After spending a week on the Hawaian island of Kauai I decided to wake up early and watch the sunrise on the cliffs of the Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail near my hotel. There were no grand plans or shot just enjoy the sunrise and take a few photos.
Up Before the Sun
I had not prepared for or even considered a sunrise photoshoot. I just had a realization that I may never be back in Hawaii and I did not want to regret not getting up to see a single sunrise. So on the morning of the last day I woke up early and I walked the trail in complete darkness only using the flashlight on my phone. The trail is fairly easy, I hiked for a bit until I started to see some light. Once the sun was rising I found a place to take it all in.
Sunrise on the Maha'ulepu Heritage Trail in Hawaii.
The Walk Back
After the sun had risen I started my walk back to my hotel room in the warm morning glow. As I walked i occasionally stopped to take photos until I found a spot on the beach that had a good view of cliffs on one side and waves crashing on the rocks on the other.
Early morning view of Shipwreck Beach.
Early morning view of waves crashing on rocks at Shipwreck Beach.
After the final shots I sat and took in the everything, the waves crashing, the smell of the ocean and the warming sun covering me. After a bit it was time to back to the hotel room and have breakfast with my family.
The three shots I got are not perfect but they are pretty ok and I had a great morning. I have to be more intentional about making time to get out for a few hours to get some photographs.
