Exclusive Fine Art Photography Blog | Aaron Feinberg: Kaua'i Photography Locations | A Local Photographer's Guide
Kaua'i Photography Locations | A Local Photographer's Guide
Aloha all!
If you search "best photography spots on Kaua'i" you'll find dozens of lists written by people who visited for a week. They'll tell you to go to Waimea Canyon at sunset and Hanalei Pier at sunrise. Which...sure. Those work.
But after 18+ years of living here and photographing this island from every angle imaginable, I can tell you there's a lot more to it. Timing matters. Conditions matter. Knowing why a location works (and when it doesn't) matters even more than knowing the location itself.
This is my guide. Not a list of Instagram spots. A real breakdown of what I've learned chasing light across this island since 2007.
A Quick Note on How Kaua'i Works
Before we dive in, you need to understand something about this island. Kaua'i has microclimates like nowhere else on Earth. It can be pouring rain in Hanalei while Poipu is bone dry. The north shore gets most of its weather in winter. The south shore is sunny almost year-round. The west side is desert-like. The east side splits the difference.
This means "best time to shoot" isn't just about sunrise vs sunset. It's about which side of the island, what season, and what conditions you're hoping for...and sometimes...stormy weather leads to epic photographs!
Now let's get into it.
The North Shore
This is where I've spent most of my time. I lived in Princeville for my first 6 years on island and have shot these locations hundreds of times. The north shore delivers the most dramatic landscapes on Kaua'i, but it's also the most weather-dependent.
Ke'e Beach
The end of the road. Literally. Ke'e sits at the trailhead of the Kalalau Trail with views straight into the Na Pali Coast.
Best for: Sunset reflections at low tide, wave action in winter, twilight to night photography.
What I've learned: Low tide is everything here. When the tide pulls back, you get these incredible tidal pools that mirror the cliffs and sky. I've stood in the rain for over an hour waiting for clouds to part at sunrise and captured some of my favorite images.
Winter brings big surf, and the waves crashing on the rocks at Ke'e can be spectacular. I've spent countless evenings out on those rocks, waiting...waiting...waiting for the perfect splash. My image "Kaboom!" came from sitting on those rocks for 2+ hours. Set after set would roll through with nothing. Then suddenly the perfect combination of circumstances. Impact and explosion. Five frames. That was it.
For astrophotography, Ke'e offers a dark sky with the Na Pali as foreground. Stick around after sunset and you won't be disappointed.
Waves collide in spectacular fashion along Kaua'i's Na Pali coast. Winner of; Nature Photo Of The Year - American Photo Magazine '09, Photo Of The Month - National Geographic - Aug '10, many others...
Limited Edition of 300 (per size).
Artist Proof of 30.
Planning to be at a certain place around specific conditions is always a roll of the dice. While we can make predictions about what might happen, the chances of them all aligning can be quite slim. On this particular evening the very low tide happened to overlap with a lack of large waves, which in the winter can be a rarity. The glassy water made for the perfect reflection as the sun popped out below the clouds, briefly illuminating the undulating sand in the foreground before retiring for the evening. Perfect end to the day.
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Tunnels Beach (Makua)
A bit further down (or up depending on your perspective) from Ke'e, Tunnels is famous for snorkeling (in th summer!) but also delivers for photography. The reef creates interesting water patterns and Makana mountain (Bali Hai) looms in the background.
Best for: Sunrise with Makana, underwater reef patterns, calm summer mornings
What I've learned: This spot needs calm conditions to really shine. Summer is your best bet. The water clarity can be unreal.
This particular sunset was spent with my future fiancée enjoying yet another magical day at Makua (Tunnels) Beach. As the sun was getting close to the horizon I decided to wade out in to the water holding my camera just above the water surface to take advantage of the really fun textures and play of light. And of course the perfect beam of light extending over Mt. Makana to top it all off!
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Spending any time around Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels, one is sure to instantly fall in love. The towering peak of Makana in the distance and beautiful sand wrapping around the coast. When the conditions are just right, the clarity of the water is surreal and this just happened to be one of those mornings. With the drone up in the air, one can see the channels which both serve to give this beach its (english) name and why often the current is so good at moving snorkelers down the coast. What a special morning indeed!
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Artist Proof of 5.
Queens Bath (Princeville)
This is one of my most-visited locations. A natural lava rock pool that fills with ocean water, surrounded by dramatic volcanic coastline.
