Olivier Koning Print 13x19

The First Hawaiians Series features work from this remarkable, ongoing photographic series of flora native to the Hawaiian archipelago.

13x19 prints on Hahnemühle 100% cotton photo rag premium paper

The First Hawaiians was originally conceived of as a photo essay for Honolulu Magazine. For the series, Hawaiʻi-based photographer Olivier Koning worked with botanist Rick Kaponowaiwaiola Barboza to source Native Hawaiian plants and flowers - many of them are rare and hard to find. Some are also endangered, and many are not found anywhere else on Earth (endemic). Most of these plants were incorporated into the medicine, spirituality, and the everyday lives of Native Hawaiians.

Photographed in a small studio, the images capture a sense of drama and heightened clarity to emphasize the unique characteristics of each species.