Photography 101: Landscape – Pailoa Bay, Maui

Today’s Photo 101 is all about landscapes, and Maui is a godsend for nature photographers. There are so many places, I actually had trouble choosing one photo! I ultimately settled on this shot from Pailoa Bay, near the end of the Road To Hana. And no, those colors were not photoshopped or filtered. Those brilliant green plants, sparkling blue ocean, and black beaches are exactly what Pailoa Bay looks like. I actually teared up a bit when I first saw it; this niche of unspoiled nature still remains one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Cover Art, Or: Lava Tube Skylight

There’s an ancient lava tube in the outskirts of Hana, Hawaii. You need a flashlight to get through most of it, but there are a few, gorgeous points at which the sun manages to pierce the depths. For some reason, this photo makes me think of the cover of a nature magazine, or an album of soothing nature sounds.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Zigzag, Or: The Road To Hana

You want to talk zigzags? Try the legendary Road To Hana in Maui. This photo doesn’t do it nearly enough justice. Over 50 miles long with 620 curves and 59 bridges (many of which are one-lane)…and pavement just big enough for a two-lane road. This incredible feat of engineering allows people to drive along one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Where else can you see unspoiled jungle from your car? I was speechless when I saw it. If the Road To Hana isn’t on your bucket list, you need to add it.

Beneath Hana

As you reach the outskirts of Hana, you might notice a sign pointing toward the Hana Lava Tube. To get into the cavern, you have to climb down a curved set of stairs built into a hill. It’s teeming with vegetation and moisture; you’d never think something so beautiful and lush was hiding right under your feet! It reminded me of the Metroid series, for some reason…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Contrasts, Or: Pailoa Bay

Pailoa Bay is a stunning contrast of colors. Brilliant blue water, bright and lush green flora…and sheer black beaches. I’ll never forget it.

Hana Bananas

DAAAAAY-O

Weekly Photo Challenge: Room, Or: In The Hana Lava Tube

Because nothing says room quite like a 1,000 year-old quarter-mile underground tube made from lava. This is just one part of a short, but sweet tour. Just as a frame of reference, the tip of that rocky outcropping at the bottom is nearly 5 feet tall.