A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to the Big Island (Hawai’i), USA

The Big Island of Hawai’i is the biggest of the eight main Hawaiian islands, hence its name. On the Kona side, the island is covered with black lava rock, a result of lava flow from the island’s five volcanoes. On the Hilo side, the island is covered in lush landscape because of the frequent rain, which never fail to bring rainbows. Set out on a snorkeling adventure or explore the diverse environment with your Lomography gear.

Kona Coffee is some of the best in the world. Kailua Kona, tucked between the two volcanoes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa, is a narrow region that produces these heavenly beans. You can’t leave the Big Island without taking a tour of one of these coffee farms, such as Kona Coffee Living History Farm or Rooster Farms. Photo by koduckgirl

Kona Coffee is some of the best in the world. Kailua Kona, tucked between the two volcanoes of Hualālai and Mauna Loa, is a narrow region that produces these heavenly beans. You can’t leave the Big Island without taking a tour of one of these coffee farms, such as Kona Coffee Living History Farm or Rooster Farms. Photo by koduckgirl

82-6199 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA
'Akaka Falls is named after a Hawaiian chief and is 442 feet of natural beauty. Take an easy 0.4 mile loop to get a spectacular view. Shoot on LomoChrome Purple for cool effects of the jungle around you. Photo by sugarcottonlamb

'Akaka Falls is named after a Hawaiian chief and is 442 feet of natural beauty. Take an easy 0.4 mile loop to get a spectacular view. Shoot on LomoChrome Purple for cool effects of the jungle around you. Photo by sugarcottonlamb

Hawaii 96728, USA
Ever wanted to see an active volcano? The Kīlauea Iki Crater is best viewed in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. You can also hike the Crater Rim Trail for a 360 view of the volcano and make sure to take your Spinner 360 camera with you! Just be sure to check the park’s news before going, because road closures are possible when there is more volcanic activity. Photo by spiralcow

Ever wanted to see an active volcano? The Kīlauea Iki Crater is best viewed in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. You can also hike the Crater Rim Trail for a 360 view of the volcano and make sure to take your Spinner 360 camera with you! Just be sure to check the park’s news before going, because road closures are possible when there is more volcanic activity. Photo by spiralcow

Pāhoa, HI 96778, USA
Mauna Kea is one of the Big Island’s five volcanoes, and is the tallest mountain on Earth, measuring 10,200 meters (33,000 ft) tall from sea level. At the top is the Mauna Kea Observatory with thirteen working telescopes. Take an adventurous drive up to the summit at sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking view of the island. Fun fact! In the winter, many locals take their skis and snowboards up to the top for some Island fun in the snow. Photo by joshsjackson

Mauna Kea is one of the Big Island’s five volcanoes, and is the tallest mountain on Earth, measuring 10,200 meters (33,000 ft) tall from sea level. At the top is the Mauna Kea Observatory with thirteen working telescopes. Take an adventurous drive up to the summit at sunrise or sunset for a breathtaking view of the island. Fun fact! In the winter, many locals take their skis and snowboards up to the top for some Island fun in the snow. Photo by joshsjackson

Island of, HI 96720, USA
Everyone loves the warm Hawaiian waters, especially dolphins and whales. Book a Catamaran Tour out of Honokohau Harbor for a day of snorkeling and swimming with these magical creatures. Don’t forget your Lomo Krab Underwater Casing or Simple Use Underwater Case for some underwater shots! Photo by natalieerachel

Everyone loves the warm Hawaiian waters, especially dolphins and whales. Book a Catamaran Tour out of Honokohau Harbor for a day of snorkeling and swimming with these magical creatures. Don’t forget your Lomo Krab Underwater Casing or Simple Use Underwater Case for some underwater shots! Photo by natalieerachel

Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, Kaiminani, HI 96740, USA
Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, with a breathtaking coral reef. It is the largest natural bay on the island and is designated as a Marine Life Conservation District due to the abundance of marine life. Photo by fauxpaul

Kealakekua Bay is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, with a breathtaking coral reef. It is the largest natural bay on the island and is designated as a Marine Life Conservation District due to the abundance of marine life. Photo by fauxpaul

Kealakekua Bay, Hawaii 96704, USA
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center located on the Hilo side of the island is a great place to learn about the navigation methods and patterns of the Hawaiians. It features a 3D planetarium and has something for everyone. Take a long exposure shot to capture the light show! Photo by natalieerachel

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center located on the Hilo side of the island is a great place to learn about the navigation methods and patterns of the Hawaiians. It features a 3D planetarium and has something for everyone. Take a long exposure shot to capture the light show! Photo by natalieerachel

