squirrel1

We are planning a trip to Oahu Hawaii this Thursday. We have a family wedding and then sight seeing for the rest of the time. Kinda a last minute request....But any hints on taking photos over there? We plan on Pearl Harbor and lots of other areas. Wondering about suggestions for Lens and settings for taking pictures Luau, waterfalls. Hope I can get a few ideas from you talented folks. Or point me in the direction on here for answers to my questions. I was told this was a GREAT place to come to for advice. Thanks in advance

Mary Ann

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Oahu : Diamond Head. East coast for fantastic wild surf (long lens needed) and craggy high shorelines with parking spots for lookouts. I was not super impressed with the North Shores famous pipeline areas. Waterfalls are not as good as Kauia or Maui but there are a few. Pearl harbour is a good 1/2 day+.

It is worth the drive to the east coast shoreline.
I will attach a few pics....

As for luaus etc....no experience. We hiked and took scenery pics and watched surfers :-)

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Cant seem to attach pics....hmmmm

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Oahu is a great place for photography. There are lots of sites (not counting the WW2 locations) for photography. Also, visiting other islands is fairly easy from Oahu. You've already mentioned Pearl Harbor, but be sure to actually go into the museum (it was the Arizona Museum then they added the USS Missouri and other ships so I'm not sure what they call it now). They have you watch a short film on the attack my the Japanese on Pearl Harbor and at the conclusion, take you, via shore boats, out onto the USS Arizona Memorial. Great photos of the wreck and the memorial it's self. When you return to the museum, you can tour other museum ships and also the memorials for the Oklahoma, Virginia and other ships that were lost during the attack. Also go over to Hickam AFB (abutting Pearl). Hickam has been heavily remodeled during the last few years, but many of the artifacts remain. When I was there, in the 1970's, the barracks still had the machine gun bullet holes in the concrete block walls up the sides and across the windows (the glass in the windows had (of course) been replaced but the outside (and inside) walls still had the bullet marks. It was interesting lying in a bunk in one of the rooms and seeing the bullet marks on the walls around the bunks. The moto at the time was "Never Forget". The AFB taxiways were lined with semi-buried revetments housing fighters. Under the remodeling efforts of the last few years, the barracks have been torn down and replaced with "thousand man dorms" and the revetments along the taxiways have been removed. (Yes, I know that the barracks were aging and needed replacing (and there may be one or two left as memorials, I don't know) and the revetments could easily be destroyed by one or more weapons but some examples of the reaction over the embarrassment of the military for ignoring the signs of attack should (and may) have been saved. At the time I was there, the NCO Club was a shared facility between the Air Force and the Navy. It straddled the border between "Pearl Harbor" and Hickam and had a boat dock for the shore boats to drop NCO's from the Navy Ships off at the NCO club. Air Force personnel would enter from the land side doors. The NCO club has been replaced and I'm not sure whether it is still a "Joint" operation or not. Also, be sure to visit the National Military Cemetery in Punch Bowl Crater, Hawaii. Hawaii is full of great photo ops and you should either take plenty of memory cards or other ways to save and backup the many photos that you are sure to take. Have a great trip.
Again, be sure to visit and get photos of as many historical spots as possible.

GWZ Loc: Bloomington, IN

"But any hints on taking photos over there? We plan on Pearl Harbor and lots of other areas. Wondering about suggestions for Lens and settings for taking pictures Luau, waterfalls. Hope I can get a few ideas from you talented folks. Or point me in the direction on here for answers to my questions. I was told this was a GREAT place to come to for advice. Thanks in advance"

Places to go/see include - Manoa Falls back in Manoa Valley, Hanauma Bay lookout/snorkeling, Blowhole, Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial (be sure to get there very early in the morning and go on the National Park Service tour that takes you to the Arizona Memorial itself), the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl), and the USS Missouri.

Lenses - a lens that allows you to get close-ups of flowers, and then consider either an all-in-one zoom or a mid-range zoom (like 24-70) and longer telezoom (70-200). Be sure to have something handy to put your camera/lens into, or to cover it with, as in certain areas you may get a surprise shower. Also, be sure to allow time for the camera/lens to adjust between A/C and the ambient air temperature.

Hope this helps.

