I am incredibly grateful for my job at Half Moon Outfitters in Charleston, which allowed me to travel and plan big trips. Each trip is meticulously planned months in advance to ensure it’s both affordable and successful. My aunt in Puerto Rico suggested I explore Hawaii, and after being connected with a family friend there, I started planning my next adventure after Puerto Rico.
My trip to Hawaii was life-changing. The mountains are breathtaking, and as a hiker, I was eager to capture stunning footage of these beautiful places. However, many of the spots I hiked were designated no-drone zones, so I relied on my cell phone for filming. Understanding and respecting the local culture is crucial when visiting Hawaii, and I was fortunate enough to travel across three different islands: Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. I stayed with friends on some islands and spent time at a hostel on the North Shore of Oahu.
The North Shore of Oahu: Where My Drone Journey Began
The North Shore of Oahu is where my journey with drones in Hawaii truly began. I stayed at a hostel called Backpackers, just down the road from Pipeline and other world-class surf spots. The hostel has a camp-like vibe, with cabins lined up and people from all over the world passing through. I quickly made friends and found a surfer to film. I love capturing footage of people I know, so I can share the beauty I see through my lens with them.
Maui was equally beautiful, but one week, my drone accidentally got wet, rendering it unusable. I was initially devastated, thinking the trip’s purpose—to get amazing drone footage—was ruined. However, this setback led me to journal and connect more deeply with the island, helping me realize the bigger picture of my purpose. Thankfully, I was able to expedite my drone to an old friend living on Oahu, where I ended my trip.
Respecting Local Culture with Drones in Hawaii
Kauai was the next stop after Maui, and I learned beforehand that locals there are not fond of drones. This knowledge was crucial as I wanted to respect the locals and avoid feeling like I was exploiting their beautiful island. Once I got my drone back, I was already accustomed to living more in the moment and not stressing about content creation. I returned to the same hostel on Oahu where my journey began, making new friends and deepening my connection with the island.
Hawaii started to feel like home—I could see myself living there happily. I began asking the hostel workers and volunteers if they enjoyed their jobs, already planning a return trip before I had even left. Being so close to Pipeline, I knew this would be the perfect location to film big wave surfers during the winter. I sent a copy of my resume to the hostel before leaving Hawaii, confident that I would be back
On my last day in Honolulu, I noticed one of the influencers I follow was also in Hawaii. I took a shot in the dark and reached out to see if he wanted any drone footage of him surfing. To my surprise, he responded, and we met up. I captured some incredible footage in Waikiki, with the surfers framed against the iconic skyscrapers. It was a pleasure collaborating with Will, who, despite being an influencer, was down-to-earth and humble. He advised me to keep reaching out, as I had done with him, because sometimes, things will stick.
Some of my favorite shots from Hawaii were captured in Waikiki just before my flight out of Honolulu. The water and skyscrapers created a stunning backdrop. I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be moving to Hawaii on September 1st to work at the hostel where I stayed! I’m excited to get into a routine, prepare for the big wave season, and continue my drone work with a new, higher-quality drone. This journey with drones in Hawaii has been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to share more updates from my new home. For now, Aloha—both hello and goodbye!