Gah! Kauai, Hawaii is a stunning place unlike any other on earth. It’s a photographer’s dream, and the aerial views from a drone are unmatched to any other location on earth. Here are some of my favorite drone photos that will inspire you to travel to Kauai, Hawaii – and book your flight right now!
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It’s the allure of traveling to Hawaii that might get first-time visitors interested in visiting “The Garden Isle” also known as Kauai. But it’s the adventure and incredible landscapes that really draw you in. Coupled with the aloha spirit...is this truly what paradise feels like?
I’ll let you decide for yourself. I’ve been traveling to Kauai for awhile now, bringing one of my travel drones with me along on each trip. I couldn’t help but put this list together, even if that means my next trip I’ll need to refresh this guide with more epic photos…because there are truly so many spots on Kauai to adore.
Flying a drone in Kauai
First, let’s address a few things about capturing these aerial views in Kauai:
- I’ve been flying drones since 2018 and the rules are getting more strict over time. More people are getting into flying drones, which means more places are restricting them. Even some of the photos in this article are no longer available to fly a drone. 🥲 Always fly responsibly: verify you can launch and fly to ensure you’re respectful.
- If you’re interested in flying drones, check out this online guide to everything you’ll need to know to fly a drone in Kauai and elsewhere.
- Weather can make or break a shot. Kauai gets a lot of rain, and it’s sometimes hard to get good aerial shots on the island. If you’re going to Kauai to drone, I highly recommend planning your locations early in the trip, so you have time to circle back if your plans have to change.
I could talk for dayyyys here but let’s just get on with the photos, shall we? Check out these drone resources for more info.
Can you handle Kauai’s beauty? Here are 20 incredible Kauai drone photos that will make you question nature
Lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and captivating natural wonders.
Gah! Let’s dive in.
1. Kahuna Beach
Can’t you just picture yourself sitting here, listening to the waves crash? Well, it’ pretty magical, that’s for sure! Located in the southern part of the island, Kahuna Beach is known for sunshine and resorts.
Still finalizing your Kauai travel plans? Get the complete Kauai travel guide for everything you need to see and do on Kauai!
2. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail (one of my favorite gems, perfect for Kauai drone photography)
Ready for a hike? Pack your travel drone in your bag and grab your shoes. This easy trail is scenic and runs along the southern coast of Kauai. It’s an underrated spot on the island, and one you’ll want to add to your Kauai travel itinerary!
Related read: Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail – the Underrated Hike on Kauai You Need to See
3. Wailua Falls
This gorgeous waterfall has a whopping 173 foot drop into the plunge pool below. Most visitors can only see the waterfall from the lookout. However, back in 2019 I popped the drone up and flew it out for a better view.
If you visit this gorgeous destination with a drone, you’ll want to check a FAA-approved app and check for no-drone signs before launching.
4. Tunnels Beach
Located on the North Shore of Kauai, this stunning beach is a must-visit. Known for its awesome snorkeling, I personally think it’s great for amazing drone photos of Hawaii, too!😍
Pro tip: parking here can be a challenge. Plan to get there early or be extra patient as you wait for others to leave.
5. Shipwreck Beach
Near sunny Poipu Hawaii, Shipwreck Beach is a large cove beach with strong waves and scenic cliffs. It’s also a spot to watch surfers and boogie boarders enjoying the waves on Kauai.
Mentioned in this article a few times, this area is a favorite for Hawaii visitors, and even more so for Hawaii drone photography!
6. Hideaway Beach (again)
Another scenic beach in Kauai that’s perfect for Hawaii drone photography is Hideaway Beach! This beach is popular and sometimes impossible to get to because the parking lot is tiny and it requires a hike down a slippery trail to get here.
I’ve been to this beach many times over the years, and it’s so good there’s a few more drone photos of it throughout this guide. 😍
7. NaPali Coast
I’m so sad to say that drones are no longer allowed to fly in Hawaii state parks (and most state parks across the country, actually). This photo was taken with and old school DJI drone and it’s still one of my favorites.
So although you can’t recreate this with a drone, you can still visit the Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park, one of the best things to do during a Kauai itinerary.
The NaPali Coast is unlike any other on this planet, and truly stunning to see in real life!
8. Kauai Tree Tunnel
Heading towards Koloa is a magical stretch of road appropriately dubbed the Kauai Tree Tunnel. It’s an incredibly scenic stretch covered in Eucalyptus trees with intertwined branches, forming a tunnel of sorts.
It looks magical as you drive through the tunnel, and a fun spot to fly a drone. Just a warning though – make sure to have your obstacle avoidance on for this one!
9. Tunnels Beach (again) Panoramic Photo
Alright, so Tunnels Beach is one of the most scenic spots on this island in my opinion. With the nearby cliffs staring down at the beach, it’s almost too good to be true. So This panoramic shot just needed to be included in this list of the best Hawaii drone photography shots!
With the weather on Kauai, this took several trips to the beach over the years, and even just an hour later and the lighting conditions weren’t favorable anymore. The weather can truly make or break these aerial photos of Kauai!
