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Where is Hawaii Photo Retreat Based?
 We are based in Volcano Village on the Island of Hawaii. We are 27 miles from Hilo on Highway 11 and about 100 miles from Kailua Kona. The elevation is 3700 feet. Volcano Village is in a unique upland rainforest adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a United Nations designated biosphere reserve containing the most active volcano in the world. This area also features desert, dramatic coast line, and lush rainforests.
The village itself is quite small, with a population of 2,400, a couple of restaurants, a couple of mom and pop stores and several fine art galleries. The major industries here are art, science and tourism.
What is the closest airport?
Hilo International Airport is approximately 28 miles from Volcano Village. Kona International Airport is approximately 115 miles from Volcano. We will send you detailed maps showing the way to get here upon confirmation of registration.
Will meals be covered in the price of the retreat?
Check the course description for your workshop. For most week long workshops catered meals are included in the package price. Every meal will have wonderful vegetarian and vegan options.
For daylong or weekend workshops and tours we generally eat at restaurants or pack a picnic to take along. In that case, participants are responsible for paying for their own food.
Will lodging be covered in the price of the retreat?
Check the course description for your workshop. Lodging at Mahalo Hawaiian Retreat is included in some weeklong workshops. The Retreat has 3 beautiful homes and a large natural light studio on 10 secluded acres in the ancient upland rainforest near Volcano Village.
For shorter workshops, lodging can be secured at one of the many local vacation rentals. Check our “Links” page for recommendations.
Where will we go?
The Big Island is one of the most ecologically diverse environments on earth. Within its 93 mile by 76 mile landmass there are beaches, rainforests, towering waterfalls, vast deserts, rolling grasslands, two mountains over 13,000 feet and one very active volcano. During your workshop you will have the opportunity to photograph in many of these areas. Weather here is variable so we maintain a flexible schedule to take advantage of constantly changing conditions.
With many kinds of climate, forest and tropical beauty, plus an eclectic mix of local events, we are certain this will be a photographic adventure you won’t soon forget!
What kind of weather is expected?
You should be prepared for rain, sun, heat and cold. The weather changes throughout the day. The island is roughly divided into a wet side and a dry side. Temperature varies with the altitude. Coastal daytime temperatures are generally in the low 80’s. Daytime temperatures in Volcano, which is at 3,700 ft. range from 65-75 degrees.
In the Volcano rainforest area there are frequent rains interspersed with glorious blue skies. Ten minutes drive from Volcano is the Kau Desert where rain is infrequent. A sunrise shoot at the Kilauea crater rim generally requires sweatshirt, long pants, and a rain parka. In the coastal areas you will want to be in shorts, cotton shirt and sandals.
What is the student to teacher ratio?
Our workshops are limited to a “bakers dozen”. The 13 participants typically include 1 scholarship student who is selected on the basis of portfolio review and financial need. There will be at least one main instructor and one teaching assistant.
How may I apply for a scholarship and how much does it cover?
If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please contact Mary Goodrich at mary@hawaiiphotoretreat.com, or call us at (808) 985-7487. You will be required to submit a portfolio for review and establish financial need.
The scholarship covers tuition, and lodging in our week long workshops. Food and transportation are not covered.
Scholarship recipients are chosen by the instructors after a minimum amount of sign ups, so it may be short notice.
What shall I bring with me?
- Camera, lenses and tote bag or backpack
- Tripod
- Film or Memory cards
- Camera batteries and charger
- Optional – Laptop with photo editing software
- Lens and camera cleaning cloth and solution
- Plastic bag or camera “raincoat” to keep gear dry
- Closed toed hiking shoes (required gear for hiking on lava fields)
- Sandals
- Bathing suit
- Shorts
- Light weight rain jacket
- Sun block and mosquito repellent
- Long sleeve cotton shirt
- Light weight cotton pants
- Hat
- Flashlight
- Water bottle
What about transportation on the island?
Each participant is responsible for his or her own transportation. Rental cars are available at both the Hilo and Kona airports. We strongly suggest that you make a car reservation in advance of arrival. There is no regular public transportation to Volcano. At the beginning of the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to form carpooling groups to share driving responsibilities and expenses. Unneeded rental cars can be returned to Hilo Airport the following day. We will carpool to locations for photography.
Will I be able to purchase photographic supplies on the island?
Supplies here are limited and not close by. It is best to bring whatever items you think you will need.
Will I be able to have my color and b&w films developed and printed during the retreat? What is the turnaround time?
There is a one day turnaround for processing and printing of 35mm C-41 and chromogenic films such as Ilford XP-2 or Kodak CN. We will pick-up your film each evening Monday through Thursday and deliver it back to the retreat center next day.
If you wish to develop your own b&w film, there is a darkroom available. There is no quick turnaround for transparency films available on the island.
Will I be able to view my digital images at the retreat center?
Yes. There is a video projection system in the lecture area of the retreat. JPGs can be saved to CD or jump drives to be projected. Multiple format card readers will also be available.
How strenuous will the hiking be?
Most of our outings could be described as leisurely. We will take things slowly leaving lots of time for exploring and taking pictures. Some locations may require a one-mile or so hike in. The most taxing thing can be occasional extremes of weather, hot and dry or cold and wet. Coming prepared with proper clothing, sunscreen and plenty of water will go a long way to keep you comfortable.
Are there medical facilities nearby?
The nearest emergency care is in Hilo, thirty miles away. Bring whatever medicines or special equipment you think you might need.
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