Nature came first. As humans we adapt ourselves to the environment making modern living more feasible. Sometimes humans take more than their share, even going beyond to the point where they damage the surrounding environment. As I climbed the mountain beneath my feet in this photo, I looked out at people enjoying the beach and thought of how happy I first felt when I rounded the corner on this ocean road below and look out into the expansive sea around the bend, surrounded by dramatic mountains. I like this ocean road even more from above because it is only a small feature of the landscape. Minimally intrusive, it winds its narrow width around the mountainside enabling people to enjoy the scenery and arrive at their destination without detracting from the natural beauty of the landscape.
Marine protected areas promote conservation of aquatic resources. Here in Hanauma Bay, the coral reefs receive special attention as a monitored and regulated beach. Efforts here are aimed at educating visitors on how to be mindful and responsible stewards of the sea. Because of the crowds, I don't go here often and more frequently hike the trail from above which allows me to peer into the entire bay at once, and see the reef structure as a whole. When I do swim here, I like to bring visitors to show them the diversity of marine species here in this uniquely sheltered coral cove.
Winter on the North Shore means massive waves and endless surfing. Cars of surfers, beach-goers, and tourists wait in throngs of traffic to witness and experience the waves coming alive. Once the parking spot is found and you being walking to the sand the first glimmer of bright blue water and rolling waves instantly transports you to the meditative state of mind and balmy feeling of paradise that only the ocean can create.
