I recently traveled to the “big island” Hawaii. The trip was the worst part. We ran through the Los Angeles airport like O.J. Simpson with only 18 minutes to make our connecting flight. Then my wife’s Green Bay Packers beat my Chicago Bears an hour before the plane landed at the Kona Int. Airport. Having been to the island of Oahu twice and fully exploring most of that island, we found Hawaii much different than Oahu.
Kailua Kona is a major tourist area on the west side of the island. When we traveled north along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, we traveled through a barren, rocky land that could have passed for the surface of the moon. The land rose sharply several miles from the coast where brush and grass were clinging to life on the rocky volcanic slopes. The west coast highway traveling north went for miles before a real estate development or vacation resort would appear out of nowhere like an oasis.
As you approached the town of Waimea, the scenery became greener. Going north of Waimea to Hawi the road climbed high above the ocean giving beautiful views. Just outside of Hawi was the King Kamehameha statue. He was responsible for uniting all the Hawaiian tribes during the European exploration/expansion in the islands.
Another major highway called the bypass goes east-west splitting the island and takes you to Hilo. Halfway across this highway is Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano. You can drive to the peak in a 4-wheel drive vehicle where multiple telescopes scour the heavens. Some consider it the tallest mountain in the world with its summit 14,000 feet above sea level since its base is several miles under the ocean’s surface. In the 1-hour drive from the visitor center at the 10,000-foot elevation of Mauna Kea to Hilo, my foot covered the brake almost the entire trip. I only had to hit the gas pedal 3 times. The computer on my rental said I average 98 miles per gallon on the downhill trip of almost 50 miles.
Hilo has a deep-water port, airport and much history as a significant home for locals. Our hotel had some posters in the lobby showing the severity and height of several Tsunamis that had hit the town. For two days we ate breakfast and dinner, or what some call supper, (you know who you are) overlooking the bay. They know how to calm their guest, especially when their outdoor restaurant is only 50’ from the ocean and 5’ above sea level. While we were there a severe earthquake did occur off the coast of Japan; but there was no Tsunami warning for the Pacific islands. We were told if Alaska or Chile had an earthquake it would be serious and going above the 4th floor was a better option than being in a vehicle stuck in traffic.
The south half of the island features Volcano National Park where we stood on the Kilauea volcano. We watched lava bubble from a safe distance at the edge of the 2x3 mile crater. At one observation point the sulfuric gas was choking, and you could stand over steam vents coming out of the ground. The volcano has been very active this year; we missed episode 38 by 3 days. My favorite part of this excursion was to walk through a lava tube that was made hundreds of years ago. This tour explained the difference between dome volcanos, like Mount St Helens and shield volcanoes like Mauna Loa and Kilauea.
Typical ocean front, lots of lava rock
The biggest surprise was the lack of sand on the beaches. Since Hawaii is the youngest of the volcanic islands, technically still growing, the lava rack is thousands of years away from nature making sand plentiful on the shore. We saw grey and black sand mostly, which was more like peppercorns and pea gravel. The waves would bash you into the rocks and craggy shoreline at many beaches. It was always a challenge to enter the water safely.
One highlight was a boat tour to snorkel at night. We laid face down holding a 3’x30’ floating light with our snorkel gear on in about 30’ deep water. When the lights were turned on, plankton would be attracted which brought multiple manta rays to eat. Our guides were quick to reassure us they cannot bite, sting or hurt you. They made no such claim for the galapagos shark that made an unexpected visit. The manta rays would swim effortlessly right along and under our floating bodies. Then dive and return to feed again.
Most of the tourist sites feature the importance of Hawaiian history and culture. I read much about King Kamehameha; there were 5 of them. We snorkeled in Cook Bay and visited Captain Cook’s statue commemorating where he died trying to kidnap the ruling chief, Kalani’opu’u. We also visited a bee apiary and macadamia farm. The trip to rainbow falls was nice but paled in comparison to the amazing 30-minute hike through Akaka Falls State Park to see the giant bamboo, Banyan trees and the 442’ waterfall.
This vacation synopsis has become too long. Later I will tell you about the steal-of-a-deal I found on a 75-acre farm in Hawaii. Maybe Santa can make it happen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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