I am heading out to Oahu for a week long conference, which will actually be quite busy. I will be staying right on the beach in Honolulu, and will have probably just a couple of half-days to get out and shoot. One of the days will be Pearl Harbor. The other is open. I would also like to get out early in the morning if possible for some sunrise shots on undeveloped beaches...which I know may be impossible. I would really like to try some time exposures at a rocky beach at sunrise or sunset.
It kills me to spend a week there and only have these chances to shoot, but such is life. Any help anyone can give in how to get the best bang for the buck would be appreciated.
Since you have had no responses I’ll give what little I know. If my memory serves correctly Makapu (sp?) Lighthouse is on the eastside of the Island and would be potentially nice for a sunrise. I would scout this out the evening before to see if you can get a good angle for a sunrise composition (I know easier said than done). To point out the obvious, I assume that you want the beach in the foreground and the rising sun in the distance - if so your best bet would be on the east side of the island. As I alluded to its been awhile since I was there but I recall a number of undeveloped beaches on this side of the island. Sorry I could not be more specific. I understand your concern, with limited time you basically want to just drive right to the spot and set up for shooting. I also had this problem on Maui at a busy conference. My solution was to plug in some keywords into a stock photo agency and do a search. You can see what others who probably had more time have done and there is some location information attached to the photos. Try
I like the special architecture around Ala Moana Park--right there in Waikiki. It's also a good place for coconut palms and sunsets, with silhouettes of people and ships passing by.
I spent a week in Oahu a few years back and found some good locations. For sunrise, the east side of the island is a must. Lanikai beach in Kailua is a popular place for sunrise shots. This is a somewhat developed area, but nobody needs to know that if you frame your shots correctly. On the way to the east side of the island from Honolulu, you will find a rocky area just past Hanauma Bay that is interesting for exploring and may make for some good shots. For a rocky beach and sunset you can visit Yokohama Bay (this is the most undeveloped beach I found on the island) on the western most point of the island. Just drive to Keana Point state park and there you will find plenty of opportunity for sunset and rocks. I do have to warn you that the local vibe at Yokohama Bay is not very friendly. I had my car broken into there and they took my flip flops, sun screen, and granola bars (I had all my valuables with me). You can also try the north shore for sunset. Waimea Bay has some rocks and a much friendlier atmosphere. Let me know if you want more info or if you would like to see some pictures of a particular area to know what you are getting into.
To all,
Thanks for the tips. I am at the airport in Newark awaiting departure, and will investigate all leads. Tomorrow morning will be the first test. I will post pictures during the week.
