Only in Hawaii

Amateur photographers show why the islands are unique in Canon USA Hawaii's annual contest

IT'S something to look forward to each year. The Canon Amateur Photo Contest puts a spotlight on the talent of Everyday Joes who have a flair for capturing special moments with a camera.

And as usual, many of the best shots are refreshingly unique, even while the themes for the contests are less than imaginative. Indeed, this year's, "Only in Hawaii -- Like Nowhere Else on Earth," evokes instant mental images of touristy Diamond Head or hula girl shots.

Undoubtedly, the local Canon office had to sift through many a submission like those. Each year, hundreds of hopefuls send in entries, but Canon selects only 30 or so of the best to hang on the walls of its gallery. And this year, there's nary a Diamond Head shot in sight.

Of the 30 best, five shots are chosen as winners, and these photographers are awarded Canon cameras.

Some of the most memorable pictures this year weren't even in the top five. They include Crystal Lancaster's whimsical shot of a lion dance company on an escalator; Ulla Kreienbaum's fifth-place winner of a muscled local man enjoying a dip in a pool on a pink floaty; Melissa Sollner's moody, nostalgic shot of a chicken barbecue; and Yulianna Koselci's photo of a surfer who's gone Christmas shopping.

Canon's Annual Amateur Photo Contest is an impressive, fun show that's worthy of a look.

The exhibit continues through April 27 at Canon Photo Gallery, located in Ward Plaza at 210 Ward Ave., Suite 200. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Call 522-5930 for more information.