Photo essay

Oʻahu

Volcanic ridges, windward water, and changing weather across the island.

Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Mānana and Kāohikaipu islets in deep blue water off Oʻahu's windward coast

Trade winds and short showers can change the light within minutes. These photographs follow the island from dry volcanic headlands to the green folds of the Koʻolau Range.

Two Laysan albatrosses tending a gray chick in coastal vegetation — Laysan albatrosses and their chick at Kaʻena Point.

Hawaiʻi Kai and the southern Oʻahu coast stretching toward Diamond Head — Looking toward Diamond Head from Koko Crater.

A bright rainbow descending through rain clouds over Hawaiʻi Kai — A passing shower over Hawaiʻi Kai.

White waves breaking against layered volcanic rock on Oʻahu's southeastern coast — The southeastern coast.

Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse on a dark volcanic ridge above the Pacific — Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse.

The Mokulua islets rising from turquoise water beyond Lanikai — The Mokulua islets from the Lanikai ridge.

Small waves reaching the pale sand at Kailua Beach beneath a cloud-filled sky — Kailua Beach.

Waikīkī and Honolulu extending along the coast as seen from Diamond Head — Waikīkī from Diamond Head.

Diamond Head and Honolulu lit by warm late-afternoon light — Diamond Head and Honolulu from Tantalus.

The setting sun appearing beneath dark clouds over the ocean and Honolulu — Sunset beneath a low ceiling of clouds.

Steep green folds of the Koʻolau Range catching light beneath low clouds — Clouds along the Koʻolau Range.

The windward coast of Oʻahu viewed across tropical plants from a high ridge — The windward coast from Kuliʻouʻou Ridge.