Here are a few different locations in Hawaii where you can take photographs. We traveled to these islands and brought you all the details. These are real-life experiences by an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer, NOT A.I.
HANALEI BAY, KUAI, HAWAII
While our overall experience was lackluster, we did have a memorable encounter. We took one of our all-time favorite photos in Hanalei Bay, Hawaii, in our Limited Edition Fine Art Series.
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 would have been just a bland photo!
The image above is at Hanalei Bay.
The pier juts into the water like a defiant finger, daring any photographer to document 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 dynamic 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 dynamic photography location awaits those brave and determined enough to navigate the steep descent through the rugged terrain. It is arguably one of the best photo spots on the island and is worth the hike.
WAIMEA CANYON STATE PARK
This is NOT the place for you if you seek out-of-the-box, unparalleled, award-winning photography. However, if you’re a tourist looking to explore and take a few casual 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 since our primary goal is to create incredible photography. 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 would be worth it.
We understand that we may receive criticism from fans of Hawaii, but we are speaking from the perspective of locations where you can create dynamic, award-winning photography. That is where we try to guide you to.
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 alone. 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. It may be good for you if you are not as serious about your craft and plan to bring along family and focus more on tourist activities.
But if you want to spend your days creating great photos from sunrise to sunset like we do, 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 images during our ten-day journey through two islands in Hawaii.
We have seen incredible photography of sunrises and sunsets from locals, and the underwater photography is phenomenal. But we traveled all day, for many days, trying to find spots to create jaw-dropping photos.
We found ourselves wandering around, thinking, “Beach and sand! Beach and sand!” which does not make for dynamic pictures. 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 got stuck in the mud on the side of the road due to rain.
Sadly, there are not many truly dynamic locations in Hawaii; there are mediocre ones here and there and a few great ones. This experience taught us an essential 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.
PLEASE REMEMBER: Our perspective is from “We are traveling just to do photography.” And since the locals were so tight-lipped about where to go, be aware that there may have been spots we didn’t know about.
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 during the Milky Way season, you will 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. In December, the Milky Way is below the horizon. If we ever go back to explore the other island, it will be during Milky Way season.
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At my own expense, I offer all of this to you: a humble tribute to Mother Gaia. It is my hope that you will spread my art and message to others, uplifting and inspiring their souls.
May my works guide photographers, illuminating their path toward creating dynamic and impactful images that showcase the raw beauty and essence of life in all its transcendent glory. —Pamela Goodyer
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