Australian photographer and filmmaker Craig Parry recently visited the Island of Hawaii.
We asked him to spill the beans on what keeps drawing him back to Hawaii year after year, along with his must-visit spots and expert tips for snapping Instagram-worthy holiday pics.
What do you love most about Hawaii?
Hawaii is one of my top destinations and I make sure I get over there every year – Kauai, Oahu and the Island of Hawaii are my general ‘go to’ locations. The varied landscape, marine wildlife, accessibility and friendly locals combine to make it a photographer’s paradise.
What makes the Island of Hawaii such a stand-out destination in your eyes?
Each island is unique in its offering – whether it be surfing on Oahu, the magnificent cliffs of Kauai or the volcano on the Island of Hawaii.
It is the active volcano which makes the Big Island a stand out destination for me – to see the lava flowing into the ocean is incredible and a reminder of how powerful nature can be. Visually, it offers a unique opportunity to capture the merging of two of the most powerful of earth’s elements – fire and water.
What is it about the local people that keeps drawing you back to Hawaii?
From the moment I step on the flight to Hawaii I am greeted by the “Aloha Spirit” – friendly smiles and the holiday vibe. I find moving across the islands of Hawaii an easy task as people are incredibly helpful and keen to share their local insights and tips on sites to see.
What was the most memorable part of your time on the Island of Hawaii?
Getting up before the crack of dawn to witness lava flowing directly into the Pacific Ocean at sunrise. Floating on a boat at the edge of the action with steam rising around us was a surreal and a once in a lifetime experience.
Why would you recommend the Island of Hawaii for solo travellers or adventure seekers?
The island is relatively easy to navigate and move across, meaning there is the ability to access the area’s wide variety of activities and sites. From hiking to fantastic snorkelling and diving locations it really does offer the ability to create your own journey.
What are your three absolute, must-dos on the Island of Hawaii?
The three things I always tell people they must do are:
- Take a helicopter ride along the northern coastline at sunset – the views are spectacular, particularly the waterfalls which cascade into the ocean
- Swim with the Spinner Dolphins off Keauhou Bay
- View the action of Kilauea Volcano, whether it be a visit to the crater or witnessing the lava entering the Pacific Ocean.
What are your top three tips for capturing epic holiday snaps?
- People like to picture themselves where you are, so to make your images relatable by either placing yourself or other people in frame.
- The natural light which occurs an hour before sunset (Golden Hour) creates an awesome backdrop for your images.
- When framing your image offset your subject into the far left or far right of the picture – this composition creates a more appealing visual.
Click here to watch Craig and Jakes’s adventure on the Island of Hawaii.