In a conventional device, light is irradiated from positions on a rotation axis of a detector, so that there may be unevenness of light irradiation intensity in a subject. The acoustic wave acquisition apparatus of the present invention includes a light source that generates light and a detector including a plurality of elements that receive an acoustic wave generated from inside a subject when the subject is irradiated with the light. The acoustic wave acquisition apparatus further includes a rotation driving unit that rotates the detector and a plurality of light irradiation portions that irradiate the subject with the light from the light source. The plurality of light irradiation portions are provided at least at positions other than a rotation axis of the detector.