DAY 06 - This morning, Henri and I convince Valerie to get an extra early start so we can try to get photos of sunrise along the Big Island's Hamakua Coast

I drive us back to Laupahoehoe Beach Park figuring it is the closest point on the island where we would see the sun come up over the Pacific Ocean...

...plus the rocks here dramatically interact with the sea

Unfortunately, I did not expect clouds to block our view of the sun...which should be rising at any moment

BAM!

I have a feeling the sun has already risen

The sun is hitting cloud tops...just not here

I cannot say I am completely disappointed by the view...but we did have to wake up really early to get here on time

At least it is not raining where Henri and I are taking pictures

Misty

Another big splash

God rays...proof the sun has risen

Cue the choir...

..."AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

This cloud formation could not do more to block my view of the sunrise

I can feel the spray...hope it doesn't get on my lens

One last shot before moving on

Valerie, Henri, and I return to Akaka Falls State Park, hoping for more favorable lighting at the waterfall than during our first visit

I personally am hoping the sun will come out, but clouds do change the look of this lush rain forest

Significantly more water flows down the stream that crosses under our path

Plants are wet and highly specular, refreshed by this morning's storm

When we reach Akaka Falls, we are stunned by how different it looks from three days ago

This morning's rain has really energized this waterfall

With the clouds helping lower the contrast, today I can get a shot of Valerie standing in front of the waterfall