Hawaii

February 2018

Hawaii

Volcanoes? Where? Let’s go!! It seems that Laura and I have an infatuation with volcanoes, so naturally, we wanted to visit Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. We set off with a plan to explore and enjoy the Big Island for a week, then head over to meet our parents on Kauai for a bit of exploration and relaxation. 

Landing on the Big Island we had a two hour drive over to the National Park. The first thing I noticed while driving is how dark the island is. Driving through the valley that sits between the almost 14,000 ft. Mona Kea and 13,000 ft. Mona Loa is pitch black and absolutely amazing! Arriving at the National Park, we learned that for the second time in a month, the US government would be shutting down so the park would be closed. Luckily, the next morning, there was a resolution and the government and park stayed open.

We stayed at the campground in a small cabin but before heading over, we decided to check out the lava glow from the active volcano. The crater bubbles and lava levels rise and lower, but it always lights the sky in a beautiful orange. From our cabin each night we could sit and see the bright lava glow lighting the star filled sky.

One of our main goals was to see active lava so after visiting

the sea arch and petroglyphs, we went to the ranger station to learn where active lava flows were. With some vague direction from rangers, we set out on what was to be a 15 mile excursion searching for the amazing and beautiful lava. From the interior of the lava fields, you look around and see nothing but what you’re standing on. We watched where the helicopters would hover and headed in that general direction. Eventually reaching a ridge, we came upon a burning forest that was being lit up by the active flow. We continued down to where we had seen more active lava flowing earlier and eventually came to some larger sections of lava flowing out of the ground. It is amazing how dynamic and interesting the lava is and how fast it cools. We were able to get within 10 feet before it became too hot to be any closer, but the experience was unreal. Seeing new earth formed in front of us was definitely a highlight of our trip.

We explored the park the following day then headed out to see some waterfalls.  We went to Rainbow, Pe'epe'e, Akaka, Waiulili and the 1,400' tall Hi'ilawe falls in the Waimea valley.  On the way back to our cabin, we decided that we would go to the top of Mona Kea. Upon arriving at the visitor center, we were bummed to learn that the summit was closed due to extreme winds. With one plan gone, we headed toward the coast to look for whales offshore. Although I couldn’t spot any, Laura was a pro and saw several very quickly. We had dinner and headed back to our cabin in the park. The following day we did some more whale watching and visited several state parks on the west side of the island.

Always wanting to take full advantage of our time and trying to experience as much as possible, we booked trips to go swim with manta rays that night and swim with dolphins the following morning. The rays feed on plankton that is attracted by blue lights shined down into the ocean. After sunset, we got in the water and watched as the rays came in to feed. They have a learned movement to capture more plankton where they do a sort of roll and when the first one did this it was quite close to Laura and me, to the point where we had to lift our legs and bodies flat to the surface of the water to avoid touching the 14’ manta ray. The activity continued with multiple of the amazing animals coming and going over the next hour or so.

The following morning we once again boarded the boat to head out to sea. Today we would try to find dolphins to swim with. They come into shallow and protected areas to sleep so that is where we headed. The dolphin are less active when sleeping so we were able to swim along the hundreds of dolphin that were in swimming around the protected area close to shore. It is amazing to see how the dolphin interact with each other and love one another. After a few hours of being in the water with the amazing, smart animals, we boarded the boat and headed off shore to look for whales. Within a few minutes we were able to see one splashing with its flapper. We saw several others and I was quite happy as whales were one of my main reasons for wanting to visit Hawaii at this time of year.

With our adventure complete on the Big Island, we boarded the plane for the one hour flight to Kauai. Meeting my parents at the airport, we jumped in the car and headed to the south side of the island. We visited Waimea Falls, Poipu Beach park, Wailua Canyon, multiple view points, did some short walks and enjoyed the beauty of the garden island.

Early the next morning we headed out and visited the lighthouse before meeting up with Stan and Carole for a boat tour to a fern grotto and a luau. The show was colorful and fun.  I think this was Dad's favorite part of the entire trip.

Laura and her father often dive when they’re on vacation together, so we booked a boat and I went along to do some snorkeling. The seas were rough and currents strong so I couldn’t snorkel but Laura and her father got in two dives, both drift dives about 80’ deep or so. We went back north and all had dinner together to finish off the evening.

The following morning, I rented a surfboard and spent some time catching the waves as best as I could for my first time surfing.

The Na'Pali coast is difficult to get to – without any roads, the only way to get there is by boat or by hiking. Laura, Stan and I decided we would hike a portion of the Kailua trail along the north side of the island. Pretty easy to find the trailhead…just drive until the road ends and that is where you begin hiking. We went down the scenic, rocky and muddy path for several hours and ended up at Ke'e beach before turning around and heading back to join Carole and my parents for dinner.

After hiking the north side of the island to the interior of the Na'Pali coast and visiting the valley overlook from the end of the road above Wailua canyon, we decided it was appropriate that we see the remainder of the coast by boat, so Stan and Carole joined us on a sail around the Na'Pali coast.  It was a beautiful day out on the water.  We saw many more dolphins and whales and enjoyed the views of the spectacular and sheer coastline.  The crew was lots of fun and on the way back, they served Mai Tais and lunch.

After sailing we drove past the Kauai Coffee Company, so we decided to stop in for a tour.  I had no idea this was the biggest coffee grower in the entire U.S.

 

Our last day on the island was pretty rainy.  We visited a Hindu monastery where we burned our problems, then we headed to lunch, played some cornhole and ladderball on the beach, relaxed and enjoyed each others company before heading to the airport.