Snap shoot spots in Hong Kong and Hawaii: harbour lights and island beaches
- In Hong Kong, shoot from dusk into the harbour night view; in Hawaii, around sunrise and sunset.
- Hong Kong's famous residential blocks are homes where people live. Follow the notices and shoot briefly and quietly.
- Commercial activities on Hawaii's state public beaches, such as paid wedding shoots, need a permit from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Hong Kong and Hawaii are popular for snap shoots abroad. One stars high-rises and the harbour, the other the sea and sky, so the preparation differs too.
Hong Kong
| Place | Scenes | Timing and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade | Hong Kong Island skyline across Victoria Harbour | From dusk. It gets crowded, so claim tripod space early |
| Central and Sheung Wan lanes | Hillside streets, old stairways and signs | Late morning to afternoon. Don't block shopfronts |
| Kennedy Town waterfront | Sunset over the sea, couple snaps | Around sunset. Take care near the railings by the water |
| Yick Cheong Building, Quarry Bay (the ‘Monster Building’) | Densely packed residential towers | People live here. Reports say notices ask visitors to get permission before shooting. Be quiet and brief |
| Victoria Peak | City panorama | Clear evenings around sunset. Clouds can hide the view, so check the forecast |
Hong Kong is humid: in summer makeup wears off quickly, and stepping straight out of strongly air-conditioned rooms fogs up the lens. Let the camera adjust outside for a few minutes before shooting.
Hawaii
| Place | Scenes | Timing and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waikiki Beach | Palm trees, Diamond Head, sunset | Around sunrise and sunset. Midday sun is harsh and the beach is busy |
| Kailua and Lanikai beaches | Clear water, morning snaps | Early morning. Residential area, so mind parking and noise |
| North Shore | Big waves and natural scenery | Winter waves are high, so keep your distance from the water |
| Private ranches and gardens | Cinematic natural backdrops | Private land, so booking and a shoot fee are required. Ask first rather than just turning up |
Shoot permits on Hawaii's public beaches
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) requires permits for commercial activities on state land such as public beaches, beach weddings being a typical example. In 2021 it was reported that DLNR was cracking down on photographers shooting weddings without permits on Kauai, and DLNR has said it does not issue permits for wedding shoots or commercial drones at some naturally and culturally sensitive sites. County parks have their own county rules. Before booking, ask whether the photographer has a permit and whether the fee is included in the price.
LA and New York on the mainland
LA and New York run their own city film permit systems (FilmLA in LA, and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment in New York), and whether you need a permit depends on equipment, crew size and location. Check first if you'll use tripods or lights or block a street.
The same place can look completely different depending on the season and time of day. Ask the photographer whether they've shot there in the same season.
Hawaii permit information is based on Hawaii DLNR announcements and a 2021 PetaPixel report, and the Yick Cheong Building on a Time Out Hong Kong article (checked November 10, 2026). Local rules can change, so check before shooting.
