picking up the missed pieces

Ok, this is our last planned blog for Hawaii, in which we try to cover anything we may have missed:

Of the Big Island’s five surfaced shield volcanoes, two of them loom over the rest: Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

Mauna Loa, “long mountain,” is the largest mountain in the world with most of her mass looming under the sea. She is the home of Volcanoes national park, which was one of our first blog posts. Still actively erupting, as we’ve shown you previously, she provides the grounding force and foundation for this island.



Actually, for the first time since the early 80s, Kilauea’s main crater has “blown,” meaning she’s spewing rocks and dangerously high levels of Sulfuric acid gas.


The National Park has been closed for the time being, and no one has any idea when it may reopen. These mass clouds are covering much of the island as a thick blanket blocking the sun and the view of the horizon. At times, even on the far side of the island, we haven’t even been able to see half a mile away. Even with the enormity of her effects, her body still sits in the shadow of the dormant volcano towering to her North.

Mauna Kea, “white mountain,” is the tallest mountain in the world.

Though impressive at 14,000 feet elevation, this visible peak actually surpasses Everest due to her secrete: the additional 19,000 feet hidden below sea level. She joins earth and sky with her veil of snow and clouds.

This culturally and spiritually sacred place is home to the goddesses of snow and mist. Stone shrines and burial grounds are speckled across her summit and slopes. Seen as both a sacred ancestor herself, as well as the umbilical cord linking lineage, she unites hawai’ian’s with their divine origin.

Astronomers today are standing on her summit and looking back at the origins of us all: the stars. Some of the best observatories in the world are clustered on her peak, free of civilization’s light pollution. Here, they carry on the ancient Polynesian tradition of studying the majestic starry sky.

These two monoliths of mountains hold great mana. As respected elders, they impart blessings and knowledge on those who come to them showing respect and seeking wisdom.

This is where we swam with WILD DOLPHINS (very respectfully of course)!!!

When we were writing about Puna, we some how forgot Lava tree Park.

Named for the many tree molds (lava cooled around a tree that then burn away leaving a mold in the rock) and lava trees (a tree mold where the still fluid lava around the mold flowed away leaving an erect memorial of where the forest once stood).

(Anyone else thinking ACDC???)

Its winding trail is speckled with private corners for pondering in solitude.

Along the SE coastline we found this jet black beach.

Look how dark that sand is! Even the waves looked black. We spent a relaxing afternoon reading and watching the waters.

We LOVE all the different fruits here. We ferment this Noni fruit in a jar in the back window of our car. It smells like Limburger cheese, but it’s one of the healthiest juices out there. We collect coconuts and open them with our machete. Then we get to enjoy their juice and flesh while relaxing on the beach.

We have not photos, but two of our favorit fruits (chocolate sapote and atemoya) both have a custard texture. We just scoop them out with a spoon and enjoy our unique desert.

Kailua-Kona is the main tourist hub town, yet it still manages to capture genuine charm. The streets are dotted with tiny churches and Heiau’s (sacred temple sites).

We have our favorite little hangouts here, including a place we nicknamed “mongoose corner.”

We’ve greatly enjoyed the frisky antics of the 10 or so individuals who share this grassy knoll with the cats. And just look at this view from right there in that nook of the parking lot.

Before the vog invaded every vista, you could see the clear blue ocean from almost anywhere in town. We took it for granted that it would always be there and hurry to take photos of all the scenes I wanted. Now, although still green and flowery and emanating magic, the sky is always white with occasional rays breaking through.

I guess it’s helping us adjust to going back home. Even without the classic blues, this place still feels like a paradise. Everyday we visit the ocean, learning the secrets of the waves. We’ve learned so much and are excited to return often.