Kauai Photography Workshop - 2024 Recap

Kauai is one if the most beautiful islands in the world. Words simply cannot capture the beauty of this island. Luckily we live in a world with cameras! Kauai is loaded with incredible photography opportunities! From pristine beaches to rugged coastline and waterfalls, Kauai has it all. When the light gets good in Hawaii , it’s some of the most beautiful light that you will ever see. In the winter of 2024 I lead a small group of photographers on an incredible photographic journey around the entire island. Continue reading to get an idea of what the trip was like.

Before we dive in too deep, I’d like to discuss a few important details that set my Kauai photography workshop apart from others. First and most importantly, my workshop always happens in the winter. The winter months offer the most dramatic waves and light. The weather is also the most comfortable in the winter. The Wardynski Photo Kauai workshop is based out of two very convenient locations with one on the south shore and the other on the north. Basing out of two different locations on the island significantly cuts down on the amount of driving time required to get to and from the shoots. Many workshop base out of the central part of the island which results in way too much driving since most of the really good locations are on the far north and south portions of the island. Lastly, this Kauai workshop includes a doors off helicopter photography flight at no additional cost.

PoiPu and the south shore

Now that I’ve explained some of the benefits of the Wardynski Photo Kauai workshop, let’s get into the sweet details. Before we even step foot on the island, participants were briefed on what to expect and were given my "Kauai Photography Gear List" to ensure that everyone was on the right page. The workshop began on a beautiful sunny afternoon as the group met in the lounge area of the Sheraton in PoiPu for orientation. After the group got to know one another I explained the details for the coming weeklong trip and answered any questions. Once we wrapped up the orientation we headed out to shoot sunset at one of my favorite piers on the island.

Over the next couple of days the group headed out to collect a variety of sunrise and sunset photographs from the southern portion of the island. The first scheduled helicopter flight was canceled due to high winds but we made it up on our second attempt and we were rewarded with dramatic light during the flight. All in all, the weather was very cooperative and pleasant during our time on the south shore. We shot soothing seascapes on the coast, dramatic light in Waimea Canyon and much more.

Princeville and the north shore

When the workshop was halfway over we checked out of our Poipu lodging and headed north to Princeville where we would be staying for a few more nights. The north shore is very dramatic, and we were lucky to have some great waves and gorgeous light on our first evening in the region. Over the next few days we had good luck photographing sunrise and sunset across the northern portion of the island. Participants had plenty of opportunities to experiment with a variety of neutral density filters and exposure times while they captured dramatic seascapes with their cameras.

Hanalei Bay is home to some of the best coffee, pastries and breakfast on the island so the group stopped in town to indulge each morning after our sunrise shoots. When the workshop came to an end each participant had acquired a few more photos for their portfolio and made some new friends along the way. I even heard someone say that it was their favorite workshop that they had ever done. I must admit that the Kauai workshop is one of my favorite workshops I lead as well. What’s not to like? Kauai is photographer’s paradise with no shortage of incredible photo opportunities.

Conclusion

Winter in Kauai is the best time to photograph the island when the crowds are down and so are the fares for flights. There’s just something about standing on a beach in paradise doing what you love with warm water rolling over your feet. Don’t take my word for it though. Come see why Kauai is one of my favorite places to photograph for yourself.