hawaii photography

Hawaii Sunsets

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“Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.”

-Kristen Butler

For those of you don’t know me well, I am forever that girl that gets excited when I see the sky light up with beautiful colors as the sun sets. The only sunsets I don’t like are the ones I miss. Sunsets are just as different as snowflakes or people, no two look exactly the same because no two are happening in the same moment or day. There’s just something about watching the sun bid adieu and seeing the way the sky changes and transforms that has also fascinated me and leaves me in awe every time, especially the colorful ones! I often would plan my hikes around when the sun would set so I could be at a specific spot in time. And on the trips to Hawaii that I’ve been lucky to have taken, I planned every day that I could around watching the sun set. I’m pretty sure on my last trip that I got to see the sun set every single day I was there! And of course I know I’m not alone in this love for the day’s end and the suns farewell, which is why I want to share some of my favorites that I’ve been able to both witness and catch on camera, starting with sunsets from my favorite place! And I think that especially in the challenging times that we are facing right now in this world and in the USA that we could also use a reminder of the beauty in the world that still surrounds us.

  • Wailea Sunset
  • Mauna Lani Golf Course , Big Island Hawaii
  • Plantation Golf Course, Kapalua
  • First Hawaii Sunset 2016 , Fairmont Orchid, Big Island
  • Big Island Sunset, Four Seasons Resort
  • Kauai on the Rocks
  • Sunset Waves Kapalua

Next stop for beautiful sunsets will be in my old home state of Arizona!

Hawaii Adventures- Allerton Gardens, Kauai

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Reminiscing about an amazing vacation while hoping the day it’s safe to visit again comes sooner rather than later! Hawaii is a magical place, and the island of Kauai takes the cake in regards to the numerous amount of tropical plants and species. On one of our first days of an amazing trip in 2018, we did a guided tour of Allerton Garden in Kauai, one of several lush and tropical gardens on the Island. I chose this one because I had heard it was one of the most beautiful and had the Australian Fig Trees that were used in the filming of Jurassic Park! You truly have no idea how massive these are until you experience them in person. Those roots at the bottom are several feet high! Everyone took turns taking pictures standing inside of them which was fun, and it was just so cool to envision the movie being filmed within those same tree trunks!

During the 2 hour leisurely walking tour, we were introduced to several wonders of nature, most of which I do not recall the names, but it was fascinating, and of course I had a blast trying to capture the beauty of the gardens. We were lucky to have gone on what turned out to be the only sunny day during our visit on the Island. If you ever visit Kauai, I highly recommend this tour! It’s a little pricey, but was completely worth it! Some of my favorite plant photos I’ve taken to date were captured here and in fact, they hang on my walls at home and in my office. It was unfortunately that we visited during March which is the rainy season and happened to be one of the most rainy seasons ever that year! Definitely hoping to make it back there one day as it truly is one of the most beautiful places to visit, especially if you are wanting to capture some amazing photos!

Of course this is not the most ideal time to try to visit these gardens given our current situation with COVID-19, but when we are able to vacation to these amazing islands again, add this to your list! Click below for a link to the garden information:

Allerton Gardens

Kauai Photography Adventure

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Today I’m looking back to 2018, when I took an amazing trip to Kauai. Just as with every trip, I started an itinerary and began looking for the best ways to explore and discover this lush tropical island. I felt so lucky to have stumbled upon a blog on Pinterest that recommended something I never knew existed- a photography workshop! After doing a little research, it seemed like it would be a great experience. There were group workshops or you could create your own custom individual workshop. After contacting them, I decided it would be worth splurging for – a chance to work with professional photographers. Not only was it was chance to learn more about my camera and the several functions that were still somewhat mysterious to me, but I was able to meet and spend time with two amazing, passionate people and doing something we both love in one of the most beautiful places on Earth! Although the weather didn’t cooperate fully- there were no amazing sunrises or sunsets, I still got to stand atop a cliff overlooking the Waimea Canyon with the wonderful Mallory (a native Ohioan like me!) as the sun rose, and to capture the majestic waves as they repeatedly crashed against the cliffs of Poipu with the owner, Patrick Kelley. I learned how to capture long-exposure shots, and to utilize my camera more effectively in low light. They both offered unique perspectives into the world of photography and their passion and love for what they did shined through their words and actions. I’ve included their information in hope that I can share this information with others as I had found it through word of mouth online. And of course, my favorite captures from the day are below!

Unfortunately I just discovered that Kauai Adventure Photography Workshops ended at the beginning of this year after 7 amazing years. Patrick and Mallory both still continue to do amazing work which you should check out both can be followed on Instagram and Facebook. The workshop website offers recommendations for another workshop if you do travel to Kauai and want to have a similar opportunity (https://www.kauaiphotoworkshops.com/workshops ).

  • Kauai Stormy Beach
  • The Lone Tree
  • Cliff Crashing
  • Waimea Canyon

If there is any one thing you take away from this blog post other than the necessity to visit this beautiful island, it’s that taking an chance to do something that might seem a bit out of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to grow your skills but also as a person. I know in my heart this is one of the most unforgettable experiences I have ever had and it inspires me to seek out more of these adventures and to continue to learn so that maybe one day I may be lucky enough to be the one of the other side that can offer such an experience to other newcomers like me. You only have one life to live so do not pass up opportunities like this if they come to you!

And my deepest thanks and appreciation to Patrick and Mallory! Mahalo!

Visit the websites of these two amazing photographers by clicking on the buttons below or view their latest Instagram posts:

Patrick Kelley
Mallory Roe

UPCOMING: To see more about the amazing island of Kauai, including more photos and recommendations, make sure to follow me for an upcoming blog that continues the adventure of this magical island and the other islands of Hawaii!