Oahu has it's own character. Besides tall New-York-Like skyscrapers in Honolulu, the landscape and ocean are quiet beautiful. I traveled around the island and a few drawings on locations. Here is a view on the Volcanic Cliffs i drew from one of the beaches on the North Side of Oahu.
I was on Oahu for a few days, before I flew back home. I found a picture-perfect place here at Waimanalo Beach. No wonder it has been discovered before me, and it's a memorable place, so you see just married couples taking their wedding pictures here. But you can also meet a local Hawaian or Samoan! I liked the food truck across the street and ordered their shrimp plate. Aloha!
When I got here, on my first day in Kauai, I discovered this magnificent beach with big surf, soft sand, and insparing views of the Napali Coast. On my previous post, you have the view of the cliffs from the other side of the island. The road here doesn't connect, and this was the dead end. Later that day I took 2 miles hike to Hanakapiai Beach. Great steep climbing the hills you see in the drawing. This place was as backdrop in many Hollywood films, the most recently Johnny Depp has filmed 4th "Pirates of The Caribbean" here on this part of the island.
Back in 2004 in January there was one of coldest winters in New York City. At that time I was a junior at college and we were on the winter break. Me and my friends organized a trip to the Big Island also called island of Hawaii, an adventure of a lifetime! We did not stay in the fancy resorts, neither some overpriced hotels...instead we camped on the beach! 10 of us had some the best times. Daily we would discover a new wow place in the furthermost point from the main continents in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Waking up with the singing of the colorful birds, for a few weeks the idea of Utopia did really exist not only on the pages of the book but in reality. I guess when for the first time you discover azure colors of the ocean, warmth in the air and aloha spirit, it's hard to get back to reality. First time being in the exotic places,one is in constant amusement. We went hiking in the rain forrest one day and met a native Hawaiian, who just killed a pig and was skinning it on the tree. The experience was if you just met Tarzan in real life. He was surprised to meet a group of young kids from New York, and said to say hello to the Big Apple from untouched forests in old Hawaii.
On a personal note, I was very inspired of the far land and its beautiful state and atmosphere. After I got back to NYC, the cold weather was still in control, I thought of the landscapes and the idea to return to the island one more time. And it did happen, and not only once.
This painting is my memory or translation of the first encounters with the majestic beauty of the Big Island.
Oil Painting on canvas, 30 x 40'
