I’ll be blogging a few posts about my trip to Hawaii. This is part one: Kauai! I visited in January, so some things may be slightly different if you visit during, say, July! Feel free to email or comment with any questions on details or recommendations. Enjoy!

A year ago, I would have never guessed that in the beginning of 2020 I would be on a series of flights to HAWAII! Let alone, camera in hand, to photograph some styled engagements and weddings!!!! This entire trip came together so smoothly, I know that it was meant to be. 8 wonderful days on two gorgeous islands in paradise, a photography workshop, and lots and lots of sunshine. I couldn’t have planned a better first trip to the Aloha State if I was a wizard!

I’ve known for my entire life that Hawaii was part of my background and had always dreamed of traveling there for my honeymoon or maybe a family vacation. Well, 27 years in to life, I was done waiting. So last summer, I applied for a spot in an exclusive workshop and was shocked to find out I’d been accepted! Suddenly, my daydreams of island life felt a little more concrete— I WAS GOING TO PHOTOGRAPH IN HAWAII!

Details sloooowwwly fell in to place. My fall was crazy in 2019, and I barely had time to do laundry… let alone figure out details for this trip. In early December, I booked my flights (all in all, approximately $1000 from DSM to Hawaii including checked baggage) and booked a room in the Honu’ea International Hostel for two nights. The week before I flew out, I used Turo to book a car for Oahu, and confirmed plans with my friend Becky who lives there. I packed (and re-packed) and prayed that #snowmageddon2020 wouldn’t keep me grounded.

Suddenly, by mid-day on January 18, my view out the airplane was the rocky mountains just outside Denver…

DAY ONE: KAUAI
AND I woke up on Sunday morning in KAUAI!!!! (to many many many noisy roosters crowing)

The views are incredible no matter what side of the island you’re on. And if you off-road, you may find a secret driftwood swing by the beach!

Wailua shave ice was recommended to me by MULTIPLE people. Lived up to the hype for sure! Pretty, tasty, and fresh fruit juices made for a wonderful mid-day treat after my bike ride.

Hanalei Bay (below) was the warmest body of water I encountered this entire trip and I wish I’d gone full in. Just have to go back, I guess. ;)

DAY TWO ON KAUAI

Ha’ena Beach was my favorite…. you’ll see it in the next few photos. We saw a rainbow, HUGE waves, and lots of lava rocks! SO pretty.

We stopped in to freshen up before the workshop began & snagged some lunch. More tacos!? OK! I was very happy with the chipotle shrimp tacos at Federico’s!

Then… it was time! We showed up to an incredibleeeeeeeeee set up for the Wild + Unwritten workshop by our new fav stylist gals, Bixby + Pine. Peyt and Kylie greeted us with hugs and leis, and we enjoyed cocktail hour, mingling with all the girls and hanging out before dinner.

DAY TWO + THREE:
WILD + UNWRITTEN WORKSHOP

snacks. yummy food. (more tacos! and margaritas!) and learning and styled shoots and not enough sleep but way too much FUNNNNN IN THE SUNNNNN!

NEXT UP: OAHU!!!

Things to do in Kauai:
-Rent bikes at Hele and bike along the ocean!
-Holo Holo Charters to see the Napali Coast
-Drive up to Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park and do some hiking!

Places to stay on Kauai:
-Honu’ea International Hostel (just be prepared to pay cash on arrival)
-Princeville Resort for someplace a bit more beachy + upscale
-air bnb is a great option as well!

Places to eat on Kauai:
-Hands down best shave ice is Wailua!!
-Java Kai for great coffee and fresh meal options!
-Verde in Lihue
-Beach House in Poipu
-Kalypso in Hanalei (SUCH GOOD tacos!)
-Tahiti Nui for the best Mai Tai on the island!