I’m a freelance writer and editor who specializes in natural history, culture, and travel. Read my work in  BBC,  Smithsonian, Nature and  Hana Hou! – The Hawaiian Airlines Magazine.

Recent accolades:
BEST INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016
BEST BODY OF WORK 2021, 2017
BEST FEATURE WRITING / LONG FORM 2021
BEST SCIENCE REPORTING 2018, 2016
Society of Professional Journalists – Hawai’i Chapter

TRAVEL WRITER OF THE YEAR 2016
Hawai’i Ecotourism Association

What the judges said: “Incredible research and compelling prose to take these deep dives far beyond the surface of the natural and cultural worlds of the state. A master storyteller at work.”

“Shannon Wianecki’s charming wildlife portraits combine lore and science to highlight Hawaii’s environmental riches and its ecological challenges. A pleasure to read. Now, Shannon, how about a book?”

My book credits include: Frommer’s Hawai’i 2015-2019, Maui Day-by-Day, Top Maui Restaurants 2012, Fodor’s Maui 2005-2009 and Fodor’s Hawai‘i 2002-2009. I also created high school science curricula based on the native ecosystems of Hawai’i: Hō’ike o Haleakalā.

(Thanks to Sam ‘Ohu Gon III for this amazing rainbow shot! Read the story we were working on here: Into the House of the Sun.)