Best for: Sunrise long exposures, big wave drama (from a safe distance), moody overcast conditions
What I've learned: Queens Bath can kill you. I'm not being dramatic. People die here regularly when they underestimate the waves. Never turn your back on the ocean, and in winter, don't go anywhere near the lower rocks.
That said, photographically it's incredible. I've used 10-stop ND filters to extend exposures to 5 minutes, averaging out the water motion and streaking the clouds. Both my color and B&W versions of this spot were released simultaneously because they each capture something completely different.
The waves near Queens Bath can stack up into absolute monsters. My image "The Kraken" came from a day when the surf was so big we couldn't go down to our planned location. We held back on the trail and I grabbed my telephoto lens just as this mutant wave stacked up and the late afternoon light backlit the whole thing. Sometimes the best shots come from plans that fall apart.
*Note: Queens Bath is closed in the Winter now and only accessible when the gate is open.
Having visited Queens Bath as much as I have over the years I've lived on Kaua'i I have remarkably few images of the bath itself. A bit tricky, usually with people around it, I have instead usually focused on the area around. On this particular morning I was down working on a project and after that was complete walked down to the bath to scope it out. The sky was moody and decided to put on my strong ND filter to get a LONG exposure. 5 minutes to be exact. Never knowing what will be captured during these exposures I was quite pleased with the result here. Being curious I converted to black and white as it seemed like a moody shot to do so. Because I couldn't decide which I liked better I chose to release both!
Limited Edition of 30.
Artist Proof of 3.
Large waves on the North shore of Kaua'i are nothing new. What was special this particular day was that the timing of the late season swell (spring) offered unique late afternoon light. As I headed out to explore the Princeville coastline, I got to the bottom of the trail and the surf was huge. So large in fact, I decided to stay where I was and watch from there. As I quickly pulled out my gear a massive set came in and I was able to rattle off a few shots. This was the 3rd shot of the day and the best one!
Limited Edition of 100.
Artist Proof of 10.
It's always good to have spots in one's mind that we can run to close by for sunrise and sunsets. I am extraordinarily lucky that this is that close to my house. Some friends asked me to head down here for sunset about 20 min before the sun was to depart so hurrying to the trail and mostly running/sliding down it, got down to the bottom and was greeted by this scene.
Limited Edition of 300. - Tier 3
Artist Proof of 30.
Hanalei Bay & Pier
You've seen the photos. The iconic pier stretching into the bay with mountains behind it. It's famous for good reason.
Best for: Sunrise & Sunset! (classic pier shot), moonrise, astrophotography (cloud dependent), reflections after rain
What I've learned: Everyone shoots the pier at sunrise. And it works. But some of my favorite Hanalei images have come at unexpected times.
One evening after a long day of shooting, I was driving home through Hanalei exhausted and hungry. The full moon was rising and illuminating Waioli Hui'ia Church in this incredible way. I pulled over, stood on top of my car to get the angle right, and shot "Waioli By Moonlight." Worth the extra hunger.
For the classic pier shot, calm mornings with no wind give you the best reflections, but anytime is a good time to be at the pier!
Magical historic Wai'oli Church in Hanalei on the north shore of Kaua'i. After shooting sunset and then the moonrise earlier that evening, an opportunistic chance to capture a unique photograph of this iconic church was not to pass up!
Limited Edition of 150.
Artist Proof of 15.
About 12 years ago I produced my first truly successful nightscape in Milky Way Serenade. In that time I have been re-imagining ways of showcasing this iconic location. With some new technology (a lot has changed in those years) I finally had the conditions to attempt this photograph in 2019. While my first attempt came up short, this night would prove to be the one. Blazing Milky Way above Hanalei Bay...the (few) town lights illuminating the back left of the image. A few lucky homes lit up along the Bay. Truly a remarkable experience and quite pleased with the result on this one...as I hope you are too!
Limited Edition of 30. - Tier 6
Artist Proof of 3.
**Note: Ratio of image is 16:7 so print will be slightly shorter height-wise than indicated in menu. Length will remain as shown. Contact with any questions!
Clear mornings. Empty pier. Nothing but myself and a camera. Bliss.
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Artist Proof of 10.
The Princeville Coastline
Living here for 6 years, I got to know every cove and cliff. There's a spot (I won't give exact coordinates because it involves some sketchy scrambling) where I've captured images like "Fire Falls." The key is timing the sunset with gaps in the rocks. I spent years returning to this spot, missing the shot, adjusting, coming back. Eventually everything aligned. A beam of light shot through and illuminated everything with this rich golden orange. I had seconds to capture it. Those are the moments you chase.
