When on Oahu I had hoped to photograph surfers at the famous locations for big surf along the north shore. Some of the famous beaches there are the Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach. Even though I was there when the competitions were scheduled, there was not enough surf to compete, so the competitions were delayed. Photographing surfers when there is no surf seemed futile, so I changed my plans. A friend of a friend who lives on Oahu suggested the eastern shore, at Kailua, for some scenic photographic opportunities. So I thought, what about a sunrise photo at Kailua Beach?
As you can see from the map, I would have to leave early from Waikiki to get over to the other side of the island. Google Maps told me I’d need about an hour to get there. I worked backward to figure out my rising time and thought I was all set. If you recall from an earlier post, staying in Waikiki virtually necessitates using the expensive valet parking at the hotel. I had not used my rental car the day before because that was the day I went to Pearl Harbor. The tour company picked me up for that trip. I also told the valet workers that I needed the car early this day. So, I go down to the lot, present my ticket, and wait for my car. And wait, and wait, and wait…. Meanwhile, I’m doing mental calculations about the time, wondering whether I would entirely miss the sunrise. I asked what was going on, and the young man informed me that yesterday’s workers parked my car in another garage since I didn’t need it that day, and forgot to move it back for today. Finally, the car arrives, I load my gear and take off. Several people had suggested I drive over H3 to get to Kailua; time required that I save that route for the return trip and take Highway 61 instead. I pulled into the Kailua Beach parking lot with only minutes to run down to the beach and set up my tripod and camera. I had planned on the next beach down the way, but sometimes you just take what you get. Here is the best shot of several. The small aperture causes the sun star.
After the sun was up I watched some people enjoy the ocean–kayaking, swimming, and just walking the beach, a very popular activity. Then I drove back to Waikiki through H3 and discovered why that route was highly recommended.
Click on images to see them uncropped and full-size




I am so envious. I’m a bit tired of traveling, but would make the effort for Hawaii. The sunrise pic is gorgeous. Glad you made this trip and shared it with us.
Thank you. Hawaii is truly beautiful. If I had to live on Oahu, I would choose Kailua. It is fairly isolated from all the tourist activity. Otherwise, I’d choose the Big Island.
Laura. The sunrise picture is spectacular! I hope you are as pleased with it as we are. Thanks for sharing this beautiful adventure.
Thank you, Rose. I am quite pleased with it, and plan to get it printed.
A gorgeous sunrise shot! Hawaii is so nice. The one time I have been there, I happened to drive to the Pipeline the day before an international bellyboarding competition, when the surf was 20 feet plus (breaking onto the shallow coral reef). Many bellyboarders were out in the water, playing around and enjoying themselves, in conditions that seemed deadly to me.
The beach at the Pipeline can be difficult to get to, I’m told. The same holds for Sunset. Also, most of the iconic photos are taken by people out in the water themselves. So, I’m happy as it turned out.
A beautiful piece. Enjoying both your prose and photographs, Laura!
Thank you very much, Mary. Much appreciated!
You listened and persisted and got a stunning photo
Thank you, Roberta! Much appreciated.
Super!!
Thank you!
Beautiful shots, Laura. I loved Hawaii, but never caught a sunrise! Carolyn
Thanks, Carolyn. It is a magical place.
You made it! Thank you for inviting us along. You are, as always, a superb and entertaining traveling companion.
Maybe we’ll have a chance to travel together again sometime.