With this entry I launch a new portfolio of images of Hawaii.  The eleven images of this first group have been in my portfolio about ten years and all originate from the island of Kaua'i, the garden isle.  Although old images they have been re-edited in accordance with my current post production workflow.  Because that workflow has evolved dramatically these are like new images even to me.  My intent is to make numerous additions to this web portfolio in coming weeks as this but scratches the surface.  Having just returned from two weeks in Maui and Oahu I have much new work to add.

Looking at the gorgeous natural scenery of Hawaii I never cease to be amazed at the magnitude and diversity of landscape we enjoy in the United States.  Each of our States has its own special charm and Hawaii takes a back seat to none.  From tropical rain forest, to mountains, to seashore, to volcanic plains, and even desert, Hawaii has it all.  While not an expert by any means on Hawaiian topography and landscape I know magnificent scenery when I see it, and Hawaii has enough of it to keep any photographer enthralled a long time.

I will never forget my first visit the the Hawaiian archipelago.  I was in the Navy and my ship stopped off at Pearl Harbor for refueling enroute a six month deployment to the western Pacific.  We were to be at Pearl for only two days and I was excited to finally see a place I had heard so much about but never had opportunity to see in person.  I sure did want to see those Hula girls perform!  Much to my chagrin I drew the duty the first day in and couldn't leave the ship.  The second day was pretty much a quick look at Honolulu.  I thought I could make up for that on the way back but we refueled at sea and skipped Hawaii completely.  A second deployment to the western Pacific two years later was much the same, except on that occasion we refueled at sea both coming and going.  So much for a tour of Hawaii courtesy of Uncle Sam!

But I made up for it on my own.  I have now made four or five trips to the islands and visited Oahu, Maui, Kaua'i, and the Big Island of Hawaii.   Each is a bit different and makes its own claim for attention.  For the photographer in us one cannot go wrong with any of them.  Oahu is everyone's introduction to the State, but if one stops there he will have missed the essence of the islands.  Maui is a great place to experience one of the world's highest volcanoes, Haleakala.  It rises over 10,000' above sea level where one will likely find his head in the clouds, or if you're very clever you can make your way to the top in darkness and just maybe see the sunrise of your life.  The east coast of Maui is one of the wettest on earth, and the barren coast line along the north shore reminds me so much of the west coast of Ireland. The Big Island is really two, the rainy Hilo coast on the windward side, and the desert like Kona coast on the lee side.  AND, if one is adventuresome he can visit the active Kilauea volcano, the highest sea mountain in the world, Mauna Kea, 33,000', or the most massive mountain in the world, Mauna Loa.  In between these two mountains lies the world's largest cattle ranch.  Whew!  Hey, I haven't done all this yet; I need to go back!  Kaua'i is the smallest of these four but has one one of the world's deepest canyons, Waimea, which makes one think he is perched on the rim of Arizona's Grand Canyon.  OR, if none of this entices you there are miles of pristine beaches and endless waves to surf.  Heck, you might just sit by the pool and sip a Mai Tai.  Whatever you do you can be sure to be surrounded by ample natural beauty.

Hopefully my images will conjure up feelings of a relaxed life style, warm sands, gentle trade winds, and if you haven't experienced this Pacific paradise, a place to add to your "bucket list".