Hawaii Advice

Al tho I don't live their I'm very passionate about Hawaii. I was born there and after moving away at age 6 I've been back there for vacation at least 25 times in the last 38 years.

All of the islands have a distinct personality, it really depends on what your interested in.

If you're young (early 20's) and want to enjoy nightlife until 4 in the morning and then stake out your 3 x 6 patch of beach to lay down on next to everyone else crammed in, then Waikiki is your place, otherwise not your best choice. Of course if your into shopping in high end stores like you would find in Rodeo drive you will also like it here, Waikiki is geared towards lots of Japanese tourists that come to shop.

A little more mellow is Maui, actually much more mellow. They have plenty of nice beaches and shopping opportunities, and some nightlife. Must See's are Haleakala and the road to Hana. If you go in the winter, Jan-April, this is the best island for whale watching cruises and Must see.

The Big island is very nice and Volcanoes are the biggest draw to this island, but its called the big island for a reason, plan on spending a lot of time driving time to see it all.

Kauai, ahh my favorite, for a truly relaxing vacation it can't be beat. It's pretty laid back, little shopping, and almost no nightlife. But it has the most pristine beaches, and if you just want to relax it can't be beat. Go to Polihale beach and you'll be amazed, don't be surprised if the closest person to you is 100 yards away. Na Pali coast is gorgeous and spectacular but can only seen by boat, helicopter or experienced hikers, but is must see. For a rental car, choose a jeep, there's plenty of dirt roads that go off to? your next adventure.

Lanai is for real high rollers that want the utmost privacy, that's where Bill Gates got married, so I have no experience here.

Molokai, not a lot there, the island is mostly Hawaiian homesteaders that don't really appreciate tourists.

I wish I had photo galleries of all my experiences in Hawaii, but I've only been interested in photography for a few years, but hope this gives you an idea,
http://www.pbase.com/jim_mckinlock/hawaii

Whatever island you choose, you'll have a blast.

Jim

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http://www.pbase.com/jim_mckinlock

Thanks for the tips Jim. I have not even booked the holiday yet and already I can't wait to go.

I think we will decide on Kauai. Nice and relaxing and picturesque. We will certainly visit Oahu as well at least.

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Jonathan Mayhew
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathan020

I used priceline.com to rent a car on Maui. Saved over $100 from the published price for a weekly rental by bidding ("name your own price" feature).

Cheers,
Doug

Jonathan Mayhew said:

Thanks for the advise tocar. I think we are going to stay in Kauai
as we are looking for relaxation but plan to visit oahu for a
couple of days. We will rent a car on both islands. Then again all
this depends on price. I am happy to see that the prices seem very
reasonable considering a holiday to the carribean is pretty much
the same price as what I am looking at for Hawaii. Hawaii appeals
to me more though. How lucky you are to live in Hawaii!

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Jonathan Mayhew
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathan020

Click to expand...

Stop at your local book store. They have a series of books, "Hidden Maui", "Hidden etc. They are invaluable.
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Paul
http://www.pbase.com/sjprg

Molakai was definitely relaxing and has some fantastic scapes. Real small-town atmosphere with very friendly people.

Maui is just plain fun, and has an amazing variety of ecosystems. The Haleakala (sp?) peak at 10,000 feet offered (when by dumb luck we just happened to be perched near the top) the most fantastic simultaneous moonrise out of the ocean to the east, with sunset into the ocean in the west I've ever witnessed. Ok - the only one - I mean, by definition you would have to be on a high spont on an Island to see something like that! It is as if they were perfectly counterbalanced 180 degrees from each other. The moon appeared as large as the tropical setting sun - absolutely surreal. You can also ride bikes down that sucker if feeling adventurous

The Big Island is fantastic - but can involve lots of driving as others have said.

Really, you will enjoy yourself no matter where you end up I'm jealous!

Have fun, Cindy

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http://www.pbase.com/cindyd

Hi Jonathan,

If you've definitely decided on Kauai, this is the book to get: http://www.wizardpub.com/kauai/kauai.html

Apparently, the locals are really upset with the authors for revealing all of the hidden, secret places to tourists. To my knowledge, no other book covers the island so thoroughly.

Depending on the number of days you'll be there, you may want to divide your stay between the west side of the island and the north shore. The west side includes Waimea Canyon and Koke'e State park, both featuring beautiful landscape photo ops. The north shore is paradise and one of my favorite places in the world.

