SEASCAPE: Waikiki Waves

In scenic landscapes we can conjure up visions from memory, think of Yosemite, Victoria Falls, Mount Fuji; theses places are distinct on the land and in our minds. Similarly wave patterns and the quality of light are distinct too. The locations for this folio are on Hawaii’s island of Oahu where two beaches are renowned for surfers and swimmers alike.

First is Waikiki, the famed beach meets high rise tourism and the spot Duke Paoa Kahanamoku a 100 years ago reintroduced surfing to the world . Here at Waikiki the coral reef can extend a mile from the shore, the combination of a wide reef and shallow waters produce the soft short wave sets that Duke rode on his Koa Long Board. On the opposite side of Oahu is the famed north shore with Sunset Beach, it is here in the winter months the waves reach 30 feet. Sunset beach is not protected by a reef allowing the large winter swells to come directly on shore in tall wall like waves. The light also plays a role in these photos, at Waikiki  the orientation is southwest so the glowing waves have a hallow of light. The light at Sunset Beach in the winter is low in the sky and behind you as you face the Pacific and produces a soft flat light with gradations of tone.

North Shore Three

Waikiki One

Waikiki Two

North Shore Four

Waikiki Rolling Waves, Square