I am planning a trip to Hawaii for April.
Really intereseted in things like lava flows, craters of of valcones, etc.
Happy to hike whereever, and go to out-of-the-way places with a 4 wheel drive.
These islalnds seem so much more than white sandy beeches.
Has anyone done extensive shooting here and have some suggestions on any of the islands?
Since the first things on your list of interests have to do with volcanoes, the Big Island would certainly be a good choice for your trip.
Lava has been flowing from the Pu'u O'o eruption in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for many years now, and seeing a live lava flow in person is truly an awe inspiring sight.
How about hiking through rainforest and down onto the floor of a still-steaming volcanic crater? Or across a barren acid-rain desert? Lots of options for hikes in all kinds of terrain on the Big Island.
One of the posts above suggests that the Big Island is all rocky lava. Large portions of it are, but there are also extensive tropical rainforests covering much of the island.
Having lived in Hawaii for over 20 years, the last eight on the island of Hawaii, here's my Big Island Top 10 for nature photographers:
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: give it as much time as you can. Hike Thurston Lava Tube, Devastation Trail and the Kilauea Iki Crater trail at a minimum. Drive Chain of Craters Road to it's end near the active lava flow (great photo potential of pahoehoe lava flow patterns about halfway down). If there is any chance of viewing the active flow, definitely don't miss it - be there at dusk for the glow (you'll need flashlight, sturdy shoes, water, raingear).
- Tropical gardens: Akatsuka Gardens near Volcano for orchids, Nani Mau Gardens in Hilo, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden just outside of Hilo and World Gardens further up the Hamakua Coast are all wonderful for flower photography.
- Hamakua Coast waterfalls - Akaka Falls is the best known, but the view of the falls on Umauma Stream from World Gardens is also very good. Nanue Falls makes a great photo, taken right from the middle of the highway bridge, but watch out for the traffic. If it's within your budget, a helicopter tour of this coast will take you into valleys between Pololu and Waipio with incredible watefall views.
- Waipio Valley: hike down, use a shuttle service or take a tour. Beautiful arching black sand beach, towering cliffs, taro farms and waterfalls to photograph. The view from the lookout at the top is best from early to mid-morning.
- Kohala Mountain Road from Waimea (aka Kamuela) to Hawi to the end of the road at Pololu Valley (and then hike down to the beach at the mouth of the valley). This will take you up to around 4000' elevation and ranch country, and a spectacular view of the Hamakua Coast from the Pololu Valley lookout.
- Saddle Road between the Kona-Kohala Coast and Hilo. Grassland, dry forest, barren lava flows, native Hawaiian rainforest, views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa rising 13,000-14,000' from the coast. All the rental car agencies (except Harper) have this road marked as forbidden, but if you're a careful driver and want to see a part of Hawaii that few visitors experience...
- Puuhonua O Honauanu National Historical Park in south Kona, formerly (and mistakenly) called City of Refuge. The best preserved/reconstructed ancient Hawaiian heiau (temple) and cultural site on all the islands. Go there at sunrise for best light on the carved wooden ki'i (tikis); it's also an excellent sunset location.
- Kealakekua Bay (also south Kona). Rent a kayak, bring snorkeling gear and paddle/swim with the dolphins. Visit coffee farms on the way.
- Kohala Coast resort beaches. The Big Island doesn't have many white sand beaches, but it does have a couple of the best in that department. Kaunaoa Beach at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach State Park and Anaehoomalu Beach at the Waikoloa resort complex are all beautiful beaches and excellent sunset locations. Mauna Lani Resort and Waikoloa both have sections of the ancient coastal trail, petroglyphs and traditional Hawaiian fishponds.
- The drive around the southern part of the island between Kona and HVNP will take you through coffee farms, lava fields, macadamia nut orchards and a couple of small towns. Side trips will take you to a green sand at south point and a beautiful black sand beach at Punaluu, where you'll probably find sea turtles basking on the beach.
Have to admit, you can't really go wrong with Kauai or Maui either. All the islands are beautiful, each has its special attractions. You'll just have to plan on multiple trips. : )
- Greg
http://www.gregvaughn.com/Hawaii/Hawaii.html 
