Kauai’s Secret Beach

Surf crashing on rocks at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Surf crashing on rocks at Secret Beach, Kauai, Hawaii

If you’re in search of warmer latitudes and a sense of adventure the north shore of Kauai is a great place to get away from it all. From the rugged Na Pali Coast at road’s end in Ha’ena, the famed Kalalau Trail traverses the cliffs and valleys of this spectacular landscape for a truly unforgettable hiking experience.

For maximum time on the water, kayaking the 16 mile coastline is a truly unique way to see this remote part of the island that doesn’t require an overnight. Several tour companies in Hanalei provide all the equipment and an informative guide along with pickup service at the end of the journey.

But perhaps this all sounds a bit too adventurous after your escape from the mainland, and all you really want is a quite little piece of paradise to call your own. In that case, you can’t do much better than Kauapea Beach (known by the locals as Secret Beach). This pristine strip of golden sand is a short detour off the Kuhio Highway, but is rarely crowded and offers wonderful views of the Kilauea Lighthouse above the turquoise waters of the Pacific.

Whether you need to wind down with your toes in the sand after a day of hiking or paddling, or prefer to spend all your time a la Robinson Crusoe just off the grid and unplugged – this secluded hideaway is a mandatory stop on your North Shore adventure.

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

World Photography Organisation | Profile

What goes into making great landscape and nature photography?
Studying the masters is a great foundation, followed by practice and patience. Personal style is something that you develop after years of practice and applying your craft, which ultimately results in a unique creative vision…

The World Photography Organisation recently did a profile piece in which I discuss my creative origins and approach to landscape photography. Click the image below to link to the interview.

Please share and enjoy!

Winter sunset over Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California USA
Winter sunset over Yosemite Valley from Tunnel View, Yosemite National Park, California

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved

My Backyard

My Backyard. Sunset over the Channel Islands from Ventura State Beach, Ventura, California USA
Sunset over the Channel Islands from Ventura State Beach, Ventura, California

As a landscape photographer I spend a fair amount of time on the road each year often traveling hundreds or thousands of miles to remote locations. So it struck a chord when it was recently suggested within the online community of photographers to showcase images of those special places that are close to home – essentially in our backyard.

I’m fortunate to have a national park adjacent to my community and, although it’s 11 miles offshore in the Pacific Ocean and I don’t make it out there as often as I’d like, I do get to see it most every day. Channel Islands National Park is made up of five of the eight Channel Islands with Santa Cruz seen here being the largest. The islands are rich in Native American culture and wildlife, and are a diver’s paradise. But even from afar they make a wonderful setting for a classic Southern California sunset.

When planning your next photographic adventure don’t overlook the local gems that are within easy reach and may provide just as much visual opportunity as those popular locations miles from home.

 

©Russ Bishop/All Rights Reserved