- The pic was on top of Mt. Evans a couple days ago. I was just too lazy to hike, but wanted to feel like being on top of the world... So, Mt. Evans was the answer! sorry, I don't have any pics without me.
- About Hawaii, I just have some questions??? yeah, I know, we are in Colorado, but many of you guys are world travelers. I'm gonna go to Kauai and the Big Island (Volcano) next month, would love to have some suggestions on photo locations, or any books to buy, or any photo-location websites.
BP, I've only been to the Big Island. I was there late last year for 4 days. For guides, I'd highly recommend the book "The Big Island Revealed". There is a book from the same publisher for Kauai called "Kauai Revealed". They all have blue covers and can easily be found at Barnes and Noble or Borders. For the Big Island, I found the guide to be spot on for food, locations, lodging, etc. It is also an entertaining read. I got ALL of my ideas for food, lodging and location shooting from that book. The book was worth every penny, and then some.
I would recommend visiting the City of Refuge south of Kailua-Kona. I went to Volcano, but was rained out. It was still worth the trip but I didn't really get any photos. Try to go on a good day, but don't miss it. South Point is cool and I got some interesting weather photography there. The north end of Kohala is also very nice - be sure to take the Kohala Mountain Road - very scenic. I didn't go to Hilo because it was raining constantly, but I saw almost every portion of the Island in 4 days. I'm not trying to self promote - but you can see a few of the photos I took by looking at my photo portfolio link below. That may help you scout some areas ahead of time. Also, many of the west side beaches are great for sunsets.
Be prepared for horrible traffic at times and the slowest drivers you have ever seen in your life. I wanted to shoot myself at times. Most people who commute work up in the Kohala resorts on the northwest portion of the island, but live south of Kailua-Kona in the southwest portion of the island. What that means for traffic is that there is a huge traffic jam going northbound in the mornings and then southbound for the evenings. You may keep your sanity if you plan your travel in the opposite direction. Even then, things may get slow at times, but at least you'll be going faster than a sloth. The highways in all other parts of the island are pretty open, but I can't speak for how Hilo is. Also be prepared for very expensive food and lodging.
We stayed in Poipu (nice beaches). Among other sights, we spent a day driving Waimea Canyon and I took a heli-tour of the island - it was worth every penny. I whole-heartedly recommend Jack Harter's doors off heli-tour - the very best way to go for photographers.
It might be easier if you said what you wanted to see while you were there. Almost every climate zone on earth is found on the big island. It is a very diverse place and there is lots to see.
BP,
You are talking about 2 of my favorite places in the world. Mt. Evans at sunset is as close to epiphany as one can get. Then Kauai! Too many places for only a week. I will second Scott's choice of Jack Harter heli tours. Great people with much aloha. The heli trip was maybe the highlight of my life(excepting marriage and children). Check out my website for my contributions to the Kauai experience. http://morrismcclung.com/Hawaii_Gallery/1g1
Hey guys, thanks for the advice and awesome photos!!!
Steve:
You detail is very very good, I will mark the locations on my map.
Mel:
- Do I need a 4x4 to really enjoy the big island? The Ultimate Guidebook highly recommends to rent a 4wd to get to all the lesser known beaches. From your pics, I think you drove the saddle road to the big telescope area, which is a 4wd road?
- I love the big turtle on the black beach... where is that?
Scott and Morris:
For the Heli-tour, Can I request to be on the window seat? I don't wanna be stuck in the middle... and which side is better? ..
Morris:
Your classic Kalalau Valley picture (Hawaii 12 "Kalalau north ridge") is very pretty. Is that sunrise or sunset?
John wrote:
Scott, any tips on focusing a 4x5 in a helicopter with the doors removed?
Ha! That's Bradford Washburn. And I ain't no where close to that!
BP wrote:
For the Heli-tour, Can I request to be on the window seat? I don't wanna be stuck in the middle... and which side is better?
Jack Harter's Hughs 500 seats 4 passengers in addition to the pilot - pilot (at front left) and 2 passengers in front and 2 passengers in the rear. The best seat for photography is right rear. Right-side because you will face the island as the tour flies north along the Na Pali coast. Rear because there is more room. That being said there is no bad seat. The pilots do a very good job of making sure everyone gets their chance to see the sights. You can request a seating position, but they can not guarantee it for you because they need to arrange passengers based on weight, to best balance the helicopter. Tell them you are a photographer and they will do their best to accommodate your request.
