Nestled on the eastern tip of Hawaii's Big Island once lay Kapoho, a tranquil paradise graced with natural splendor and vibrant life. Before nature reclaimed it, Kapoho was a haven where land and sea whispered tales of ancient Hawaii, and the spirit of aloha permeated every breeze.

Kapoho's coastline was a masterpiece—a mosaic of tide pools filled with crystal-clear waters shimmering under the Hawaiian sun. The famed Kapoho Tide Pools were nature's own aquariums, teeming with colorful fish and delicate corals. Here, snorkeling felt like stepping into a living canvas, painted with hues of turquoise, emerald, and coral pink.

Lush vegetation framed this aquatic wonderland, with coconut palms swaying gently and tropical flowers adorning every path. The land was fertile, nurturing fruit-laden trees and vibrant greenery, a testament to the rich volcanic soil.

What truly made Kapoho magical was its sense of serenity. Away from bustling tourist spots, it offered a peaceful retreat where the sound of waves mingled with the gentle rustle of palm fronds. Sunrises here were ethereal, with golden light casting a warm glow over the calm waters, reflecting the sky’s kaleidoscope of colors.

Though the 2018 volcanic eruption transformed Kapoho, covering much of its beauty with lava flows, the memories remain vivid. The spirit of Kapoho endures in the hearts of those who experienced its charm—a reminder of nature's power, beauty, and impermanence.

In remembering Kapoho, we celebrate not just a place but the enduring essence of Hawaii’s natural wonders—beautiful, ephemeral, and forever cherished.

I made this image of a tropical storm that rolled into this area in 2008 carried by the currents of the tradewinds.
It is one of my most favorite memories!

Afternoon thunderstorms in the deserts of southern Arizona, especially during the summer months, are primarily due to the North American Monsoon. This seasonal weather pattern typically starts in late June and lasts through September, bringing a noticeable shift in wind direction and moisture levels.

During this period, moist air from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico flows into the typically dry desert regions. The intense summer heat causes the ground to heat up rapidly, leading to strong surface heating. This heating creates rising warm air, which combined with the incoming moist air, leads to the development of towering cumulonimbus clouds.

The combination of intense surface heating, moisture influx, and atmospheric instability during the afternoons creates the perfect conditions for thunderstorms. As the day progresses and temperatures peak, the likelihood of storm development increases, resulting in those characteristic afternoon thunderstorms.

I witnessed this phenomenon in the summer 2018, and the experience was majestic and sometimes terrifying.

This image is part of my atmosphere series.

In Hawaii you not only see the color, you experience it.

This hill rises above the town of Kamuela on the Big Island where the sprawling landscape of the Parker Ranch encompasses the area.

The lush green hillside is testament to the abundant rainfall carried by the mostly present northeast trade winds of the Pacific.