Pele's Chair

Pele's Chair is a striking volcanic rock formation rising from the shoreline on Oahu's southeast coast, shaped like a throne and steeped in Hawaiian mythology. The dark, jagged basalt contrasts beautifully against the turquoise water and white foam, giving you strong graphic compositions even on overcast days. Position yourself low on the rocks to shoot upward and emphasize the chair's height against the sky, or pull back wider to include the surrounding coastline and ocean. Sunrise is ideal here, as the early light catches the texture of the lava rock and the sky often turns deep orange and pink behind the formation. Bring a wide angle lens for environmental shots and a mid-range for tighter details in the rock surface. The area sits just off Kalanianaole Highway near Sandy Beach, with roadside parking nearby; wear grippy shoes as the rocks can be slippery when wet. (Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii)