After spending three weeks in Hawaii, I’m sure that some started to wonder if I was in fact going to return. I certainly questioned it. And my family certainly did to, as they texted me the day I left, kindly asking me to return from Hawaii and not move there permanently. As I started going through my photos, I began realizing that many of my photos took place up in the air, above the clouds. No, I don’t mean mystically, even though I was on cloud nine most of the trip, but rather literally. Be it jet, propeller plane, helicopter, parachute, or observatory atop the tallest mountain in the world (Base-to-peak), Hawaii knows a little something something about experiences that capture its beauty from up in the air. But you’re probably tired of reading about Hawaii’s scenery from the air. See it for yourself below.
Flying above the clouds and Pacific Ocean on Hawaiian Airlines
Flying over Maui on Mokulele Airlines
Sunset from Mauna Kea Summit
Paragliding launching point near Haleakala
Out the window looking at Maui from aboard a prop plane
Up in the air above Maui aboard Mokulele Airlines
Paragliding (Yep, that's me) over Maui
Oh just the start of the road down the tallest mountain (base to peak) in the world, Mauna Kea
The view while paragliding over Upcountry Maui
Oh just a series of waterfalls rushing into the ocean near Waipio Valley
One of the many observatories atop Mauna Kea
Hawaii's Big Island from a helicopter
The sun setting behind the clouds from Mauna Kea's summit
Maui's North Shore from an airplane
Maui isn't all resorts and beach houses
The shadows of Mauna Kea's observatories in the clouds
Mauna Kea observatories at sunset
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful Spencer!!!!!
Thank you Grace. There’s more to come both here and on the FB page!
Cool images, Spencer!
Thank you Lynne! It’s hard to take bad photos when the scenery and weather is this gorgeous!
Love the waterfalls! Isn’t Hawaii incredible?
It’s really unlike any place I’ve ever been. Never been quite so mesmerized by a place.
The sunset in the clouds and the water falls are breathtaking !!!! Makes me want to be there and enjoy my own little adventure! Thanks Spencer!
That’s a great way to put it. I was constantly in awe. Thanks for the comment Connie!
Awesome pictures…Enjoy~~! Love, mom
The sunsets are to-die-for!!!!!
Sunrise and sunset in Hawaii is just mind-blowing. Some of the most beautiful I’ve seen. I can’t wait to go back.
My cousin, her friend and I all enjoy photography and will be taking a 10 day Hawaii vacation in early April 2013. We will staying on Oahu but have side trips to Maui for two days and Kauai for one day. Hope we can get alot of great pictures like yours. I posted some of my best pictures on Flickr.com. My name on that site is hawaiian_hillbilly
Great Chris. I’m looking forward to a return in the spring when I’ll be on Oahu, which I’ve yet to visit.
What gorgeous photos and so timely because we plan to go back to Hawaii this year. Thanks for the helpful Twitter chat and conversation today with Expedia. I love Hawaii and will go back soon. Thanks for organizing the Expedia weekly chat. Great to connect with you.
Thank you Betty Ann! Hawaii really stole my heart. Already planning a trip back there in the spring. Loved having you in the Twitter chat and hope you’ll be back for it!
Wow! Stunning photos, Spence! I especially love the setting sun and all the clouds below it.
Thanks Jo! That’s definitely one experience I would totally do again. Funny to hear that just this week Mauna Kea got some snow, so that would’ve been snow I was standing on for the sunset photo.
Beautiful. Was in Kawaii a few years back (like … 13 or so) and loved it. I shall returnt he day they lift the quarantine law for the dog!
I didn’t know that about dogs! I’m really looking forward to getting to Kauai. That’s really the next part of Hawaii that I want to explore.
My husband and I are going to Hawaii in May for our 25th. Any suggestions for Maui? We plan on driving the road to Hana. We will be flying into Oahu for 2 days then the rest of the time on Maui. What else? I would love to ride horses on the beach
Definitely recommend spending some time in West Maui, such as Honolua Bay and Kahakuloa Head. Paia is a really charming little town on the North Shore. Some fun, great restaurants there, including Mama’s and Milagros. I’ll have more Maui posts in the coming days and weeks!
Beautiful shots! Can’t wait to get back to Hawaii!
Thanks Jonathan! When a place is as beautiful as Hawaii is, it’s hard to take a bad photo.
Just came across your website after seeing you on the Expedia Chat. So excited to see the Maui posts. I went in October on my honeymoon and my husband and I decided it was one of the best places we’ve ever visited. I can honestly say it was one of the only vacations where I didn’t want to leave. Maui is a beautiful place and I hope to make it back soon Can’t wait to see more from your trip!
Thanks Jenna. I feel the same way. I’m already planning a return trip and look forward to sharing more photos and info from Maui!
Beautiful pictures…thanks for sharing! I’ve been to Maui & Oahu but never really seen pictures from the air besides being at the top of Diamond Head on Oahu & Haleakala on Maui. Can’t wait to go back:)
Thanks! I’m looking forward to returning to Hawaii in May to visit Oahu for the first time. Can’t wait to see Diamond Head.
Great shots! I’ve been spending a lot of time in Hawaii for work and haven’t had much chance to play, so thanks for letting me fantasize about what I could be doing, lol!
Thanks Ben! It’s really a place that grabbed me. Few places have left such a mark as Hawaii has and it will be a place I return to often. Enjoy Hawaii!
I Love Your Pics
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