Pro Photographer Dream Destination Series: Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise for photographers, offering a diverse range of opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and beautiful wildlife. From the stunning beaches of Waikiki to the rugged wilderness of Kalaupapa National Park, there is something for every type of photographer to enjoy in the Aloha State.

Kauai

The island of Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is often considered the most picturesque of all the Hawaiian Islands, making it a photographers dream. Na Pali Coast is home to white sandy beaches and surrounded by cliffs reaching over 4,000 feet tall. On your journey to the Na Pali Coast, you can pass through Waimea Canyon, which is the largest canyon in the Pacific. This canyon is over 18 miles long and after a rainstorm the waterfalls will be flowing making this the perfect stop for a photographer.

Mauna Kea

Located on the big island of Hawaii, Mauna Kea is a sacred mountain and a must-visit destination for photographers. At 13,803 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point in the state of Hawaii and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Pacific Ocean. The most iconic landmark on Mauna Kea is the Mauna Kea Observatories, a collection of telescopes and research facilities used to study the stars and the universe. Photographers can get stunning shots of the observatories against the backdrop of the night sky.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach on Oahu island is a world-famous destination and a must-visit spot for photographers. With its crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches, it offers a wide range of opportunities for beach and surf photography. Waikiki is also home to a many surfers, beachgoers, and other colorful characters. Professional photographers often get interesting shots of these people enjoying the beach and shots of the beach itself.

The Big Island

Wailuku River State Park is one of the most popular state parks on the Big Island. This state park is home to the Rainbow Falls which are recognized as one of the Big Island’s most popular waterfalls, close to the Hilo town. This waterfall is over 80 feet in height and pours over a black basalt ledge. It plunges in front of a natural lava cave and into Hawaii’s longest river, Wailuku River. On a sunny day in Hilo, the falls create a rainbow as the sun reflects. Pe’epe’e Falls is another waterfall located within the park that you will want to take a look at while you’re there. The Boiling Pots are another part of the river within the park to take time to see. Multiple cascading waterfalls that look to be connected create a bubbling effect as they all fall to the river beneath.

Maui

The Road to Hana is a well-known spot on the island of Maui, known for it’s breathtaking waterfalls. Another top spot for photographers is The Bamboo Forest, part of the Haleakala National Park. After a mile hike on the Pipiwai Trail it will lead to the bamboo forest where you will find dense groupings of bamboo stalks everywhere you look. If you’re looking to head away from the forests and back to the beaches, the Wai’anapanapa Black Sand Beach is also located on the Road to Hana. The dark sand contrast with the bright blue water will create the perfect backdrop for any photo.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the place to be for nature lovers. The park is home to two of the most active volcanoes in the world, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, as well as a wide variety of landscapes and wildlife. The park also features rainforests, lava fields, and even a desert, all of which make for stunning photographic subjects. Keep an eye out for the park's diverse array of native birds and animals, including hawks, owls, and even endangered species like the Nene, Hawaii's state bird.

Kilauea Lighthouse

Located on the northern coast of the island of Kauai, Kilauea Lighthouse is a picturesque spot that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. The lighthouse itself is a beautiful subject, with its red and white striped tower and coastal setting. The surrounding area is also home to a variety of great subjects, including seabirds, the rocky coastline, and even the occasional whale or dolphin.

Final Thoughts

Hawaii is a photographer's paradise, offering a diverse range of locations and subjects to capture. From the iconic black sand beaches to the rugged beauty of Kauai's cliffs, there is no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to explore.
The islands are also home to a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of cultural sites and events that make for unique photo ops. Whether you're interested in beach photography, landscape photography, or cultural photography, you will find plenty of opportunities to capture stunning images in Hawaii.
ProPrints is a leader in professional photo print and custom canvases. Once you get back from your dream trip to Hawaii, be sure to check out ProPrints when you’re ready to print your latest photos.