Some things to do there:

Helicopter tour! Expensive, but worth it. If you fly with Inter-island on the west side, you have the advantage of a "doors off" helicopter which is great for photography.

If you've got the stamina, kayaking the entire NaPali coast is an adventure you'll never forget. You'll paddle 17 miles in a day, and in addition to the awesome coast scenery, you may encounter sea turtles, dolphins and sea otters on the water. Several outfitters do guided tours. We went with Kayak Kauai ( http://www.kayakkauai.com ) and they were great. If paddlng isn't your thing and you'd rather spend the time photographing, there are several power boats that go up the coast from the west side. Disadvantage is more people on those and a bit more "touristy."

Hike at least the first 2 miles of the Kalalau trail from Ke'e beach to Hanakapiai beach. If you have the time, go another 2 miles to Hanakapiai falls (and bring a tripod and a wide angle lens).

Hike into Waimea Canyon.

Hike the Nualolo-Cliffs-Awawapui (not the right spelling, but close enough) trails loop in Koke'e State park. You'll use lots of CF space on this one!

Great food: The Blossoming Lotus in Kapa'a

Great sunsets: Polihale beach on the west side and Ke'e beach on the north shore.

Bring: Lots of CF memory, sunscreen, insect repellent, tripod, sunscreen, raingear, sunscreen, and believe it or not, some warmer clothing if you plan to spend time in Koke'e State park-it can get pretty cold in the higher elevations at night.

Hope this helps. Have a great vacation!

Thanks guys. I shall take a look at that book. Thanks for planning the trip for me! What great advise, I shall have to report back.

Cant wait to go, and with the pound being great against the dollar right now it's never been a better time to go!

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Jonathan Mayhew
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathan020

...Nice gallery. I think I know that tree your son is sitting on. Here is my wife sitting under the same tree a couple of years ago.



This is at A-bay, right? My brother works at the Waikoloa Marriott. We go there every year.

Here is one from last year at Poipu beach on Kauai:



And, although this is not a great shot, this is why I love the big island. It's the anti-Waikiki. It helps to have someone that lives there and knows all the semi hidden spots. If you look closely, you can see my brothers Jeep which he let us borrow (a long bumpy 4 wheel lava trail leads to this beach), and our umbrella. You will also notice there is nobody else on this beach. We go snorkeling with the turtles here at least a couple times each trip.



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I think....Therefore I am.

I agree on the Kauai revealed book. Note that there's a Maui revealed book as well (maybe others). They're just as good. All sorts of great tips in there to be sure.

My wife and I went to Maui and Kauai about 5 years ago, and I got some of the best photos I've ever taken on both of those islands - it was like being a kid in the candy shop.

There's one particular "shot" I have that is actually a stiched 44"Wx 10" print I made. I call it a "shot" because it's actually 10 separate shots with a 180 degree field of view stiched together. It has a double-ended rainbow in one section, rolling fields in another section, and the fence that I was standing up against on both ends (remember it's 180 degrees). Hangs in my dining area with lighting - everyone loves it.

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http://www.pbase.com/stevegrillo , Equipment on profile page

Be careful about the Hidden guidebooks because it can be dangerous. It's often a trecherous trail and can be haphazard. Those trails are not recommended by the forest service. Once you get into an accident it's difficult to get you out. Carry your cell phone to call for help (hoping there's a signal). Carry a flashlight in case you get caught by nightfall and if you do go into the forest, a mosquito repellent is a must. Lucky thing in Hawaii is that we don't have snakes.

Sadly one tourist lost her footing in a trail and fell 50ft or so. Her friend called for help and had to be airlifted out.

You have been given a lot of good advice here. My island of preference is Maui. Big enough to have a lot to do, but also plenty of quiet space. Whale watching is definitely a must if you visit Maui during the season (Dec-May, but best January -March). Different characteristics throughout the island. Haleakala is a treat. Have watched sunrise from there (awesome experience), biked down with a tour and also done a self-guided (recommend a tour 1st time), horsebacked into the Haleakala crater (absolutely the most unique thing we have done there). Plenty of snorkelling around the island. A large variety of places to eat in all price ranges (try as many different as you can). A Costco for stocking up if you have a condo with kitchen (saves on always eating out costs). You can spend all day at the Maui Ocean Center too. Warren & Annabelle's Magic Show is one that will amaze you (as a night item, recommend that over a luau). The Maui Revealed book will give you plenty of good information, but pick and choose what appeals to you. I was there in 1987, then again in 2003 and 2005. Wife and I are going back in 2008.

