Instagrammable Maui – Best Spots for Photos in Hawaii

It’s my fifth trip to Maui and I’m sharing all of my favourite places to get those Instagram-worthy photos.  I’m also sharing some tips on how to get the best timing and lighting when visiting each place.  This post is now updated to reflect the newest places and murals in 2019!

I love getting to travel and search for the coolest places to get the best Instagrammable photos!  I’m slowly putting together a collection of posts that feature my favourite spots in each city that I visit.  Maui is one of my all-time favourites! All the bright colours and tropical vibes make you want to explore the entire island.   Each year that I visit, Maui seems to add another new photo opportunity that I can’t miss!

Olowalu Juice Truck

What’s more Hawaiian than a tropical fruit juice stand? You can’t miss this Olowalu truck on the side of the Honoapiilani Highway.  The owner is such a kind and friendly man, make sure to try one of his fresh smoothies before your photo.  I always get strawberry and dragon fruit!

Tip:  I made several trips here during our stay but the light in the afternoon was casting awful shadows from the overhead trees, making the photo impossible to capture.  The stand is west facing so you definitely need to swing by in the morning before the direct sunlight hits it.   Maybe while you’re on your way to discover a beach in Kihei (south) or Kaanapali (north).

Whaler’s Village: The Giant Pineapple!

*Update: Unfortunately, the Aloha Wall is no longer in Whaler’s Village.

Although, on my most recent trip, I discovered this GIANT PINEAPPLE!  It doesn’t get more Hawaiian than that! It’s a really fun focal piece right beside my favourite restaurant: The Hula Grill.

Tip: Get there early in the morning, before the crowds to capture the perfect photo.  This photo was taken around 7:30 am just after the sun peaked over the mountain.  It will give you direct, head-on sunlight without any weird shadows!

Maui Mike’s Beach House

The past few trips, we’ve driven right by this snorkel rental shop and I’ve always wanted to stop.  It’s right on the main road beside Lahaina.  There are actually quite a few spots around this building for the multiple photos! I’ve included them all below.  The surfboard platform under the wave mural is a really fun addition but be prepared to pose like you’ve catching a ride!

Tip:  This wall is west facing so it is in the shade for most of the day! The Fun in the Sun on Maui wall is north facing, so you could also pop by here almost anytime and get something for “the gram.”

Wailuku Murals

I LOVED this giant marine animal mural just behind the Texaco station.  It truly is a beautiful piece of public art.

There is also a really neat one that is north facing on the other side of the building, but you may be faced with customer parking right in front of it.

Tip:  It is a south facing wall so be prepared for direct sunlight much of the day. Just turn your face to the light to avoid any strange shadows.  We got pretty lucky with a cloudy sky on the way to the airport, so this one turned out perfectly.

Surfboards in Paia

If you really want the perfect Hawaiian photo, this wall of surfboards may be worth a drive to Piia.  It is located at the Aloha Surf Hostel.

Ka’anapali Beach

We always stay in this area of the island as it is so family friendly.  I love how the palm trees grow right out over the sand and the beach isn’t overly crowded.  If you’re hunting for a rainbow, you may just find one here in the mornings during a light sprinkle of rain.

Tip: I personally love shooting here right when the sun comes up.  It’s not as crowded and you get the really pretty blue colours of the ocean.

Old Town Lahaina

This little town is so full of old charm and character that you’ll have lots of great spots to pose.  This is also where most of the great restaurants are located on the island so it’s essential to catch the beautiful sunset from a patio here.  I’m wearing another beautiful and comfortable dress from The Mint Julep Boutique.  This one is called Grand Entrance and it is sure to help you do just that!

Sunflower Fields

I was so disappointed that when we arrived on the island on April 1^st, the sunflower fields had just been cut down.  You can’t miss them as they are on the corner of two major highways after you leave the airport and head south-west.  If you make it to Maui in February or March, plan for a stop and a photo in the fields.  Just make sure to respect the land and the flowers… and the cars whizzing past you on the road!

Where ever you go in Maui, always bring along your camera!

MAP

Need more Maui inspiration?  Check out these previous posts:

Maui Travel Tips with Kids!

What to Wear in Hawaii

Mahalo,

Kiki D