Being born in the Hawaiian Islands, they have always held a spot in my heart. One of my absolute favorite islands to return to visit is the garden island of Kauai. There is no surprise by which this little island got its name. The island of Kauai is full of life with an abundance of lush vegetation covering the land with the most vibrant emerald green tones imaginable. This island is nothing short of dreamlike and a landscape photographers’ playground as there are endless photographic compositions to be captured.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “HANALEI MEMORIES” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
Hanalei Bay is one area of Kauai that I cannot help but to capture, simply because of its raw beauty and nature in its purest form. The coconut palms gently swaying in the breeze with the intense Hawaiian sun beaming down giving warmth to the sandy beaches really gives you the feeling of being immersed in a tropical oasis. This particular beach is a hidden gem and still evokes a feeling of being alone, even though there is an abundance of visitors all around. This particular area has seemed to get itself lost in time a bit and for this reason, I still love Kauai as it still holds these little places where you can find the Aloha magic!
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “WAI’OLI DAWN” LIMITED EDITION OF 100
Rarely do I draw inspiration from man-made structures, as I am more compelled to capture untouched Mother Earth, but as I was making my way to Ke’e Beach well before sunrise I came across something few have had the opportunity to witness. As a young boy, I must have passed this particular church early in the morning to go surfing and I had yet to see the lights on. To my delight, the lights were on! I quickly stopped my vehicle and turned around as I knew I was about to capture a special moment in time. This stormy morning, the warmth from inside the chapel shone through the stain glass window framed by the white picket fence was an absolute showstopper.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “PULSE” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
Not only am I compelled to draw inspiration from land, the surf in Kauai also gives way to exceptionally dramatic photographic compositions. There is a phenomenon where the energy of one wave changes direction to meet another incoming swell. This dramatic force has created some of the most stunning drama and back waves that I have ever seen. Where two giant swells collide together to create something that will never be the same, once the moment has passed all you must do is wait for the next, hoping it will be grander than the last.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “UPRISING” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
On this particular evening, we rushed down Ke’e Beach to shoot this iconic location for sunset. Without a doubt, we have captured some truly energizing compositions over the years. The most difficult challenge about capturing these moments are truly how fleeting and quickly it passes you by. You must be in position with your finger on the shutter anticipating the next collision, this way the shot will be at just the right moment where it becomes truly magic. I must have come back to this location dozens of times over the years, in pursuit of a shot that truly invigorates me with a sense of power that energizes the composition.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “NAPALI CRUSH” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
The Napali Coast in Kauai is a place that effortlessly weaves together nature’s beauty and raw emotional power. As the sun slowly begins to fade below the horizon, casting its warm golden glow upon the jagged cliffs, a rush of amazement and wonder courses through your body. The sheer magnitude of the towering emerald cliffs, carved over eons by the relentless power of the Pacific, fills your heart with an overwhelming sense of admiration. The air is thick with anticipation, as if nature herself holds her breath. Allowing you an ever so fleeting glimpse into her untamed beauty. As you proceed closer, your senses become immersed by the sounds of crashing waves, their rhythmic melody echoes deep within your soul. Each swell colliding with the rocky shoreline erupts with a thunderous roar, like a crescendo of a spectacular symphony. The salty mist from the ocean dances upon your skin, embracing you in its ethereal embrace, awakening a primal connection to the elements. It’s as if the very essence of the ocean reaches out to touch your spirit, reminding you of your place in the vast tapestry of existence.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “NAPALI BLISS” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting vibrant hues of orange and pink across the sky, a bittersweet melancholy tugs at your heartstrings. You are reminded that moments like these are ephemeral, transient gifts that the world bestows upon those willing to embrace them. The Napali Coast in Kauai becomes etched into your soul. An emotional tapestry of awe, reverence, and gratitude. It is a place that reminds you of the raw power of nature and your own place within it, leaving an indelible mark on your heart that can never be washed away, something that I believe can be felt within these captures.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “KE’E DAWN” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
Another must visit location is Ke’e Beach! Getting out of bed early may not be your most favorite moment on the itinerary, however you will most likely not regret it! The rain squalls here are frequent and the waterfalls cascade from the emerald green mountainsides with regularity! The reef that abuts the beach here is thriving with little reef fish and on calm days you can see the reflection of the mountains in these beautiful and secluded little tide pools at low tide!
