The Wild Beauty of Kauai

Physical Difficulty — Easy to Moderate

This tour does not include long or strenuous hikes. Most viewpoints are easily accessible by car, followed by short walks. The most physically demanding activities are optional steep descents to a beach or the base of a waterfall, followed by the climb back up. Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and hiking moderate inclines.

Weather

Mid-May is one of the best times to visit Kauai. Expect daytime temperatures between 75–82°F (24–28°C) and nighttime temperatures around 68–72°F (20–22°C). Brief tropical showers are common, especially on the island’s north shore, but they usually pass quickly and are often followed by sunshine. The rain is what makes Kauai so incredibly lush and is also responsible for its countless waterfalls. Light, breathable clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, a light rain jacket, and sun protection are recommended.

Transportation

All ground transportation during the tour is included in the tour price.

Participants are responsible for their own flights to and from Kauai, as well as transportation between the airport and our Airbnb before and after the tour.

We will do our best to meet arriving participants at the airport and provide transportation to the house whenever possible. However, because everyone arrives on different flights, we cannot guarantee airport pickups. Please be prepared to use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi if necessary on arrival or departure.

Lodging

We’ll stay together in a comfortable Airbnb house, creating a relaxed, home-like atmosphere throughout the trip. Staying in a house also gives us the flexibility to start early, return late after sunset, and enjoy meals on our own schedule.

If you would like single-occupancy accommodation, please contact us as early as possible. Availability is very limited and cannot be guaranteed.

Meals

Meals are not included in the tour price.

Most of our breakfasts and several dinners will be prepared at the house. Your guides will take care of the cooking, so there is no expectation that participants help, although assistance is always welcome.

Preparing some of our own meals not only creates a fun, relaxed group atmosphere, but also helps reduce costs on one of Hawaii’s most expensive islands. It also gives us the flexibility to eat whenever it best fits our photography schedule instead of planning around restaurant business hours.

We’ll also have opportunities to enjoy local cafés and restaurants during the tour.

Recommended Photo Equipment:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with extra batteries and plenty of memory cards.
• An underwater camera for snorkeling, or a waterproof housing for your camera or phone.
• A sturdy tripod with a ball head. A leveling base is optional but very helpful for creating panoramic images.
• A wide-angle to standard zoom lens with lens hoods (I typically carry 16–35mm and 24–70mm lenses).
• A telephoto zoom lens for wildlife, abstract compositions, and compressed landscapes (I use 70–200mm and 100–500mm lenses).
• A circular polarizing filter to reduce reflections on water and wet foliage and enhance colors.
• Graduated neutral density filters (if you use them).
• A drone with extra batteries (optional). Participants are responsible for complying with all U.S. drone laws and regulations. Your drone must be registered in the United States if required, and you must obtain any necessary FAA certifications or permits before the workshop.
• A rocket blower and several microfiber cloths to keep your lenses clean and dry in Kauai’s humid environment.

Most importantly—bring a great attitude and a sense of adventure!

Recommended Personal Gear:

• Flashlight or headlamp for pre-dawn photography sessions.
• Lightweight rain jacket and rain pants.
• Warm fleece or lightweight insulating jacket for cool mornings.
• Windproof jacket.
• Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes with good traction.
• Water shoes (reef shoes) for snorkeling, rocky beaches, and waterfall areas.
• Backpack to comfortably carry your camera equipment and personal items.
• Snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins).
• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.
• Hat or cap for sun protection.
• Reusable water bottle.

Pack light but be prepared for a variety of conditions. Kauai’s weather can change quickly, and you’ll likely experience sunshine, tropical showers, beaches, waterfalls, and mountain viewpoints—all in the same day.