Cinematic First Trip Beautiful Waikiki
What’s up, everyone? Ben here with Lightning Bilt, and guess what? We are finally on our way to Hawaii! After what felt like forever, we officially checked in. For this trip, I’m rocking my Sony A7 IV with both the Tamron 17-28mm and the 35-150mm lenses – you know, to capture all those epic shots. First up after a quick rest? We’re heading straight to Waikiki Beach to catch that first light. Get ready to join us as we explore all the amazing views around Waikiki in Honolulu Hawaii! Just like that, we’re back at the hotel. Alright guys, until the next adventure, this is Ben with Lightning Bilt.
Beautiful Waikiki: Where is Waikiki?
Waikiki, located on the south shore of Honolulu, Oahu, is a globally renowned neighborhood synonymous with Hawaiian paradise. Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty and historically a marshland fed by “spouting waters” (the meaning of its name), it has transformed into a bustling hub of tourism. Famous for its iconic white-sand beach and the majestic backdrop of Diamond Head Crater, the beautiful Waikiki area offers a vibrant mix of luxury resorts, world-class shopping along Kalākaua Avenue, diverse dining options, and a plethora of activities, from surfing lessons in its gentle waves to cultural performances. Despite its modern development, Waikiki continues to embrace its rich heritage, celebrating Hawaiian traditions and offering a quintessential island experience to millions of visitors each year.
How did we get there?
Our entire Waikiki trip was booked through Expedia, with our flights arranged on American Airlines for the outbound journey and Southwest Airlines for our return. We chose to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach, which proved to be an excellent location, placing us just three blocks from the stunning beautiful Waikiki Beach—where we spent the majority of our time. The convenience of nearby restaurants and shopping, including the popular International Market Place, was a huge hit with both our family and in-laws.

// Equipment used: Sony a7IV, Small Rig cage, Tamron F2.8 17-28mm F2.8, Tamron F2.8 35-150mm, DJI Action 5
Got a Video Project? Contact us today!
Written by Ben Raigoza, at Lightning Bilt.

Creative Director / Director of Photography
Ben Raigoza is a passionate storyteller with over 16 years of experience in branding, web design, photography, and video.