View of the Coast from Olivine Pools Trailhead
The rugged northwest coastline of Maui reveals itself dramatically from the Olivine Pools trailhead, where jet-black lava shelves meet violent surf and the green cliffs of the West Maui Mountains rise sharply behind you. The combination of dark volcanic rock, white water, and vivid blue ocean makes for striking natural contrast that rewards wide to mid-range focal lengths. Shoot from the elevated trail looking down along the coastline to compress the layers of rock, sea, and cliffs into a single frame; a polarizing filter will help cut glare and deepen the water color. Morning light coming from the east catches the cliff faces and adds dimension to the lava texture. The trail itself is unpaved and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes; the rocks near the water are extremely slippery and can be dangerous when surf is active, so stay high for the best and safest compositions. (Kahakuloa, Maui, Hawaii, United States)
