Earlier this month, my husband and I spent two weeks on the magical island of Maui in Hawaii. The first several days on the island our bodies are still on mainland time, making it easy to get up early. We took advantage of this and spent several mornings on the beach watching the sun light up the clouds and the world wake up. One of my absolute favourite beaches to spend time while on Maui is Ho’okipa Beach (pronounced ‘ho-o-key-pa’). Ho’okipa means “hospitality or welcoming comfort”.
I’m not sure what it is that I have always loved about this beach, but we always visit at least once when we are on the island. Normally, we stay at another area of the island, but this trip we spent 5 days on the North part of the island in Kuau, near Paia. This meant Ho’okipa Beach was a very short car ride away and we visited numerous times, at least twice for sunrise.
I could sit on this beach for hours, in awe of the athleticism of the surfers and kite surfers; engrossed in how the waves roll in and crash on the rocks, leaving water to pour off the rock formations like tiny waterfalls; beach combing for treasures like sea glass, shells and weathered coral pieces; soaking my feet in the warm, tiny pools where the water collects, heated by the sun and sand. And at one end of this beach is a spot where the Honu (pronounced ‘Hoe-new’) (green sea turtles) regularly come to rest. At one point, during our visits, I counted upwards of 40 turtles. I had a gentleman tell me he had seen up to 100 at one time. It’s so special to be in the company of these amazing animals, whether in the water or nearby on the sand. It’s mesmerizing to watch them as they come to shore from the water, following their instinct.
I could spend hours photographing the ocean water and waves. It never hits the beach the same way twice, waves are like snowflakes it seems. The water moves around the rocks or along the sand in a different way every time it seems and different camera settings create different effects.
The sun was rising from behind the beach, but it still lit the clouds up beautifully.
Beautiful wave action
Waves washing over the lava rock
Mini waterfalls
The changing sky as the morning progresses
I’ve seen many articles and studies lately that talk about how being near bodies of water - lakes, ocean, fountains, rivers - is good for your brain and your stress levels. I am a strong believer in this. There is something so peaceful and calming about being near water and, for sure, the ocean. Even it’s beautiful kaleidoscope of blues and greens brings me peace.
The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project featuring images that bring a sense of peace and calm. Please continue our circle to to see what has brought my friends serenity this month.
Follow the link to see what brought Nancy, my friend in Kansas City, serenity this month.
Enjoy this month’s circle with my talented friends.