Hawaii is a place I’ve returned to more times than I can count, yet it feels different with each visit. There’s a timelessness to it—a rhythm that exists outside of tourist hotspots and mega resorts. I’m not drawn to posh hotels or curated experiences. Instead, I seek out places with a more local feel—spaces where life moves slower and where supporting the local community is at the heart of the experience.

On my last trip to Kauai, we drove as far as the highway would take us, finding beaches that felt quieter, more rooted in everyday island life. What always captivates me, though, is the light. It shapes everything—filtering through the lush forests, shifting across the ocean, and giving each moment a sense of awe. Much like my work in California, capturing that light becomes the heart of my photography here.

But it’s more than just landscapes. Over time, I’ve tried to become a better visitor—deepening my awareness of the indigenous people whose history is woven into the land. There’s humility in recognizing that I am a guest, treading carefully in a world that has endured far beyond us. It’s this feeling—of nature’s quiet dominance and the cultural richness beneath it—that continues to inspire me every time I return.

Hawaii