The Big Island's Lavaland, photo by mnorri
On the Big Island of Hawaii (where we are now) we turn our focus to sustainable living and enjoying the fruits of the earth. The spirit of Pele, the volcano goddess, abounds as we commune with the lava landscape of the island. Here there is a wildness and an aliveness of nature that invites us to ponder our connection to the land. I welcome the grounded energy where the elements of earth, water, and fire meet.
Furthermore, I trade in the salacious thrill (of the illusions) of television and film for something tangible and visceral which stimulates my senses the way they were meant to be felt. Through the elemental I connect with the divine.
Now that my contemplative side has been expressed, I must confess that the island of Oahu sparked something more media-oriented rather than meditation-like. The pop culture in me rears its ugly head.
As I gaze at the ominous green, rigid mountains that dominate the island I don’t initially see God…I am blind. All I can see is “LOST.” 
Oahu Mountains from LOST, photo by Michael Falk
It’s no secret. I watch a load of movies and documentaries. I’m a bit of a junkie like that when it comes to finding my inspiration for filmmaking. However, I had always prided myself for not succombing to T.V. shows. But a stint of maternity leave 7 months ago led me to be curious about the show “Lost”. With the advent of streamable Netflix I now find myself a silly fan of a T.V. show.
This post is for all other silly fans of “Lost” out in the world. (I can say that because I’m in your tribe). While traveling in Hawaii, I had to find the film set for the survivors’ beach camp (after their plane crashed on the mysterious island). Oahu is a pilgrimage of sorts for the fans, and the beach camp is Mecca. So here it is as promised. Nothing too fancy from my little Flip camera…
I have two types of videos on this website. The first I call “Quick Flip Clips”. I have this super tiny HD Flip Camera which makes filming a breeze due to its portability and size. A monkey could use it. I don’t take too much pride in these videos since they are shot in a haphazard, relaxed manner. I typically note on the video when it is a “Quick Flip Clip” but I forgot to this time. I’m grateful for the little camera, but its footage is certainly not an example of my better work. This Lost Beach Camp video is a “Quick Flip Clip”.
Lost Beach Camp
The other type of video is shot on my Canon XH-A1 which is a semi-professional camera with all the bells and whistles. Usually, the interviews with the creatives are shot with more pride and craft. The contact juggling piece, for example, is a piece that I consider some of my better work (at this point in my self-taught filmmaking career).
Lost Beach Camp--shelters made of plane parts
Anyway, thanks to Sheila on the “Go Visit Hawaii” website we were able to easily find directions to the beach camp film set. Here’s the link:
http://www.govisithawaii.com/2009/02/18/easiest-way-to-find-the-beach-camp-where-lost-is-filmed/
Lost Beach on Oahu's North Shore with 'hard to walk' on sand
The sand is thick and deep on the North Shore of Oahu, and walking with a baby in tow was no joke. After a ten minute hike down the beach we arrived at the location which was cordoned off by a plastic, orange makeshift fence. On the way, we passed an enthusiastic couple in stereotypical American tourist attire who talked a little Lost fan talk with us. At the site, an unfriendly and disinterested guard fiddled with his phone to avoid making conversation, yet kept a watchful eye on us as we went photo crazy.
Lost Film Set blocked with guard & plastic orange fence
I’m happy to have had the opportunity to visit the location before filming ends forever in about a month. Most likely this set will be torn down. This was auspicious timing for a trip to the islands for some “Lost” religion.
"Lost" Beach is fodder for "Lost" reflection
Little Sky played in the sand as we sat in a beautiful wide open space watching the waves crash before us. We let our imaginations run as we went through the scenes that were filmed in this very spot. John pointed out Sawyer’s chair. I snapped a photo of it and immediately sent it via smart phone to my girlfriend Megan. Megan and Jeff are our friends back home in Texas who are kind enough to invite us over to their house every Tuesday night for our weekly “Lost” parties. We bring the wine and food, and they provide the tube.
Now, I provide some silly fan fodder.
Sawyer's Chair at Lost Beach Camp
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I’m glad my directions helps you find the LOST survivor’s camp. It really is the mecca of all LOST filming locations.
Enjoy your time on the Big Island.