Photo of the Week 72
This week brought me to an exciting and unexpected destination, Kauai! As I announced last week, Angie of Angie Away offered to host me on what is frequently referred to as Hawaii’s most beautiful island, and I accepted. I couldn’t be happier I went — I got to explore another beautiful island, meet one of my favorite bloggers and make a new friend.
Onto this week’s Photo of the Week candidates!
Photo A
I flew in a tiny propeller plane away from Maui, with just three total seats in my row. I was sad to leave that island, but the beautiful views from the sky eased the pain.
Photo B
I didn’t have long in Kauai, so we didn’t waste a minute. Within an hour of leaving the airport I was driving along the beautiful and famous Waimea Valley Road. Here I experimented with HDR photography in Photoshop. What do you guys think?
Photo C
Hanalei Bay really pushed me over the edge into agreeing with the masses — I think Kauai might just be the most beautiful island of them all.
Photo D
It was in Kauai that I finally tried the sport I was so anxious to give a go at — SUPing, or Stand Up Paddleboarding! I loved it.
Photo E
Perhaps my greatest undertaking this week was hiking eight miles of the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast. The full twenty-two mile hike is one of the most famous in the world, and now that I’ve had a taste of it I’m excited to go back someday and do the whole thing!
Photo F
The shaka is a hand symbol used frequently on the islands to convey a variety of different meanings — hello, goodbye, thank you, take care, etc. It’s a friendly gesture often thrown up as a thank you to friendly drivers on the road, and it embraces the spirit of aloha that has made me love these islands so much.
I’m very sad to say this is my final Photo of the Week from Hawaii! Next week you’ll be seeing photos from storm-battered New York. Which photo is your favorite this week?
I'm a New York native who left my home to explore the world slowly and thoroughly. I love photography, scuba diving, and reading guidebooks to countries I have no immediate plans to visit. Read more on my 
Great pictures Alex. It looks like an amazing place! I am going to start doing the Shaka everywhere
Stephen Schreck recently posted..Top 15 Things I can’t Wait to Cross Off my Bucket List
I think I’m going to start doing it here on New York roads when people let me merge
All stunningly gorgeous! I think D is my fave!!! Enjoy your remaining days in Paradise.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..Review: Roomorama (Part 1)
That one is my secret favorite as well Andi
Great minds!
I LOVE photo B. I can’t wait to read about your upcoming Hawaii posts! Also how exactly does HDR photography work? Do you take three pictures and then layer them on photoshop or something? I’m clueless, haha.
Ashley of Ashley Abroad recently posted..5 Reason I’m Excited to Move to Paris (Later Today)
Some cameras have in-camera HDR settings that usually require a tripod. But also Photoshop has a a function that merges them and you can fuss with the settings. I used to just do it manually in Photoshop until a photographer friend showed me that there is an auto way to do it! Ha.
B is my fave too! Waimea is gorgeous!
Alexa Hart recently posted..EPISODE SLICE #21: How to Travel the World & STAY For Free
It’s really even more beautiful in person, if you can believe it!
I do believe it! I have been
Alexa Hart recently posted..EPISODE SLICE #21: How to Travel the World & STAY For Free
C!
Hi Nicky! Made me smile to see your name pop up
I like the dark and brooding element in photo C. And I agree that Kauai is the most beautiful island of all.
They all have something special about them, but yup — Kauai has the beauty
Loving B.
so much better than looking out the window at Sandy!
Annie recently posted..Weekly Photo: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
I’m watching it right now too. I’m back in New York today, good timing!
I like B the best. If you’re back in NY, please be safe, and I hope Sandy is kind to you and your family and friends!
Thanks Jen, back in Albany today and we’ve had one two-story tree go down in our yard. We are so grateful it missed our house and powerlines!
A – The “today” plane against the World as it has been forever – at least I think so, or did the Islands erupt out in an earthquake?
If I am remembering correctly I believe Hawaii is one of the youngest landmasses on earth, still being formed today! And yes, formed from volcanoes!
“A”!!!
Reminds me kinda-sorta of when we lived in … Alaska, where the small bush plane is almost as commonplace as a car on a Los Angeles freeway. Almost.
And hello, Nicky O!
Steve McKee recently posted..CENTAURS RECRUITED: What no one else said …
I loved all the inter-island flights. You barely buckle your seatbelt and you are landing again! However that kind of made the high price even more painful.
B and C really give me a sense of this place. Haven’t been to Hawaii, yet.
Be safe in the east.
Gaelyn recently posted..Atlas carries the world on his shoulders
Flights are cheaper than ever, Gaelyn! Now’s the time
Love all your photos! It was such a treat having you with us for a few days. Can’t wait until our meetup in December =)
Stay safe with Sandy!
Angie Away recently posted..Trouble in Paradise – Tsunamis & More in Kauai
Um, don’t you mean our two meetups in December? Let’s register for the run!
They’re all beautiful but I love C! the light streaming through the clouds is gorgeous!!
Sarah Somewhere recently posted..A Rooftop Farewell
I took that photo during what my friend Heather calls “Pretty Light Time.” I think she is right!
Alex, I look forward to a Wanderland in the North Country!
What North Country are you referring to?!
I’m going with F. Even though I can’t see your face in the shot, I can tell there’s a great big grin on it
Hannah recently posted..The bottom line
There was a grin on my face for pretty much the entire six weeks I was in Hawaii!
I like B….but it was a hard choice. They are all good.
I like when it’s hard to choose…. means I’m doing something right!
This is a great selection! The first few remind of Jurassic Park (which is a very good thing). I think my favorite is a tied race between A and B, for very different reasons.
Jessica – Travelling Alone recently posted..The Waterfalls of Thailand
Jessica, most of Jurassic Park was actually filmed on Kaua’i, so that makes a lot of sense!