Hawaii
by Ken Streater
The story goes that there is a woman who lives deep in a mountain on a beautiful tropical island. The woman, Pele, was one of the original adventure travelers. Filled with wanderlust, she ventured all over the island and even to other nearby islands. At one point in her travels she met a dashing man, a tribal chief, on the island. They began a relationship that was filled with fiery highs and periodic rumbling lows. She built a home inside the base of the mountain for herself and her mate, and from that day forth all felt the emotional swings of their passion.
Pele (pay-lay), the Hawaiian goddess of fire, is said to be responsible for the volcanic eruptions that take place on the Big Island of Hawaii. Her mythical home is located in Mt. Kilauea (kill-ah-way-ah), one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The fires and rumblings mentioned above are visible here on a daily basis--with molten lava, steaming vent holes, and smoking craters found throughout modern day Volcanoes National Park.
Mt. Kilauea and Volcanoes National Park sit on the southern edge of the island of Hawaii, which hosts the southernmost point of the United States. In addition to Kilauea, the Big Island is home to the tallest mountain in the Pacific, Mauna Kea, as well as striking geologic features such as lava tubes and sulfur steam vents, lush tropical vegetation, striking white, green, and black sand beaches, world class resorts, and family adventure opportunities.
Those wishing to experience nature at work should consider a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. In the time it took to write this article, molten lava has traveled to the sea. Vacationers on the island today watched bright orange rivers turn to steam and rock as they reached the ocean. Others paddled along the Kona coast and saw dolphins and sea turtles frolic in the clear aqua waters. And, some enjoyed hiking along cliffs and beaches of relatively undiscovered portions of our most tropical and idyllic state.
As with all of the Hawaiian Islands, the island of Hawaii is home to first class resorts, world-class restaurants, and shopping. It also features isolated camping, rustic homespun lodges, and a variety of cultural experiences. The range of accommodations and adventure opportunities is broad, and is highlighted by Volcanoes National Park and the rugged Kona coast. For all of these reasons and more, the Big Island of Hawaii is an ideal destination for any family seeking a mild to wild adventure vacation.
Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of tours to experience the richness of Hawaii. Week-long guided trips that focus on nature and feature hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and more, are available from a handful of outfitters that take care of all aspects of your trip, including lodging, meals, transportation, and all specialty adventure gear. Others may choose to simply base at one of the islands many upscale resorts or down-to-earth private lodges and participate in day adventures.
Regardless of how you choose to adventure on the Big Island, we recommend Volcanoes National Park as part of your itinerary. Simply put, the sights and sounds of this place are spectacular. On multi-day guided outdoor trips you are provided with one chance after another to experience fascinating and less traveled areas of geologic wonder. Imagine hiking for a couple of hours through a lush tropical forest with ocean waves crashing in the distance, before magically emerging at a point where a live volcano steams and red hot lava flows like a creek down a mountain. Or, picture soaking in a natural hot springs pool surrounded by nothing but palms and ferns and peace and quiet. And, at the end of the day, you can relax in a quaint and charming upcountry lodge and enjoy gourmet meals as tranquil trade winds blow off the ocean. These activities and many more are part of the many guided adventure trips that are available, as knowledgeable and friendly guides, who know and love Hawaii, share its secrets.
Those participating in day trips at Volcanoes National Park will also find an adventure treasure chest. Steam vents, sulfur banks, and lava tubes are all easily accessible as part of short hikes in the Park. You can also drive to a point where recent lava flows have completely covered the old Chain of Craters Road. From this dead end point you can hike for miles over a stretch of smooth Pahoehoe lava, which looks like an endless field of soft, black melted marshmallows. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink on this trip, however, as the lava radiates lots of heat.
Another highlight of a Big Island trip is the Kona coast. Rich in marine life, steeped in culture, and laced with dramatic scenery, the Kona (Hawaiian for "protected from the wind") region is unique, even by Hawaii standards. Here, ancient lava flows stopped abruptly as they reached the waters, forming a coastline of dramatic nooks and crannies.
The unique geology of the south Kona coast provides additional benefit to adventure travelers, as the bedrock has made it nearly impossible to build the big resorts found elsewhere in Hawaii. As a result, this area is a nature lover’s paradise. Sea kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking in and around the southern Kona coast are exercises in solitude and isolation! As you paddle or swim in these waters often the only company you find will be playful dolphin and colorful tropical fish. Those who explore Kona in the winter will also likely see humpback whales that play offshore. Finally, the culture of Hawaii is highlighted in this region as well. Honaunau (ho-now-now), or the City of Refuge, one of Hawaii's most important historical sites, is a beautiful National Park that served as a sacred site and burial temple for natives as far back as the 15th century.
Pele's reputed hot temper aside, the Big Island of Hawaii is a great place to travel. Warm weather, warm people, and wonderful scenery offer a world of adventure awaiting those seeking rewarding and invigorating travel.
Ken Streater has guided and outfitted river trips throughout the world since 1983.