Sunsets, palms trees and kiʻi, or tiki as they are more commonly referred to, are unavoidable visuals in the state and lean hard into the stereotypical image of Hawaiʻi as an exotic tourist destination.

#peergroupweely

Leaning on a kiʻi seems just wrong...even if its a man made version at the entrance to a luau for tourists. In this venue it is merely a prop representing tiki culture and not recognized as a symbolic focal point of Hawaiian religious ritual.

One of my favorite images, “Aloha Attire”, recently garnered an Honorable Mention in the New York Center for Photographic Art “Apparel” call juried by Niamh Treacy. I love that this image resonates with people and am grateful for the recognition. Mahalo!

Infinite views of Diamond Head can be had from almost everywhere Waikiki. The iconic landmark is impressive but is so prevalent that it becomes 'part of the scenery'... often a mere backdrop in vacation photos.

#peergroupweekly #greetingsfromthestateofaloha

The Lava Tube Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaiʻi - would you stay here?

#authentic #photography #shanesakata #peergroupweekly #thestateofaloha #greetingsfromthestateofaloha #colonialism #landscapeoftourism

Kilohana Hula Show - Waikiki Shell, Honolulu Hawaiʻi

#authentic #photography #thestateofaloha #landscapeoftourism #greetingsfromthestateofaloha #colonialism #hawaiiselfie

Aloha in the USA - Cheesburger in Paradise, Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaiʻi

#authentic #photography #shanesakata #peergroupweekly #thestateofaloha #greetingsfromthestateofaloha #colonialism

Overlook at Halona Blow Hole , Oahu, Hawaiʻi

#authentic #photography #shanesakata #thestateofhawaii #stateofaloha #greetingsfromthestateofaloha #hawaiitourism

A sliver of Waikiki Beach is all you'll likely see from your ocean view room...

#roomwithaview #hawaiivacation #authentic #photography #shanesakata #peergroupweekly #thestateofaloha

Pool patrons in paradise...

#hawaiivacation #authentic #photography #shanesakata #thestateofaloha

Putting on a show for the tourists...aloha shirt, lauhala hat, leis and and a conch shell for good measure…it's good to be on tour with the fun experts and it must be photographed!

#hawaiivacation #authentic #photography #shanesakata #thestateofaloha #peergroupweekly

Or what I call "Where's Waldo" Hawaiian style...
#authentic #photography #thestateofaloha #hawaii