Earth

Contemplation

A black swan in a foreign place, a curious eye and an inquisitive stare, a bright building in a dark landscape, these elements each played a role in this interaction. The swan waddled towards me without hesitation and inspected himself in my camera lens. I haven’t seen any other black swans in these islands and this unique breed acted as the keepers of the temple, greeting me and proudly standing in front of its entrance.

Black Swan

The temple and the black swan surprise me. In a rainy, tropical valley both the structure and the swan create an atmosphere of mystery. The beautiful architecture of the temple hints at different times and places, a foreign culture, and an intriguing past. The swan circles the grounds, unafraid of visitors and inquisitively inspecting new faces. The contrast of this location is enticing, pulling my mind in a new direction across the ocean to a place I've never been.

Be Still

The Byodo-In-Temple, a relic of another time, a memory of another place, emerges from the tranquil green landscape of Oahu’s windward side. I first discovered this scene existed in my home state after watching a Chris Brown music video featuring a geisha roaming these grounds. After learning of its whereabouts I set off on a mission to find it. Set amongst the rolling green mountains and staggering pine trees, the bright red hues of this structure make it a unique cultural destination on the island.

Pali Sunset

Dare me to climb higher. My first time hiking the Pali Notches yielded this outstanding view. With sharp drop offs on a narrow ridgeline, I held my ground as I looked back on the mountains as they intersected the sunlight. Every step forward improved the view and expanded my courage to continue climbing.

Haleakala Sunrise

Much more than a single moment, the journey to this point involved driving hours in the dark up a steep and winding crater, sleeping in a car on the side of the road, and waking at 5AM to continue to drive past 10,000 feet of elevation to this breathtaking point above the clouds. The drive up was slow and steady as I knew my headlights were the only thing protecting me from the cliffs looming in the distance. Once I reached a safe place to sleep, I pulled off the road unsure of what might happen in the night. Before falling asleep, I stepped outside and stared up at the most brilliant sky full of stars. It was then I knew this was the perfect resting place. Had the cold weather at this elevation not driven me back into the warmth of my sleeping bag in the car, I would have gladly slept outside under this cosmic blanket of sparks beaming down from space. When I woke, it was still dark yet there was no time to spare. As the road continued up the crater, the turns became sharper still until I finally reached the top. Running from my car I lined up at the crater’s rim just minutes before the sun broke through the clouds. This experience might be one of the closest things I’ve witnessed that compares to what astronauts see beyond earth’s atmosphere. Mahalo nui loa Maui.

Burning Light

Look where other people ignore. With a beach full of patrons and photographers, everyone was transfixed on the ocean. Yes, the sunrise was beautiful. Yes, the light on the islands was stunning. But don't settle. Train your mind to explore possibilities and be an active observer of the world making your own decisions in a given situation. Here the clouds were burning bright behind the beach in a way they nearly never do. I may have been the only one with my back to the sea but that's the way I like to live. Experimenting and implementing new ideas and noticing uncommon opportunities and observations.

Kauai Sky

The light lingers in Kauai’s sky long enough to dance across the clouds. Each night is different, as the colors, formations, and speed of the clouds change day by day. To arrive at this very spot before sunset, I drove from the opposite side of the island, up a steep and winding canyon road, and ran from my car with my camera in hand. The brief amount of remaining light here at this time was worth all the effort as I looked out at one of my favorite views in all of Hawaii.

Droplets

The island rain transforms the landscape into lush greenery with vibrant tropical fruits and flowers. One look at a plumeria tree and you’re instantly reminded of where you are, far from other landmasses on an isolated tropical oasis. Their sight and scent is enough to slow down daily living and offer a brief pause of appreciation.

Abundance

See, stop, inhale fully, exhale for twice as long. Island flowers decorate the landscape bringing color and vibrance to trees and tropical fish do to the coral reefs. Enjoy the imagery and think of the islands.

Peek

Peek at the peaks through the puka. The natural rock frame surrounds a stunning view of Oahu. To reach this point you must climb alongside a steep incline bordering a dramatic drop-off. For some of the hike you can escape the stress of the narrow path and seek a safer route through the bordering trees. Yet some stretches require you to suspend fear and trust your footing. Having the puka ahead motivates adventurers to go on and upward to see through the mountain and across the island.

