My favorite place on Oahu has always been Kaena Point, where Laysan albatrosses (Phoebastria immutabilis) return each year to raise their chicks. During our recent trip to Hawaii, we were determined not to miss it. After spending some time watching Hawaiian monk seals on the North Shore, we made our way to Kaena Point (map). The albatross nesting season was still underway, and we were hopeful that we would see some fluffy chicks again. When we arrived at the trailhead parking lot, however, we discovered that it now closes at 7 pm. Since this restriction was introduced only recently, we had not planned for it and suddenly found ourselves with just enough time to hurry to the point and back before the gate closed. The Kaena Point Trail stretches 2.4 miles one way, meaning nearly five miles round trip. Having hiked this beautiful trail many times in the past, we wished we could have taken our time and enjoyed it as we usually did. Still, when we reached Kaena Point, it was wonderful to see the graceful albatrosses soaring overhead.

To our delight, we also found several albatross chicks, just as we had hoped. They appeared to be about two to three months old, and one chick was accompanied by both of its parents. I had never before seen such a large chick together with both adults at the same time, making it a particularly memorable sight. Unfortunately, because we needed to get back to the parking lot before closing time, we could not wait for better lighting conditions for photography. Even so, the visit was a great experience despite the rushed pace. Overall, our Hawaiian vacation was fantastic. The first part of the trip, spent on the Big Island, was especially spectacular, highlighted by opportunities to photograph many Hawaiian honeycreepers. Although Hawaii is often referred to as the “Isles of Extinction” due to its conservation challenges, it is encouraging to see that the islands still offer extraordinary experiences for those who appreciate nature and wildlife.

Gear: Canon EOS 5Ds camera, Canon 100-400mm lens