I%26#39;m sure I will not be disappointed in any hike that we chose, but could you please recommend your favorite hikes which we%26#39;ll get the best pictures.
I%26#39;ve found the following hikes on a website, but they don%26#39;t show pictures from the hikes
- Kukui Trail into Waimea Canyon
- Kalalau Trail
- Kuilau Ridge
Best hikes for photography
The first two miles of the Kalalau trail, which goes to Hanakapiai beach, is extremely photogenic. There are views of Ke%26#39;e beach, where the trail starts, and good views of the Na Pali coast up ahead. The views of Hanakapiai beach are excellent, and the beach has a cave as well.
I haven%26#39;t done the others you mention, but I have done the Pihea trail up at Kokee State Park. You get changing views of the Kalalau valley on one side and views of the Alakai Swamp on the other. If you are feeling adventurous, you could continue on to the swamp trail, which goes to Kilohana overlook, with a panoramic view of the entire north shore.
Kauai is so photogenic, you don%26#39;t really need to go hiking in order so see great views and get great shots. The list of things to photograph is endless.
Best hikes for photography
Ski
The KUKUI TRAIL: will allow you to get some awesome photos of waimea canyon.
In fact, before you start the hike, turn left and walk about 50 yards. You will see what I mean.
Someone mentioned that you did not have to go on a hike to get great Waimea Canyon photos. Totally agree.
Along Waimea Canyon Rd. above the lookout, you will see small turnouts, and terrific views. Please take care, as there are some drop offs, and no railings like the lookouts at the concrete paths, steps, and parking lots.
Also the Waimea Canyon lookout/viewpoint that the state has built has quite good photo ops, but it is generally busy with lots of folks, including bus loads of visitors. No biggie, you will still be able to get some great shots.
The Hanakapiai Trail to Hanakapiai beach is the first two miles of the Kalalau trail. No permit required.
Shortly after you begin the hike, you will see a small area that you will find is a great opportunity for a high to low picture of Ke%26#39;e beach. You will see this same photo on post cards, magazines, and books.
Also, there are a couple of other photo ops of the Napali, but much of the Hanakapiai Trial is pretty much bordered on both sides by trees and vegetation.
Down at Ke%26#39;e beach, after hiking, you might want to walk a ways toward tunnels, and then do a 180 for some fabulous pictures back toward bali hai from along the beach.
Pihea Trail, as mentioned. From the trail head it is not too far to a lovely view of the wonderous Kalalau valley. That is the photo that Erica had enlarged and put on canvas by photo spectrum. Wow !
Kuilau Ridge Trail: Another of our favorites, and we hike it often.
Absolutely beautiful and lush, and easy walking on soft ground.
Views and phenominal background of Mt.Waialeale, and green, green, lush valleys with many different types of trees and vegetation in the foreground.
Also, it is only about a mile up to a great flat plateau area, where you can relax and have lunch at the picnic table area.
Heck, you will have super views from here, and while munching on your treat, you might get up a few times to take another picture , and again, and again. It is super !
Those are just a few. As mentioned, you will find photo scenes that will knock your socks off all over the island.
Oh, if on the north shore, you can drive to the hanalei bridge, and turn mauka on the narrow road that runs along the river.
Just as you begin your drive, on the right you will see taro fields, and the mountains that frame the valley.
We were there early morning, and Erica was really pleased with the lighting, and the whole magical scene.
This could continue forever. Trust me, you will not be bored taking pictures on kauai.
Denny
aloha skibum :)
I love to photograph Hawai%26#39;i! Kauai, you will not have a problem with finding beautiful things/palces to photograph.
Denny knows the hikes. I also got some great shots hiking up/on Shipwreck rock in Poipu at Denny%26#39;s suggestion.
But, on my first trip to Kauai, I went to the botanical gardens in Poipu, the Allerton/McBride gardens and took the tour. Besides being terribly interested in the valley%26#39;s history, I think I got some of my most treasured pictures of Kauai on that tour. You will be able to stand in the tree roots used in the movie Jurassic Park.
I got some fantastic shots at Mahaulepu Beach (spelling?). A drive on red cane roads, and some major potholes last time I was there, but my pictures are beautiful. I think it%26#39;s considered part of Poipu Beach, east of the Hyatt.
And this is truly one of my favorite places to photograph ~ Menehune Fish Pond on a bypass road by Kalapaki Beach. I love that place.
One day, I shot nothing but black/white film. I started early in the morning and went around the island starting in Waimea, and stopping in Hanalei shooting only b/w. I love those pictures. Love them. You can HEAR them.
Best place to develop your pics, in my opinion, is Photo Spectrum in Lihue.
jc
Given my screen name, I%26#39;m going to disagree that you don%26#39;t need to go hiking. Sure you get great pictures from the lookouts, but those are the same as everyone else%26#39;s. A keen eye will find thousands of details anywhere you go, but some of the most expansive views are on hikes.
As Denny said, the Kuilau trail is great for big views of the interior. But do go past the picnic table for some nice views of a lush valley close up. Beyond that, there are some neat trees and eventually a well-framed shot of Makaleha, the mountain to the North.
Another hike with panoramas, though harder, is the Sleeping Giant. You see all of the Wailua-Kapaa coast, (aka coconut and condo coast), Anahola and Makalehea mountains to the north, and then the interior. If there%26#39;s a cruise ship at Nawiliwili, you can see that far too. Light is best in the morning and it%26#39;s cooler then. For a photographer, I think the West trail is more interesting because of the grove of tall cook pines--it%26#39;s also the shorter trail, but has views of Wailua only from the top.
People have mentioned the Pihea, and Kukui trails. If you%26#39;re in shape, I would recommend the Kukui trail to the bottom of the canyon, not many people make it all the way down and the views looking back up are nice too. Then of course, there is the Nualolo-Awaawapuhi loop, where you get those plunging views down in the valleys and out over the ocean from the top of 2000%26#39; cliffs. If you just want to do one, the Awaawapuhi is a bit easier out-and-back, and the view at the end is my favorite--although the Nualolo trail has more viewpoints in all.
If you go all the way to Hanakapiai falls, (8 miles roundtrip and known to be very muddy), you can see the tallest waterfall on Kauai with public access--bring a wide angle or fish-eye lens.
Not mentioned either was the Okolehao trail above Hanalei. This one is steep at first and feels hot because of the humidity, but you get great views of the Hanalei bay and the mountains above.
I also like the suggestion of the NTBG gardens in Poipu, lots of great plants and garden shots, and the view of the valley on the way down is enchanting. Also, the Limahuli NTBG garden in Haena has great scenery, with green terraces and steep mountains nearby.
OK, there are some places with great views that only require short walks: in Princeville, find the public access to SeaLodge Beach, or just go to the parking at the end of the main road near the hotel. Anahola beach has a great tropical feel with the mountains in the background--kinda like Hanalei with more trees. Moloaa beach has a great tropical vibe too, over to the right by the palm trees. Another spectacular beach is Polihale in the late afternoon, but it%26#39;s a long drive.
Of course, now you%26#39;re going to have the same photos as me, but don%26#39;t worry, they%26#39;re all keepers.
Thanks for all the posts. This should keep me busy for a few days.
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