Sunset: Hapuna Beach, Kohala Coast

Today was another busy day driving to the North Coast to a little village called Hawi then onward to the end of Hwy 270, south to Waimea then back to Hapuna Beach to catch the sunset. We have been trying to photograph a sunset since the day we arrived in Kona, which is now known as Kailua-Kona. There have been events beyond our control which has conspired against us.

Our plane arrived after midnight on Saturday. Sunday found us at Lu'au. Monday we were caught in torrential rains on the way back from Hilo. We thought that we would be able to capture a sunset yesterday (Tuesday), but due to a fire on top of the hill overlooking Kailau (Kona) the sunset was less than spectacular. When the sun nearly reached the horizon, the smoke layer blocked out the sun and it disappeared.

Today we made a deliberate attempt in trying to capture the sunset far away from the city, nearly an hour north of town at Hapuna Beach in the hopes of avoiding the smoke from the fire. The fire has worsened and has broken through 2 fire breaks. It is on top of the mountain where it is difficult to get equipment. Everywhere you look you will see the smoke/haze layer.

Lucky for us the view at Hapuna Beach was clear. Hapuna Beach is a surfers' paradise where the ocean waves are rolling in like thunder.


(Sunset: Hapuna Beach State Park)



Tech Notes: The first image was taken just after the sun went below the horizon. The second image was probably taken 5-10 minutes later (the afterglow). Using the same camera, Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3, exposure comp -2/3, 25mm Wide, Vivid setting