Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

If you go to the North Shore of Oahu you need to stop and have shave ice at Matsumoto's. Best shave ice I have ever had.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

Worth asking your doc to shoot your knees up with some cortisone before your trip so that you can enjoy it more! I used to do that for one of my favorite patients - in his eighties he went to Antarctica and to Hudson Bay to see the polar bears!

pecohen Loc: Central Maine

Have you picked out which island or islands to go to?

I've mostly been to Maui, which is beautiful, but I've also spent a little time on both Molaka'i and O'Ahu and once from O'Ahu I took a one-day tour of the islands on a small plane with brief stops on Kaua'i and Hawaii. The islands all have their own unique character with O'Ahu being the most heavily populate and urban. Central Wikiki reminded me a lot of Tokyo's Ginza area with heavy traffic, both automobile and pedestrian and a strong Japanese influence. I did not get to the north coast of O'Ahu and I understand it is calmer and less developed.

Maui is the second (a distant second) in development; civilized but not especially congested; photo opportunities of different kinds abound. I think the whale season is at peak in February or March if that interests you; the best sightings are at dawn and dusk. A trip to Hana with a tripod and some neutral density filters is in order there for the nice waterfalls in Hana. The drive down is long but scenic.

In Maui you can take a trip by boat and spend a day in Molaka'i - a hardly developed island with beautiful beaches and waterfalls but unless you are up to some hiking the waterfalls are best seen by helicopter - also available from Maui; photography from a helicopter tour is difficult at best, however. I remember a beach on Molaka'i that seemed particularly challenging to photograph (before there were digital cameras), but I'll bet you could get a great shot of it using HDR. On the subject of waterfalls, Kaua'i has beautiful ones as well but the only way to see them is from the air or perhaps a boat. Kaua'i is a beautiful island with good landscape photography opportunities. When I was there it was only lightly populated and little developed.

The big Island, Hawaii, has spectacular views of volcanoes - from the air. The time I was there on the ground I didn't see much - but everything was black - from lava. My impression is that the primary attractions are the beach resorts and the volcanoes.

mmatus

My bride and I have been to Hawaii twice, 2007 & 2010. We have been to Maui The Big Island, Oahu, Kauai. We went to Pearl Harbor, twice (We were there the second time the first week of December) the first time we went mid-November. There is so much to do and see. What do you like to do?. Sunrise on Maui @ Haleakala National Park (Going up 10,000 feet bring some warmest cloths.) The Road to Hana on Maui is a must do. On Kauai the Waimea Canyou, Whale watching was great. The NaPali Coast with fourteen Jagged cliffs is awesome. I could go on and on. I want to go back but my health may not permit. I would go to AAA they have a ton of great information. I took my Canon 50D two lens, my Canon 70-200 mm and a wide angle lens. We spent 14 day each time. We did three island each time.
The two times we visited the islands we had only two days of bad weather. it is warm, sun screen is a must.

tomcat

Maui is also a great island. Visit the sunrise at Haleakala (drive up in the dark, to be there by 0500 so you can get a parking place) and take a warm jacket because it will be very cold at 10,500 feet. Also in Maui, take the road to Hana--it is worth the drive and one of the most spectacular days of scenery.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

considering the point that you do not want to do any hiking (I can relate to that), take a helicopter tour. Unless you have a fear of heights, it is the best way to cover a lot of scenery without the effort of hiking.

billt1970 Loc: Gambrills, Maryland

Wow, where to begin?!? First off, I'm 67 and don't let that keep you from getting around to see the sights wherever you go. Hawaii is very tourist friendly and you can see most everything with minimal to moderate physical activity. Second, I've been to the Islands 19 times since 1975; all of the major islands multiple times; but Kaua'i is simply our favorite, for it's beauty ("The Garden Isle") and no high-rise hotels; been there 14 times since 2004! There are plenty of activities for adults and infinite photo possibilities. I have over 15,000 images from Kaua'i alone!! It's a work in progress, but check out www.our-kauai.com.

You are smart to start planning early. That gives you lots of time to do research and figure things out ahead of time. I echo the comments to take the best photo gear you have, and lots of it. I use my iPhone as my backup camera for quick shots when the DSLR isn't readily available. The vast majority of my shots are with an ultra-wide angle lens (Sigma 8-16mm), with my Sigma 70-200mm next most used.

