Makapuʻu Beach

Makapuʻu Beach sits on the windward tip of Oʻahu, where dramatic black volcanic cliffs drop toward a crescent of white sand and some of the most vivid turquoise water in Hawaii. The contrast between the dark rock, bright sand, and deep blue-green ocean makes almost any composition work, but the most striking shots come from the elevated viewpoints along the trail above the beach, where you can frame the full sweep of the bay with the offshore islands of Mānana and Kāohikaipu in the background. Shooting from the rocky northern end of the beach puts the cliffs and lighthouse in frame together. Early morning light is ideal, giving you warm golden tones before crowds arrive and before the wind picks up. A wide angle lens handles the full scene well, while a telephoto pulls the lighthouse and distant islands closer. Parking is available at the trailhead lot just off Kalaniana'ole Highway. (Waimānalo, Oʻahu, Hawaii, United States)