Category Archives: Weather

That’s not me in the photos

A couple performs on the beach at sunset in Hawaii
A couple performs on the beach at sunset in Hawaii
A couple performs on the beach at sunset in Hawaii

I don’t often take photos of people, but this couple, on the shore at ʻAnaehoʻomalu Bay, caught my eye, as they did of pretty much everyone else at the beach at that time. It would have been hard to miss them.

They started out on the end of a rock wall that juts out from the beach, putting them squarely in everyone’s line of sight. Then, after I’d moved on, they moved on too and ended up squarely in my photos of the actual sunset.

The reason for their odd behavior can be seen in the photos – that little tripod with the camera on top. They were videoing themselves, of course. They’re probably highly paid influencers, social media stars, or well known edgy artists. I don’t know, being ignorant of all those things, but since they were performing on a public beach, I had no qualms about taking photos. I wish them well and I was smiling through the the whole thing. I noticed other people were, too.

If these had been photos of me and my wife, you would know that we are very close to the end of times. It’s hard for me to imagine a less likely scenario. Which is probably why I labeled the photos ‘Sunset poser couple.”

Posted in response to this month’s Becky’s Squares challenge theme of ‘Odd.’ See more responses here.

High surf

Surf crashes ashore on the North Kohala coast in Hawaii

This week’s Sunday Stills challenge theme is ‘Power of the Elements.’ See more responses here.

For the past couple of weeks or more, we’ve had a series of sizable WNW swells reaching the Big Island. What this has meant is lousy snorkeling conditions on the west side of the island and a surge in calling in sick to work amongst surfers.

The photos below show surf from one of these swells crashing ashore along the North Kohala coast. The first of these photos was taken from the parking lot of one of the parks there. In the bottom corner of this area is a metal boat hoist and concrete barriers blocking access to the corner of the lot, where it’s no longer safe to park. When big swells wash over the lot, these big concrete barriers get pushed around, such is the power or the surf.

The top photo is from a previous event of this kind several years ago, which dwarfed the recent swells. This particular swell not only washed over the entire parking lot, but also engulfed the boat hoist, swallowing it from sight. As the water receded, two portable toilets in a recess near the top of the lot, started sliding down the lot towards the water. Luckily, some people watching from nearby were able to corral them before they fell over or were washed into the bay. The boat hoist wasn’t as fortunate. After the waves subsided, it was discovered that these powerful waves had twisted the metal frame of the hoist, rendering it unsafe for use. It was several months before repairs made it usable again.

Surf crashes ashore on the North Kohala coast in Hawaii
Surf crashes ashore on the North Kohala coast in Hawaii
Surf crashes ashore on the North Kohala coast in Hawaii
Surf crashes ashore on the North Kohala coast in Hawaii

Kohala hillside

Gullies on the side of Kohala Mountain are illuminated by early morning sun

Most of the day, this Kohala hillside looks dry and washed out. However, when early morning sunlight illuminates this slope, the gullies and ridges jump out in sharp relief. I’d often noticed this effect, but it wasn’t until recently that I was able to take photos to show it.

Along the coast path

The coast path in front of The Hilton Waikoloa on the Big Island, Hawaii

I’ve posted a few photos from my recent walk along the South Kohala coast. Here’s another one, where the path passes in front of the Hilton Hotel. It’s another lovely spot with great views, but the truth is that, just out of sight to the right is a series of swimming pools thronging with splashing kids and adults and accompanied by loud, thumping music. So, not quite the tranquil scene it appears to be!