Planning a trip to Hawaii next year
Jul 10, 2016 13:16:25 #
Indi wrote:
... Haleakala, a caldera of an extinct volcano. You'll be able to see the telescope observatory there and we were told that the lunar vehicle were tested there because the terrain is similar to the moon. As mentioned it's worth the trip.
... Haleakala, a caldera of an extinct volcano. You'll be able to see the telescope observatory there and we were told that the lunar vehicle were tested there because the terrain is similar to the moon. As mentioned it's worth the trip.
I second that, but I would add that it is even worth going more than once because the scenery changes so much depending on the clouds and the fog. On the way up you may see people on hang-gliders and probably groups of people on bicycles. It's a long trip up the mountain and you may worry that you will see nothing when you get there because of the often present fog, but the fog usually clears up by the time you reach the top and then you may feel you are standing at the top of a cloud.
Jul 10, 2016 13:42:32 #
pwrxprt
Loc: Beaumont, California
Someone posted this link a while back on here and I thank them for doing so...This might help you find what interests YOU.... http://www.shothotspot.com/
After you open up the link, just put in the city and it brings up more ideas of places to photograph then you can imagine.
I've/we've been to the islands more than 10 times. Each time I/we go I find something else to shoot. Although I have some really pretty sunsets where I live....you can't beat a Hawaiian sunset. I try and make the sunset an evening event each day. Pull out the tripod & camera, poor a cold one and watch the sunset. I take a photo today and say it can't be prettier than this until the next day. I have so many sunset photos, I can compete with calendar sales at the souvenir shops.
We are off to Oahu for two weeks staying at the Marriot Ko Olina and then to Maui at the Westin Kaanapali for eight more days at the end of this month on into next month. But most important as mentioned here already...don't have your camera in your face all the time you'll miss some really interesting and beautiful sites.
I'm a little limited on the lens thing....as I only have 24-120mm and 70-300mm for my Nikon D750...but I schlep them both/all...but my walk around is 24-120. I found that if you use a BlackRapid strap or one similar, you can carry your gear much longer without getting too tired from the weight around your neck and shoulders. I walked around San Francisco with my camera and my shoulders and neck never bothered me from the weight of the camera and lens, my little feet got tired after walking six or seven miles. At 70 walking up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco can be a bit challenging too. Again as others have stated, take it slow you're on vacation.
If I'm driving, I'll leave my tripod and long lens in the trunk of the car otherwise they stays in the room. Never never leave anything in the car that can be seen. My son learned that the hard way, he went to pick up take out food he order from a restaurant...walked in, waited to pick up and pay and by the time he got back to his car they broke into his rental and took the bag that had his laptop, camera, etc. Even though you are in paradise, there are still thieves there that can ruin your vacation. Be alert!
Take good walking shoes and comfortable clothes and most importantly have fun.
After you open up the link, just put in the city and it brings up more ideas of places to photograph then you can imagine.
I've/we've been to the islands more than 10 times. Each time I/we go I find something else to shoot. Although I have some really pretty sunsets where I live....you can't beat a Hawaiian sunset. I try and make the sunset an evening event each day. Pull out the tripod & camera, poor a cold one and watch the sunset. I take a photo today and say it can't be prettier than this until the next day. I have so many sunset photos, I can compete with calendar sales at the souvenir shops.
We are off to Oahu for two weeks staying at the Marriot Ko Olina and then to Maui at the Westin Kaanapali for eight more days at the end of this month on into next month. But most important as mentioned here already...don't have your camera in your face all the time you'll miss some really interesting and beautiful sites.
I'm a little limited on the lens thing....as I only have 24-120mm and 70-300mm for my Nikon D750...but I schlep them both/all...but my walk around is 24-120. I found that if you use a BlackRapid strap or one similar, you can carry your gear much longer without getting too tired from the weight around your neck and shoulders. I walked around San Francisco with my camera and my shoulders and neck never bothered me from the weight of the camera and lens, my little feet got tired after walking six or seven miles. At 70 walking up and down the hilly streets of San Francisco can be a bit challenging too. Again as others have stated, take it slow you're on vacation.
