Big Island, Hawaii

To me the Big Island represents life evolving. Watching the lava flow, it is amazing to realize that you are witnessing the birth of new land. Of all the islands we visited, Big Island alone had the ability to make a person feel very inconsequential. From the vastness of the Waipio Valley to the desolation of the lava fields it became obvious that humans did not rule here and that this was nature's home. It was as humbling as it was beautiful.

Jason and I were lucky enough to stay in a cabin right in Volcano National Park, and we spent a lot of time hiking and exploring the lava fields. It is funny though how disorienting miles and miles of lava and burnt ground can be. On one particular hike, Jason and I made the mistake of venturing further then we had in the past and the result was an extra hour of hiking in an attempt to find our way back. It was a little scary when we realized just how easy it could be to get lost in a field of nothingness. Additionally, we had to take care where we were walking and not cross onto unstable ground.


Lava's edge

New Lava hitting the sea



Rainbow rising over the lava field

Taking a break and attempting to find my bearings.

Sea Arch

Black Sand Cove

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park (Place of Refuge). According to Ancient Hawaiian custom, any law (or kapu) broken was punishable by death. The only hope of salvation was to escape and reach the nearest pu'uhonu, or place of refuge, where all sins would be forgiven by the mana (power) of the chiefs.

Black Sand Beach made by cooled lava.

Rainbow Falls.

Akaka Falls

Waipio Valley

Big Island is a place for exploring. In our 5 days there, we put over 800 miles on our rental and used the 4-wheel drive to capacity. It was a great trip and we tried to experience it all, from kayaking to Captain Cook's monument and snorkeling to touring Kona Coffee plantations. We saw green sand, black sand and white sand and traveled down to the southern-most point in the United States. I am hard pressed to pick my favorite sight on the Big Island and have only one regret: missing the snowy peaks of Mauna Kea. Next trip perhaps? :)