Hawaii Photography Adventure 2025: Kauai & Maui
Pictures in Paradise - Waves, Waterfalls & Wildlife
Experience Highlights
- Personalized Instruction – group instruction and one-on-one in-the-field coaching with professional photographer and Maui resident Lyle Krannichfeld
- Lush Tropical Landscapes and Seascapes - magic-hour photo sessions on white and black sand beaches and in tropical forests
- Winter Waves – the biggest surf of the year and those who ride them.
- World-famous attractions – Sunrise atop Mt. Haleakala, the Road to Hana, Diamondhead, Waimea Canyon, the Napali Coast & more!
- Whale Photography – aboard a private charter in search of Humpbacks who seem to enjoy the warm island waters as much as the tourists who vacation here.
- Iconic Wildlife – Sea turtles, Monk seals, native birds - there’s never any guarantees with wildlife, but we’ll take our best shot at finding and photographing these native species.
At A Glance
Jan 8–15, 2025
(Kauai & maui)
Jan 15–17, 2025
(Optional Oahu Extension)
Starts/Ends:
Hawaii
– various locations in Maui, Kauai & Oahu (optional)
$5950 per person, Double occupancy
+$1600 Single Lodging Supplement
+ $400 Optional Napali Coast (Kauai)
Helicopter Photo Tour
$1950 Optional Oahu Extension,
+$450 Single Lodging Supplement
Deposit: $1,500
What's Included: Lodging, Inter-Island flight(s), Airport transfers, Ground Transportation & Photography Instruction
What's Not Included: Flights to/from mainland US, Meals, Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses & Gratuities. Anything not specifically listed as included
Pictures in Paradise: Waves, Waterfalls, Wildlife & More
Join Maui resident, professional photographer and gallery owner, Lyle Krannichfeld for an epic Photography Adventure in Paradise. Our itinerary includes the best of the ‘must-see’s’, but we venture beyond-the-beaten-path to lesser-known destinations familiar only to locals.
Our days start early and end late because that’s when the best light happens and because there’s so much to experience on every Hawaiian island.
Photograph big surf on the north shores of Kauai and Oahu (optional extension). Experience sunrise from the summit of Mount Haleakala.
Capture Sea Turtles and Humpback Whales, explore tropical rainforests and waterfalls, and much more.
For the truly adventurous, strap in for a doors-off helicopter flight (optional, additional cost) over the world-famous Napali Coast of Kauai. See our Daily Itinerary below for full details.
When we’re not out shooting, Lyle will share his favorite tips and techniques for creating impactful landscape, and wildlife photographs through demonstrations and one-on-one coaching. We’ve also reserved time for sessions on post-processing, image management/backup, and image reviews.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
Alumni Discounts
If you’ve traveled with us before, we want to thank you with discounts of future trips View details of our Alumni Rewards program
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Lyle's life revolves around exploring the natural, beautiful, and wild parts of our world with a particular passion for the connection to the animals who share it with us. He is very fortunate to live on Maui, spending free days on his boat freediving, scuba diving, and fishing. A full-time landscape, wildlife and underwater photographer, Lyle also owns Pueo Gallery on Maui and is an F-stop gear ambassador. His images have been published by Ocean Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Patagonia and others.
Lyle's relationship with the outdoors evolved to include a passion for sharing it with others as a photography workshop leader. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned photography veteran, you'll find Lyle's instructional style approachable and easy to understand. For Lyle, that 'aha moment' when a guest learns or experiences something for the first time is everything! Click here to view a selection of Lyle’s captivating images.
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We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following policies apply to this workshop:
Deposits are NOT refundable but may be transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from date of cancellation in accordance with the following schedule:
Regardless of when you cancel, if we fill your spot*, you will receive a refund of all fees paid less your deposit and $150 processing fee. If we cannot fill your spot, the amount of your refund is based upon the cancellation date:
Cancellation 120 days or more from workshop start date: 100% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable up to 24 mos.
Cancellation 90 – 120 days from workshop start date: 50% refund of fees paid less deposit and $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
Cancellation less than 90 days from workshop start date: No refunds.
*canceled spots are filled after the workshop reaches full capacity
Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions
We highly encourage participants to purchase travel insurance to recover expenses not covered by our Cancellations & Refunds policy in case you need to cancel your reservation.
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Q: How should I book my flights?
A: Book your inbound flight to arrive at Lihue airport (LIH) in Kauai by 1pm on Jan 8. If you are registering for the Kaui-Maui portion only, book your homeward flight to depart from Maui airport (OGG) after 10am on Jan 15. Oahu extension participants should book their return flight to depart from Honolulu airport after 10am on Jan 17.
Note: if you plan to arrive early or stay after the workshop ends, send us your flight details and we can book your additional hotel nights as needed (additional cost).
Q: How physically strenuous is this trip?
A: This trip is considered Easy. There are no long hikes planned. However, you must be able to walk on soft beach sand or hard lava rocks (which may be wet) for up to ~1/2 mile, while carrying your camera gear.
Q: Can my non-photographer partner attend?
A: Yes, your partner is welcome, but make sure they understand that every aspect of this trip is designed from a photography-first perspective including our schedule and meal times. There are no alternate activity options we offer for non-photographers but they are welcome skip scheduled activities and do things on their own. Also, the cost is the same for non-photographers due to limited space.
