Hawaii?

[oldwolf]

So we're researching places to shoot on Oahu and Hawaii. I know there are a few people on the boards that are from those islands. Any suggestions on where to go that the tourists rarely go to? We're open to shooting anything; people, street photography, landscapes, flowers, wildlife, etc. The only thing we won't shoot is underwater since we don't have an underwater housing for our camera.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Nekrose]

Stay away from Waikiki

If you are looking for amazing landscapes, you should really try going on the hikes around island. Stairway to Heaven is a must if you want an amazing hike, and you get the best view of the mountains.

Try checking out the state parks and botanical gardens. These are usually very empty.

The North Shore does have tourists, but not nearly as many as Waikiki.

I love NS, I am there almost every day (I live 20 minutes away).

Try and stay away from the Waianae area. It is very dangerous if you are not local.

Pearl Harbor is also a must see. You can take a ferry out to the USS Arizona. You can also go on the USS Missouri. From there, you can see a lot of the island.

Another nice place to go is the Aloha Tower. There are tourists around whenever the cruise ships pull into port, but other than that, it is pretty nice. There are a lot of great places for grinds. And you are able to get a view of the harbor.

One thing that I strongly urge is to be respectful and try to understand the culture. If you stay away form the tourist traps, you will find the most amazing and nice people.

Try checking out some of the local events that are going on. We have First Fridays here every first friday of the month. The arts district opens up in Chinatown and there are galleries galore. I would try and avoid Chinatown during the day though. Unless you want to see a bunch of homeless or drugged up people. It is pretty dangerous over there.

Anyways, best of luck! If you have any questions, feel free to ask me!

[Quo Fan]

I just got back from the Islands, and I shot the Makapuu Lighthouse at sunrise one morning. Shoot it from the beach, as you will not be able to hike the 1.3 miles to get a closer shot at sunrise. Also, hike up Diamond Head, but get there at 6am when it opens. It is a fairly rigorous hike, and 276 steps, but the views are worth the effort, and you may miss some of the Japanese tourists .

Wiamea Falls is a nice little paved hike, and there are lots of flowers and trees to shoot. The falls are really nothing spectacular, unless there was a heavy rain a day or two before. If you go in the winter, the surfing will be better, though the die-hards surf every day. Just north of Hale'iwa is a beach where sea turtles are known to sun themselves, though they generally do it in the afternoon, and not every day.

If you like to shoot rainbows, you will have plenty of chances. On my last day there, I saw 5, including a full arch and a double.

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by Quo Fan

I just got back from the Islands, and I shot the Makapuu Lighthouse at sunrise one morning. Shoot it from the beach, as you will not be able to hike the 1.3 miles to get a closer shot at sunrise. Also, hike up Diamond Head, but get there at 6am when it opens. It is a fairly rigorous hike, and 276 steps, but the views are worth the effort, and you may miss some of the Japanese tourists .

Wiamea Falls is a nice little paved hike, and there are lots of flowers and trees to shoot. The falls are really nothing spectacular, unless there was a heavy rain a day or two before. If you go in the winter, the surfing will be better, though the die-hards surf every day. Just north of Hale'iwa is a beach where sea turtles are known to sun themselves, though they generally do it in the afternoon, and not every day.

If you like to shoot rainbows, you will have plenty of chances. On my last day there, I saw 5, including a full arch and a double.

The turtle beach is called laniakea. It is really awesome! You get to swim with the turtles.

I forgot to mention, you can always rent an underwater housing. Hawaii Photo Rentals is a great place to check out. The have some pretty cheap housing rentals.

[oldwolf]

great info everyone. thank you.

nekrose: do they have a housing for the 7D? that's what i'd be bringing when we go out there.

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

great info everyone. thank you.

nekrose: do they have a housing for the 7D? that's what i'd be bringing when we go out there.

They do! That's what I use also.

[oldwolf]

nekrose: how long have you had it? how do you like it? any pros and cons you've discovered so far?

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

nekrose: how long have you had it? how do you like it? any pros and cons you've discovered so far?

I have had it since February, and I love it. I do, at times, not going with the 5D for the full frame. But, the 7D has an awesome new metering system, and I love all of the new auto focus points. Also, the fact that I can trigger my flash wireless is a huge plus.
The only con that I can think of is the weight when coupled with my 70-200mm. I have tremors, so it is already a little difficult to hold the camera steady. But I am sure it isn't an issue for other people.

[oldwolf]

Originally Posted by Nekrose

I have had it since February, and I love it. I do, at times, not going with the 5D for the full frame. But, the 7D has an awesome new metering system, and I love all of the new auto focus points. Also, the fact that I can trigger my flash wireless is a huge plus.
The only con that I can think of is the weight when coupled with my 70-200mm. I have tremors, so it is already a little difficult to hold the camera steady. But I am sure it isn't an issue for other people.

Cool. Those are the same reasons why I bought mine too. I also didn't want to give up my Tokina lens since it would only work with the crop sensor.

Have you tinkered with the video yet?

[Nekrose]

Originally Posted by oldwolf

Cool. Those are the same reasons why I bought mine too. I also didn't want to give up my Tokina lens since it would only work with the crop sensor.

Have you tinkered with the video yet?

Not really. I have only shot a couple of videos with it.