Next up in our “Ask Drone Girl” series is about flying drones near Waikiki. If you have a question for Drone Girl, contact her here.
I will be in Waikiki for work at the end of next month, and I was wondering if you could recommend any specific places I should look at photographing with my new drone? Also, if there are any specific requirements for flying around the island/water? Still getting used to flying beyond my line of sight and wanted to use this opportunity to get more comfortable and see some cool stuff!
Waikiki, which is one of the key tourism areas on the island of Oahu, offers incredible aerial photography opportunities. In fact, it was the first place I went after getting my hands on the DJI Air 3S! However, flying drones in Hawaii as a whole comes with some strict regulations. Let me break down both the best spots for flying drones on Oahu (and specifically in Waikiki), and the rules to keep you flying legally.
Here’s a reel I shot on Oahu (though this was mostly around the North Shore):
A quick disclaimer on drone line of sight requirements
Before we talk about great spots for flying drones near Waikiki, I first need to address something important in your question. You mentioned wanting to get more comfortable “flying beyond my line of sight” – but here’s the thing: flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) is illegal under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations unless you have a specific waiver, which requires extensive documentation and approval.
Under Part 107 (if you’re flying commercially) and even under recreational guidelines, you must keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times. This means you need to be able to see your drone with your own eyes (not through the camera feed) throughout the entire flight. So rather than getting comfortable with BVLOS flying, focus on maximizing what you can capture while staying legal and keeping your drone in sight.
Hawaii-specific drone regulations
Though the FAA regulates the skies, Hawaii regulates what happens on the ground, which means prohibiting drones from launching in certain areas. Here are some rules and recommendations for staying both within the law and just generally being a respectful pilot in and around Waikiki.
State parks and beaches: Drones are prohibited from taking off, landing, or operating within all Hawaii state parks. This is a big one because some of the most iconic spots in the Waikiki area, such as Diamond Head State Monument, are state-managed.
Airport proximity: Honolulu International Airport isn’t far from Waikiki. Check with a B4UFly approved service provider or Aloft before every flight to ensure you’re not in controlled airspace.
Respect and privacy: Hawaii takes privacy seriously. Avoid flying over private property without permission, and be especially mindful of residential areas and people on beaches.
Wildlife: Keep significant distance from wildlife, especially sea turtles and monk seals. Disturbing protected species (whether or not a drone is involved!) can result in serious fines.
The best drone photography spots near Waikiki
Now with that in mind, here’s the answer to your actual question: the best drone photography spots near Waikiki:
Diamond Head Crater
While you cannot fly within Diamond Head State Monument, you can film Hawaii’s iconic crater from approved locations nearby. The crater’s distinctive profile against the ocean makes it so that it’s almost more scenic to film it from afar. Be sure to stay outside park boundaries and maintain line of sight.
Magic Island (Ala Moana Beach Park)
This man-made peninsula offers beautiful sunset shots with Waikiki’s skyline in the background. Check current regulations as park rules can change, and arrive early to scout your takeoff location. The contrast between the calm lagoon and open ocean creates compelling compositions.
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park
This urban park area can provide interesting perspectives of Honolulu’s developing skyline. The industrial-meets-beach vibe offers unique photo opportunities you won’t find in typical tourist shots.
Offshore Waikiki Beach (with caution)
Flying over the ocean from public beach access points can yield gorgeous shots of the turquoise water and surfers. However, you must maintain visual line of sight, respect beachgoers’ privacy and stay aware of your battery life. Keep a safe altitude and distance from people in the water.
As always, rules can change (and they might be different at the time of your flight versus the time you’ve read this). Check official government websites — or simply in-person signage — for the most up-to-date information.
Pro tips for flying drones near Waikiki
Golden hour is your friend: Light is almost always at its best during sunrise and sunset. In Waikiki, the colors bouncing off the water and buildings create magic that midday sun can’t match.
Check wind conditions: Trade winds in Hawaii can be stronger than you expect, especially at higher altitudes. Start low and test conditions before committing to complex shots.
Backup your footage: This is good practice whenever you’re traveling with a drone. Don’t wait until you’re back home to transfer files. Memory card failures happen, luggage gets lost, etc. Backup your footage while still in Hawaii.
Consider a spotter: Having someone help you maintain visual line of sight while you focus on camera work makes flights safer and more productive.
Waikiki and Oahu offer phenomenal drone photography opportunities, but staying legal and respectful ensures everyone can continue enjoying these privileges. Focus on mastering your skills within visual line of sight – you’ll be amazed at what you can capture while following the rules.
Happy flying, and enjoy those Hawaiian skies!
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