Waimanalo Sunset

The hike began on the other side of the island. Not knowing what types of view lay ahead, we continued onto a new trail neither of us had ventured onto before. Hiking high above the valley, homes below and mountains in the distance shrank beneath our feet as we gained altitude. The path grew more narrow yet a faint hint of footsteps and broken branches led us forward. Finally, after a steep include through the trees, we stepped out of the woods to find this expansive lookout. A new angle of the island and glimpses of light rays beaming through the mountains made the trip quite the success.

Wild Waipio

“Be careful, they bite.” A lone hiker emerged from a hidden trail, sharing this warning as he continued on his way by. I wandered towards these horses at the back on the valley, admiring them in their secluded home. Other horses lived in the valley, behind fences, but these creatures were free to roam as they pleased. Here, we were just observers of this different lifestyle in a place that preserved history.

Berries

For some on a trail the sign of fresh berries could be a welcome sight, while for others it could be poison. At this point in the hike I had ventured off the main trail shortly before with the intention of discovering an alternative route. With the sun setting and darkness approaching I soon found the trail I had forged led nowhere. Quickly exerting more energy to retrace my steps, I opted for the familiar steep and narrow trail down, aware of the dwindling light. When I saw the berries, I stopped briefly to look out across the valley, seeing the sun reflect its orange glow on the ominous gray clouds. Luckily, in this scenario, the berries were a good omen and I made it down the mountain safely before dark. Now the image represents a moment of pause and peacefulness in an otherwise strenuous experience.

Na Pali Peaks

When I saw these peaks, I knew the golden beach would soon be in our reach. Something about the steep, narrow, dramatic formation of this mountain structure resembled the gates to Neverland. Its uncommon beauty reminded me of how special and unique this location truly is. Had I not captured this moment, it may have slipped from my memory, as if it were something from a distant dream.

Olympus Through the Mist

The mountain to my left felt deceivingly close. As I ascended into the valley and up the ridgeline from which I took this photo, I saw thin trails of switchbacks winding across the opposite mountain. Surely, these paths must connect. As I got closer, the switchbacks appeared more defined, yet suddenly, they stopped. The mountain dropped off into a chasm of space between us. Looking all around for a safe passage, my chances were slim as each path led to an abrupt ledge. The only creature I imagine that could have created the paths I saw were the rarely seen mountain goats who surprisingly hike better than most humans.

Ridgeline

Why do we climb mountains? To feel closer to nature, to clear our minds, to tap into our sense of exploration and discovery, the list goes on. I love the ruggedness of a technical trail, one that keeps me alert and focused on each and every step. You can't look too far ahead and overwhelm yourself with the distance and difficulties remaining, because each step becomes a crucial decision for how your body will handle the trail. My favorite hikes, such as this one here, have views the entire way, which is why Hawaii's ridgelines are so rewarding. After hiking for several hours to arrive at this point, I saw connections in the trail system that I didn't know existed and formed plans with new friends to test our limits on another day in these mountains.

Olympus

As a student at University of Hawaii I lived across the street from a valley where a mountainous trail lined the ridges. At the entrance to the trail, massive pine trees form a shadowy forest and a superb destination for hammocks. Intending to literally hang out here, I brought my hammock and a book but felt the pull of curiosity enticing me deeper into the woods. I followed my urge to explore and found my feet had no intention of stopping. Before I knew it, I was standing deep in the back of the valley looking out at my former school and the city of Honolulu. But the path wasn’t over. At a fork in the trail, I had three choices. I could continue in the circular shape of the hike and descend back to the road from the other side of the valley, turn around and return back to the entrance avoiding potential rainfall and muddy paths ahead, or go up. I went up. The trail ascended, ropes were used to climb more dramatic rock structures, and my clothes took on the color of the earth. Each step invited the potential of getting caught in a rain storm, but the lure of the trail was too strong to impact my decision. After hours of hiking, I summited Mount Olympus, high in the clouds, yet clear enough to see both the city and the east side simultaneously. I sat in the grass, let my feet drop over the side of the cliff, and admired a view I had never seen before.

