One of my favorite things about living in Hawaii is how quickly and easily it is to get to the beach. Many days I will be sitting at my desk and will decide on a whim to go snorkeling at one of my favorite beaches, Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach). 5 minutes later… I’m in the ocean, swimming through a reef that is so incredible it looks like a movie set.

Yesterday I wrapped up a big project and decided to treat myself with a swim at White Rock. I quickly stuffed a backpack with just the essentials and at the last second I grabbed my camera. I have been trying for months to capture the beauty of this reef but have always been disappointed with the results. I was determined to get some good photos but I think I finally realized I need a better underwater camera. However, I was so happy I had the camera with me yesterday!

I was filming and swimming along the reef when out of nowhere a sea turtle gently glided past my left shoulder. It’s hard to tell how close she was because of the fish-eye lens, but I could have easily touched this turtle. I swam along with her for about 10 minutes with a giant grin on my face. The water was rough and turbulent but you would never know by how effortlessly they move through the water. I had to struggle to keep up and not smash into the coral while doing my best to keep the camera still in the waves.

It was a great experience and a perfect reward for all my hard work over the last month!