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

If you want to know what time you took a picture, when you get back, don't forget to change your time & date.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

It really (partially) depends on the weather there. If it is generally good lighting, then an all-in-one zoom (being aware that most have fairly high f/stops so you'll need decent lighting. I would also take a fairly fast 50mm or so (prime) because of the wider aperture (remember that it will act line a 75mm on a crop sensor) or go with a 35mm which would act as a 50mm (roughly on crop sensor). I carry an 18-70mm and an 80-400mm in addition to my 50mm. The 80-400mm is a little slow in low light so I either have to bump my ISO up or go to a tripod. But, I generally carry a couple of lenses in addition to my long lens for emergencies or unexpected low light areas. I prefer to shoot no higher than ISO 400 if I can keep from it.

Photocraig

Some suggestions.
I don't remember the name, but near Waikiki there is a large indoor market with shops, food vendors, and some entertainment. This is a great location for some controlled environment "street" photography. Great rainy day location.

There is a 'tethered" Submarine near the Hilton. It goes down deep enough to show marine life and some wreckage. The shoot through the porthole shots will yield mediocre photos. BUT, if you get the opportunity to capture the faces of passengers, especially kids (with parents' permission, of course), you will capture some of the magic of the deep. High ISO, short focal length because of the closeness. Flash, even your pop up is too intrusive because of close quarters. But your smart phone or small flashlight could be enough to use a reasonable ISO and get good facial definition and separate the subject from the very close background.

Marriott has a resort at Ko Olina. If you golf, the course is playable for a duffer ($$$). BUT the landscaping "Elements" water features and floral plantings,etc. are as good as I've seen anywhere. Their Hotel Cocktail lounge patio serves lunch overlooking a small inlet/grotto which is very photogenic. I believe it faces South (check!) and yields some charming images.

Diamond Head dominates the Waikiki skyline to the East. Sunrise works, and gives you a break because it crests the peak a little later. BUTTTTT.... all ya gotta do is position or pose something and or someone in front of Diamond head in good light, maybe even Blue Hour sunset front lighting the subject and you should have a keeper.

Have dinner at Hy's Steakhouse. A completely re-assembled and restored Philadelphia Men's Club Dining Room from THE DAY. Steak is great service is by far the BEST.

Have brunch at the Hallikalani (not sure of the spelling). It is pink and hosts Japanese (and many other) weddings by the hundreds. But the setting is excellent, the pink walls pick up the light beautifully. It is a possibility for shade scenes for mid day.

There is a large park, a huge mostly Palm Tree lined lawn. There are often festivals, food tents and farmer's markets there. Also on the strip of hotels in Waikiki. I believe it faces a large hotel used for R&R of active US Military personnel.

Oahu is a very underrated destination. People, myself included, have been turned off by the size and bustle of Honolulu, and quickly transit to the Outer Islands. There is lots to offer there and spend the time to appreciate the beauty of the people and the wonderful blend of Asian, Pacific and Western Heritage. You could find the very best American (Hy's), Japanese, Chinese and Philippine cuisine all within a few blocks. The Concierge is your friend--remember to TIP!

Be sure to read a little history. The US essentially caused a "rebellion" that allowed it to become a US Possession after the Spanish American War all in support of the Sugar and Pineapple Plantation Owners. Not our finest hour.

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

If you are able, climb Diamond Head. It's free and what a view. Of cource Pearl Harbor which is also free.

wesm Loc: Los Altos CA

Hanauma Bay (fantastic snorkeling) a little ways NE of Diamond Head.
There's a famous lighthouse on the northern point of the east coast, worth the walk in and the climb up.

North Shore has big waves in the winter, south shore in the summer. There's a "protected" beach just east of Haleiwa where the big green turtles come ashore for sun. I say "protected" because they literally rope them off with fluorescent tape to keep the busloads of tourists from hassling them. These are big fellas, and could definitely give you a nasty bite. Look for a large pullout area off the highway just east of town. There will be lots of cars((

Billbobboy42 Loc: Center of Delmarva

[quote=

Also on the strip of hotels in Waikiki. I believe it faces a large hotel used for R&R of active US Military personnel.

The hotel is the Hale Koa; the park in front is about 17 acres and belongs to the DoD. The hotel is quite nice and the price per night runs about 1/4 what it costs next door (Hawaiian Hilton). Eligibility to room: active and retired military personnel AND active and retired DoD civilian personnel. Sadly, non-retired veterans are not eligible. I am a vet, but qualified as a DoD civilian. Stayed there twice. Wouldn't stay anywhere else on O'ahu.
By the way, as a resident (civilians) one has PX privileges. You can buy anything the PX sells except alcohol. Only military personnel can purchase alcohol. Beats me why that exception. Had to walk about 2 miles to find an ABC store. You can, however, order a beer or cocktail at one of their restaurants.