carrying case
- Affordability
✅ Memory Card for DSLR/Mirrorless
Make sure it’s an Extreme Pro so it doesn’t quit on you, and get enough memory space! Plus, make sure you have more than one in case one has issues.
- Beginner-friendly with room for growth
- Best for taking more photos & video
- Temperature Proof, Water Proof, Shock Proof & X-ray Proof
- Affordability
✅ Remote Shutter
A Remote Shutter, like this one for Canon, is excellent for low-light and long-exposure photography, including sunrise or night photos:
- Compatibility with a lot of cameras (be sure to check for yours)
- Works at 2.4GHz frequency with 16 available channels
- Reduces camera shake
- 5 Shooting Modes
Here’s a remote shutter (2-pack) for smartphones:
- Seamless Selfies and Steady Shots - Compatible with Social Media Apps
- Pocket-Sized Convenience
- Operational range of up to 30 feet (10 meters)
✅ Circular Polarizer
A Circular Polarizer is perfect for capturing lake reflections and getting the bottom of bodies of water – just make sure to get the correct size for your lens:
- Circular polarizer--one of the most popular special-effect filters
- Deepens the intensity of blue skies; reduces or eliminates glare
- Multi-coating reduces reflection
✅ This Waterproof Camera Insert Bag
This is my favorite one and I bring it everywhere! It fits your camera and a lens or two, and fits easily in any backpack or bag:
- You can use your existing bags (this goes inside)!
- Easy to swap between a carry-on & daypack for travel
- Waterproof
- Versatility (moveable inserts + multiple sizes available)
- Affordability
✅ An External Hard Drive
This is necessary to back up your photos. It’s good practice to back up on the hard drive, computer and the cloud!
📸 Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
✅ Portable chargers/Power Banks
These are a must so your phone doesn’t die when you need it out in nature:
🛂 National Parks Passport
Getting a Parks Passport makes visiting US National Parks that much more fun! America’s National Parks Store is where you can get National Park passports, clothing and more. They donate a portion of their proceeds to the National Parks System!
🥾 Get Your National Parks Passport Here
Best Places To Stay In Maui On Any Budget
✅ Budget Option: Aloha Surf Hostel
The Aloha Surf Hostel is a top-rated, clean hostel on the North Shore in Maui. You can book a private or shared room, and you’ll also get free breakfast, WiFi, airport shuttle and free daily tours in tour vans!
😴 Check Current Prices at the Aloha Surf Hostel Here
✅ Mid-Tier Option: The Mauian Hotel on Napili Beach
The Mauian Hotel on Napili Beach offers amazing views for photos of the mountains and beach! It’s also top-rated and offers activities, quiet guestrooms (TV, radio and phone-free), free breakfast, a pool, diving, a snack bar, shuffleboard courts, golf and tennis, and more amenities!
😴 Check Current Prices at The Mauian Hotel on Napili Beach Here
✅ Luxury Option: Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort
Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort offers amazing photo opportunities, activities and amenities, including: pools and a hot tub, bar/lounge, villas/suites/guest rooms, four restaurants, spa, beach, fitness room and classes, canoeing, diving and snorkeling and so much more!
😴 Check Current Prices at Andaz Maui At Wailea Resort Here
Getting To & From Maui
👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.
👉 To rent a car in Maui, Discover Cars is a great tool to use to find the best deals.
👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.
All In All: The Best Places To Take Pictures In Maui
When it comes to photographing landscapes and practicing your surf photography, Maui, Hawaii is one of the best places on earth. With so many amazing hot spots in Maui to choose from for photos and adventure, you’re sure to find plenty of locations that inspire you! And don’t forget, even if you don’t have a fancy camera, your phone can take some amazing shots these days. So get out there and start exploring!
Aloha!
Read More Related Guides:
👉 For more Hawaii travel, check out my guide to the Best Photography Spots In Oahu!
📸 The Top 5 Best Camera Straps For Backpacking
📸 Mukikapup’s Ultimate Travel Photography Guide
📸 15 Ways To Capture The Best Landscape Travel Photography
👉 Check out the best camera straps for hiking & backpacking here!