Having a photograph preconceived is one thing, but often times nature has other ideas. On a magical afternoon on Kauai's north shore the light was pure magic. And I…was lucky enough to be there to capture it.
Limited Edition of 300 (per size).
Artist Proof of 30.
The South Shore
Drier, sunnier, more consistent. The south shore around Poipu won't give you the dramatic cliffs of the north, but it offers reliable conditions and unique opportunities.
Shipwrecks Beach (Keoniloa Bay)
A wide sandy beach backed by cliffs, with a luxury resort nearby.
Best for: Sunrise or Sunset - both offer amazing opportunities and depending on the tide, the rock shelf in front of the Grand Hyatt (where aFeinberg Gallery Poipu is located!) offers a great foreground.
What I've learned: The hotel lights seem like they'd be a problem, but with patience they can actually add to the scene. I've slept in my car here, woken up at 2am, and shot images where the Milky Way blazes overhead while the hotel provides subtle illumination on the rocks. "While You Were Sleeping" came from one of those nights.
Popularly known as Shipwreck Beach, this small but picturesque bay is home to plenty of people during the day soaking up the sun, surf and great hiking trail in the area. At night, however, one can very much be alone. Nothing but their thoughts and the heavens above.
Limited Edition of 100.
Artist Proof of 10.
Trying to capture a place that is popular and in thousands (if not millions) of photographs always presents challenges. I had given myself the task of capturing Keoniloa Bay (also known as Shipwreck's Beach), with the bright blue and turquoise colors that sparkle under the midday light. A time that most photographers (including myself), tend to avoid. Heading to the west side of the beach I used a long exposure to smooth out time. The crashing of the waves, the children playing, the chatter of conversation; all 77 seconds reduced to this one image.
Limited Edition of 100.
Artist Proof of 10.
Poipu Beach Area
The classic south shore beach. Reliable sunset views toward Ni'ihau.
Best for: Sunset, monk seal encounters (with appropriate distance), general vacation photography
What I've learned: This isn't my most-shot location, but it's consistent. When the north shore is getting hammered by weather, Poipu is often clear and calm.
After year's of pre-visualization this image finally came to life one summer evening. The full story can be found in the blog!
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
The West Side
The driest, most remote part of the island. The west side has a completely different character. Desert-like conditions, red dirt, big open skies.
Waimea Canyon
The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." Multiple lookouts along the road, each with different perspectives.
Best for: Morning light, afternoon shadows, rainbows after passing showers, dramatic clouds after storms
What I've learned: Most people hit the main lookout and leave. Keep driving. The upper lookouts near Kalalau offer completely different perspectives. And the light shifts dramatically throughout the day as the sun moves across the canyon.
Overcast days can actually be fantastic here. Heavy clouds moving through create drama, and when holes open up the light rakes across the ridges in ways that clear days can't match. "Only In Dreams" came from a stormy day that had us hiking in the rain. When the clouds lifted for a brief moment the light and created something magical.
"Only In Dreams"
I'm really not sure where to start with this image. This is the end. The end of a 3 day expedition to the bottom of Waimea Canyon on Kauai's west side. Mark Twain called Waimea Canyon the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. I've never been to the Grand Canyon but have seen photos (yea that sounded lame) and I'll take the color of Waimea any day :P
The hike out of the canyon is intense. Almost 3000 vertical feet in about 3 miles. Sections of the trail are nearing 30 degrees. This normally would just be just hard work...now add rain. Lots of rain.
After getting to the top of one of the longest steep sections of the trail the rain broke. We stopped to have a drink and snack and then it happened. Clouds started lifting. If this was the only image I got in the 3 day trip I would have been stoked (luckily there are a LOT more). The fresh rain caused the colors to become super saturated and the clouds a mystical feel to the scene.
Watching the clouds move over the ridge to our right the rest of the hike, approx 1.5mi, was done in the heaviest rain I've ever hiked in.
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
Kalalau Lookout (Koke'e)
At the end of the road above Waimea Canyon, this lookout peers directly into Kalalau Valley from 4,000 feet.
Best for: Sunset (when clouds cooperate), dramatic weather, and really just anytime you can see!
What I've learned: This spot is hit or miss. You can drive all the way up and find yourself completely socked in with zero visibility. Or you can arrive to clear skies and witness something transcendent.