600 Imiloa Pl, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Located on the Kona side of the island in Queen’s Marketplace near Waikoloa village is Lava Light Galleries. One of the best photography galleries on the island featuring art by locals! Stop by to admire the amazing photographs and do some shopping in the Marketplace after. Photo by kdstevens

Located on the Kona side of the island in Queen’s Marketplace near Waikoloa village is Lava Light Galleries. One of the best photography galleries on the island featuring art by locals! Stop by to admire the amazing photographs and do some shopping in the Marketplace after. Photo by kdstevens

69-201 Waikōloa Beach Dr F-13, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738, USA

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture on the Big Island of Hawai’i

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks on the Big Island to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Hulihe’e Palace
Want to walk in the footsteps of King Kamehameha the Great? This palace was originally built out of lava rock on land and later rebuilt into this six-room palace, located in Kailua-Kona on Ali‘i Drive. This historic waterfront palace also holds 'Ukulele Classes for those who want to learn how to play the Hawaiian instrument.

Photos by t-hustlevisuals, goonies and Alexandra Bennett
Photos by t-hustlevisuals, goonies and Alexandra Bennett
Photos by t-hustlevisuals, goonies and Alexandra Bennett
Photos by t-hustlevisuals, goonies and Alexandra Bennett

Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Head over to this historic coffee farm, one of about 650 currently cultivating coffee on the Big Island. Coffee is one of the main exports of the Islands, so make sure to grab a bag of your favorite beans while you’re there as well. At home you can try Caffenol development of your chosen Lomography film with the Hawaiian coffee beans!

Lyman Museum
Located in Hilo, Lyman Museum is perfect for learning about the history of the Hawaiian islands, and showcases art and photographs local to the islands.

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene on the Big Island of Hawai’i

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the Big Island. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Hawai’i-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Photos by fauxpaul
Photos by fauxpaul

Kalkoko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Located just south of Kona Airport, this park features Hawaiian fishponds and a green sea turtle or two. Learn about the fishing techniques of ancient Hawaiians and bring your LomoChrome Color ’92 Sunkissed to capture the gorgeous colors around you.

Lava Tube
Want to trace the path of molten lava? You can walk through Nahuku, or a lava tube underground. Take your Fisheye camera with you to capture the rounded shape of the tube and journey through this underground maze for a unique Hawaiian experience.

Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden
These gardens feature thousands of species of tropical plants and is a great place for some tranquility. Perfect for a photography opportunity, and learning about the diverse Hawaiian ecosystem.

The Vanillerie
Located five minutes from the Kona airport, tour this vanilla farm and taste aromatic hand-grown vanilla. Shoot your photos in Macro Photography for some great details of the vanilla beans!

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

Tips from the Lomography School

Lomographers from Island of Hawai’i

  • natalieerachel

    5,068 Photos · joined 2010-10-11
    natalieerachel

    It's been a while...

  • neanderthalis

    10,518 Photos · joined 2010-05-27
    neanderthalis

    My cameras help me maintain my sanity

  • tienaustin

    2,252 Photos · joined 2015-05-20
    tienaustin

    Honolulu, HI

  • nigelk

    3,247 Photos · joined 2010-11-24
    nigelk

    I'm in love with film!! I also enjoy developing my film at home. I currently own over 70 film cameras and I try to give them all equal love. If you're coming to Honolulu, let me know and we can g …

  • summsumm

    471 Photos · joined 2011-06-15
    summsumm

    Hey everyone, I'm Summer! I'm just getting started with Lomography. You might recognize me from a bunch of natalieerachel's photos! :)

  • lomo_the_nations

    255 Photos · joined 2009-05-09
    lomo_the_nations

    The great use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it - William James || HAWAII IS MY HOME || || keep the country country || HEgreaterthani

  • jcwolf

    1,037 Photos · joined 2009-05-09
    jcwolf

    to view my most recent photos please go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/wolfskin/sets/ my instagram is @WLFSKN cheers! :)

  • michaelback

    158 Photos · joined 2009-05-08
    michaelback

    I am new to photography, only had a point and shoot digital camera that I had fun with so i thought I would get into Analog since it needed some discipline...Too much instant gratification in my lif …

  • zeesijo

    273 Photos · joined 2012-11-15
    zeesijo

    Walk through life barefoot- take a deep breath during rough times and snap away during your life, capturing those perfect moments- you have only one <3 -LA SARDINA CAMERA -WATERPROOF CAMERA -ANY …

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