Yellowstone or Big Island

Guys

I need some serious help please.

Its our 20th wedding anniversary next September\October and we are trying to decide on where to go for our holiday\vacation. Photography is a major part of our holiday plans so would like some help to decide which location. I enjoy landscape and wildlife photography so both have their merits.

We have been to the Big Island twice before, but both times were before I really got into photography. I had been to Yellowstone in '87 when I was a teenager and didn't really appreciate the beauty of the place.

So, the question is, do we go back to the Big Island, where we are familiar with or do we do the whole Yellowstone\Jackson\Te​tons thing.

Your recommendations and comments would be extremely well received, along with any suggestions on travel\accommodation\m​ust see places in either venue.

Thanks very much

What do you mean by big islands - galapagos or hawaii?

Anyway my vote would be Yellowstone

Firstly, Happy Anniversary!

The Big Island (Hawai'i, my former home) is fantastic.. but less so in the fall as it starts to rain.. a lot
Yellowstone to me would be perfect in the fall considering the colors, and the fact that the wildlife is preparing for winter.

... my $.02

Yellowstone, Tetons.........no question.

Timewise, may I strongly recommend arriving in West Yellowstone the afternoon of Sept. 12, '10. That's the week after Labor Day, and the crowds magically disappear that day. Monday you'll have the whole park to yourself practically, because everyone is back in school and /or at work. The weather will be glorious and the aspens are just starting to turn.

For Yellowstone may I recommend the Westwood Lodge in West Yellowstone, (ask for Atonos when making a reservation). Room #9 is my favorite. I mile to the West Nat'l Park entrance.

In Jackson, I strongly recommend dinner at "Sweetwater", you'll find it memorable. Breakfast every day at Bubba's, also in Jackson......closest thing to a proper English breakfast ( except the horrible tomatoes, of course).

In Teton NP hike the full length of Paintbrush Canyon. Take the cable car.

Gear-wise, you'll need a 24 or 35mm lens, polarizers, and your 150-500 will do beautifully for the game in both parks.

Enjoy the trip and Happy Anniversary ! ( my wife and I did that very trip last year,...it was our 45th) .

JZG

I have never been to either but based on scenery and climate I would think the big island would be best in the spring when in fresh bloom and Yellowstone would be best in the fall with the colors

Yellowstone, but throw in Glacier NP. Twenty year marriages don't happen that often any more.

No Question---Yellowstone.

I did go to Hawaii a few years back for our 25th ann.

A couple of samples to entice you further.

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I'm biased but for me it's Yellowstone. Let's see. A. September is only a little less crowded mostly because of the mobile oldies and their motorhomes. B. The weather is very fickle so you'll have to pack for both summer and winter. C. Some of the Parks accommodations will have closed but a few will still be open until the middle of October. D. The big problem in getting around will be road closures due to road construction, weather, or forest fires (a real threat this year because of a very dry winter). E. The good news is the bull elk will be in rutt, the weather is typically mild except for B, and the vistas gorgeous. F. Fly into Billings (BIL), rent a car, and drive into the Park over the Beartooth Highway. Spectacular! Best only if leaving early in the day. Lunch in Cooke City. Enter though Silver Gate and you'll go through the Lamar Valley. Distances and driving speeds are deceiving so plan your accommodations accordingly. Here are a couple of links to help you:

Yellowstone

Yellowstone Association

Yellowstone Lodging inside the Park.

Some of my images.

Lastly, wherever you go, enjoy your anniversary.

What's your wife wanting to do? Is she a photographer too?

I"ve never been to Hawaii so I'm a little biased but I would choose Yellowstone the fall is good for wildlife and the scenery is second to none. Happy Anniversary

joayne wrote in post #9870766
Firstly, Happy Anniversary!

The Big Island (Hawai'i, my former home) is fantastic.. but less so in the fall as it starts to rain.. a lot
Yellowstone to me would be perfect in the fall considering the colors, and the fact that the wildlife is preparing for winter.

... my $.02

I agree. But timing is everything. I love both places.

I'd chose Yellowstone! In Hawaii, in my opinion, after so many pictures, they will are start looking so similar. Yeah, theres lot of stuff to take pics of in Hawaii, but I think Yellowstone will give you so many more options!
Whats your wife wanting to do?

Thanks everyone for your comments so far, pretty unanimous at this point.

Permagrin, Tina does a little bit but just enjoys the whole scenery thing. I'm quite fortunate really that she lets me get on with an and is happy to sit around while I'm taking shots

JuSlaughter wrote in post #9873501
Thanks everyone for your comments so far, pretty unanimous at this point.

Permagrin, Tina does a little bit but just enjoys the whole scenery thing. I'm quite fortunate really that she lets me get on with an and is happy to sit around while I'm taking shots

that is very sweet.

We went to the Big Island a year ago in the fall. It was lovely but I'm thinking that if Tina doesn't care which way you go, you'll find the Yellowstone option much more colorful. Just be sure you go before all the places start to close for the weather.