In 2004 Lori wanted to run her first Marathon in Maui. It was the first time both of us had been to the Hawaiian Islands and after spending 11 days in Paradise we hoped it would not be our last visit. As luck would have it, we returned to Hawaii in 2009 and this time we spent 9 days on the Big Island.
Photographers will love the many genres that are available on the islands. Floral photographers will think they died and went to heaven with all the wildflowers, orchids, and exotic plants they can image. Landscape and outdoor photographers can experience and capture 10 of the worlds 14 climatic zones. Travel and cultural photographers will always have endless opportunities to pursue their passions. The diversity of marine and bird life will keep wildlife photographers glued to their lenses, but don’t expect much in the big game department unless you’re into wild pigs and chickens. And you wedding photographers? Well, it’s Hawaii! ‘Nuf said?
I enjoyed the time we spent on the islands, and I would go back. However, after a brief bout of Hawaii Fever, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there, or perhaps I should rephrase that to “I couldn’t afford to live there.” My favorite places in the world are mountains and regardless how impressive they may be, volcanoes are no substitute for a real mountain range. The clincher is, surprisingly, the weather, which though a balmy 87F most of the year, includes 100% humidity. After baking under the Arizona sun for 42 years, this desert lizard can no longer tolerate that kind of humidity.
