Saint Peter's by the Sea

Perched just steps from the ocean on the Kona Coast, this tiny historic church is one of the most charming and photogenic structures in all of Hawaii. The bright blue exterior and white trim pop beautifully against the deep blue of the Pacific, making a wide or standard lens ideal for capturing the full scene. Shoot from the shoreline or the low lava rock wall to frame the church with the water behind it, or get close and use the ocean as a soft background. Golden hour is your best bet, when warm light wraps the white trim and the sea takes on rich blue and turquoise tones. Early morning gives you calmer water and fewer people. The church is small and the surrounding area is compact, so take your time working different angles along the water's edge. (Kahaluu-Keauhou, Hawaii, United States)