BP,
I second what Scott says. I requested the right front seat and told them I was a photographer, and was just lucky to get it. Like Scott stated about the weight distributed for safety. I did not get to fly in the heli with the doors off, or windows down because it was out of service at the time. The Kalalau Valley shot was at sunset. I did cheat with a sunset filter because the light was not warm enough at my visit. Hard to get a good shot there because clouds typically gather in the afternoon. One lady said she had come there 4 years and the time we were there was the first time it was clear. Sometimes if you just wait, the clouds will roll in and roll out. Try checking the local weather forecast. Thank you for the compliment on my shot. Good luck with yours. I envy your trip!
Morris
I also used the "Revealed" guide book series and they are excellent. Even the locals say they are the best. I did the doors off helicopter tour with Interisland Air on Kauai and was very pleased. One of their tours includes a landing at a remote falls for lunch during the tour. I also recommend a sunset cruise that goes along the Na Pali Coast.
I've been to the Big Island twice. I hiked into an active lava flow 2 years ago and it was the most incredible thing I have ever witnessed. I hiked in late afternoon and shot 3 lava water entries after sunset. The ranger station at the park entrance always has up to date lava activity. The USGS also has daily updates on their website.
If you decide to hike in to see lava in the eveninig, I have a few pointers. Even though this is at sea level, be in very good physical condition. The terrain is very uneven with loose footing and is very difficult to walk on after dark. Have a good flashlight or headlamp. Bring plenty of water. Don't wear shorts. I took a slide on a slope due to rubber legs and removed a lot of skin from my bare legs.
I did not have much for traffic problems on the Big Island. My lodging was in Kona and I found myself putting a lot of miles on the rental car. If I go again, I would stay around Hilo for all or part of the time. It is much closer to volcanoes and the rain forest.
I'm actually here on the islands right now on assignment!
The big island and Kawaii are my favorites. I second the others recommendations on the guideboks.
> - I love the big turtle on the black beach... where is that?
That would likely be Punalu'u (Black Sand) Beach on the south coast of Hawaii. Green turtles are often seen there swimming in the bay, eating algae on the rocks and basking on the beach. Use a polarizing filter for better shots of the turtles under water.
> Scott and Morris:
> For the Heli-tour, Can I request to be on the window seat? I don't wanna be stuck in the middle... and which > side is better? ..
I also recommend Jack Harter Helicopters as the tour of choice. They are very highly rated and offer an ongoing narrative during the flight. Take the longer tour if you have the $$. It's well worth the extra. Definitely, you'll want to sit on the right side, as the flight is generally clockwise around the island.
Hawaii: I prefer spending most of my time on the east side, as it's more lush. Don't midd the botanixal garden and Akaka Falls nrth of Hilo. Go rain or shine - i.e., prepare properly for rain (you and your equipment) and enjoy the island! Plan to spend some time at the volcano. As of two weeks ago the lava flow has stopped due to a series of recent earthquakes, which have disrupted things underground. The USGS and Park Service has good Web sites describing how best to view the lava. I recommend staying at the Volcano Inn, if you stay for the volcanoes area. The price is significantly less than other hotels. Do an Internet search for these.
Kawaii: Waimea Canyon and the north end (Na Pali Coast to the lighthouse on the NE corner) are worthwhile. You should also be able to photograph the endangered Nene (goose) around the lighthouse parking area.
Be sure to try out some snorkling during your visit. It's quite amazing. The local dive shops can equip you and point out the best areas.
I'm an outsider who has been to the Big Island a couple of years ago. If you're looking for a cool place to stay near Volcanoes, I'd suggest the Rainforest Retreat B&B. Also, regarding the hike to the active lava, be prepared, as the earlier poster suggested. It could be an hour or more of hiking from the parking "area" to the active lava. The "trail" is marked by blinking beacons, so that you can find your way back in the dark. You'll be hiking up and down, and never quite knowing where to go; you're constantly picking your route, as there's no typical trail. The cool lava will have breaks in it that are very sharp. If you fall, you'll be hurting. And, there's a good chance that your shoe soles will be mildly shredded, because you're basically walking on glass. I was there in December - the weather was decent, but it's still warm and you're right next to the ocean - ergo, humid. Take plenty of water and maybe a snack. I didn't get to see the lava flowing into the ocean - missed it, too tired. When you're in the vicinity of the lava flows, you'll think that you're on cool lava, but you can look down through the cracks in the cool lava and see hot glowing lava - scares the crap out of ya!!!
Oh, and this is one of the coolest things that I've ever done in my life, to see the birthing of the Earth!!!
Thanks a lot... all of your advices are very very helpful for my trip planning.
One question about Mauna Kea ...
Do I really need a 4wd to go up the last section of the unpaved road? The author of the Ultimate guidebook said that 4wd is recommended, but he has seen people took their 2wd up there... I'm not sure about the road condition. I've been to some 4wd sections around Lake City, Ouray, and Telluride (like Engineer Pass).... How would u compare these area to the rough section of the Mauna Kea road?...., hopefully it's manageable by a 2wd. I'm going to rent an SUV-2wd. What do u guys think?
