Oahu Sunflower Fields | A Rainy November

Oahu Sunflower Fields

Ah, sunflowers. I can’t think of many things happier than a field of towering yellow flowers stretching as far as the eye can see. For years crowds have been drawn to these bright fields in Wailua. They would sneak in for photo ops or to snip a couple of the giant beauties for a loved one. Full confession, I was one of those people a few years ago – sneaking into the fields for a few photos. I mean come on, kids + sunflowers? As a photographer, how could I pass up that opportunity?

The fields are privately owned by Dupont and the particular variety is not meant to be ornamental, but grown for oil production. The flowers die quickly after being picked and the heavy pollen load can leave some nasty stains. Still, the people came. They tried moving the fields and creating roadside barriers, but flower lovers could not be deterred.

An Artists Evening

Last year, Dupont finally gave in. Instead of fighting the public, they welcomed them to a sunflower weekend complete with crafts and food vendors. It would have been spectacular had it not been scheduled during the blazing mid-day heat (plus the red dirt, fire ants, and bees). Photographers and artists begged and pleaded for later hours when the light is soft and lovely. Props to Dupont because they listened and gave us “An Artist’s Evening” and opened the fields in the evening for $30 per person with all proceeds going to the local community.

A Hasty Rush to the SunFlower Field

I was glued to my computer trying to keep up with the holiday rush when a photographer friend reminded me that the “Artist’s Evening” started in two hours. I made a snap decision that a little sunflower cheer was exactly what I needed. I hurriedly packed my gear, threw the kids in the car with handfuls of snacks, and headed north. In rush hour traffic. In a torrential downpour. We arrived at the sodden field 90 minutes later cranky and hungry. I stood at the entrance grasping the entrance fee in one hand and camera in the other. I studied the sky. Would it stop raining long enough to get any photos at all? In the end, we went for it and were rewarded with 15 semi-dry minutes. We ended the day at Banzai Sushi muddy and exhausted. I swore this would be my last year, but those flowers are hard to resist …

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