Exploring tide pools | Oahu photographers

I have long been obsessed with tide pools. Each tiny puka, each nook is a potential treasure trove. What creatures lurk in the shadows? What lies under that rock? A feather duster worm? A hermit crab? Maybe a sea hare? If you’re curious yourself you can see some of Oahu’s intertidal critters here. Tide pools are so beloved in our family that a recent trip to Vancouver Island in Canada was partly inspired but their renowned tide pools. It’s a long way to go for some inter-tidal exploration, but when you discover a bear foraging in those tide pools? Worth it.

Hawaii’s tide pools are not as diverse, but I still like to bring dip nets to my sessions just in case the kids want to explore. Some kids are squeamish, but others love it just as much as me. They grab a net and dive in eager to find fish and crabs. This family proved to be a hard core group of explorers and they won my heart. The whole family got in on the action and delighted in each tiny hermit crab and spiny sea cucumber found. They could have searched for hours, but I pulled them away for some water play. That’s when we saw the sea turtles. One turtle, large as a tank, befriended us. He followed us along like a lap dog and stopped at our feet when we stopped. I assume he was hoping for a limu hand out (illegal by the way), but we took the opportunity to stare in amazement. The kids were stoked to have a sea turtle picture to hang in their room.

Do you have a family of explorers?

Let’s hit the beach and make some memories! Find out more about my fun family photography sessions here.