Kalalau Beach
Kalalau Beach is one of the most dramatic and isolated beaches in Hawaii, tucked at the end of the rugged Nā Pali coastline with towering green cliffs rising sharply behind the sand and the deep blue Pacific stretching out in front. The scale here is extraordinary, and the best compositions use the cliffs as a backdrop while placing the beach and surf in the foreground. A wide angle lens works well to capture the full sweep of the scene, while a longer focal length lets you compress the layers of ridgelines disappearing into the mist. Golden hour at sunset bathes the cliffs in warm light that contrasts beautifully with the turquoise water. Reaching the beach requires either an 11-mile hike along the Kalalau Trail or a seasonal boat or kayak trip, so plan your visit carefully and pack everything you need since there are no facilities here. (Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai, Hawaii, United States)