I've had evenings where the clouds poured in right as we arrived and we were in total fog. Nothing to do but sit and wait. And then a hole appeared down in the valley, the clouds started parting and lifting, and as the sun set a solitary rain cloud passed through while golden light illuminated everything. "Kalalau Solstice" came from that evening. Just me and a friend, this incredible sunset all to ourselves.
One of the most surreal view points I have ever seen combined with some of the best light I could have imagined. The best part, we had the overlook to ourselves. Paradise!
Limited Edition of 300 (per size).
Artist Proof of 30.
Shot on Day 1 of the video documentary for aFeinberg Galleries. After picking up BROVADO Weddings (Media) we drove up Waimea Canyon to the Kalalau Overlook and descended Kalepa Ridge...an epic hike that takes you to a spit of land that divides Kalalau and Honopu. Needless to say, it offers incredible views. This was shot just before sunset as the sun was preparing to pop out below the cloud line so it wasnt direct light but instead this bright filtered super sexy light. I isolated the ridges on the north side of the valley as they seemed to jump right out at me. Trees at the bottom of the image help impart scale. A magnificent sight! Winner - Artistic Merit - Islands Magazine Editor's Choice - NatGeo Photo Contest - Week 10 Silver Medal - Intl Loupe Awards
Limited Edition of 100.
Artist Proof of 10.
Waimea Pier
On the far west side of the island, Waimea town has a long pier stretching into the Pacific.
Best for: ...everything!
What I've learned: The calm that defines the west side shows up here. One evening I'd planned to shoot a different location and realized my timing was wrong. Quick thinking, I headed to the Waimea Pier where I'd scouted an image years before. The twilight glow on the pier was stunning. I stayed for the Milky Way shot later that evening. "Waimea Dayz" captures that perfectly serene west side energy.
The lone black sand beach on Kauai, Waimea offers stunning views of the "forbidden" island of Ni'ihau. A long exposure renders the surf smooth as the sun sneaks out below the clouds to highlight the lone island off in the distance.
Limited Edition of 150.
Artist Proof of 15.
After heading to photograph at a different location and realizing that it wasnt going to work, I relocated to Waimea to chase the Milky Way. As day turned to night the pier almost seemed to glow as the last bit of twilight held on.
Limited Edition of 100.
Artist Proof of 10.
Polihale
The most remote beach on the island. Requires 4WD and some commitment to reach.
Best for: Dramatic skies, isolation, usually clear skies for star viewing
What I've learned: Polihale can be tricky to access but delivers unique conditions. I've shot there during unusual stormy weather when bright sunlight on the water combined with dark storm clouds in the distance. The abstract possibilities are endless if you catch it right.
This in-camera abstract was captured under dramatic skies from the stunning Polihale State Park. A storm cloud in the distance combined with the bright sunlight on the stunning turquoise water to produce this surreal color palette.
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Artist Proof of 3. - ***Contact for details***
Many years ago while camping with friends out at Polihale State Park I had the chance to photograph the Milky Way arching over the cliffs late one night. Definitely by chance, the photo (Spirits In The Sky), has been in the back of my mind ever since. While my technique has become more refined over the years so has my ability to figure out potential situations. For this image to be possible clouds, moon, time of year all need to align. What I wasnt planning on this particular night (after many attempts over a few year period), was the amount of camper's present in the park. While at first dejected it turns out the added element of the camp fire and lights scattered on the beach give a sense of scale and reality to this surreal looking image!
Limited Edition of 30.
Artist Proof of 3.
The East Side
The east side splits the difference between wet north and dry south. My current home base.
Moloa'a Bay
A quiet, less-visited bay on the east side.
Best for: Sunrise (mostly but sunset can offer some goods), dramatic wave/rock interactions
What I've learned: This is where my love of sunrise photography began. One September morning around my birthday, I headed out with a fellow photographer. Cloudy skies, we weren't sure what to expect. The horizon started lighting up with purples, yellows, oranges. Then it dimmed. We thought that was it. 15 minutes later all hell broke loose. The sun broke through a tiny gap in the clouds, I timed an incoming wave exploding on a foreground rock, and "Splash Of Fire" happened. Beams of light streaming through clouds, the splash backlit by the rising sun. What an introduction to sunrise photography.
My first planned sunrise photo session, nature had it's way of welcoming me to the beauty of dawn. Spectacular clouds and light over Moloa'a Bay.
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
Secret Beach (Kauapea)
A large, dramatic beach below cliffs near Kilauea.
