Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. This stunning natural wonder provides an incredible backdrop for capturing the Milky Way, especially with the glowing Lava Lake at the summit lighting up the night sky.
On the night of August 20th, 2022, I set out to photograph the Milky Way at this iconic location. The timing was perfect, as the moon wouldn't rise until around 12:30 AM, giving us a dark sky and unobstructed views of the Lava Lake in all its glowing glory.
The first image, captured just after sunset, shows the Milky Way starting to emerge on the far left, while the Lava Lake’s glow intensifies. As the night darkened, the Milky Way gradually shifted into a perfect alignment directly above the Lava Lake, as seen in Image 2. By the time the clouds drifted by in Image 3, they were illuminated by the brilliant glow of the Lava Lake below, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Spending five hours in this awe-inspiring location was an unforgettable experience, and the imagery that unfolded was a testament to the incredible natural beauty of the Big Island.
If you're interested in seeing the timelapse I captured during this shoot, you can view it here: Milky Way Time Lapse.
Enjoy the adventure through my lens!
Ethan specializes in high-end photography for luxury hotels and resorts, luxury real estate, architects, and interior designers throughout all the Hawaiian Islands— including the Big Island, Maui, Oahu, and Kauai. In addition, he travels to the mainland for select projects, bringing his expertise to destinations beyond Hawaii. For inquiries, feel free to contact Ethan at 808-938-4665 or via email at ethantweedie@gmail.com
