Back in September 2014, we decided to combine a little work and pleasure — we hopped out to Hawai’i for a week of vacation, followed by a week of work. After a short stay on Oahu, we made it out to the Big Island. My last experience on the big island was nearly a decade ago. This time, both Anna and the kids would join me. I was very excited to share the adventure as a family. In order to fully experience the island, we rented a 4×4 and planned for a rugged road trip around the island.
There are beautiful contrasts on this tropical paradise.
The banyan trees remind me of Eywa from Avatar.
After crossing the island from Kona, we arrive in Volcanoes National Park, where the military conveniently has a lodge. We enjoyed staying in a WWII era cottage that was very comfortable and a perfect location to witness the always smoldering caldera of the volcano.
The lava lake is most visible at night with its ethereal glow.
The next day, we trekked down into Kīlauea Iki Crater. This cool, but once liquid lava lake… the site of an eruption in 1959/60. During the eruption, lava streamed 580 meters (1,900′) into the air.
It was a bit surreal to start hiking in a lush tropical rainforest.
Down on the rough, rock lava. Alex was having a blast.
The lava tubes cracked and collapsed.
Someone tired himself out and needed a lift. Luckily, Anna is pretty tough.
The view from the lake floor is much different than that from the rim, 120 meters above.
We were having fun.
Lily likes the ride… so comfortable that many times she falls asleep in the carrier.
On a different side of the Big Island are Rainbow Falls. It’s very pretty and easily accessed by car. The trail and surrounding forest are equally enchanting.
Next stop was Akaka Falls, near Hilo. This waterfall was a little more challenging to reach. However, the hiking trail was very well maintained and enjoyable to follow. A little aside… before we started hiking, we introduced the kids to wild(ish) sugar cane. Although they liked the sweetness and it was a fun experience, it wasn’t nearly as enjoyable as all the refined sugar products they crave. all. the. time.
I love this image, but it’s a bit misleading. The flower is a banana flower, surrounded by other fern leaves. I think that’s one reason why I like it. 🙂
Back at the Kilauea crater rim, I experimented writing my name in light.
X for AleXander.
On the southern end of the island, there is the spectacular Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park. To say there are lots of sea turtles is an understatement. When the kids and I were snorkeling, we would have 10-15 within view at any given moment. At times, I had to be very careful not to disturb (as much as possible) or touch the turtles.
A panoramic of the beach. The only downside was the temperature. It was a touch chilly.
Fortunately, we had chosen a time when no one was around. As we left, the beach was besieged.
Next adventure was without the kiddos. We were fortunate to find a sitter and Anna and I headed out to the water. We had heard of an epic night dive with my favorite sea creatures — Manta Rays.
Once the sun had set, we donned our gear on the boat and dropped into the blackness. We sank to the bottom where are group of other divers had already congregated. They were sitting on the seafloor with lights pointed straight above. That attracted the small sea creatures to flock to the light … allowing larger sea creatures to come in for a nightly feast. When the mantas feed, they perform graceful loops to scoop up massive amounts of small critters. Fortunately, like a whale shark, this is one fish that has no taste (nor teeth) for humans.
As you can see, there was a pro photog who dove with us. Anna and I just sat back and enjoyed the show. And what a show!
Amazing grace.
This was one of my all-time favorite dives. Highly recommended and thanks to www.mantaadvocateshawaii.com.
Since the kids didn’t get to play with a live whale, this was the next best thing. However, the next day, they did get to swim with (from afar) a pod of dolphins when we kayaked out to the Captain Cook Monument.
We even spent an evening up at the Mauna Kea Observatory. Since the mountain rises from nearly sea level, we rapidly got above the clouds. It was a long 25-mile ascent, but it was spectacular. The summit is all the way up at 4,200m (13,800′), but we stopped much earlier, at the observatory which is around 2,800m (9,200′). We didn’t think it would be a great idea for the kids to go that high. Even so, we headed back down when Lily started to get a bit of hypoxia. As soon as we did, she was fine.
The observatory hosts star gazing tours, staffed by folks from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with very powerful telescopes. Even with the naked eye though, the view of the stars and galaxy are some of the best on the Earth. We took a tour of the planets in the solar system and notable stars … including the Southern Cross. Fun fact about the Southern Cross – although it’s a notable constellation for the southern hemisphere, it’s visible anywhere south of about 25 degrees north (including, often, on Guam at 13 degrees north).
A view from our place when we made it back to Honolulu.
Another wonderful trip.
Still working on catching up on all the great trips over the last couple years… See you soon!
–Jim