Night Photography in Hawaii

In Jan, Betty and I went on our babymoon in Hawaii. We love Oahu because of the mix of good food, things to do and relaxation outside of Honolulu. Among other things, I was able to spend a few nights out shooting nigh photos (astro photography). below is the area which I traveled to from Honolulu… which was about a 15 minute drive.

Before I get into that, I must put a plug in to my favorite meal in all of Oahu, Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin. This is a must go place to eat in Oahu along with shaved ice and garlic shrimp trucks. We come here at least once every trip along with Murakame Udon and now our new favorite dessert from Matcha Stand Maiko. 😋

Back to business at hand. I absolutely love that I found Lanai Lookout, just east of Hawaii Kai and Hanauma Bay. Also, for those who like a little workout, Koko Head Railway Trail is a workout + a primo view at the top – totally worth it. In this post, I’ll share 4 of my favorite shots from the excursion.

1) “The sky is the daily bread of the eyes”

Koko Head Crater, fast moving clouds and signs. This was literally taken from the parking lot, facing the island and I’m happy with ow a little bit of the city light cast on the crater shows the depth of the hillsides.

2) “When you can predict your trajectory, it’s time to change it”

Facing NE, shooting the cove next to Kahauloa Cove, I framed this one to show the contour of the bluffs that have been shaped over the years of high and low tide as well as the cove creating the white water. The clouds and winds were high (probably 20-25mph) and the light rail off to the left is the road that runs along the highway. Headlights from passing cars added to the glow. My favorite part is the stars peaking through the gaps in the clouds.

3) “To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.”

I’ve always been mesmerized by the stars on a clear night. The infinite possibilities, the idea that there is so much more unknown than even we as a species can imagine and answers to more questions than we’ll ever have. Sometimes it takes being in a place like this to remember to dream, be bold, follow those dreams and believe in myself.

4) “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

This photo actually took a few tries… running around in the dark and trying to sit perfectly still with a flashlight isn’t easy. Also, passing cars easily ruined the shot, but in this one shot, it added to it. I actually spent a few more minutes sitting there after shooting. The warm winds in my face, the sound of the ocean, the light mist of salt water and the smell and sounds of the ocean. All of these senses so foreign to me, yet something I hope to experience many more times in my life.