About Alex Wilson – Founder of Oahu Photography Tours
EST. 2011
Aloha! I’m Alex, and my journey to Hawaii began in 2004 after completing my military service. Originally from Orlando, Florida, I was captivated by Hawaii’s natural beauty and unique culture, which inspired me to make this island my home. From hiking Oahu’s stunning trails and surfing its legendary waves to flying my 150 Cessna over breathtaking landscapes, I’ve explored every corner of this island, gaining a deep appreciation for its diverse beauty and rich history.
The inspiration for Oahu Photography Tours came over 15 years ago during a walk through Central Park in New York. I noticed people with high-end cameras taking photos in less-than-ideal spots, and I thought—how incredible would it be to guide people to the perfect shot in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Hawaii? That idea evolved into Oahu Photography Tours, where I get to share my passion for photography and Hawaii with people from all over the world.
Before founding Oahu Photography Tours in 2011, I had the unique opportunity to work at several culturally significant sites. While attending Kapiolani Community College, I worked at Iolani Palace, learning about Hawaii’s monarchy and deep cultural heritage, as well as at Lyon Arboretum, where I gained insights into the island’s unique flora. I also worked at ancient Hawaiian sites and historic fishponds, which deepened my understanding of the islands’ pre-colonial history and sustainability practices. These experiences sparked a lifelong passion for sharing Hawaii’s history and culture with visitors.
While technology has evolved—most of our guests now use smartphones instead of high-end cameras—our mission has stayed the same: to help everyone, regardless of their device, walk away with incredible photos of Hawaii. My team and I also take photos of our guests, ensuring they leave with memories captured in stunning detail. Our tours are about more than just photography—they’re about creating lasting memories in some of Hawaii’s most beautiful and secluded spots.
I’m constantly striving to improve our tours, making them fresh and relevant for each new year. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built, and I personally train every guide to ensure they share the same passion for Hawaii and for delivering exceptional guest experiences.
And for those who want to see me in action, I have a video where you can watch me taking stunning sunrise photos and even jumping off dangerous sea cliffs—capturing the adventurous spirit of both Hawaii and the tours I lead.
On a personal note, I recently became a father to twin girls, which has brought even more joy to my life. Becoming a parent has given me a deeper appreciation for capturing life’s fleeting moments, and I’m sure I’ll share a story or two about them during our time together!
Let me take you on an adventure that goes beyond photography. From hidden gems to iconic spots, I’ll show you the best of Oahu, while sharing the history and culture that make this island so unique.
My Tips For You
I have had the chance to explore the heck out of this island and have some handy tips for you while you are here. The first piece of advice from me is to come on any of our photo tours. You might have already been, and that’s great. Just remember, we do have a returning customer discount for you if you are part of the OPT fam.
As much as you might like Waikiki and the busy city, you need to get out of that area and explore. Right behind Waikiki is a beautiful valley called Manoa. In the very back, there is a place that goes unseen by so many people. Still, I highly recommend taking a few hours out of your day and going to Lyons Arboretum after you explore the garden and find all the birds, head over to Surges Mexican Restaurant in the valley for some tacos. Its a chill spot and not too expensive.
My Tips for You
After years of exploring every inch of this island, I’ve got some insider tips to help you make the most of your time in Oahu. Whether you’ve already been on one of our photo tours or not, my first tip is simple: join us for one! If you’ve already experienced the magic of an OPT tour, don’t forget that we offer a returning customer discount for those in our OPT fam. We’d love to see you again!
While Waikiki may have its charm, my next tip is to get out of the city and explore. Just behind Waikiki is the hidden gem of Manoa Valley, home to the lush Lyon Arboretum. It’s an often overlooked spot, but I highly recommend spending a few hours there. Wander through the gardens, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and try to spot some of the local birds. Afterward, head over to Surge’s Mexican Restaurant in the valley for some delicious tacos in a chill, local setting—it’s affordable and hits the spot!
Thinking about hitting the water? My advice: absolutely do it! Oahu has some of the clearest water in the world, and this is the birthplace of surfing, so why not take a lesson or rent a board? If you’re more into something relaxing, grab a stand-up paddle-board and cruise around. On the North Shore, I recommend Surf ‘n’ Sea in Hale’iwa—they’ll set you up with a paddle-board for a leisurely trip up the lazy river, and when you’re done, head over to Jax Wood Fired Pizza for some of the best Hawaiian Pizza on island.
Looking for a cool hike? Start your day with a sunrise hike at Makapu’u Lookout. The trail is easy enough for most, and the views are absolutely stunning—it’s worth every step. Once you’ve soaked in the sunrise, head over to the Koko Marina Shopping Center for breakfast at Moena Cafe. Trust me, their breakfast is so good, it’ll set you up perfectly for the rest of your day.
These are just a few of my go-to spots and tips for making your time in Oahu even more unforgettable. Take it all in, explore, and enjoy the beauty of this island beyond the obvious!
Aloha,
Alex Wilson