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “KALALAU DREAMS” LIMITED EDITION OF 100
The Kalalau trail overlook is by far one of the more dramatic places you will visit in Kauai. I have long felt that this place feels most like what it is like to be in a helicopter without being in a helicopter! The views are sheer drop-offs and incredibly beautiful in ways not imaginable! Often cloaked in fog and in brief moments you might catch a glimpse of the cliffs far below reaching into the sea a few miles away. If you are lucky, you may be fortunate to see the fog clear away from the valley momentarily and even a rainbow at last light!
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “EMERAL CATHEDRAL” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
Aerial photography in Kauai reveals a mesmerizing display of natural wonders that captures the essence of a tropical paradise from above. As the helicopter soars above the island, an array of vibrant color emerges, painting a picture of exceptional beauty. From the lush green valleys that stretch out as far as the eye can see to the majestic waterfalls cascading down jagged cliffs, every frame tells a story of Kauai’s untouched magnificence. The aerial perspective reveals hidden treasures, such as secluded beaches framed by turquoise waters and the iconic Napali Coast, with its dramatic cliffs standing proud against the crashing waves. With each click of the camera, a sense of awe and wonder washes over, immortalizing the island’s breathtaking landscapes and leaving a lasting imprint of its unrivaled allure. After several passes, clicking my shutter high above the Napali Coast while looking deep into the crevasses, I was able to capture some very unique perspectives of these stunning peaks and ridges.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “FLYING HIGH” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “KE’E LOVE” LIMITED EDITION OF 100
Over-under photography in Kauai opens up a magical realm where two worlds converge in harmony. Beneath the crystal-clear waters, a vibrant underwater ecosystem teems with life, while above the surface, the lush greenery of the island thrives. With a split-level view, the lens captures the surreal beauty of Kauai from a unique perspective. The tranquil depths reveal a kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs, exotic marine wildlife gracefully gliding through the ocean and sunlight dancing on the water’s surface. Simultaneously, the emerald landscapes of Kauai provide a stunning backdrop, showcasing towering cliffs, swaying coconut palms and cascading waterfalls. Through over-under photography, the boundaries blur and nature’s contrasting wonders come together, creating a visual symphony that celebrates the island’s aquatic splendor and terrestrial charm in a single captivating frame.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “OHANA” LIMITED EDITION OF 100
This was no easy capture; the porpoises did not want to have someone swimming next to them. In order to achieve this shot, I had to rest calmly at the surface without moving so much as a muscle! Getting in and out of the boat dozens of times in order to properly work the fast-moving current to get ahead of the moving schools was the challenge. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to see a large pod swimming along the Napali Coast and my friend expertly maneuvered his boat ahead of the pod as I slid off the transom into the ocean with my underwater camera housing. The first couple tries there were some issues with the clarity of the captures, however we were able to quickly correct the issue and soon thereafter captured magic!
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “PUKALANI DREAMS” LIMITED EDITION OF 50
Honopu Beach in Kauai is a hidden gem that embodies the essence of untouched beauty. Nestled between towering cliffs and accessible only by sea, this secluded paradise unveils a pristine stretch of golden sand and sparkling azure waters. Honopu Beach exudes a sense of tranquility and serenity, a place where old Hawaii still embraces the its secrets, as only locals are able to visit this magical place. As gentle waves caress the shore, coconut palms sway in the warm tropical breeze, casting dappled shade on the pristine sand. The dramatic cliffs that flank the beach add an air of mystery and grandeur, creating a breathtaking backdrop for sunsets and moments of pure contemplation. Honopu Beach is a sanctuary of solitude and natural splendor, where time stands still, and the worries of the outside world simply disappear.
ARTWORK BY MARLON HOLDEN “HONOPU ENCHANTMENT” LIMITED EDITION OF 10
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