Ferry scenes

Susan Benay captures the beautiful scenery -- plus some unexpected events of the day -- while riding the Superferry during its inaugural voyage

"My intention is to focus on the splendor and love of the islands, which is something we all share no matter where we stand," says Susan Benay, who rode aboard the Hawaii Superferry on its fateful inaugural journey on Aug. 26.

The fine arts photographer is showing the best of some 2,000 images taken during round-trip rides to Maui and Kauai -- "naturescapes and other events as the day unfolded" -- at The Art Board in downtown Honolulu through Nov. 14.

Benay was probably one of the ferry's most excited passengers, the voyage being her first foray from Honolulu since arriving to the islands in 2000 from southern California. "I've had two plane 'events,' and I just won't fly anymore. The ferry's a good option for me," she says.

Benay, a former painter, was fascinated by how rapidly things were always changing visually in Hawaii. "The rainbows, the lighting," she raves, moved her to put away the paint brush and pick up the camera.

"I didn't want to miss anything. Painting takes a long time, so I changed to photography. Now I can capture the magnificence of the islands from moment to moment," she says.

Benay owns the Lanikai Sugar Co., where she sells her work. She's also published books with naturescapes of Hawaii.

The Art Board , 1170 Nuuanu Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays. Call 536-0121.