I’m an early riser, so sunrise is a familiar friend to me.
As a surfer, this habit lends itself well to dawn patrol, welcoming the waves just as the sun’s light is starting to brighten the horizon.
As a business owner, getting up early allows me to squeeze as many productive work hours out of the day as I can.
As a person, those peaceful moments prior to sunrise bring a sense of quiet, calm and focus to start my day off right.
Don’t Forget Dawn
Technically, sunrise occurs for only an instant: the moment the sun is seen the horizon, as it travels a path across the sky. However, twilight — known as astronomical dawn — is when we get that first gentle hint that the sky is brightening, before the sun is actually seen.
Wherever you are in the world, sunrise is the symbol of a new day. But here in Hawai’i, it’s more than that.
Rise & Reset at Sunrise
In ancient days, a bath taken between midnight and sunrise was considered a ritual of purification, according to the Fathom blog. In modern times, there’s something called a Hi‘uwai ceremony, where people gather silently on the beach before sunrise, facing the horizon, and walk into the ocean with the intention to release what troubles them, set the dial to zero, forgive past pain and leave it behind.
Wading deeper, diving, floating or just feeling the rhythm of the waves, the focus is on embracing a fresh start and embarking on a new journey. A powerful chant goes along with that, called E Ala E — which literally means AWAKEN.
A New Day, A New Way
The ceremony is often practiced to clear the body and mind before a significant life event.
It’s meant to bring self-contemplation, representing a rebirth of sorts; a way to wipe the slate clean and reset life’s path while attuning to nature’s flow and opening yourself up to a new day in all senses.
Make Sunrise Special
So sunrise can be a special time for me and many others. As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate to capture some memorable moments as the sun comes majestically into view. I’m happy to be able to share some of those moments here. Whether you experience the spectacular sunrise up on Haleakalā Crater or align with the ocean at dawn, the next time you’re up early, make an effort to greet the day in your own way!