Travel

Photography Compositions at the Valley of the Temples on Oahu, Hawaii

While there are beautiful mountains, coastlines, and waterfalls in Hawaii, the Valley of the Temples on Oahu is a pleasant surprise for photographers.

Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple

The main photo opportunity in the Valley of the Temples is the Japanese style Byodo-In Buddhist temple.  The temple is a smaller replica of a Byodo-In temple in Japan.  The temple is located at the back of the Valley of Temples Memorial Park.

Photography Opportunities in the Valley of the Temples

The temple itself from the front.  Try compositions from several locations with the pond in the foreground.  An ultra wide angle lens is useful for compositions up close to the lake.  I used an Olympus 9-18mm micro four thirds lens.  Look for a cloudy day where the fog covers the top of the Ko’olau Mountains for an added effect.

Black Swan at the Byodo-In Temple

Black Swan at the Byodo-In Temple

Also look for compositions on the sides of the temple.  The side of the temple has some interesting orange and red patterns.  Try using the pond in the foreground of this composition.  If you’re lucky, one of the black swans in the pond may pose for your composition.

The pond is also full of Koi.  A tight shot on a group of the Koi can make a nice artistic photo.

Koi in the Temple Pond

Koi in the Temple Pond

If you want family photos of the visit, take a photo of one of your family member ringing the sacred bell on the left of the temple.

Also drive around the beautiful memorial park looking for other structures and landscapes to photograph.

Hillside Scene, Valley of the Temples Memorial Park

Hillside Scene, Valley of the Temples Memorial Park

The Valley of the Temples is a memorial area and cemetery.  Make sure to be respectful and quiet.

The entry fee for the Byodo-In Temple is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and, $1 for children

Written by Martin Belan

Related Blog Posts
Visiting and Photographing Pearl Harbor
What to photograph at Waikiki Beach?
Photographing the Makapu’u Point Lighthouse Trail

The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include: Amazon, Skylum Software, Topaz Labs, DxO, Viator, Hotelopia, and Langly Co.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

six + 6 =

error: Content is protected !!