Waiʻānapanapa Beach
This striking black sand beach on Maui's eastern coastline gets its dramatic look from volcanic lava that has broken down over centuries into dark, jagged pebbles and fine sand. The contrast between the jet-black shoreline, the turquoise and deep blue ocean, and the lush green coastal vegetation makes almost every composition work in your favor. Shoot from the rocky outcroppings at either end of the beach to get elevated angles looking down the curve of the shoreline, or get low near the waterline to emphasize the texture of the black pebbles as waves wash over them. Early morning light is ideal, giving you soft golden tones without harsh shadows and a better chance of having the beach to yourself before tour groups arrive. A wide angle lens works well for capturing the full sweep of the bay, while a telephoto compresses the layers of rock, sea, and foliage nicely. The sea caves at the northern end of the beach are worth exploring for additional compositions. (Waiʻānapanapa State Park, Maui, Hawaii, United States)
