Spirit of Kilauea

Known in Hawaiian as Koa‘e Kea, the white-tailed tropicbird soars above Kīlauea’s erupting lava. In ancient Hawaiian culture, these birds were regarded as messengers of the gods, often guiding navigators and carrying spiritual meaning as they moved between sea, sky, and fire.

For me, this photo is more than timing or luck. I carried this vision in mind before I ever set foot on Hawai‘i. I imagined myself standing before Kīlauea, to witness her eruption, and to capture the impossible, a lone tropicbird carving its flight across lava and fire.

Being there, seeing it all align in front of my lens, was an emotional moment I’ll never forget. This is not just an image, it is a vision turned into reality, the spirit of Kīlauea made visible.

Limited Edition 950