Hawaii: Laupahoehoe Beach Park

Brianna Shade
We nearly circled the entire island in our daily adventures.  Seeking out some beautiful waterfalls and lush foliage, we came to a park and campground on the northeastern corner.  It was just north enough that we caught some glimpses of the sun as it descended behind the craggy hills, but…
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Hawaii: The Volcano

Brianna Shade
Hawaii is a series of islands created through volcanic activity.  However, when we honeymooned there seven years ago, it was the one major thing we didn't fit into our itinerary, despite Aaron's affinity for geology.  Therefore, we were determined to explore it this time. (more…)
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Hawaii: Mauna Kea

Brianna Shade
If you're going to the Big Island, and if you have any fascination with the night sky, you won't want to miss Mauna Kea.  Home to the world's largest observatory and nearly 14,000 feet above sea level (and above most cloud layers), you won't see more beautiful stars, especially if…
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Hawaii: Pukas

Brianna Shade
In Hawaiian, "puka" means simply "hole."  It is most commonly used in association with the small shells strung together into a necklace.  These have a naturally occurring hole, making them nature's beads.  The term is also used to refer to holes in the lava rock, much like Pali Puka on Oahu…
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Hawaii: Captain Cook

Brianna Shade
One can't really visit Hawaii and not go snorkeling, so we were sure to get out as much as we could.  While Two Step had some amazing fish (and sea turtles), we found the water clarity simply couldn't be beat at the secluded Captain Cook point. (more…)
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Hawaii: South Point

Brianna Shade
We couldn't visit Hawaii without hitting the southernmost tip of the United States.  We had, of course, already been to Florida's Southernmost Point (though this isn't even accurate), but this is markedly less touristy and clearly more south.   (more…)
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Hawaii: Adventures in HDR

Brianna Shade
I've never quite understood the appeal of HDR (high dynamic range) photography (much like I don't go goo-goo over waterfalls).  They tend to look overly fake, oversaturated, and cartoonish.  I generally prefer to represent scenes as close to how I actually saw them as possible (with the occasional artistic flair).…
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Hawaii: Waipio Valley

Brianna Shade
"Waipi'o" means "curved water," and this can be seen in the concave shoreline and the arcing twin waterfalls visible from the beach nearly a thousand feet below the viewpoint.  Images primarily feature the lofty view.  Most don't dare brave the 25% grade, 4-wheel-drive-only road down to the bottom, but we…
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