Behind the Lens with Daniel Sullivan

Neowise

by Daniel Sullivan

I sat out on the beach at Hookipa on Maui’s north shore waiting to get a shot of the Neowise Comet when it passed between the Earth and sun, which only happens every 6,800 years. I hoped to get a shot of a turtle on the beach that night. As I waited, I watched as two, six, 15 and soon 84 turtles came up to sleep on the beach in front of me. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime shot!” danielsullivanphotography.com

Good luck finding a photographer who can better capture the essence of what we love about Maui than Daniel Sullivan, who has been providing us with “wow” visuals of the Maui environment and local wildlife for nearly two decades. His photography not only graces the covers of FORM Magazine but his landscape, underwater and arial photography has been featured in a global collection of magazines and his stunning prints and photography books can be found in homes and businesses around the world.

Daniel is proud of his most recent book release, Maui, Mauka to Makai. This remarkable book chronicles Maui during the pandemic shutdown with gorgeous photography that showcases the heart and soul of Maui. He photographed the island every single day, walking the Hana coast and hiking from the summit of Haleakalā down the backside of the volcano down to Kaupō. Daniel now looks back to this surreal experience as an amazing time in his life, knowing that he will most likely never again see Maui in such a pure and quiet state. This book celebrates Maui beautifully, and makes it a perfect addition to anyone’s home.

Visit Daniel’s website to learn more about his books, prints and photography tours.

“I photograph the constant connection between the Hawaiian culture and the landscape here on Maui,” adds Sullivan. “My images are born out of a deep respect for the ‘a – ina’, the Hawaiian word for the sacred land.”

Crystal Ball

by Daniel Sullivan

“I was fortunate to capture this Hawaiian Green Turtle as it swam through the waters of Honolua Bay. The waters of Maui during the covid pandemic, free from tourists and boats, were amazingly clear.”

“I am transfixed by the brief moment of time when the essence of the spirit reveals itself,” says Sullivan. “Color plays an important role in my photography as it has the ability to engage the spirit, illuminate light and energy, and transcend the moment.”

The Dragon

by Daniel Sullivan

“ There is an area known as A Thousand Peaks along the West Coast of Maui where the storms have claimed many old Kiawe trees over the years. This one has always been my favorite. I named it The Dragon because it reminds me of an old dragon returning to the ocean.”

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Haleakala – Night

by Daniel Sullivan

I love shooting astrophotography on Maui where some of the most remarkable dark skies on the planet are available due to being the most isolated island chain on the planet.”