Photography in Oahu?

[the.ronin]

We will be leaving for our annual pilgrimage to Oahu very soon. Both my wife and I are into photography but we never pulled the trigger on the somewhat pricey photography tours. Are these tours really worth it?

Or would is it just as effective to try and find these spots yourself? For what it's worth, we are often asked if we are local and I in particular pass as a local until I open my mouth lol.

 

[thegman]

I love Hawai'i and envy your yearly visits, I've been on a photography tour there, and honestly I'm not sure I see the point. You get taken from place to place, all of which are beautiful I'm sure, but are you there are the right time to get the light you want?

If you're hiring a car there, then I'd just take yourself there, at least you get there at the time you want, and can spend however long you want at each place.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I love Hawai'i and envy your yearly visits, I've been on a photography tour there, and honestly I'm not sure I see the point. You get taken from place to place, all of which are beautiful I'm sure, but are you there are the right time to get the light you want?

If you're hiring a car there, then I'd just take yourself there, at least you get there at the time you want, and can spend however long you want at each place.

From a position of solid ignorance -- I've never been to Hawai'i -- this sounds like very good advice. After all, who are the untended targets of these tours? People who aren't good photographers, but want the best (easily taken, unimaginative) photographs that they can get...

Cheers,

R.

 

[the.ronin]

Thanks guys. I completely agree with you - and honestly I'm not that great of a photographer LOL.

I guess what I was fishing for without outright asking is if anybody could recommend places.

As an aside, I would really encourage anyone to visit the place at least once. I have not been to too many places but it is really one of the most beautiful places on Earth in all respects - visuals, nature, people, culture, history, spirituality, etc.

 

[hausen]

I am going to Maui and Kawaii at the end of the month and any recommendations for those Islands would be greatly appreciated as well.

 

[3rdtrick]

Just hold your camera up and push the button... Everywhere you look is a beautiful photo. I was there in February and you can get just about anywhere on "The Bus" for $2. I found the locals to be very friendly and helped me find all the spots. I did a day tour of the Big Island enjoyed it but it was not a "photo tour".
http://3rdtrick-photography.smugmug.com/Travel/Hawaii-2013/28484074_mRzkVN
Pete

PS: They will know you are a haole...

 

[marcr1230]

@hausen - I am also going to Maui at the end of the month - the themes I like there are beautiful colorful scenes with painted surfboards, weathered cars, and happy people. Sunsets and rainbows aplenty, you will see a lot of locals at Hamoa Beach near Hana. up country Maui is beautiful, Paia near the airport is pretty and there's usually good surfing. the hard part is that you want to be in Maui and see the sights that all tourists see - but then you also want original photos. I find good non-touristy scenes at the small beaches and state parks on the ocean away from the resorts, fishermen and picnics and surfers on most days there. waterproof camera is great for diving and surf. If you have time, start early and take the trip to Hana, stop at the Blue Pool, The Black Sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park is stunning, and then the hidden Red Sand beach in Hana.
Haleakala Volcano makes for great sunrise and sunsets.
Enjoy!

 

[mugent]

Thanks guys. I completely agree with you - and honestly I'm not that great of a photographer LOL.

I guess what I was fishing for without outright asking is if anybody could recommend places.

As an aside, I would really encourage anyone to visit the place at least once. I have not been to too many places but it is really one of the most beautiful places on Earth in all respects - visuals, nature, people, culture, history, spirituality, etc.

The North Shore of Oahu is beautiful, and largely unspoilt compared to Honolulu, I've taken some of my favourite images there.

Totally agree about Oahu, it is indeed one of the loveliest places.

 

[Noserider]

I've been living on Oahu for 25 years and 8 of them were as a newspaper photographer. There are many many visual treats to be discovered on this island. You can go do some great street style shooting in Waikiki as well as Chinatown, both have a decent nightlife scene. There are many great hikes to take, Maunawili is a good one I did last month.
Hawaii Polo Club has games every Sunday out on the North Shore, the field is right on the ocean on a secluded stretch of beach and access to that is worth the price of admission IMO. Its a fun scene around the members area and they serve strong cheap drinks if thats your thing, pretty girls too! Its got a fun vibe and not at all snooty.
Hawaii Photo Rental has some cool gear to try if you want to rent a long lens or something fun. Good prices and great friendly helpful staff.
Do some research and even better plan on having a flexible schedule and be sure to Ask A Local for fun things to do, that's the best way to find those fun hidden gems. Let me know what kind of things to you want to see or do and I'll think of some other ideas. Aloha

 

[taemo]

are you going to Oahu only or any other islands?
what are you looking to take pictures of exactly?

I love Oahu as it offers beautiful beaches, hikes, food and Waikiki/Honolulu for a city life.
we usually stay outside of the city, Punaluu exactly for a relaxed atmosphere then usually 1-2 nights in Waikiki so that I can do some street shooting.

regarding where to go for pictures, IMO anywhere in Oahu, wake up early and go to any beaches, especially the ones facing East and admire the sunrise, then sunset on the west side.
hike the diamond head in the morning and watch the sunrise from the top. look for the turtles and surfers on the north shore.


for Maui, IMO there's Mt Haleakala, watch the sunrise at the top of 10000ft mountain,(cold up top), there's Road to Hana and the many waterfalls and scenery you can see on your way, black sand beach, red sand beach, go to the kaanapali side for a resort type of shots.


Kauai, go to the top of Waimea canyon, hike, look at the Napali Coast

all this Hawaii talking is making me want to go back there again

 

[ktmrider]

Lived on Oahu for four years courtesy of the USMC. I would sure include the USS Arizona. Am thinking b&w with a good filter to bring out the clouds. Also, Diamond Head has a world famous profile and the Polynesian Village on the North Shore offers some excellent photo opportunities.

If Maui, then sunrise on Haleakula is a requirement. And no, I don't think a photo tour would be worth the money.

 

[squareshooter]

Hawaii no ko oi.

 

[shiro_kuro]

Forget the Tours ...rent a car and proceed to the following places

1) Magic Island in the Afternoon .... Rainbows guaranteed , Diamond head to the left sunsets to the right ......

2) West Side , drive all the way to the end then hike the trail to Ka'ena Point
the most beautiful part of the island .. Makaha is the best .

3) Makapuu Lighthouse hiking trail .... Sunrise

4) Ulupo Heiau

5) Kukaniloko Birthing Stones

6) North shore would be last on my list but I would consider a drive the long way around the Island towards Chinaman's Hat , Kualoa Ranch ,Turtle Bay ...... next Sunset Beach and or Waimea Bay

7) Kalihi ice ponds

8) Kaniakapupu: the summer home of King Kamehameha III

9) Tantalus Drive ... night time

Let me know if you have any questions ....
Aloha ,
Charles