Waipi'o Black Sand Beach North

Waipi'o Valley's black sand beach is one of the most dramatic coastal settings in Hawaii, where towering green cliffs frame a wide stretch of volcanic black sand, a freshwater river meets the ocean, and wild horses often roam freely across the valley floor. Shoot from the river mouth looking back toward the valley walls for a powerful layered composition, or work low on the sand to contrast the dark foreground against white surf. The cliffs behind the beach frequently have thin waterfalls threading down their faces, especially after rain, making a wide angle lens ideal for capturing the full scene. Early morning brings soft light into the valley and fewer people. Getting here requires either a steep 4x4 drive down a roughly one mile road or a demanding hike; the descent drops around 800 feet, so plan your energy accordingly for the return trip. (Waipio Valley, Hawaii, United States)