HANALEI BAY, KUAI, HAWAII
While our overall experience was lackluster, we did have a memorable encounter and took one of our all-time favorite photos in Hanalei Bay, Hawaii. I sat beneath the pier, setting up my long-exposure photography equipment and waiting for the perfect shot. Suddenly, a man appeared and struck up a conversation with me. He understood what I was doing and was intrigued by it. I asked if he wanted to participate in the photo, and he agreed. I instructed him to look towards the ocean and freeze when I counted down from three and took the shot.
To my surprise, he didn’t move the slightest bit during the two-second exposure, resulting in a clear and crisp photo. After thanking him, we chatted for a brief moment before he went on his way, never to be seen again.
If you are this man, please email us. This is in Pamela Goodyer’s top ten all-time favorite portfolios; without you, it was just a bland photo!
PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATION
The pier juts into the water like a defiant finger, daring any photographer to capture its wild and unpredictable beauty. It beckons with the promise of long exposure shots, documenting the milky waters in all their glory. The sparkling waters of Hanalei Bay radiate with a dynamic energy that captivates the senses. Surrounded by lush green mountains and dotted with colorful sailboats, this picturesque bay is a must-visit destination for any photographer exploring the island of Kauai. The gentle sway of palm trees and the warm breeze off the ocean add to the enchanting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for creating stunning images. Don’t miss out on adding Hanalei Bay to your list of must-photograph locations in Hawaii.
QUEEN’S BATH HIDDEN LOCATION
As you venture towards the hidden Queen’s Bath, be prepared for one of the most treacherous paths we’ve encountered. The ground is slick with mud, and even the most experienced hikers may struggle to keep their footing. This is not a place for those who are out of shape or ill-prepared with proper footwear.
However, a stunning photography location awaits those brave and determined enough to navigate the steep descent through the rugged terrain. It is arguably one of the most breathtaking spots on the island, worthy of any photographer’s lens.
WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK
This is not the place for you if you seek out-of-the-box, breathtaking, and unparalleled award-winning photography. However, if you’re a tourist looking to casually explore and take a few snapshots while sightseeing, you’ve come to the right place. Unfortunately, as avid seekers of award-winning photography ourselves, this was a significant letdown.
We value experiences above all else. However, the overall experience of this particular trip was not worth it for us. The winding roads up the hill were frustrating. When we finally reached the summit, we were disappointed with what we found. Out of sheer frustration after days of searching for something incredible on this island, we didn’t even bother taking any photos, except for one we took along the way, wondering if all the driving was going to be worth it.
We understand that we may receive criticism from fans of Hawaii, but we are speaking from the perspective of a highly skilled and acclaimed photographer.
We may exaggerate the tough path, but we just want you to know it’s not easy. But it’s well worth it once you get to the end. Also, once you get to the end, there are big rocks. And then there are super huge waves in the winter that you must be careful of. A huge wage could wipe you out if you’re not paying attention.
When we arrived, it was within a community in Priceville, and there were only about five or six parking spots. The beginning of the Queen’s Bath trail is easy to find and takes you through a lush, shady forest filled with the soothing sounds of birds and distant waves crashing. The path winds through a tropical jungle where floral scents mix with earthy smells as you continue. Emerging from the forest, you’re met with an awe-inspiring view of the rugged lava coastline and endless blue ocean. The contrast between the dark lava rocks and bright water makes for stunning scenery along the journey to Queen’s Bath.
PHOTOGRAPHING HAWAII
Surprisingly, finding a location for dynamic photography in Hawaii is not easy. Based on our experiences, we would not recommend visiting Maui or Kauai for photography. However, we cannot speak for the west side of Kauai. During our trip in December, we were constantly met with heavy rainfall every time we tried to travel to this area. If you are not as serious about photography and plan to bring along family and focus more on tourist activities, it may be okay for you.
But if you want to spend your days capturing stunning photos from sunrise to sunset like we do in places such as the Canadian Rockies, this is not the destination for you. Despite traveling to over 20 states this year, we were disappointed by the lack of opportunities to create exceptional photography during our ten-day journey through two islands in Hawaii. We found ourselves wandering around, thinking, “Beach and sand! Beach and sand!” which does not make for dynamic photography. We did come across a few decent spots but felt let down overall. We even attempted to change our plans and leave early but were met with exorbitant costs due to it being Christmas week.
We will not be returning to Hawaii anytime soon. The road to Hana could have been a good opportunity, but constant downpours on this side of the island during winter months made it impossible. Even at Jaws, a spot that we believed had potential, we ended up getting stuck in mud on the side of the road due to rain.
Sadly, there are not that many breathtaking locations in Hawaii, just mediocre ones here and there. This experience taught us an important lesson in travel photography – never assume a location will provide excellent subject matter for several days based on a handful of images online. It’s crucial to scope out locations beforehand and share honest opinions with others before they go.
We like to tell you where to go, when to go, and how to do it. Unfortunately, we will tell you that if you are like us and want to do photography from morning until night as your main activity, this is NOT the place. The one thing you will find here is a fabulous sunrise and sunset opportunity.
If you go here during the Milky Way season, that would ultimately save the day! Milky Way Photography here will be outstanding, so if you must go, go during the Milky Way season and photograph at Hanalei Bay.
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