DAY 7 - Heading down to get coffee well before sunrise

OK...so Napili Cafe doesn't open until 6am...at least I'll be first in line

I peek inside the cafe through the door

I peek inside the cafe through the door

Cutting-edge

Freshly caffeinated, Valerie and I head out towards the south end of the highway...stopping briefly to take some shots of Hanelei Bay from the turnout before the bridge

This is the clearest / dryest morning we've had yet...perfect day for a hike on a trail known to get muddy after it rains

Today, Valerie and I plan to hike the Kalalau Trail until we reach the beach

Given that this may be a somewhat challenging hike, I'm trying something a little different today. I have brought my DSLR, but only with my 50mm/1.4...which is the smallest and lightest lens I own. I will rely on my smartphone for wide and panoramic shots.

We pose for a photo by the Napali Coast sign before heading up the trail

Starting early means we start in the shade. This view is looking back towards where we started (Ke'e Beach)

The early morning sun is just touching the ridge

The sun will soon be cresting these peaks...the hike back down might not be as comfortable

Our hike will take us southwest along the Na Pali Coast

Valerie captures this view with her smartphone while I take a shot of her with my DSLR

Valerie loves the view of the Na Pali Coast

Aside from size, the advantages of shooting wtih my prime include a perspective that is closer to the human eye, clarity (even though it is not professional grade glass) thanks to fewer lens elements, and more controllable depth of field. And, even though my smartphone shoots RAW, the files aren't lossless...so my higher resolution DSLR should preserve way more detail.

Nature's frame, no vignette added

One last shot...without any frame

Valerie on the Kalalau Trail

The trail is mostly dry, but gets quite muddy in some of the more shady spots

Dramatic peaks

There are great views at every corner