Hal Krause was born in San Francisco, CA in 1923. He studied photography in High School and as a 16-year old, he won acclaim for his night photographs of the San Francisco World Fair.

As a 17-year old, he joined the United States Navy and served as an Aviation Mechanic. Because of his knowledge, he also worked as a ship's photographer, while serving aboard the USS Honolulu, a light cruiser.  His ship was heavily damaged by a lone torpedo plane three hours before General MacArthur landed in the Philippines. His ship was a sister ship to General MacArthur's USS Nashville. The ship's bell is now in Honolulu Hale (the city Hall).

Hal now makes his home in Hawaii. Inspired by the beautiful landscapes and the shapes of their images, he photographs the colorful beauty of the islands.