If I'm driving, I'll leave my tripod and long lens in the trunk of the car otherwise they stays in the room. Never never leave anything in the car that can be seen. My son learned that the hard way, he went to pick up take out food he order from a restaurant...walked in, waited to pick up and pay and by the time he got back to his car they broke into his rental and took the bag that had his laptop, camera, etc. Even though you are in paradise, there are still thieves there that can ruin your vacation. Be alert!
Take good walking shoes and comfortable clothes and most importantly have fun.
Jul 10, 2016 13:50:59 #
Yes. I actually looked down at the topside of clouds while I was at the top of Haleakala. It was awesome. I hope the op decides to take his dslr with a good telephoto lens to grab some amazing high quality shots and a decent p&s camera for back up. If the op isn't in very poor physical condition, it will be worth a little extra weight to capture the amazing sights in Hawaii with as much quality and creativity as possible and not come back with only mere snap shots.
pecohen wrote:
I second that, but I would add that it is even worth going more than once because the scenery changes so much depending on the clouds and the fog. On the way up you may see people on hang-gliders and probably groups of people on bicycles. It's a long trip up the mountain and you may worry that you will see nothing when you get there because of the often present fog, but the fog usually clears up by the time you reach the top and then you may feel you are standing at the top of a cloud.
Jul 10, 2016 13:56:42 #
In Oahu, Do not miss Pearl Harbor, Tantalus Mountain were you can shots of Diamond Head @ Sundown and night photos of all of Honolulu. There is no better place!
Jul 10, 2016 14:00:39 #
My wife and I spent two weeks in the Islands in February. I would recommend going in the winter as some areas get very hot and/or humid in summer.
Our first week we shared rental of a house in the hills east of Diamondhead. What a view. We could see whales spouting and breeching from the lanai. For beaches we liked Kailua best, as it has shade available, which many do not. Driving east from the house, the views just after passing Hanauma Bay are stunning. The road will lead you to Kailua and on to the Cultural Center if you wish. Otherwise you can cut off on the Pali Highway to return to the Honolulu area. Just a word of warning - the Pali Overlook is windy even on otherwise fairly calm days. We went on a windy day and could barely stand up.
As others have mentioned, I would not go to Oahu without visiting the Arizona Memorial. Truly a moving experience. Another not to be missed excursion (if you can handle the climb - we're 69 & 67, but do lots of walking) is Diamondhead. The summit offers a great view of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. January and February are big surf months and the North shore can get busy, but worth a visit especially if you get to see one of the competitions. The Dole Plantation is sort of in the middle of the island and they do still grow some pineapples there, but not like the past.
Our second week was on the Big Island. We needed some R&R after helping with our young grandsons on Oahu so we stayed at a nice resort on one of the best beaches. Leaving the Kona Airport, you will think you've ended up on Mars, not just another Pacific Island. Boulders dot the old lave flows - these in themselves can make for interesting photos. In addition to some driving around on our own through cowboy country and up to Hawi, we took two tours. The first was to Mauna Kea to see the observatories and sunset. If I recall correctly only 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed up past the visitor center, and rental agreements specifically prohibit their cars from going to the summit. When we arrived at the top, it was <40F with a 40mph wind. The tour provided parkas and gloves, but it took my hands about an hour to feel normal after the time at the top. Last year the upper part of the road was closed due to the amount of snow. You could see Holeakala on Maui clearly above the clouds from the peak.
Our other tour was to the volcano area, and although we did not venture down into the Kiluawea caldera, the tour provided ample opportunities to walk through one of the more recent lava flows and for viewing the current activity after dark. Our guides were highly knowledgeable and I recommend Hawaii Forest and Trails if you plan any excursions on the Big Island.
