Hawaii Travel and Weather

Aerial of the exclusive Black Point area of Kahala. Black Point is an ancient lava flow, now covered with some of Hawaii’s most beautiful homes.

Black Rock and Kahala

A wide shot showing Waikiki, Kapiolani Park, Diamond Head and all the way to Koko Crater.

Waikiki, Diamond Head, Koko Crater

A perfect shot of Diamond Head crater from the air. Also visible is Kapiolani Park, and Kahala.

Diamond Head from the air

A percect shot of Waikiki from the air. All of Waikiki Beach can be seen, and that’s Koko Crater in the distance.

Waikiki from the air

A wide sweeping aerial shot starting at Ala Moana Park, then covering Waikiki, Diamond Head, and in the distance Koko Head and Koko Crater.

Waikiki to Koko Head from the air

Just after takeoff from the Honolulu International Airport this incredible view of Honolulu presented itself. It was the best view I have seen in years and the shot turned out perfect.

Downtown Honolulu from the air

Ko Olina, northwest of Honolulu, is a wonderful place to live and vacation. This is the view from high up in the Marriott.

Ko Olina Cove

As the plane banked this view of Hanauma Bay State Park came into view. It’s a washed out crater, and a place of fun and snorkeling for all ages. It was also a set seen in the 1961 movie Blue Hawaii.

Hanauma Bay from the air

The flight path from the mainland to Waikiki and back passes near Hawaii Kai and Koko Head. Once in a while this view presents itself. On this particular flight, the view was perfect.

Hawaii Kai from the air

As the plane banked just so, this incredible view presented itself. Visible is all of Waikiki, Kapiolani Park, and the Koolau Range in the distance.

Waikiki and Honolulu from the air

They line up every morning, ready to take tourists on a beautiful cruise from Waikiki Beach out into the Pacific, but not too far offshore. The cats of Waikiki are a wonderful sight to see on any morning, but in particular on this winter morning in Hawaii.

Two Catamarans

When you walk along the beach in Waikiki at sunset, make sure you have your camera ready. You might see one of these sunsets. The dinner cruise boats and sailboats move slowly across the panorama.

Sunset Spectacular from Waikiki

Go to Kapiolani Park at sunset and you just might see one of these spectacular sunsets.

Sunset from Kapiolani Park

A closer view of Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park, with gentle trade winds, and swaying palms.

Diamond Head from the Park

A full shot of Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park along Kalakaua Avenue. 

Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park

Diamond Head is known all over the world as a symbol of Hawaii. Here is a view of it from Waikiki, in front of the Halekulani Hotel.

Diamond Head from Waikiki

Let’s go sailing! It’s morning in Waikiki and the catamarans are lined up and ready to take us sailing.

Let's Go Sailing!

I love this shot! It won’t win any photography awards, but it absolutely says Aloha. From the Outrigger we can see the famous beach that stretches in front of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

From the Outrigger

Now this the life! We are looking out at Waikiki Beach from the Outrigger Hotel. This is, perhaps, the most famous beach in all of Hawaii, and one of the most famous in all the world, and for good reason. I took the shot late in the day and you can see the long shadows cast by the palms on the beach.

Waikiki Beach

Sunset Beach, on the North Shore of Oahu, is one of the most scenic spots on the island. It’s also a place of big surf in the winter. When I took this photo the surf was breaking offshore at over 20 feet, and the wind was howling. You can see a huge breaker in the distance.

North Shore Sunset

The Big Island is full of surprises. Akaka Falls is a bit off the mail road north of Hilo. It is the Big Island’s tallest waterfall. Akaka Falls park contains a number of falls, and trails, and beautiful sights. The best time to see and photograph the falls is in the morning or mid-day. This shot was taken just before the sun set behind the mountain, but the light was still beautiful.

Akaka Falls

It is never possible to describe the scent of Plumeria to anyone who has never had the opportunity to partake of the fragrance. Plumeria perfumes and soaps don’t quite get it right. The Plumeria comes in many colors and several shapes, and the trees are odd looking and not easy to grow in cool climates. Plumeria leis are the most common, but the sweet aroma is a welcome greeting to the islands, and an unforgettable memory.

Pink Plumeria

I have a yellow Hibiscus plant attempting to survive in my Northern California environment, and it puts out a bloom or two every year. But in Hawaii, where it belongs, the Hibiscus blooms with joy, and this speciman, although typical, is a fond reminder of the islands.

Yellow Hibiscus

The Kona Inn has been around for many decades. Its once cozy rooms are now offices and shops, but the restaurant is still in business, and the views from the grounds are still unsurpassed. On this windy day with pounding surf it was fun to sit on the seawall and watch the roaring waves.

Kona Inn

It was windy and the surf was noisy and pounding, and the waves were crashing over the main road through the town of Kailua Kona on the Big Island. This water is usually gentle and quiet, but not this time around.

Kona Surf

Many years ago Kona was a sleepy little place, but it has grown in recent years and is now a favorite destination for those seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. The Big Island of Hawaii is, well, big, and offers a great variety of sights and adventures. I took this photo at the Sheraton.

Kona Sunset

One of the most beautiful and desirable locations in all of the islands, is the resort area of Kapalua, on the northwest shore of Maui. It’s known for golf and magnificent scenery, and these magnificent trees, Cook Island Pines, from the South Pacific. They were planted for timber and wind breaks and have become a symbol of Kapalua, and they are unforgettable.

Cool Island Pines of Kapalua

Near the summit of Haleakala one looks down on the Trade Wind Inversion, the top of the layer of tropical air and cloudiness below about 10,000 feet. Where the top of the cloud layer meets the volcano, there is a magical beauty that changes minute by minute, as the clouds and sun move ever so slowly throughout the day.

Haleakala Cloudscape

Yes, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa on the Big Island can be seen from the summit of Haleakala. When I took this shot it was COLD and windy, but absolutely beautiful.

Volcanoes from Haleakala

Molokai is a spectacular sight from most west Maui locations. I took this shot from the rocky shores near Napili.

Molokai from Napili

Lahains Shores is a small community of condos and townhouses offering some of the most beautiful views in all of the islands. This is one of my favorite vistas.

Lahaina Shores Beauty

A closeup of my Lahaina Sunset shot. What a spectacular view from Lahaina!

Cruise Ship off Lahaina

Maui, the Valley Isle, is known for its beauty, weather, hospitality, and magnificent views of some of Hawaii’s other islands. This photo shows a sunset over Lanai seen from Front Street in Lahaina. I took the photo just as a cruise ship passed by, headed for Hilo.

Lahaina Sunset