10. Hanalei Bay (another epic place to get great aerial photos of Kauai)
One of the most famous spots on the island of Kauai in Hawaii is the Hanalei Bay Pier. Known for it’s scenic backdrop of the gorgeous cliffs and beautiful water, this place just couldn’t get much better.
But fly a drone here, and you’ll be in pure photography bliss! I’ve flown at Hanalei Bay many times and the day I got this shot I was particularly lucky it was a clear day without many clouds lingering!
Hawaii drone photography: more of Kauai
Geez, can you believe this stunning landscapes all exists on one small island? It’s truly hard to believe your eyes. And then of course, the landscapes look even more stunning from aerial photos from a drone!
Here’s more of my favorite Kauai photos from the air!
11. Hideaway Beach
This straight down shot of Hideaway Beach is too good not to share. It miiiight just be one of my favorite Kauai drone photos I’ve taken. That water is so gorgeous…and great for snorkeling too, by the way!
It’s not the first or last time this scenic beach is included on this list, too!
12. Waimea Canyon
One of my fondest memories was flying the drone in the Waimea Canyon, but sadly it’s part of the Hawaii state park system and you can no longer fly here.
BUT this shot does show a little bit of just how vast this canyon is! Known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, this is a must- see during your trip to Kauai.
Related read: Hiking Waimea Canyon Trail: Everything You Need to Know
13. Kahuna Beach
Another shot of Kahuna Beach? Yes, please! This picturesque palm-tree lined beach is a great spot to set up for an afternoon of sunshine! Grab your mineral sunblock and beach towel with hidden zipper pocket and enjoy an afternoon of the best Kauai beach weather!
Pro tip: if you’re planning to fly a drone here, this is a busy spot! There’s a few areas you can walk away from the crowds to launch and land, and remember flying directly over uninvolved people is illegal.
14. Poipu Coast (moody but fun Kauai photos via drone)
Near Kahuna Beach is an area with a rocky shoreline that just begs to be photographed from the air. This aerial view of the Kauai coast near Poipu was taken at dusk after the sun was set.
I love that you can still see the gorgeous Hawaii blue water, even as the dark night sky was starting to creep in. Taking amazing drone photos really is so easy in Kauai when you’re working with these landscapes!
15. Near Hanalei
It’s such a gorgeous island, and seeing it from the air is truly a privilege! This photo was taken near Princevile, approaching Hanalei. The traditional Hanalei Valley and Taro fields are nearby with the Hanalei Bay in the distance.
With the jagged cliffs of the NaPali Coast in the distance, what’s more to love?
16. Hideaway Beach (#3)
Okay okay, this is another view of this seemingly quiet beach on the north shore of Kauai. Great for swimming, snorkeling and lounging, this is one of my favorite spots where I’ve flown my drone many times over the years.
Pro tip: if you head here, or to any beach on the island, packing everything up in a dry bag helps to keep your drone safe from sand, water and even rain!
17. Shipwreck Beach (again)
Another view from Shipwreck Beach, this area is just past the beach where the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail begins. This photo shows the dramatic cliff and shoreline as hikers can walk the ledge above.
The day this was shot was incredibly rainy and windy, and I’m so glad travel drones are so much better now than they were when this was taken. Older drones just didn’t handle the wind very well back then!
18. Near Princeville
Although a relatively small island in comparison to others around the globe, Kauai has some really scenic drives! Along Highway 56 as you approach Princeville are the massive Albizia trees, which are gorgeous and also invasive.
Anyway, the highway is so scenic to drive through, and one where you’ll wonder how such a beautiful place even exists on this earth.
19. Tunnels Beach (#3!) (seriously so good for beach drone photos in Hawaii)
I know, I know, why does this beach keep popping up on this list? These amazing drone photos are just too beautiful to not include!
Just around the corner from this is the NaPali Coast, and I just love this view of the large mountain cliffs as they dissolve into the water. So stunning.
20. Wailua Falls (again)
Another stunning shot of Wailua Falls, with the water falling down into the plunge pool below. There are so many cool sights to see on Kauai, I couldn’t end this travel guide without a second waterfall shot!
Kauai drone photography – that’s a wrap!
Seriously are you ready to pack your bags (and maybe a travel drone?) and head to Kauai, Hawaii?
It’s pretty easy to photograph such a gorgeous destination! As one of my favorite places to visit and fly a drone, and you can easily see why!
Here’s more travel guides if you’re still working on travel plans for Kauai:
Best Things to do in Kauai: Your Guide to 7 Days in Hawaii
20 Best Places to Eat in Kauai (Amazing Restaurants You Can’t Miss)
Stunning Kalalau Trail – Hiking the First 2 Miles to Hanakapiai Beach
What to Pack for Hawaii: PERFECT Hawaii Packing List
20 Best Kauai, Hawaii Beaches that Promise Amazing Views
What to Wear in Hawaii for Midsize Women (Swimwear, Outfit Ideas & More)
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