Best for: Sunset & sunrise, wave action, dramatic light
What I've learned: Getting to Secret Beach requires a steep trail down the cliff. Worth it. The beach is expansive and often less crowded than north shore spots. I've captured images here during big swells when the combination of rushing water and color created something special. Just keep one eye on the ocean. I nearly lost my camera bag to an unexpected wave surge.
*Note: The surf here can be very dangerous, especially in the winter.
This was from a very productive afternoon at Secret's Beach. There is so much to play with there during the late spring as the beach is coming back but still enough rocks to make seascapes very interesting. Just as the sun was creeping behind the clouds. I was able to capture this awesome scene. I wish someone was watching the whole event unfold because it involved me running back and forth to my bag (which almost got hit by a wave) and then literally running to get the light and just shoving my tripod in to the sand in the approximate position to get the light before it left. There was a pool that was draining behind me so there was a good current passing under me and oh yea...see that wave coming in...gets the heart racing!
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
Perfect timing has to coordinate exactly with the right conditions to capture this photo. I feel lucky just to have watched the moon rise out of the clouds on this night. Lucky enough I also had my camera with me!
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
The Interior
Some of the most magical places on Kaua'i require getting off the beaten path.
Wai'ale'ale
One of the wettest spots on Earth. Accessing Wai'ale'ale on foot requires mandatory 4WD just to reach the trailhead, then a trail that goes in and out of rivers through knee-deep mud. (guide highly recommended)
Best for: Waterfalls, intimate forest scenes, surreal lighting
What I've learned: These hikes are serious endeavors, especially with 20+ lbs of camera gear. But locations like this reward the effort. On one hike, as we reached our destination I took a minute to explore off to the side and discovered an amazing waterfall. As I set up my tripod and waded knee-deep into the stream, a beam of light broke through the clouds above. The angle of that beam matched the falls perfectly. "Love Light" came from that moment of serendipity. Then about that hike out...
A magical beam of light illuminates a waterfall hidden deep within the heart of Kaua'i. Sometimes the hardest places to reach are the most meaningful.
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
The emerald green walls of Wai'ale'ale glow at twilight.
Limited Edition of 300.
Artist Proof of 30.
Hanakapi'ai Falls
A 4-mile hike each way from Ke'e Beach, the last half of which can be a muddy adventure through river and forest.
Best for: Intimate waterfall photography, forest scenes, a sense of earned solitude
What I've learned: The 300' falls are impressive, but translating that scale into a photograph is difficult. On a day when the water wasn't flowing heavily, I focused on the bottom 50' of the falls, capturing the delicate veil of water balanced against small ferns clinging to the rock. "Tranquility" brings me back to that peaceful afternoon every time I see it.
Normally when one walks up to a 300ft waterfall the idea is to capture the entire grandeur of the scene. However upon approaching the base of the falls the softness and subtly caught me. The way the veil of water was playing with the dark rocks.. I knew the contrast would work then the next step would be to find an angle that worked best. This one seemed to balance the soft greens in the corner well with the color of the water. A truly tranquil scene.
Limited Edition of 300 (per size).
Artist Proof of 30.
Hiking back late in the day always offers some sort of show and this day did not disappoint. The cloudy day didn't give us too much hope but that brief window on the horizon lead to a spectacular display of light. Lucky again that the wind was down so that I could capture the backlit Ti leaves glowing in the foreground as the waves pounded the shoreline.
Limited Edition of 50.
Artist Proof of 5.
Practical Tips
A few things I've learned that apply everywhere:
Check the tides. For coastal photography, tide changes everything. Low tide reveals textures and pools. High tide creates wave drama. Plan accordingly.
Embrace the rain. Some of my best images have come right after rain. The colors pop, waterfalls kick on, and most fair-weather photographers have gone home. Remember your circular polarizer.
Return to the same spot. Getting to know a location across different seasons, different tides, different conditions is how great images happen. My "Fire Falls" image took years of returning, missing the shot, and coming back before everything finally aligned.
Stay longer than you planned. The magic often happens after sunset, during twilight, into blue hour. Pack a headlamp and stick around.
Be safe. Kaua'i's ocean will humble you fast. Never turn your back on the waves. If the rocks are wet...there is a reason! Check conditions before scrambling on coastal rocks. These images aren't worth your life.
If you're visiting Kaua'i and want to talk photography, stop by one of my galleries (Grand Hyatt Poipu or Ching Young Village in Hanalei). Happy to share more specifics about conditions, timing, and spots that might match what you're hoping to capture.
aF