BP,
All the rental car contracts will state that you can not take their cars on the Saddle Road,which would include Mauna Kea. There are companies that rent jeeps that you can take up there.
I think some companies(mentioned in the guidebooks) are ok about letting us drive on the Saddle Road... I called them yesterday to confirm, and they said it's ok to drive on the Saddle Road.
Discussion
16 replies- The pic was on top of Mt. Evans a couple days ago. I was just too lazy to hike, but wanted to feel like being on top of the world... So, Mt. Evans was the answer!
- About Hawaii, I just have some questions??? yeah, I know, we are in Colorado, but many of you guys are world travelers. I'm gonna go to Kauai and the Big Island (Volcano) next month, would love to have some suggestions on photo locations, or any books to buy, or any photo-location websites.
Thanks in advance!!!
BP
I would recommend visiting the City of Refuge south of Kailua-Kona. I went to Volcano, but was rained out. It was still worth the trip but I didn't really get any photos. Try to go on a good day, but don't miss it. South Point is cool and I got some interesting weather photography there. The north end of Kohala is also very nice - be sure to take the Kohala Mountain Road - very scenic. I didn't go to Hilo because it was raining constantly, but I saw almost every portion of the Island in 4 days. I'm not trying to self promote - but you can see a few of the photos I took by looking at my photo portfolio link below. That may help you scout some areas ahead of time. Also, many of the west side beaches are great for sunsets.
Be prepared for horrible traffic at times and the slowest drivers you have ever seen in your life. I wanted to shoot myself at times. Most people who commute work up in the Kohala resorts on the northwest portion of the island, but live south of Kailua-Kona in the southwest portion of the island. What that means for traffic is that there is a huge traffic jam going northbound in the mornings and then southbound for the evenings. You may keep your sanity if you plan your travel in the opposite direction. Even then, things may get slow at times, but at least you'll be going faster than a sloth. The highways in all other parts of the island are pretty open, but I can't speak for how Hilo is. Also be prepared for very expensive food and lodging.
I hope this helps. Enjoy!
The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Kauai Revealed is the guide book to get, IMHO. It has lots of great info on sights. It covers more than you could possibly see in one vacation.
We stayed in Poipu (nice beaches). Among other sights, we spent a day driving Waimea Canyon and I took a heli-tour of the island - it was worth every penny. I whole-heartedly recommend Jack Harter's doors off heli-tour - the very best way to go for photographers.
You can see some of my images in my Hawaii Gallery.
Have a great trip!!
This is my collection of shots from the trip.
Kona Volcano]Kona/Volcano
It might be easier if you said what you wanted to see while you were there. Almost every climate zone on earth is found on the big island. It is a very diverse place and there is lots to see.
Mel-
You are talking about 2 of my favorite places in the world. Mt. Evans at sunset is as close to epiphany as one can get. Then Kauai! Too many places for only a week. I will second Scott's choice of Jack Harter heli tours. Great people with much aloha. The heli trip was maybe the highlight of my life(excepting marriage and children). Check out my website for my contributions to the Kauai experience.
Steve:
You detail is very very good, I will mark the locations on my map.
Mel:
- Do I need a 4x4 to really enjoy the big island? The Ultimate Guidebook highly recommends to rent a 4wd to get to all the lesser known beaches. From your pics, I think you drove the saddle road to the big telescope area, which is a 4wd road?
- I love the big turtle on the black beach... where is that?
Scott and Morris:
For the Heli-tour, Can I request to be on the window seat? I don't wanna be stuck in the middle... and which side is better? ..
Morris:
Your classic Kalalau Valley picture (Hawaii 12 "Kalalau north ridge") is very pretty. Is that sunrise or sunset?
thanks
BP
Jack Harter's Hughs 500 seats 4 passengers in addition to the pilot - pilot (at front left) and 2 passengers in front and 2 passengers in the rear. The best seat for photography is right rear. Right-side because you will face the island as the tour flies north along the Na Pali coast. Rear because there is more room. That being said there is no bad seat. The pilots do a very good job of making sure everyone gets their chance to see the sights. You can request a seating position, but they can not guarantee it for you because they need to arrange passengers based on weight, to best balance the helicopter. Tell them you are a photographer and they will do their best to accommodate your request.
