HAWAIʻI Magazine’s
2026 Photo Contest
HAWAI‘I Magazine’s annual photo contest has become a beloved tradition, and we’re always inspired by the hundreds of images submitted every year. For our 26th contest, we invited our readers to vote on their favorite images in the categories. Mahalo to everyone who voted, and to our sponsors, Southwest Airlines and Waimea Plantation Cottages, for supporting our voting contest.
Grand Prize
Leighton Lum
Honu Between Worlds
Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
This honu (green sea turtle) was photographed at sunset off the coast of Kona, Hawaiʻi, in December 2025, as it searched the reef for fresh limu (algae). The split-shot technique captures both the turtle underwater and the colorful sky above in a single frame. It took some patience to get close while the turtle went about its evening meal, but it stayed calm long enough for me to get the shot.
About the Photographer
I’m a self-taught photographer with a passion for wildlife and landscape photography. I love capturing the natural beauty of Hawaiʻi, from underwater encounters to sweeping aerial views. You can find more of my work on Instagram @photography_by_leighton.
Editor’s Pick
Jake Ewe
Different Kinds of Peaks
Pipeline, Oʻahu
Pipeline has a way of making everything else feel small. On Jan. 13, 2026, beyond the third reef, mountains rose from the sea, surfers disappeared into walls of spray, and the ground beneath me translated the kind of power that words never could.
About the Photographer
Originally from the East Coast, Jake Ewe now calls Oʻahu home. He spends most days chasing waves, wandering ridgelines and occasionally finding himself in places that, in hindsight, only seemed like good places to be. His camera has become less about making photographs and more about preserving stories. Because photography isn’t just about photographs. It’s proof that we were here.
Land
Brian Deuel
Last Light Over Kalalau
Kalalau Valley Lookout, Kauaʻi
On this day, like many in Kōkeʻe, the clouds were rolling in and out around the cliffs all afternoon as we hiked around the lookout. Just as the sun was setting, I was able to capture this beautiful view of the Nāpali Coast. Here, amid the clouds, the ocean and the shadows of the cliffs, the setting sun’s vibrant colors are revealed.
About the Photographer
I’m from San Diego, and this photo was taken during my first trip back to Hawaiʻi in more than five years. Hawaiʻi is truly my favorite place on Earth. This is where I learned a lot about my passion for photographing the world around us. I was lucky enough to work on Kauaʻi for a while at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge.
Leighton Lum
Wailua First Light
Wailua Falls, Kauaʻi
This aerial photo of Wailua Falls on Kauaʻi was taken in April 2026, just after sunrise. Rain in the distance created a rainbow over the falls as the morning light broke through.
Ocean
Jeff Nigro
Sunset at Tunnels Beach
Hanalei, Kauaʻi
I’ve visited this beach on the North Shore of Kauaʻi many times, in all kinds of weather. But without a doubt, this was the prettiest sunset I have witnessed there. I shot more than 100 images that evening, and the memories of that sunset—with the waves lapping at my bare feet and the soft Hawaiian breeze on my face—will stay with me forever.
About the Photographer
I’ve lived in Southern California my entire life, but I love to travel and explore the outdoors. My passion is landscape photography, seeking moments when light and terrain meet to create quiet drama. Through my work, I hope to share the subtle beauty of nature and inspire others to notice the world around them.
David Pascua
The Ocean’s Secret Passage
Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
After photographing Episode 40 of Kīlauea’s eruption the day before, I returned to Kona. That evening, I decided to wander the shoreline and capture the sunset. After walking up and down the beach for nearly 45 minutes, I finally spotted a lava tube and enjoyed photographing it.
About the Photographer
Originally from the Philippines, David lived in ʻEwa Beach, Oʻahu, as an infant before his family moved to the Los Angeles area when he was 5. As a professional photographer, he has photographed major fashion runway shows across the U.S. He also travels the world as an adventure photographer.
People
Lipine Muraki-Griffin
@lipine_muraki_art_photography
2025 Panaʻewa Stampede Rodeo Queen
Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Island and paniolo pride at the 2025 Panaʻewa Stampede Rodeo, capturing the Rodeo Queen, Ezra Leialoha-Hernandez, and her horse, Patty Buttons.
About the Photographer
Based in Volcano, Hawaiʻi, I am a returning college student, mahiʻai and revived creative. I earned my associate degree in Hawaiian studies from Hawaiʻi Community College and am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
Eugene Santiago
The Three of Us
Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokaʻi
I just happened to be watching sunset at the pier in Kaunakakai when three young fishermen sailed across the water into the sunlight.
About the Photographer
I’m not a professional by any means; I’ve just enjoyed photography since high school.
Wildlife
Josh Haʻo
ʻĀkepa in Flight
Mauna Kea, Hawaiʻi Island
A rainy day in Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge brings the forest to life.
About the Photographer
I’m a local photographer born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. I enjoy capturing authentic moments in nature, including wildlife, the night sky and the many different landscapes of Kīlauea.
Jason O’Rourke
Lehiwa’s Blanket
Kahuku, Oʻahu
What does Lehiwa dream about when she is napping on a remote North Shore beach? A soft ocean blanket draped over her, tucking her in?
About the Photographer
More than 20 years in Hawaiʻi have provided me with amazing adventures, learning opportunities, the ability to help with the conservation of unique species only found in the Islands, and a love of my island home.
Kīlauea
Travis Morrin
A Galaxy of Fire—A Self Capture
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island
Beneath a river of stars, Kīlauea breathes her ancient fire—a dance of earth and sky, creation and wonder. A “self-portrait” from Episode 15, and one of those nights I’ll never forget.
About the Photographer
Raised on Maui and now based in Volcano Village on Hawaiʻi Island, award-winning photographer Travis Morrin is known for capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of Kīlauea and Hawaiʻi’s wild landscapes. His fine art photography blends volcanic power with celestial light, creating images that celebrate the enduring spirit of Pele and the natural wonder of the Islands.
Spencer Lee
Breath of Halemaʻumaʻu
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaiʻi Island
Steam and lava rise together from Halemaʻumaʻu—a quiet reminder from Kīlauea that the island is still being made.
About the Photographer
Spencer Lee is a Honolulu-based wildlife and landscape photographer. His work focuses on Hawaiʻi’s native birds and Island landscapes; he also shares conservation-minded stories on his YouTube and Instagram pages.
Student Submissions
Gavin Yasunari
ʻAmakihi in the Canopy
Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Hawaiʻi Island
After patiently waiting in the forest, I captured this moment as a Hawaiian ʻamakihi paused on a branch, framed by the soft greens of its natural habitat.
About the Photographer
When he’s not on the sidelines at sports games, he enjoys documenting Hawaiʻi’s ocean, wildlife and landscapes, showcasing the beauty of the Islands from both land and sea.
Trey Abe
Afternoon Surf at Kewalo
Honolulu, Oʻahu
An evening surf session at Kewalo with my friend Sean.
About the Photographer
I’m currently a student at UT Arlington with a passion for sports photography. I’m based on Oʻahu and in Texas.