Capturing the Moment

Views along the trail Phoebe whale watching   There is a hike leading from the end of the road that is the only way to get out to Oahu's western tip called Ka'ena Point. Every winter we try to head out to see the albatross chicks as well as humpback whales and monk seals. This year's hike started off with a bang. Just as we left the car and got underway Heidi pointed just offshore to a disturbance in the water. Just then a huge mother humpback whale launched itself into a full breach, right were Heidi had pointed to! Trailblazing Albatross Nesting Area   Our good friend Phoebe joined us for this years annual trek. After the huge whale breach the mom and calf took off north, hugging the coastline. So we took off in pursuit focusing on our footing while trying not to miss the next big breach. I had my camera and long lens ready but it seemed that the mom and calf had switched to travel mode. It was all we could do to keep up with them as we speedily tackled ...

   A wilderness area surrounds the western point of the island of Oahu. To get to this point you either need an incredible 4X4 vehicle, or a solid pair of hiking shoes. Or in our case a bottle of water and some local slippas (flip flops.) This hike can be pretty hot so hats, sunscreen, and water are essential. The views and wildlife are worth a little bit of sweat. On our way to Ka'ena Point the winding trail follows the rugged coastline on one side and steep mountains on the other. Humpback whales swim offshore and it may be the best place on the island to spot the rare Hawaiian monk seal.   Once we neared the point we entered a wildlife sanctuary. A large swath of the coast has been fenced off to protect a vital breeding area for Laysan albatross ( Phoebastria immutabilis ) . These huge sea birds who can spend months at sea come to Ka'ena point to nest and raise their chicks. It was my mission to find and photograph a baby albatross. Mission completed! The fluf...