7 Hawaii Locals To Follow On Instagram

We may be biased, but there's really no place on Earth quite like this handful of sun-drenched, mid-Pacific islands — only in Hawaii can you find blue lagoons, lush rain forests, cascading waterfalls and famous surf beaches at almost every turn. Fancy a weekend escapade and unsure of where exactly to go? Fret not. Let these seven Instagrammers show you where the adventure lies. You'll thank them for it — just say mahalo.

1. @haakeaulana

Ha'a Keaulana, whose name means "Joyful Dancing Sea," is a self-proclaimed surftographer, a marriage of surfing and photography. Growing up on the west side of Hawaii, she recalls choosing beaches over playgrounds in her childhood days — an opinion she still firmly holds today. While she's reluctant to reveal some of her secret surf spots, she counts Makaha, Ali'i beach and Ehukai as some of her favorite places to ride the waves.

2. @theanthonycastro

As Anthony Castro will show you, there's so much more to the islands than beaches and surfing. Born and raised in Hawaii, the adventure photographer spent his childhood finding hidden hikes, swimming holes, caves and towers to jump off of. In his words, "every day was a new adventure and no matter how many mountains you've been on, waterfalls you've jumped off or caves you went through, they are all different and have something special to offer."

3. @ladyslider

Tara Michie is a Hawaii-based creative whose priorities clearly lie in the sea, and her feed may best represent the dreamy beach life that many dream of. The Big Island-born photog credits the pace, the lifestyle and the waves that make the North Shore such a special place to live in. The best place to catch her is by the beach; even if the surf is down, chances are you'll find her taking a nice long stroll or simply lazing along the white sandy beaches.

4. @brooklynhawaii

Brooke Dombroski is yet another Hawaii-based photographer/creative that's making waves on the gram. Based on O'ahu, her amazing photos aim to showcase an authentic look at the surf/beach lifestyle of the North Shore, and it definitely didn't go unnoticed; she counts Urban Outfitters, Billabong Women's and Hurley as some of her clients.

5. @aliciaunderwater

While others showcase the Hawaiian surf culture, Alicia Ward takes you under the water — and under the surfers — to show the beautiful and diverse marine life along the Hawaiian coastline. From dolphins and sharks to sea turtles, there probably isn't one species Alicia hasn't swam alongside. She and her husband Jim also dedicate their time toward the great cause of ocean education and preservation.

6. @opticalhi

Kailua local Jimmy Wilkinson seeks to provide a different view of Hawaii — not underwater, but from above in the air. Otherwise known as OpticalHi, the drone photographer specializes in aerial photography with the aim of showcasing paradise from a whole new perspective. Jimmy has made quite a name for himself within the Hawaiian drone photography community since he started in 2014; his work was featured in an American Express campaign and on the new bank cards for American Savings Bank.

7. @threeifbysea

Three Hawaiian brothers, Nainoa, Makana and Kapono, are taking the road less traveled, each in different fashion — by air, land and sea. Based in Honolulu, the trio has perhaps one of the most comprehensive Instagram takes on Hawaii's landscapes, bringing you from the majestic Hanakapi'ai Falls to the peaks of Haleakalā National Park.

Are there any other Hawaii locals you like to follow on Instagram? Tell us about them in the comments, below.

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