Big Island Of Hawaii: A Photographer's Paradise
The Big Island, known officially as the Island of Hawaii, is true to its namesake being twice as large as all of the other islands combined with over 4,000 square miles. This is twice the size of the state of Delaware and makes up over 60% of all the land in all the Hawaiian Islands.
Because of its size, topography, geographic location and being the newest of the Hawaiian Islands, the Big Island is known for its beauty and the vast number of opportunities for stunning photographs.
There are six main regions of the Big Island, each providing its own unique settings for photos. The good news for photographers is that every region will have amazing photo opportunities.
Coasts, beaches, cliffs, flora, fauna and cultural heritage sites, are found all over the Island of Hawaii so even if you can only visit one or a few of these regions, the chances are you'll be able to find the photograph you're looking for.
There are amazing photo opportunities in each of these regions, these are just some you can keep in mind on the Big Island. To get a definitive list, go visit these areas yourself and check them out! :)
Kona
Kona, located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, is a stunning area known for its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, making it a paradise for photographers.
Best Photo Opportunities:
· Sea life - Kona is known for rich marine biodiversity in places like Kealakekua Bay that are great for underwater photography or marine nature photography.
· Sunsets - Sunsets across Hawaii are gorgeous, but Kona's place on the western side of the island provide some of the grandest sunset views and photos.
· Historic landmarks - Home to Huliheʻe Palace and Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, Kona has several cultural landmarks to enjoy and photograph.
Puna
On the southeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, Puna is a captivating area known for its stunning volcanos and unique landscapes, making it a fantastic destination for photography.
Best Photo Opportunities:
· Black sand beaches - Though they can be difficult to photograph because of how light and colors bounce off the sand, getting photos of these beaches can be extremely rewarding and gorgeous.
· Hidden coves - All along the coastline and a little off the beaten path are some coves and inlets that provide photographers with a slice of nature to work with.
· Pele's Workshop (Volcanos) - Named after the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanos, this area contains lava fields, craters and other unique geological formations that are amazing to photograph.
Hāmākua Coast
The Hāmākua Coast is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, making it an exceptional location for photography.
Best Photo Opportunities:
· Waterfalls - The coast has several spectacular waterfalls, including ʻAkaka Falls and Kahuna Falls; these cascading waters, often surrounded by lush foliage, are a favorite subject for photographers.
· Scenic driving - The Pepeʻekeo Scenic Drive and the Hāmākua Heritage Corridor allow visitors to experience the coast's beauty and pull over for any photographs that strike them.
· Coastal cliffs - Ocean views from a cliff overlooking the ocean are dotted up and down the coast providing seascape and landscape photo opportunities as you're traveling through the region
Hilo
Hilo's combination of easy-to-access lush landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, scenic drives, and cultural richness makes it an exceptional destination for photography, offering a diverse array of subjects that reflect the beauty and uniqueness of Hawaii.
Best Photo Opportunities:
· Easy nature hikes - With amenities like the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo and Wailuku River State Park, photographers can stroll and stop to take pictures as they go.
· Botanical Gardens - Hilo is home to the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, showcasing Hawaiian plants in their natural setting, for photographers, you can get up really close to the flora without having to backpack.
· Cultural landmarks & cityscapes - Hilo is the biggest city on this island and has worked hard to integrate the cultural landmarks with the emerging cityscape.
Kaʻū
Kaʻū's volcanic landscapes, unique beaches, rural scenery, and diverse ecosystems makes it an exceptional destination for photographers looking to capture the raw, less-touristy side of Hawaii.
Best Photo Opportunities:
· Green sand beaches - One of only four beaches in the world that has olive green sand, Papakōlea Beach is fantastic for pictures as the green sand crystals, blue ocean, and surrounding cliffs contrast each other.
· Diverse flora and fauna - From coastal areas to higher elevations, an extreme amount of biodiversity provides opportunities for nature and wildlife photography, including native Hawaiian birds and plants.
· Night sky - Because it's remote location, lack of light pollution, and clear skies, Kaʻū offers excellent conditions for astrophotography or night time photography.
Kohala
Kohala's biodiversity, local culture and cultural heritage provide photographers with an array of photo opportunities to consider all generally within very close proximity to one another.
Best Photo Opportunities:
· Diverse ecosystems - Koahala's landscapes change dramatically within a short distance, offering photographers a wide range of natural settings to explore.
· Towns and rural scenes - Filled with charming towns that give glimpses into Hawaii's rural life and plantation history are popular for tourists and photographers.
· Puakō Petroglyph - An archeological preserve contains one of the most extensive petroglyph fields in Hawaii, providing a unique subject for photographers interested in ancient Hawaiian culture and art.
