Hawaii

Byodo-In Temple

Byodo-In Temple sits in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Oahu, Hawaii. A beautiful, peaceful setting with the stunning Ko'alau range in the background. The temple is a replica of the historic Byodoin Temple of Uji in Kyoto prefecture of Japan which was established in 1052.

Black Sand Pond

This is one of the ponds behind Punaluu's Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. The beach is located on the southeastern Kau coast and is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. The black sand is made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This is truly a very peaceful place.

Punaluu's Black Sand Beach

The beach is located on the southeastern Kau coast and is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. The black sand is made of basalt and created by lava flowing into the ocean which explodes as it reaches the ocean and cools. This is truly a very peaceful place.

Top of Diamond Head

Looking towards Honolulu and Waikiki Beach from the top of Diamond Head.

Honokowai Beach

Honokowai Beach, Maui with the island of Molokai in the distance.

Inside the Crater

Haleakalā is a massive shield volcano that forms most of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The tallest peak of Haleakalā ("house of the sun"), is at 10,023 feet and is called Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill). Here you look down into a massive depression some seven miles across, and nearly 2,600 ft deep. It has an out of this world view.

Haleakala Observatories, Maui

Maui - Gale force winds blow clouds around the observatories at dusk. On the day I took this photo there was a difference of over 40 degrees from the beaches to the 10k foot summit. Photo © copyright by Tom Dorsz.

Wall of Tears, Maui

Puu Kukui - Maui. I took this shot from a helicopter which shows a group of very high waterfalls cascading down dramatic cliffs. It's one of the wettest places on Earth. The average rainfall is over 400 ft per year. According to an ancient legend, the gods poked their fingers into the sides of these cliffs to create the illusion of “crying.” Photo © copyright by Tom Dorsz.

West Coast of Maui

A view of the west coast of Maui with the island of Molokai on the horizon.

Pailolo Channel

Flying over the Pailolo Channel from Maui to Molokai. The channel is usually very windy and rough. Pailolo in Hawaiian means “crazy fisherman,” referring to any fisherman who would be crazy enough to try to navigate this tough channel.

Cinder Desert, Maui

Looking down from the summit of Haleakala into the desolate crater that's made up of volcanic cones and cinder. The path in the foreground leads deep into the crater. It's such a dichotomy to be up here where it can be below freezing and in the 80s a couple hours away on the beach. Photo © copyright by Tom Dorsz.

Crater Road, Maui

Haleakala Summit, Maui with Mauna Loa, Hawaii across the clouds. If you look close you can see the observatories on the distant peak. Photo © copyright by Tom Dorsz.

Waioli Beach, Kauai

Waioli Beach just outside of Hanalei town and is located in the middle of Hanalei Bay. It is locally known as the Pine Trees beach, because of the numerous ironwood pines that line the back of the beach. You can see them in the middle of this photo. The beach is a popular surfing spot among locals. It is home to the annual Pine Tree Classic, a surfing competition open to beginners. This is also where World Champion surfers Bruce and Andy Irons grew up and honed their surfing skills. A large ironwood tree facing the ocean serves as a memorial for Andy who passed away in 2010.

Kilauea Point

Looking west from Kilauea Point towards Hanalei Bay, Kauai. Tradewinds are driving the surf and mist blowing onto the island.

Nā Pali Coast

The awesome power of a wave as it breaks on the shore. To me, this one looked like the hand of Poseidon reaching out of the sea. This incredible surf is being driven by 35 mph tradewinds.

Waioli Huiia Church

The old Waioli Huiia Church, which was founded in 1834. Its green shingles and stained glass windows are a picturesque symbol of Hanalei, Kauai.