I second what Scott says. I requested the right front seat and told them I was a photographer, and was just lucky to get it. Like Scott stated about the weight distributed for safety. I did not get to fly in the heli with the doors off, or windows down because it was out of service at the time. The Kalalau Valley shot was at sunset. I did cheat with a sunset filter because the light was not warm enough at my visit. Hard to get a good shot there because clouds typically gather in the afternoon. One lady said she had come there 4 years and the time we were there was the first time it was clear. Sometimes if you just wait, the clouds will roll in and roll out. Try checking the local weather forecast. Thank you for the compliment on my shot. Good luck with yours. I envy your trip!
Morris
BP
I've been to the Big Island twice. I hiked into an active lava flow 2 years ago and it was the most incredible thing I have ever witnessed. I hiked in late afternoon and shot 3 lava water entries after sunset. The ranger station at the park entrance always has up to date lava activity. The USGS also has daily updates on their website.
If you decide to hike in to see lava in the eveninig, I have a few pointers. Even though this is at sea level, be in very good physical condition. The terrain is very uneven with loose footing and is very difficult to walk on after dark. Have a good flashlight or headlamp. Bring plenty of water. Don't wear shorts. I took a slide on a slope due to rubber legs and removed a lot of skin from my bare legs.
I did not have much for traffic problems on the Big Island. My lodging was in Kona and I found myself putting a lot of miles on the rental car. If I go again, I would stay around Hilo for all or part of the time. It is much closer to volcanoes and the rain forest.
I'm actually here on the islands right now on assignment!
The big island and Kawaii are my favorites. I second the others recommendations on the guideboks.
> - I love the big turtle on the black beach... where is that?
That would likely be Punalu'u (Black Sand) Beach on the south coast of Hawaii. Green turtles are often seen there swimming in the bay, eating algae on the rocks and basking on the beach. Use a polarizing filter for better shots of the turtles under water.
> Scott and Morris:
> For the Heli-tour, Can I request to be on the window seat? I don't wanna be stuck in the middle... and which > side is better? ..
I also recommend Jack Harter Helicopters as the tour of choice. They are very highly rated and offer an ongoing narrative during the flight. Take the longer tour if you have the $$. It's well worth the extra. Definitely, you'll want to sit on the right side, as the flight is generally clockwise around the island.
Hawaii: I prefer spending most of my time on the east side, as it's more lush. Don't midd the botanixal garden and Akaka Falls nrth of Hilo. Go rain or shine - i.e., prepare properly for rain (you and your equipment) and enjoy the island! Plan to spend some time at the volcano. As of two weeks ago the lava flow has stopped due to a series of recent earthquakes, which have disrupted things underground. The USGS and Park Service has good Web sites describing how best to view the lava. I recommend staying at the Volcano Inn, if you stay for the volcanoes area. The price is significantly less than other hotels. Do an Internet search for these.
Kawaii: Waimea Canyon and the north end (Na Pali Coast to the lighthouse on the NE corner) are worthwhile. You should also be able to photograph the endangered Nene (goose) around the lighthouse parking area.
Be sure to try out some snorkling during your visit. It's quite amazing. The local dive shops can equip you and point out the best areas.
Enjoy your trip!
Ken
I'm an outsider who has been to the Big Island a couple of years ago. If you're looking for a cool place to stay near Volcanoes, I'd suggest the Rainforest Retreat B&B. Also, regarding the hike to the active lava, be prepared, as the earlier poster suggested. It could be an hour or more of hiking from the parking "area" to the active lava. The "trail" is marked by blinking beacons, so that you can find your way back in the dark. You'll be hiking up and down, and never quite knowing where to go; you're constantly picking your route, as there's no typical trail. The cool lava will have breaks in it that are very sharp. If you fall, you'll be hurting. And, there's a good chance that your shoe soles will be mildly shredded, because you're basically walking on glass. I was there in December - the weather was decent, but it's still warm and you're right next to the ocean - ergo, humid. Take plenty of water and maybe a snack. I didn't get to see the lava flowing into the ocean - missed it, too tired. When you're in the vicinity of the lava flows, you'll think that you're on cool lava, but you can look down through the cracks in the cool lava and see hot glowing lava - scares the crap out of ya!!!
Oh, and this is one of the coolest things that I've ever done in my life, to see the birthing of the Earth!!!
Good luck,
Tim!
One question about Mauna Kea ...
Do I really need a 4wd to go up the last section of the unpaved road? The author of the Ultimate guidebook said that 4wd is recommended, but he has seen people took their 2wd up there... I'm not sure about the road condition. I've been to some 4wd sections around Lake City, Ouray, and Telluride (like Engineer Pass).... How would u compare these area to the rough section of the Mauna Kea road?...., hopefully it's manageable by a 2wd. I'm going to rent an SUV-2wd. What do u guys think?
All the rental car contracts will state that you can not take their cars on the Saddle Road,which would include Mauna Kea. There are companies that rent jeeps that you can take up there.
thanks for the comments.
BP