bob fleer Loc: Annapolis, MD

going to be in Hawaii for 2 weeks I waswondering about sing my carbon monopod (suri brand) or would i be better to get a colapsable trekking pole anhy thoughts would be appreciated.

cascom Loc: Redmond

I spent seven weeks there without a tripod and was very happy with the results. You could always borrow or buy one if you felt you needed the extra support.

pwrxprt Loc: Beaumont, California

We've gone to Hawaii (Maui) every year for the last 12 or so years. I've decided not to take my 200-500 lens unless I know I'll be there during whale season. I've had some success taking photos from my room balcony of whales. Sadly at the time I didn't own the long lens to so photos are just so-so in my humble opinion. So unless I know it's whale season it is just to heavy to schlep, however, I have a carbon fiber tripod I put in my packed luggage and take it with me every year. Mine has the ability to unscrew one of the legs and make it a mono-pod if needed. I've started to leave heavy stuff at home and enjoying the relaxation and beauty of the islands. Sight seeing on the islands is different than going out shooting at the park, in the mountains or any other venue. We do lots of walking so keeping things light, is a must, especially as I age the equipment seems to be getting heavier. I notice many on this site are trading up, down, sideways, whatever to mirrorless cameras due to weight. By the way, I pretty much only use the tripod for night shooting. So I'm usually not carrying tripod around during the day. However, if I'm going on a road sight seeing trip, I'll take the tripod because I can keep it in a locked truck of the car. Good luck with your choices and have fun. Enjoy the views and the memories.
Lane

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Do you need a trekking pole? My (collapsible) monopod has a wrist strap.
Would your monopod not work as a trekking pole?
(I wouldn't use anything with a camera attached as a trekking pole.)

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Be careful if you want to "carry on" your trekking pole. Most have a sharp point and the TSA will probably make you check it. Monopods are camera gear so treated differently. There is even a monopod handle that makes them work like a cane.

splatbass Loc: Honolulu

I live in Hawaii. The only time I use a monopod is when birding at wildlife refuges due to the length and weight of the lens. I hand hold for most shots. If it is low light/long shutter speed or big wave surfers I use a tripod (with gimbal head for surfers).

If you regularly use a monopod then bring one, I can't tell you how to do photography. And I can't answer your question about mono vs. trek since I don't have a trek pole. I'm just saying if it were me I would bring a tripod and no monopod/trek pole. I have taken a monopod when traveling before, but I've never actually used it. YMMV.

OllieFCR

I would not use a monopod as a trekking pole unless it is rated for over 75 pounds. If you are hiking up steep trails you can put a considerable amount of weight on the pole and you do not want it to fail on you.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I frequently pick the monopod that has a grip so it can function as either as needed.

wireloose

I like to carry a carbon fiber monopod with a wrist strap when traveling. I have a trekking pole with a screw mount but find it’s neither a great pole nor a good monopod. Now Just helps on steep downhills or at the end of a hiking day, but it was a great help before my knee replacement. And it weighs next to nothing and takes little space in the bag. On the Big Island the level fields are uneven and there is lots of up and down if you hike.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

A good monopod makes an excellent walking stick.
Mark

fantom Loc: Colorado

I use a hiking stick from REI that is collapsible and also is spring loaded to absorb and soften impacts into the ground. It has a quick release plate on top of the handle that will allow you to attach a camera. So it is a combo hiking staff and monopad.

I paid $68 for two in the miscellaneous do-dad section of the store. In the hiking staff dept. they were being sold for $173/each, without the quick release plate---but those came in a lot of colors and were a lot prettier and appeal to the ladies.