The north end of Hawaii's Big Island is dominated by the extinct Kohala volcano. Long ago, a massive landslide spilled much of Kohala's northeast flanks into the ocean, creating a series of canyons and islands offshore. The northernmost of these canyons is accessible on foot and the trail down provides several points where views to the south reveal all the eden-like canyons and islands in what has become an iconic Hawaiian scene.

The islands are uninhabited and there are no nearby ports that might make for an boatride to explore them. Similarly, the steep-sided canyons are very difficult to visit, requiring multiday hikes to traverse. As a result the islands and canyons, while closeby, have remained pristine for centuries. The waters and weather can be wild here, so I was fortunate on this early morning to find very calm air and seas. Only a light mist hung on the cliffs. A long exposure helped enhance the painterly scene. The islands were not lit by the sun from my viewpoint, contributing to their mysterious feel.