As to when to go: whenever. The temperatures average highs in the 80's and lows in the 70's year round. You really can't go wrong whenever you go.

Aside from my/our acquired bias for Kaua'i, and if you have the time, I would visit all of the major islands, Oahu, Maui, Hawaii (Big Island) and Kaua'i for at least a few days. There are photo ops EVERYWHERE you look. I have used numerous guide books, but most strongly recommend the "(Island) Revealed" series by Andrew Doughty, "The Ultimate (fill in the island name) Guidebook." I started with the books and have migrated to the smartphone apps (9th edition!) that have the same content. So, I would purchase the books (or apps) depending on your preference and get started planning your trip.

We're going again in November, and of course next year also. Maybe we'll see you there!

Best Regards,

Bill Taylor
Gambrills, MD
bill at billtaylor dot com

PS - If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to follow-up with me.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

My wife and I went in the late 90's to visit my son in the Navy. He took us all around Oahu but not the east shore. We took a drive along the east shore as we had tickets for the Polynesian Cultural Center. Spend the full day there. There are shows while you are going from one island culture to another. That was like the Polynesian version of Disney's Epcot. Then dinner at night and the show, too. Driving on the way going you will pass the Chinaman's Hat rock formation.
On the west coast there is Waimea Bay. Because my son was military, we were able to cut through the military reservation from the west coast and end up going through Camp Smith. He lived in rented house in front of Camp Smith overlooking Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, and behind the Aloha Bowl.
Speaking of the AZ Memorial, which is a MUST, be aware that there is a noticeable air of quiet peace and calm out of respect for those who are interred there.
I forgot wether the Dole Pineapple Plantation is on Oahu or Maui. It's a nice visit but it is no longer where the pineapples are grown. It's just for tourists now. DON'T BUY PINEAPPLES in Hawaii! You can get pineapples almost as good in supermarket.
We flew to Maui for the day on an excursion to 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. Then you wind up in Lahaina which is very touristy but cute. You can eat at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. The tour bus stops at a souvenir center which I think that the bus driver nod tour guide get a cut for stopping there. There is also an option to take a ride to something like Seven Falls but we couldn't go because the road got washed out from a rainstorm.
Take whatever equipment you feel comfortable handling. A good, all purpose zoom, like an 18-300mm can reduce the amount of equipment you have to carry and should cover all bases.
In any event...enjoy yourself.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Ah, yes, the Polynesian Cultural Center! I called it the Hawaiian Village in my post. Just goes to show you how good my memory is! As I said, I wasn't too interested in it when my wife suggested it, (suggested?), but we spent a day there, including dinner and the evening show, and it definitely was worth the visit.

pjeffers

We went several years ago, took a cruise around all of the islands so we could see a bit of each. All of the islands are beautiful but I thought that Kauai was the prettiest and "wildest".

ollie Loc: Ogdensburg, NY

I think the best option for a first trip is an island cruise. You get a taste of all the islands because they are all very different. Dec to March is the best way to go for unbelievable encounters with humpback whales. You can watch them breaching from the beach. There are a lot of tour books that highlight the best of each island. We stayed in Honolulu for a few days before the cruise to see some of Oahu (pearl Harbor, Polynesian cultural center, Diamond Head...) On Maui you don't want to miss sunrise on the volcano (dress warm it can be very cold) then you ride bikes down. It's all down hill. ride the brakes, almost never pedal. There is also the road to Hana which you will never forget. On Kuai there is Weamia Canyon and on Hawaii there are the volcanoes. Bring a tripod, you won't regret having it

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

Dsinger .., have lived her in Oahu Hawaii since !991 ... Love it .. My favorite island is Kauai .. Period .. So green and relaxed ... We stay at the Grand Hyatt or rent a condo on a cliff overlooking Princeville ... .., it doesn't matter where you stay on the Island of Kauai .., as you will only be sleeping there .. All your time will be spent out taking pics ... And seeing the sights .., so relaxing ..

After you rent a car .., drive out of the airport and turn left .. Go to WALMART ... YES Walmart .. Pick up your drinks and goodies there ..,be sure to get a cheap cooler and fill it with ice .. Keep in the car for drinks and in your hotel room for an added refrigerator .. The frigerators are so small in the rooms .. You can't get anything into them even at the Grand Hyatt ..! .. Next to that is the Islands only Costco.., get your renta car gas there ... Also the other supplies you will need for your stay .. You will see in the brochures all the exciting things to do there ...

