Lyon Arboretum Photo Walk

On September 9th, as hurricane Kiko (downgraded to a tropical storm) passed to the north of the islands, a group of fifteen HTMC hikers participated in a photo walk at Lyon Arboretum. Aside from a few sprinkles, the weather cooperated with mostly cloudy skies. In fact, overcast skies create soft lighting, which can be ideal for botanical photography. In fact it turned out that the arboretum was closed that day due to construction, but since our group had a reservation we were allowed in and practically had the garden to ourselves.Our group walked a short loop, stopping along the way to discuss photography tips and take photos (scroll down to see some shared images).

Overall the trails were not too wet or muddy, which is rare for Lyon even in September, but there is no need to feel envious, whenever we stopped the mosquitoes greeted us. Our first stop was the gazebo next to the small pond where we reviewed our smartphones settings and went over composition tips. Walking past the visitors center we headed through the parking lot and up the pathway to the buddha statue, along the way photographing blue ginger, pink begonia, red heliconia and white ginger. From there we walked around the backside under the blooming cannonball tree past the pink bananas, beehive ginger and into the bromeliad garden. Stopping to visit the cacao grove, we were delighted to see the trees covered in flowers and cacao beans in all sizes and colors, from green to yellow.

From there we walked up to Inspiration Point taking in the sweeping views of Manoa Valley. It was the perfect spot to discuss the challenges of landscape photography. This grassy lookout was surrounded by blooming pink and peach colored rhododendron’s, along with shell ginger and red variegated ti plants. From there we joined  a short section of Dick’s Loop Trail to the large palm grove where we talked about strengthening your images by changing your perspective. Next it was onto the Native Hawaiian Garden where we discussed incorporating lines into our compositions. This lush hillside garden features a plethora of native plants including; flourishing koa trees, healthy ohia, a variety of ferns, ho’awa decorated with small green fruits, and loulu palm varieties (some of had nets draped in them to help prevent the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle or CRB from killing them). The only plants we found in bloom were beautiful bushes of white and red native hibiscus.

From there we headed back, turning right along the main pathway when we were mesmerized by a few blooms on the monstera plants. The sun peeped out for a moment, so we took that opportunity to think about utilizing light in photography. Next stop was the surreal Bat flower blooms followed the spectacular white and peach trumpet flowers. Heading downhill into the canoe plant garden we discussed different ways to find and organize photos on smartphones, including the importance of deleting the photos that didn’t turn out and editing our favorites. Winding our way back up the pathway towards the Visitors Center we passed mamaki bushes, sandalwood trees, mountain apple trees, ohia trees, a variety of ferns, and blooming red and orange hibiscus. Everyone was encouraged to come back and explore more of this incredible arboretum. We all agreed that Lyon is filled with inspiring subjects to photograph any time of year!

Above photos by Andy

Above photos by Chong Suk

Above photos by Dorene

Above photos by Gary

Above photos by Judy

Above photos by Mardee

Above photos by Nan

A special mahalo to HTMC members; Harvey for being a great sweep and Chong Suk for sharing her radio. Although we had no incidents on our hike, I am always grateful to have assistants to help keep us all safe. If you missed this photo walk, or were on the waitlist, keep your eye on the schedule for future photo walks.