Q: What equipment do you recommend?
A: Detailed photo equipment recommendations, packing lists and travel logistics information are provided to participants after registration. In general, any dSLR or mirrorless camera and lenses covering wide angle to telephoto focal lengths are ideal. But we’ve had participants do very well with higher end point & shoots and even phone cameras.
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 08 | Kauai Arrival – Aloha! Our Hawaiian adventure begins when we meet you upon your arrival at Lihue Airport (LIH) on the island of Kauai. We'll handle transportation from here, starting with taking you to our hotel to settle in before our Introductions and Workshop Overview meeting, followed by our first sunset photoshoot at nearby Poipu beach, known for its population of Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. Dinner in Poipu. | Lihue (Kauai) Hotel |
| 2 | Jan 09 | Kauai –an early start to capture sunrise at lovely Hanalei beach with its historic pier and majestic mountain backdrop. Back at the hotel, we will meet for a group image review after lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Ke'e Beach to capture crashing waves in sunset light followed by dinner in the area. | Lihue (Kauai) Hotel |
| 3 | Jan 10 | Kauai –sunrise exploration of dramatic Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, from beautiful overlooks peering over the Na Pali coastline and Kalalau Beach. In the afternoon we will gain new perspectives on our optional doors-off helicopter flight, getting a better look at the spectacular Na Pali coast in low angle, warm light. | Lihue (Kauai) Hotel |
| 4 | Jan 11 | Kauai – Maui We say goodbye to the Garden Isle this morning and board our flight to Maui (cost included). After arrival, we will have lunch and then gather an instructional Lightroom post processing session. In the afternoon, it is time to head to our first Maui sunset down in Makena. | Paia (Maui) Hotel |
| 5 | Jan 12 | Maui - Bundle up for sunrise atop Maui's highest peak, Mt. Haleakala, peering down into the crater of this sacred volcano. If the group is up for an extra early start and short (~1/2 mile) hike in the dark, we’ll take you to a spot far from the tourist hordes where dramatic light creates beautiful textures and surprising colors! On our way back down the mountain, we will attempt to photograph rare endemic Hawaiian birds – these guys are fast and flighty but it’s worth the effort just for the sound of the birds and smell of the eucalyptus! Following breakfast at one of our very favorite spots, we visit a lavender farm to enjoy its sights and smells and perhaps search for a Jackson Chameleon inhabiting the property. You have the afternoon to catch up on sleep, relax at the resort or join us for a guided snorkel excursion, including an opportunity to try your hand at underwater photography with our professional equipment (or bring your own)! | Paia (Maui) Hotel |
| 6 | Jan 13 | Maui – Try your hand at capturing Maui's world-famous Humpback Whales aboard an early morning private whale-watch charter boat. January is peak whale season so you’ll likely to have plenty of opportunities to photograph these blowing and breaching cetaceans. Our hand-picked vessel offers an ideal photographic platform - low to the water, comfortable, and stable! In the afternoon, we will explore another sunset opportunity in nearby Makena. | Paia (Maui) Hotel |
| 7 | Jan 14 | Maui – Photograph sunrise on the black sand beach of Wai'anapanapa, the start of our all-day exploration of the world famous Road to Hana. We'll explore the challenges of shooting out of a beachfront cave and enjoy finding compositions with the pops of incredible greenery against the dark sands. As the day progresses we will encounter waterfalls, Rainbow eucalyptus, bamboo forests, the Keanae Peninsula and the most beautiful bus stop in the world! After a full day, we'll have our farewell dinner (cost included) at Lyle’s favorite spot where you can enjoy the best Mai Tai of your life! | Paia (Maui) Hotel |
| 8 | Jan 15 | Maui departure – After breakfast, we say aloha and a hui hou (until we meet again) before taking you to the airport to being your homeward journey…except for the lucky ones joining us for the optional Oahu extension! End of Service. | |
| Optional Oahu Extension | |||
| 8 | Jan 15 | Maui – Oahu – morning flight to Honolulu followed by lunch in Waikiki. Work on photos one-on-one with Lyle or enjoy a little down time on the beach or explore the many shops and attractions in the area. Sunset photowalk on the pier & beach, just one block from our hotel followed by dinner in Waikiki. |
Honolulu (Oahu) Hotel |
| 9 | Jan 16 | Oahu – all day exploration of Oahu beginning with a drive to Lanikai for sunrise on a stunning beach with colorful outrigger canoes and 'The Mokes', a small pair of islands off the islands windward coast. Then we travel to Oahu's North Shore where we hope to photograph big waves and surfers at world-famous Pipeline or Waimea Bay beaches. We end the day with a sunset photoshoot at our favorite turtle beach (some scrambling over lava rocks required). |
Honolulu (Oahu) Hotel |
| 10 | Jan 17 | Oahu Departure Our final sunrise spot is a spectacular one overlooking the sweeping curve of Hanauma Bay and dramatic KoKo Head Crater. Breakfast in Waikiki overlooking the harbor. Afterwards, we’ll spend our remaining time editing and reviewing images at our hotel before heading to the airport for your homeward flight. A hui hou! End of Service. |