Photography Archives - Adventurer's Hawai‘i

Big Island book signing event

March 10, 2015 By Peter Caldwell

With a Big Island section featuring well-known local photographers G.Brad Lewis and Jack Jeffrey plus artist John Dawson and botanist Tim Tunison, interest in the book has been especially high with bookstore sales at Basically Books in Hilo.

How about a book signing at the Volcano Village Sunday open market, which is close to many of the images taken at various sites within Volcanoes National Park. This particular open market, held on Sundays from 7-9AM at the Cooper Center, is very popular with Volcano residents and visitors, who pack the parking lots and park along side the road to sample a wide variety of food items, unique handicrafts and plants. The center also has a large collection of donated books as well as other miscellaneous household items.

So it was that on February 8th, attendees had a chance to get signed copy of Adventurerʻs Hawaiʻi at an attractive special new yearʻs price with lots of talk story and networking opportunities. The event was a big success for both author and visitors so it might be repeated in the next 2-3 months!

Kicking back on Sunday morning!

Cave Time?

July 30, 2014 By Peter Caldwell

Paying a visit to a sea cave is one of the highlights of any kayak session. This kind of adventure is generally limited to the summer months as the winter storm forces that created the cave in the first place are certainly to be avoided and care is always needed.

On Oahu, the cave on the back side of Mokumanu is one of the best. These two islands are are part of the Hawaiʻi State Bird Sanctuary system, and there are often clouds of birds cruising around the higher cliffs. Divers give the area high marks but itʻs also a favorite hang out for the “men in the grey flannel suits” especially the striped kind! For experienced paddlers, there is also a narrow passage between the two islands but that requires good timing and the right tide. The cave itself is spacious and turns to the right as you paddle in to the end. As always, you have the feeling of being a privileged guest as you contemplate the caveʻs creation and watch the birds wheeling high above the entrance. Pick a relatively calm summer day and check it out!

Approaching from the Kailua side (top); Looking out from the entrance (bottom).

Approaching from the Kailua side.

Ko’olaus Calling!

June 18, 2014 By Peter Caldwell

A hiker pauses on the KST on a spectacular clear day. Endemic Hawaiian vegetation rules! Central Koʻolaus: Peering over the edge down the windward side.

For hikers on O’ahu, the Ko’olaus always beckon us as they are a constant presence as we go about our daily lives. Summer days can offer ideal weather for a chance to sample stunning views and have memorable experiences. Ascending one of the ridge trails, in a short time the downsides of civilization leave us quickly and the wonders of our unique Hawaiian ecosystem surround us. Best bets for enjoying our mountains safely are to take advantage of the Nā Ala Hele state trail system or hook up with an organized weekend hike with the Hawaii Trail and Mountain or Sierra Club. Lots to learn from these experienced folks! Following sections of the Koʻolau Crest is a step up in adventuring and needs to be undertaken only with caution and careful preparation. The Ko’olau Summit Trail contours along both sides of part of the crest from Pūpūkea to Kīpapa and is a challenging and strenuous journey. Continuing further along the summit crest from that point is an epic adventure and can be very hazardous. Two excellent resources are Stuart Ballʻs Guide to Hiking Oahu and his fascinating companion book on the history of Oahu trails. Head for the hills!

Halema’uma’u: June 2014

June 14, 2014 By Peter Caldwell

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Being very fortunate to have built a second home near Volcanoes National Park, no trip is complete without a nighttime visit to the Jagger Overlook on Kilaueaʻs rim. We must pay our respects to Madame P and check out Halemaʻumaʻu. We were lucky enough to be there in March 2008 during a semester break trip when the current eruption started. The crater has continued to be active to date as the vent in the floor of the pit crater has gradually increased in size, and the lava lake inside rises and falls depending on flow in the subterranean plumbing. Much of the rim road and the Halemaʻumaʻu overlook itself remain closed.

Earlier in the evening, the overlook is usually busy with many visitors, and photography varying from many selfies to more serious attempts to capture the hypnotizing scene. Weather ranges from crystal clear star-filled skies with the long bulk of Mauna Loa as a backdrop to biting wind and occasional misty rain. Once on a moonlit night, we treated to a striking moonbow, a phenomena that looks even better with modern camera sensors. During another visit, we were witnesses to a curtain of fire eruption over in the Pu”u Oʻo direction, and the overlook was buzzing with activity as vulcanologists and park rangers were trying to guess what would happen next!

For eruption updates, webcam views and other information, go to the NPS web site.

Hawaii magazine outdoors issue

May 8, 2014 By Peter Caldwell

Check out the June 2014 issue of Hawaii magazine for some scoop on some favorite hiking trails and especially a photo feature on three days in Waimanu Valley, one of my highlight trips as well.

See some photos from a very memorable visit there in the Big Island section of Adventurer’s Hawai’i. I remember it well for its remote beauty, and the up and down trail sections before the final steep switchback drop to the valley floor itself.

The issue also includes some excerpts from Brother Noland’s new book, The Hawaiian Survival Handbook , which provides local insider’s info on subjects like How to Avoid a Wild-Pig Attack and other topics of interest to adventurers in the great Hawaii outdoors! The book will be available beginning July 15th and is published by Watermark Publishing.