Keri Parado | Keri Nakahashi Photography

Honolulu, Hawaii USA

Keri Nakahashi Photography

HONOLULU PET PHOTOGRAPHY

The aloha spirit is a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that is deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture. There is no doubt that our loyal, four-legged companions embody that spirit of ‘Aloha’, and many Hawaiians consider their dogs as ‘ohana’ (family).

In 2023, Keri Parado joined professional photographers around the globe to make a difference for pets in need with 'Tails of the World'. This unique collaborative project celebrates dogs with an annual coffee table book and our latest volume has raised over $65,000 for animal rescue!

Keri raised US$1100 for Paws of Hawaii with ten pet photoshoots three stunning locations on the island of Oʻahu. Kualoa Regional Park is nestled between the majestic Ko'olau Mountains and the beach, providing a picturesque view in every direction. It is located right across from Kualoa Ranch, where many movies like Jurassic Park, Jumaji, and 50 First Dates were filmed.
Next was Haleiwa Beach Park, located on the iconic North Shore of Oahu. Renowned for its surf culture, local boutiques, and delectable eateries, this beach has a laid-back vibe.
Lastly is Kahanamoku Beach, located on the world-famous Waikiki shoreline. This beach is named in honor of Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary Hawaiian surfer and Olympic champion. It's a relaxing spot for a morning walk or swim with your dog, while watching the sunrise over Diamond Head.

Lilia

Even though Lilia is smaller than most cats, no one ever told her how small she is! Her outsized personality, endless energy, and love of her island home, make this pint-sized dog seem ten times bigger than she actually is!

Lilia's parents are thankful every day to share the warmth and sunshine of Hawai’i with Lilia and her sweet and spirited soul. Not surprisingly, Lilia loves the sand and beach, and it’s probably only a matter of time before she starts begging for surf lessons!

Kiwi, Delta, Tiger, and Echo

The Phú Quốc Ridgeback is an ancient breed from the island of Phú Quốc, Vietnam. The breed is aloof, friendly, extremely intelligent, easy to train, and very loyal to their people. They are independent and skilled hunters known for their athletic build, speed, swimming, and agility. Currently the national dog breed of Vietnam, people consider them to be “The Gem of Vietnam.”

Zippy

Zippy was found as a stray puppy on the Leeward coast of Oahu at the same date and time as our family lost our beloved dog of 15 years.

Was it fate? For this family's heart, it was an immediately adopted him.

The name Zippy is a reference to a household diner popular in the islands favored for their "home-style" cooking, but with a deeper meaning. For this family, Zippy represents not only his own love and beautiful personality but carries the spirits of the family pets before him. Zippy is home.

Roxy

Roxy was adopted from a local shelter as a gift to my 13-year-old daughter who worked hard academically to earn her and even bigger than that, a gift to our family. She has grown to love and swindle all of us with her cute eyebrows and friendly demeanor. She loves belly rubs, cuddling, sunbathing and snacks.

Cannoli and Churro

Churro is such a sweet, cuddly mama's boy. He is a world traveler and has been on over 20 flights. He is such a protective older brother to Cannoli and loves to teach her how to be a spoiled dog.

Cannoli is a cuddly, independent diva. She is shy around new people and new dogs, but once she gets to know you she is so playful and sweet. Her favorite color is pink and she will always pick the pink toy over any other when given the choice.

Max

Max was up for adoption with the Fur-Angel Foundation and after one look at his photo, we decided to foster him. It wasnʻt long before we ended up keeping him as Bruno's goofy little brother.

He's the most loving, cuddly, goofy, and bubbly kid full of wonder and curiosity. There's never a dull moment with this little guy.

Kaia

Kaia is an 8-year-old Goldendoodle, a certified AKC therapy dog, and a Joy Ambassador with the Hawaiian Humane Society. Kaia was born with a calm and gentle demeanor and has been sharing smiles and Aloha with the people of Hawaii for the past 8 years. She currently volunteers at Shriners Hospital in Hawaii and the Plaza Waikiki.

Zuke

When Zuke was 1 week old, his mom got banged by a car so Paws of Hawaii rescued the puppies and fostered them until they were old enough to be adopted. In 2019, he found his forever home and has spent the last 4 years being spoiled with love from his mom. He loves the outdoors and his favorite activities are going to the park and going on hikes but he would choose cuddling in bed all day over everything.

Kashi and Strawberry

Strawberry & Kashi are senior Golden Retriever mixes that love living the island life. They enjoy long car rides, their heads out the window and their ears blowing in the wind. Hiking up to the waterfalls of Kāne’ohe or windy trails of Makapu’u. These two poi dogs never miss a chance to dive in to the ocean and roll in the sand. They love sharing a puptastic shave ice with their parents and will do anything for a bite of your spam musubi. Strawberry and Kashi have helped foster over 200 fur babies for PAWS of Hawaii, a local animal rescue on O’ahu.

Tequila

Tequila is a 6-month-old Mini Australian Shepherd. She loves spending time and herding her kitty brother Greyson. Her favorite things she likes to do are playing fetch, enjoying different foods, rolling in the grass, and playing with her doggie friends. It’s been exciting to see her grow up into such a sweet, adventurous and loving pup.

All images are shared here with the artist’s permission

Keri Parado is an official photographer for our fundraising book, Tails of the World: Volume Two. You can follow Keri’s pet photography adventures on Instagram, and be sure to check out the Keri Nakahashi Photography Website to learn more.

Purchase your copy of the Tails of the World Book, and enjoy more dog photography and stories from around the globe. 100% of the proceeds of this book go to Second Chance Animal Rescue Inc.

ABOUT PAWS OF HAWAII

PAWS of Hawaii is a local, 501(c)3 non-profit, animal rescue on the island of O’ahu. We are a foster-based organization. We work primarily in the homeless areas/camps of O’ahu, helping to care for, take in and adopt out the animals in need. PAWS of Hawaii is committed to promoting awareness and support to animal guardians to ensure the proper treatment, well-being, love, and quality of life of our animal friends.

VISIT WEBSITE
@pawsofhawaii

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Being a dog photographer in Hawaii is a dream come true! With stunning backdrops featuring crystal-clear waters, lush tropical landscapes, and golden sandy beaches, every photoshoot is an adventure. I specialize in creating beach portraits full of color, personality, and the Aloha spirit!
In Hawaii, the term Aloha spirit is used to describe the Hawaiian way of life, emphasizing kindness, harmony, and respect for both people and nature. I believe dogs are natural ambassadors of Aloha with the unconditional love and compassion they have for everything. Photographing a joyful dog in Hawaii just exudes so much Aloha and creates a beautiful, harmonious feeling.

WEBSITE

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Author: Caitlin J. McColl

Caitlin J. McColl is the multi-award winning artist behind Ragamuffin Pet Photography, author of five dog-filled books and founder of the Tails of the World Collective. She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, two boys and a scruffy family of rescued animals. She’s a bit of an introvert, a lot of a dork, and so very passionate about making a difference for pets in need.

RAGAMUFFIN WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK