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Here’s one tourists guide to the Big Island – take it all with a grain of salt, but if you travel there, here’s what I learned, my best shots, and a bit about how I got them. This is a big list with lots of images, bear with me! All the above-water shots are taken with my Canon Mark III. I use prime lenses mostly; a 28mm, a 50mm, an 85mm and a 100mm. For close ups we use the Canon 70-200 f2.8.
Waipi’o Valley, like lots of the Big Island, is sacred. So if you go, don’t be a jerk. Keep your voice down, take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Lava fields – it all looks the same and it’s easy to get lost.
We used Epic Lava Tours, the guides were professional, patient, and informed. They got us out there safely, let me shoot to my hearts content, and got us back safely.
Lava shot I took directly into an open tube.
You don’t have to shoot through the trees, I just liked the look.
Parrot fish – just waiting to be a colour way!
Random cows, glaring at me.
There are lots of feral cats. I am sad to say that they, along with mongoose, occasionally show up as road kill.
We had captain Kendra and Sam, who were hilarious and super friendly. We almost saw a hammerhead shark, and were given lots of snacks and drinks on the ship. Afterwards we got an educational tour of the island on the return journey.
Look at the colour of this water!
Excursion 2 was with Kona Snorkle and Sail for a night swim with Manta Rays. I can’t recommend this one enough, it totally blew my mind. If you’re skittish swimmer then beware; they’re up to 8 feet wide and will come right up to you. They are gentle giants, graceful and awe-inspiring. If you are ok to chill in kinda cold water (they give you a wetsuit so it’s really not bad) for about an hour then you’re in for a good show. I fell in love.
Once the sun goes down it’s a great site for start gazing. Beware though; it’s crowded and though Mauna Kea is a sacred site, expect loud, unruly folks and lots of light pollution from cars. However, if you aim up, and use a lens hood, you can still get some great stuff. The staff of the visitor centre use a laser light to walk the crowd through a star gazing exercise, an awesome experience for kids especially.
Those are our main tips if you decide to visit this amazing place! The Big Island is gorgeous, friendly, and had lots of things that we didn’t get to see, even with almost two weeks. We bought some lovely locally made items, mostly jewellery, hand painted clothing and body products. You can also buy famous Kona coffee, Macademia Nuts and bulbs for exotic plants (approved within the US only).
We have relaxed, explored, adventured and gotten inspired. Lots of great new colourways are coming. I am full of awe and gratitude for the things nature has shared with us and can’t wait to get home!