Our first week we shared rental of a house in the hills east of Diamondhead. What a view. We could see whales spouting and breeching from the lanai. For beaches we liked Kailua best, as it has shade available, which many do not. Driving east from the house, the views just after passing Hanauma Bay are stunning. The road will lead you to Kailua and on to the Cultural Center if you wish. Otherwise you can cut off on the Pali Highway to return to the Honolulu area. Just a word of warning - the Pali Overlook is windy even on otherwise fairly calm days. We went on a windy day and could barely stand up.
As others have mentioned, I would not go to Oahu without visiting the Arizona Memorial. Truly a moving experience. Another not to be missed excursion (if you can handle the climb - we're 69 & 67, but do lots of walking) is Diamondhead. The summit offers a great view of Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. January and February are big surf months and the North shore can get busy, but worth a visit especially if you get to see one of the competitions. The Dole Plantation is sort of in the middle of the island and they do still grow some pineapples there, but not like the past.
Our second week was on the Big Island. We needed some R&R after helping with our young grandsons on Oahu so we stayed at a nice resort on one of the best beaches. Leaving the Kona Airport, you will think you've ended up on Mars, not just another Pacific Island. Boulders dot the old lave flows - these in themselves can make for interesting photos. In addition to some driving around on our own through cowboy country and up to Hawi, we took two tours. The first was to Mauna Kea to see the observatories and sunset. If I recall correctly only 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed up past the visitor center, and rental agreements specifically prohibit their cars from going to the summit. When we arrived at the top, it was <40F with a 40mph wind. The tour provided parkas and gloves, but it took my hands about an hour to feel normal after the time at the top. Last year the upper part of the road was closed due to the amount of snow. You could see Holeakala on Maui clearly above the clouds from the peak.
Our other tour was to the volcano area, and although we did not venture down into the Kiluawea caldera, the tour provided ample opportunities to walk through one of the more recent lava flows and for viewing the current activity after dark. Our guides were highly knowledgeable and I recommend Hawaii Forest and Trails if you plan any excursions on the Big Island.
Jul 10, 2016 15:12:44 #
Robeng
Loc: California
dsiner wrote:
Anyone have any advice on planning a photo shooting trip to the islands? Where to go? Best time of year? Never been there before. Keep in mind I am 67 so no mountain climbing please.
I was just in Maui in April, I attached a few images from there.
If you never been to Hawaii before I recommend Oahu it's the most known with Peal Harbor, Waikiki Beach, the USS Arizona, Diamond Head and lots more to see. Tours are available.
Hawaii is beautiful anytime of the year and so many beautiful places to photographs I sure you will have a great time.
Jul 10, 2016 17:32:44 #
Been to Oahu. After you see all of the 'must see' attractions, there are some great nature ops. In town is the Foster Botanical Garden.
A little farther out is the wonderful Lyon Arboretum. http://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum You'll want to start this one early in the day.
If you are a local foodie, don't miss the Diamond Head Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
A little farther out is the wonderful Lyon Arboretum. http://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum You'll want to start this one early in the day.
If you are a local foodie, don't miss the Diamond Head Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Jul 10, 2016 17:37:48 #
wj cody
Loc: springfield illinois
PVR8 wrote:
I lived on Oahu twice, 20 years in total. There ar... (show quote)
and if you do go up to hale akala, be sure to bring warm clothing, especially if photographing the sunrise from the top. it is cold up there!
i seem to remember someone, who shall not be named, muttering "come on you stinking ball of fire". photographer next to unnamed person couldn't stop laughing. the unnamed's teeth couldn't stop chattering.
Jul 10, 2016 17:39:13 #
wj cody
Loc: springfield illinois
BBurns wrote:
Been to Oahu. After you see all of the 'must see' attractions, there are some great nature ops. In town is the Foster Botanical Garden.
A little farther out is the wonderful Lyon Arboretum. http://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum You'll want to start this one early in the day.
If you are a local foodie, don't miss the Diamond Head Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
A little farther out is the wonderful Lyon Arboretum. http://manoa.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum You'll want to start this one early in the day.
If you are a local foodie, don't miss the Diamond Head Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
and for heaven's sake, make reservations for dinner at Joe Mama's a week in advance - you will be pleased, and take camera with you.
