The Story Behind "Enlighten"

Documenting the Nā Pali Coast of Kauaʻi

“Enlighten”

from the Bird’s Eye View award-winning print series

In the world’s most isolated archipelago, the Nā Pali (high cliffs) of Kaua'i tower as high as 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above the Pacific Ocean. This 16-mile stretch of rugged wilderness is home to one of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. For over five million years, tectonic shifts, volcanic lava eruptions, wind and water erosion, and vegetative growth patterns have endowed these ancient topological wonders with a mysterious and almost ineffable beauty.

Since my first visit to the island in 2012, the mana, or “divine life force” of the Nā Pali Coast has brought me back almost every year to explore and learn more about the old Hawai'i. From kayaking, hiking, and camping to chartering private helicopters over this shoreline, I’ve learned so much, yet realized how little we know about the history of this wondrous place. Studying the geography, weather patterns, and angles of light that illuminate these sea cliffs throughout the years, I dreamt of creating an image I had never seen before – an aerial panoramic view from Kalalau beach.

In the summer of 2021, I arrive at the heliport in Lihue, Kaua'i to meet with my pilot Micah and develop a custom flight itinerary – something that has been a crucial component to the success of capturing award-winning Hawai'i aerial photography from several of my previous flights. After Micah’s approval, we hop into the doors-off aircraft and he contacts the FAA through the radio. The engine roars and the rotors start cycling above us. Preparing for take-off, I say a prayer for a safe and successful flight. We lift off the ground and I watch the Earth sweeping beneath us as we head towards Kalalau Valley. The views of Kaua'i from above feel like an landscape written out of an epic tale.

As we soar through Kalalau Valley and out over the ocean, we are amazed at how stunningly clear the coast appears – a rare phenomena to happen in one of the wettest places on Earth. With the light of the setting sun falling across the cathedral peaks of the Nā Pali, I know this was my opportunity. Speaking to Micah through our headsets, we coordinate to position the aircraft at an optimal height, distance, and place in front of Kalalau Beach. I lean out of the doors-off vessel and quickly photograph multiple frames of the coast from end to end. A dream come true and one of my favorite images documented to date.

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