Third Peak

Squint your eyes just a bit and look at the tip of the mountain. You’ll see teeny, tiny human forms conquering this pointy peak. The journey to this point involves ascending and descending two other mountains of comparable size before reaching the ropes and rock faces that await you on the third haul. I have never seen a comparable shape of land anywhere else on the island, or even in the world. Surrounded by a massive mountain range in the distance, this one unique, triangular rock emerges on its own, adding a new decoration, or perhaps obstacle course, to the landscape.

Two Peaks

You build strength and resilience each time you go beyond the scope of your awareness. In the instance of conquering this hike, the discovery process occurred in stages. When I first hiked the first peak with a group of students and one experienced guide, the act of using a rope to summit a sheer rock face made me tremble. Increasing my anxiety, my younger brother was also visiting, and trailing behind me on this dangerous hike. The next two times I hiked it, over a year later, the rope didn't faze me at all, as my comfort with rock climbing and experience testing my abilities grew. The fourth time, I went alone, using tree branches instead of rope and scaling a new, steeper side of the cliff. Then, I snapped this shot and headed off to the second peak in the distance.

Olomana’s Third Peak

Ropes, muds, loose dirt, and two mountain peaks later I arrived at this point. Sitting on the edge of the second peak, I dangled my legs over the steep drop-off of another cliff to snap this shot. While the jagged, pointy ridge ahead looks like a trick to climb, the most difficult part of this trail began just below where I perched. The only way down is to trust yourself to ropes tied to broken tree roots and branches as you shimmy down the rock face. But the third peak, that unusual rock formation protruding from the ground, beckons hikers forward as they turn into tiny creatures scurrying up the landscape offering a spectacle for those on the earlier peaks and the occasional helicopter that swoops in for a closer look.

Tree Tunnel

Walking along this road transports you to an enchanted forest. The trees stretch high above the road, reaching across to each other and forming a welcoming tunnel, with a bright light not only at the end, but illuminating the branches along the way. Whether you’re a skateboarder, a runner, or a monkey this path is one you’ll want to cross. Emerald green jungle vibes and tropical air with a refreshing breeze await.

Country Road

What a welcoming road! Inviting guests to disappear into the jungle oasis at the base of beautiful mountains, this road dives into a vast botanical garden around the bend. Spend the night. Spend the day. Sweat your way through a humid morning run. Whatever your objective is, you can't go wrong taking a turn down a path as gorgeous as this.

Akaka Falls

I like to find places that are off the beaten path, however the only way to the bottom of this fall was straight down. Standing on a rail, raising my camera to capture this shot, I stretched my neck, gazing around the perimeter of the waterfall for a hike, or even a climb down. The ferns grew only a few feet in front of us on horizontal ground before the cliff dropped dramatically down into the small stream below. Meanwhile, just up ahead on the paved path we walked on, massive trees had crashed down and piled up, blocking our ability to get to the next waterfall. Nature can’t be tamed. Unapologetic and inspiring, it grows and develops in its own way.

Moment in Time

Jungle Oasis

Stunning from every angle, Rainbow Falls is a blast to visit because you can stand on top of the falls peering down into the pools below and feeling the energy of the water cascading down as the mist brushes across your face. I was exploring the scene from this angle hoping to find a trail down to the base of the fall but found myself covered in cobwebs and hanging from roots protruding out of loose dirt. Abandoning that plan, I snapped this photo before climbing to the top of the rock cliffs ahead inching closer and closer to the dropping point.

Cascades

Kalalau

This view is magic. The island of Kauai, the Garden Isle, erupts from the ocean, showering the land with glowing green gems of mountains. You might have to drive for hours to arrive at this point, but as soon as you step out of the car, cross the grass, and descend down onto the dirt the past events of the day will melt away. The expansive valley views ground you to present and twirl your perspective around its tree branch of a wand, pulling it slowing out of the confines of your mind and exposing it to possibilities and twinkling jungle sounds. Welcome to Kauai. I hope you one day visit.

Wild Air

“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink the wild air.” One of my favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson effectively captures my feelings as I walked across this beach, taking in the view from all angles. One thing he might have added had he explored this spot would be “Shower in the waterfalls.” I don’t know of many places on earth where that might be as applicable as in Hawaii but I am grateful for this location, where it was our only option.