Jul 10, 2016 18:03:05 #
Have 7 years on Oahu and Maui....On Oahu see if you can rent a studio at Pats of Punaluu.....on the windward side ....the studios are really a 1 bedroom...really quiet and not far from Laie and just a few miles to the North Shore. The place is clean and i always was happy with the beach in front....If you feel like a little adventure go Glider Flying at Dillingham field past Mokoliea. There are Polo fields....the matches are really good fun.
If you want a true experience on Maui and feel like spluging rent a time at the Hotel Hana Ranch....You can fly in from Oahu stopping in Molokai.....there is a Dollar Rent a car there and just to say the hotel beach is Hamoa which James Michner called the most beautiful beach in the world.....and it is....Have fun....lock your valuables in the trunk and you will have no problems...Aloha Nui....just adding that the Hotel Hana ranch is a working cattle ranch.....the whole town of Hana the area and the ranch are just perfect
If you want a true experience on Maui and feel like spluging rent a time at the Hotel Hana Ranch....You can fly in from Oahu stopping in Molokai.....there is a Dollar Rent a car there and just to say the hotel beach is Hamoa which James Michner called the most beautiful beach in the world.....and it is....Have fun....lock your valuables in the trunk and you will have no problems...Aloha Nui....just adding that the Hotel Hana ranch is a working cattle ranch.....the whole town of Hana the area and the ranch are just perfect
Jul 10, 2016 18:28:04 #
My wife & I took an 11 day tour of 3 islands but I wouldn't do it again. If I go again we'll spend it all on 1 island, probably Maui. We lost a day between each island due to packing up, checking out, catching transport to the airport, airplane ride, transport to next hotel, unpacking, getting settled in, etc. So then figuring in flight day to get there and flight day to return home, that's 3 islands divided by the remaining 7 days. Not enough time on any island. That being said, it was a terrific trip but we are wiser now and will do it different if we ever return. Have a great time.
Walt
Walt
Jul 10, 2016 18:52:09 #
I agree with you....that's why I spent 7 years and now living in Florida I can say that I miss everything about the Islands and am thankful that my life took that turn....Maui is a wonderful place....especially the Hana side..... Hana highway with a waterfall around every curve....no matter how many times its all etched in memories...hotel Hana Ranch is special.....making myself homesick
Jul 10, 2016 19:08:41 #
dsiner wrote:
Anyone have any advice on planning a photo shooting trip to the islands? Where to go? Best time of year? Never been there before. Keep in mind I am 67 so no mountain climbing please.
I just got back this morning from a two week stay on Kaua'i. We took the trip up the canyon to the Kalaua Lookout. The walk up to the lookout is easy from the parking lot.
Jul 11, 2016 11:29:43 #
larryjphoto
Loc: Phoenix
The family and I went to Hawaii in 2000. If you have never been there, you at least have to visit Pearl Harbor. We spent 3 days on Oahu and 7 days on Kawaii. I purchased the book "Hawaii For Dummies" (not sure if it has been updated) which had a lot of information for visitors that was outside the typical tourist areas.
As far as what photo gear to haul, that is depentant on you. You could spend the entire trip with the camera in your face, as Hawaii is probably one of the most scenic locations on Earth, but don't! Shoot enough to practice your skills in this beautiful venue, and to capture your trip experience, but be sure to take in the feel of the islands. You will not be disappointed with your trip!
As far as what photo gear to haul, that is depentant on you. You could spend the entire trip with the camera in your face, as Hawaii is probably one of the most scenic locations on Earth, but don't! Shoot enough to practice your skills in this beautiful venue, and to capture your trip experience, but be sure to take in the feel of the islands. You will not be disappointed with your trip!
Jul 11, 2016 11:34:05 #
Chicflat
Loc: Tulsa, Ok,
I am going in January. I "googled" on Bing Hawaian photography tours for fun and found a couple of quite informative sites - especially at "Hawaiianphotographytours."
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