Light, weather and when to shoot
Morning light on the windward side, afternoon on the leeward; trade-wind clouds pass fast and leave clean skies. Shoot lanais and views before the midday glare. The light is consistent year-round.
What sells here, and what buyers want to see
Waikiki, Kakaako and Ala Moana condos sell the view, the floor and the building; Kailua and Lanikai sell the beach and the yard; Hawaii Kai sells the marina; Diamond Head and Kahala sell the view and the address. Buyers ask fee simple or leasehold, the maintenance fees and the parking.
The clips to make
- Balcony pull-back from the ocean into the lanai and living room.
- View push to Diamond Head or the harbour.
- A clip of the building's pool deck and amenities with the board's permission.
Rules worth checking
Hawaii's seller disclosure applies and leasehold must be stated plainly. Condo boards restrict common-area photography. Airspace near the airport, Hickam and Pearl Harbor restricts drones over most of Honolulu — the view is a lanai clip, not an aerial.
Disclosure, drone and privacy rules change and differ by MLS and municipality; confirm the current version with your broker before you rely on anything here.
Questions
Should every caption say fee simple or leasehold?
Yes. It is the fact off-island buyers most often misunderstand, and the one that changes what they are buying.
Can I get a drone clip of a Waikiki tower?
Not legally in most of the city. The lanai pull-back and the view push carry the view.
Read next
- Real Estate Video in Hawaii: Lanais, Ocean Views and Leasehold FactsListing video for Hawaii agents: trade-wind light and afternoon showers, Oahu condos and neighbour-island homes, lanais and views, the fee-simple versus leasehold question, and drone rules near the shore.
- How to Make a Condo Listing Video That Shows Space, Light and the ViewHow to shoot a condo or apartment listing video from photos: the moves that make small rooms feel bigger, how to lead with the view, and what to show of the building.
- Vacation Rental Video for Airbnb and VRBO ListingsHow short-term rental hosts make a video that books: the experience-first shot list, the moves for pools, decks and views, where to post it, and what platforms allow.