Ho’i Hou Ke Aloha
“Hawaii is still the single most frequent fantasy destination, not because of political stability or conveniences, but because Hawaii seduces the imagination. It's the perfect postcard - no props, no fillers.” -
Robert Wintner
The Island of Kona or the Big Island is paradise born of fire and still evolving. From active volcanoes to lush vegetation and waterfalls it calls to the adventurer in us.
For me it was the first opportunity to travel after 16 months due to the Coronavirus epidemic raging around the world.
Rainbow Falls
One of the most easily accessible waterfalls on the Big Island, Rainbow Falls is just a quick five-minute drive from Hilo. On sunny days, rainbows appear in the mist of the 80-foot falls, making for some pretty magical views. The broad waterfall — nearly 100 feet in diameter — plunges over a natural lava cave and into the river below.
As we set out in the morning, I asked our guide about the weather since it was misty on the side of the island where we were. For those of you who’ve been to Kona, you know that Kona has 9 micro-climates which causes the weather to change constantly. While we had beautiful sunshine every where we went we were not privileged to see rainbows that day. The falls as you can see were beautiful never the less.
Legends
Hi'ilawe Falls is located inside Waipio Valley and is only visible from the valley or from the air. If you hike down into the valley, the waterfall is visible via a 5-10 minute walk along the road to the left. The road descends 900ft in a mile and is one of the world's steepest roads. It is the tallest water falls on the island.
The falls are often dry due to drainage of the water into an irrigation ditch but we were fortunate to see both the Hi’ilawe and the Hakalaoa Falls flow.
Legend has it that Hi’ilawe was a beautiful young maiden who caught the eye of a god who would have her at any cost. She was in love with a young man in her local village and repudiated the god. Both she and her young lover plunged down the mountain and the other Gods in their sorrow at her fate shed tears creating the twin falls.
Steam Rising
Kona was formed entirely by volcanic activity. There are five separate volcanoes which have, over the past million-or-so years, combined to form the island. Of these five volcanoes, one is considered to be extinct and in transition between its post shield and erosional stage; one is considered dormant, and the three remaining volcanoes are active with Kilauea volcano the most dangerous.
Even with the destruction of over 700 homes, reports of injuries by lava bombs spewing from Kilauea, and ongoing eruptions and lava flows, this island of Hawaii, in general, still remains safe for travelers if they take the proper precautions. In some ways this is the ultimate thrill for thrill seekers and gamble for gamblers.
Active Volcanoes
Once believed to be an offshoot of its large neighbor, Mauna Loa, scientists now have concluded that Kilauea is actually a separate volcano with its own magma-plumbing system, extending to the surface from more than 60 kilometers (over 37 miles) deep in the earth.
Along with Mauna Loa, Kilauea forms part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. There are no indications that the current volcanic activity will come to an end anytime soon. The best time to view the activity is at night when visitors are allowed in certain numbers to see and photograph this activity.
Kilauea is one the most active volcanoes on earth. It has been erupting nearly continuously since 1983 the most recent being December 2020. It has caused considerable property damage changing the rim of the Volcanoes National Park drive. Never the less the drive around to see how the island is still being shaped is an interesting part of the visit to this area.
Turtles on Black Sand Beaches
Black sand beaches retain a lot of heat, which makes them a destination for nesting sea turtles and the best places to see them in Hawai’i. Punalu’u is frequented by endangered Hawksbill Turtles (honu’ea) and Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles ((Honu), which are found resting on the sand. These turtles appear almost dead until suddenly you catch a part move.
Visitors can view these turtles from a cordoned off safe distance that prevents touching.
Spectacular Sunsets
Located on the sunny side of the Big Island, Kailua Kona was a favorite playground for the Royalty of old Hawaii. Today the small village atmosphere prevails, time slows, and you are welcomed with warm aloha. And yes, when you experience a Kona sunset, with a fabulous fruity umbrella drink in hand, you know you are in paradise.