Definitely always have your camera with you.
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(See profile for equipment)

mjmurphy926 said:

...Nice gallery. I think I know that tree your son is sitting on.
Here is my wife sitting under the same tree a couple of years ago.

Click to expand...

Yup, I think you got it right. This is right in front of the Marriott.



I enjoyed your galleries very much, the dolphins swimming in front of the boat is very kool.

My 30D and I just got back from Kauai. It was my second trip to that island in three years. My mom lives there so that is the reason I've been to that island twice. My next trip will be to the big island where my aunt lives. Makes for an inexpensive trip because of no need for hotels.

My advice for Kauai? Everything, everywhere! Hawaii is a place where you will get very few bad shots.

Everyone has given great advice, but here is mine:

Rent a jeep in case you want to go on any 4WD raods.
Wiamea Canyon: all stops to the Kalalua Valley overlook, WOW!
Kalalua Trial to the Hanakapi'ai Beach then to the falls
Barking Sands and Polihale Beaches (to get away from everyone!)
Anini Beach (if your lucky the fish taco guy will be there)

Coco Palms. Closed, but if you go on a movie tour they take you in. My mom is a salesperson for the soon to be rebuilt Coco Palms so I got a special tour. 17 acres of dense coco palms is increadible.

Opaeka'a Falls. If you are an experienced hiker go to the base. Again, only if you are an experienced hiker. It isn't very far but unless you know how to trail find don't do it. I was following a couple down the trail, when I stopped for a moment to look around and water the plant life with the call of nature (OK that was evil of me, I know). When I turned around the couple was gone. I made it to the base of the falls with some trail finding skills (man I'm really boasting in this post). The couple wasn't there, no sign of them at all. I was down there for over an hour. When I was heading back up the muddy cliff, I ran in to the couple coming down. They said they got very lost. I'd say! Took them an hour to get someplace when it should have only taken 5 minutes.

Just be wise and be careful. The guide books usually let you know about anything dangerous.

One of those James Bond guys from movies past has a home in Ha'ena. If your lucky (that is if you are into seeing actors in the public) you will see him riding his bike while smoking a cigar trying to navigate potholes. Funniest thing I'd ever seen.

Just about any place you go will be great to shoot. But remember, don't just go there to shoot. Remember to take a day or two to just relax. Leave the camera at the hotel and go to the beach and relax. It will be hard to do that, believe me!

But the pudding is the proof, so take a look at my Paradise Gallery to see a very small sample of what you will get. I'm still sorting through shoots I took three years ago.

http://www.cloudsonfire.com/pp/index.php?x=browse&category=6

Have a great time! Aloha.

--
Darren Rowley

http://www.cloudsonfire.com

I have only been to Maui and to Hawaii, but of these two I definitely recommend Maui. It just has a nicer feeling to it. Better beaches, and don't miss the road to Hana! And do not miss Old Lahaina Luau.

Before travelling, do read up on the destination on the web or buy books, or you will miss most of the nice spots.

On the big island, I enjoyed Queens bath which is a lava tube with cold freah water. A small cave. There was also a beach nearby where fresh water springs at the beach created a nice effect. If you dived below the surface you could see the border between fresh water and saltwater very clearly.

Tage

Jonathan Mayhew said:

I want to take my 30D (and the girlfriend) to Hawaii this year.
Does anyone have any recommendations with regard to what to see and
photograph? Is it worthing staying on more than one island or set
up camp on one island and "island hop" the rest by taking day trips?

Apologies if this is considered OT.

--
Jonathan Mayhew
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathan020

Click to expand...

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Dedicated amateur photographer - what about that?

If you are on the south end of Kauai be sure to get yourself a Puka Dog.
I like mine with polish sausage, spicy, mango relish, and lilikoi mustard.

One of a kind and AWSOME bruddah!!

http://www.pukadog.com/

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I think....Therefore I am.

I mean AWESOME.
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I think....Therefore I am.

Nice images on your gallery.
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ckb
visit my sites at http://www.photographybychris.net
and at http://www.pbase.com/ckb