The daytime play of light and color and cloud really only open for Maui's main daily performance. On the stage of Maui's sky, sunsets are the ultimate productions, operatic dramas, Wagnerian light shows with the visual equivalents of all the instruments in a full orchestra. You can imagine a diva in full anguished cry as the dying sun and gathering clouds struggle, tympani and cymbals percussing, brass and strings in crescendo, until the sun expires with a last flourish. 

Even after it is no longer directly visible, the sun glimmers on, reluctant to let go, reflecting off clouds, underlighting a lingering mirage on the horizon, and throwing muted pastels overhead.

What more can there be?  Cue the moon, of course.

And if this drama is unconvincing, the show will repeat the next evening. And the next. 

High drama plays out quickly near the Equator. These images were taken over several days in Maui in November, 2019, from both water-side and Upcountry. Except for the last two, they were taken during an intense window only 25 minutes long each evening. The last two were taken only 30 and 35 minutes later. 

The sun often drops behind cloud layers as it approaches the horizon; only its reflection is visible off the ocean. EF4A5123 EF4A5127 EF4A5135 EF4A5139 EF4A5147 EF4A5155 EF4A5163

It eventually makes a direct appearance for the last act.

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It makes the most of its final moments.

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Even from below the horizon, the sun gives up reluctantly. EF4A2201 EF4A2211 EF4A3923 EF4A3924 EF4A4406-HDR

Cue the Moon:

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