Wawaloli Beach

Wawaloli Beach is a rugged lava rock shoreline on the Kohala Coast, where crashing waves, vivid tide pools, and dramatic black basalt formations give you a lot to work with in a compact area. At low tide, the pools fill with sea life and reflect the sky, making them ideal foreground elements when you frame the Pacific stretching out behind them. Sunset is the standout time to shoot here, as the warm light turns the dark lava a deep orange and red, and the wave action against the rocks adds motion and energy to longer exposures. A wide angle lens works well for pulling in the foreground texture while keeping the horizon in frame. Bring sturdy shoes since the lava surface is uneven, watch your footing near the water's edge, and check a tide chart before visiting to catch the pools at their best. (Kalaoa, Hawaii, United States)