Hulopoʻe Beach

Hulopoʻe Beach sits on the southern shore of Lanai, a crescent of golden sand framed by dramatic lava rock headlands and calm, crystal-clear water in striking shades of turquoise and blue. The contrast between the dark volcanic rock and the bright sand gives you strong compositional anchors on both sides of the frame, and the gently curving shoreline works well as a leading line drawing the eye into the scene. Morning light is ideal here, arriving soft and warm with minimal crowds, and the calm conditions early in the day keep the water glassy and reflective. A wide angle lens helps capture the full sweep of the bay, while a longer focal length lets you isolate the lava formations or compress the horizon. The beach is accessed through the Four Seasons Manele Bay resort grounds; parking is available nearby. Come on a weekday for the quietest conditions. (Lanai Island, Hawaii, United States)