My favorite thing is taking pictures of the sunsets at Princeville ...I have enclosed one of my shots here to give you an Idea of what you are in for ....this kind of shot you will not get on any other Island ...

Now thru September is the best time to go ...

(Download)


(Download)

CaptainBobBrown

I live on the island of Hawaii because it has by far the greatest variety of terrain and therefore climatic zones and geologic features. If you are only interested in general photography, e.g. landscapes and street photography a reasonable choice is a quality point and shoot. If you want to shoot birds but not do any climbing or hiking then you are out of luck unless maybe you go to Hosmer Grove on Maui. Aren't many endemics left anywhere else and on the Big Island mostly above 4500 feet. It's not the mongoose that has decimated or exterminated endemic species, it's the mosquito carrying avian malaria. Mongooses do some damage to bird populations but it's really the mosquito because of global warming enabling mosquitos to survive the winters at ever higher elevations. Volcano National Park and its environs is very interesting right now in particular because there is an active a'a lava flow which one can get fairly close to but only by hiking. Still though you can drive right up to the edge of Kilauea Crater and see the lava lake. Take a tour of Mauna Kea's observatory park where 13 observatories including the twin 10 meter Keck observatories operate. The photographic opportunities up there are stupendous and no hiking required. It's at almost 14,000 feet though and requires 4WD so it's easiest to simply take one of the commercial tours. (The 4WD requirement is for coming down at controlled speed in the dark without having to ride the brakes.) All the islands have their attractions so it's best to decide what you're interested in and what kind of photography you want to do before getting on the plane. (:>)

avery48 Loc: Jefferson City

My wife and I traveled to Oahu, Maui and Kauai in January (I'm 67). Managed to climb Diamond Head for great photos of Waikiki/Honolulu with little trouble. If you go, take your time. It is hard work.s You just don't have to be in a hurry getting up there. Be sure on the way up to get a photo of the lighthouse. The water there really is that green/blue. On Maui, do to Road to Hana (rent a convertible) and do the sunrise on Haleakala. Be sure to dress warm. It's cold up there. On Kauai, I got some great photos from a helicopter (no doors) of this most beautiful island. We traveled extensively on all three islands and I came back with some great photos. I only took a Canon G16 because I wanted to travel light. I shot raw and was satisfied with many of my processed captures.

JoAnneK01 Loc: Lahaina, Hawaii

If you haven't decided on an island that you want to visit and stay on may I suggest that you take a cruise on the Norwegian "Pride of America". Its a 7 day cruise visiting all of our islands. It starts and ends on Oahu. The usual cruise will start on Saturday on Oahu. Sunday & Monday on Maui (usually at Kahului), Tuesday at Hilo, Wed at Kona, Thu. and Fri. on Kauai with debarking on Oahu Saturday Morning. If you want you can rent a car on each island or take a tour bus and let them do the driving while you enjoy the scenery. This is what I do if I don't have a specific place I want to visit especially for the trip to Hana. The road is very narrow in many places with a lot of turns. Can be very stressful at times and the driver will miss the beautiful scenery, waterfalls and rain forrest. Many people want to go up to Haleakala Crater for the sunrise. Yes it is very beautiful but I prefer going up for the sunset. (Do bring a jacket as you will be at 10,000 ft + and with the wind chill factor it can be at the 30 - 40 degree temperatures. If you are driving you are eligible to purchase a senior pass ($10.00). It will be good for the rest of your life at anyone of our National Parks. The whales are here in the islands starting in late October thru March with the last ones leaving in April.

On Oahu, the Arizona Memorial is very special. If you are interested in WW II then this is a must. There are many different sites you can visit while there. The Arizona Memorial tour is free. You can book you tour on the internet through the National Parks. Do so at the earliest possible time as the tour fills up fast. All the other activities have a fee. The Bowfin, a WW II submarine and its museum are right there with the Arizona Memorial. The Missouri and Pacific Air Museum are located on Ford Island and the bus is there for your transportation once you have purchased your ticket(s). (Access to Ford Island with a vehicle is available only with a military ID.)

Every island is special and has many wonderful places to visit. As for a camera I do use my DSLR all of the time. For a lens I normally have 28 - 300mm for all around shooting.