Garden in the Clouds

Sunset above the clouds, across the ocean, and over the city viewed from a mountaintop garden on a tropical island... Sometimes I feel like I am making these scenarios up! Luckily the photos serve as proof that this unique beauty and perspective does exist, even in urban areas. I love seeing green spaces preserved in and around cities where people can retreat and the earth can rejuvenate.

Kauai’s Tree

This tree proudly stands on the edge of a cliff that descends hundreds of feet into the valley below. It is a checkpoint for some, encouraging them to come closer for a look down and hold onto the tree for support. For others, it is a dare. Bold climbers will lift their bodies up and perch on the dry, questionable limb, trusting their fate to the tree. Others still will walk beyond the tree, unfazed by its presence, and descend the crumbling cliff further downward until the earth makes a 90 degree turn. The view is unreal, and moments here, unforgettable.

Luck of the Island

This is by far the brightest green valley I have ever seen! Walking onto this scene made me want to go horseback riding across the water and deep into the valley. With no end in sight it would have been an all day mission to walk the extent of this location by foot and instead I opted to admire the view from the outer edges.

Big Island Valleys

Completely surrounded by lush green mountains on three sides and a vast ocean behind me, standing in the valley of the Big Island truly separated me from the busy, outside world. It’s unclear how far back the valleys went and you can walk for hours and miles along the coastline ascending and descending the switchbacks of the rolling mountains. Locations like this on other islands may be filled with houses and development, but seeing the natural, untouched landscape was truly a treat and glimpse back into the past.

Hiking Paradise

Eleven miles of hiking alongside the Na Pali Coast on Kauai takes you far outside of civilization and leaves your wi-fi signal behind with it. Weaving in and out of the mountains on the coast takes hours and you eventually arrive at a nearly deserted beach that preserves the tranquility of the lifestyle pre-civilization. You shower off in a waterfall, sleep in the sand, or hang your hammock from a tree, relishing in the rest you earned after the arduous hike.

Waipio

Find balance. Walking through the black sand of Waipio, disconnected from wifi signals and surrounded by a simpler approach to living, a calming effect washed over me. Here, life was about the waves, sunshine, and waterfall around the corner. This valley is protected to preserve the more traditional way of life. One day I'll explore what lies in the neighboring valley. Until then, I'll enjoy the memory of this view, black sand beneath my feet, and bright blue waters washing up over the beach.

Paradise Found

When I think back on this experience, what first comes to mind is the strong feelings of awe and relief I felt upon finding this beach. Hiking eleven miles, away from the crowds, and into the wilderness, the journey here wiped our minds of modern conveniences and helped refocus appreciation on simple pleasures - a moment of rest, a gulp of fresh water, the taste of ripe guava right off the tree. Once we arrived here, the view was even more of a reward than I had imagined.

Lanikai from Olomana

Ah the lush green east side of Oahu with its bright blue coastline hosts a variety of hikes for all skill levels. As this view caught my eye, I had just began my ascent back up the first peek after returning from the summit of the second. We often hike the smaller hills surrounding the Mokes, the two islands in the distance, to catch an elevated view of these gems. Olomana offered a new heightened perspective that dwarfed the gentler, Lanikai Pillbox hike. From where I stood, another mountain range towered over Olomana, behind me. Three tiers of challenges and rewards, three more reasons to get outside.

Mountains Meet Sea

This hike began by a beach then traversed through the jungle, bringing us deeper into a valley. Miles later I found myself using ropes and tree branches to climb of the side of a vertical cliff. With each passing hour, the summit seemed closer yet another obstacle lay right beyond our view. Finally, I pulled myself up the last rope, walked through a dense growth of trees and vines, and emerged onto a tiny stretch of grass overlooking the view pictured here. Mountains and islands that once seemed large were dwarfed by this new perspective. The bay appeared brighter than ever before as each shade of blue swirled together like wet paint on a canvas. Without a doubt, the is one of the longest and most rewarding hikes I've done on Oahu.

Sunbathe

Sleeping the afternoon away, a Hawaiian monk seal enjoyed the winter sunshine out of the water. Monk seals are interesting creatures, sometimes reminding me of puppies while other times reminding me of their strength and speed under water as aquatic animals. They swim between the Hawaiian islands, resting on shores and hunting for fish. With only 1,000 left, we all work together to protect them..

Canyon of the Pacific

Layers

Speak

Aloha