073 – The Big Island, Hawai’i – Magical Mystery Tour

With the options for adult activities around the house waning,

We figured it was time to get out and make some tracks.  So we filled the van with cold beer and diapers and headed off on a 4-day travelling tour around the Big Island.

“I’m ready!”

Of course, no road trip would be complete without some killer tunes…

Track 1 – Octopus’ Garden

Okay we didn’t see any octopi in Honaunau Bay, but there were amazing fish, corals, sea turtles, and making it all possible…babysitters!

Track 2 – The Fools on the Hill

Despite some confusion at the trailhead,

 We managed to track down the Kipuka’akihi Hike, a short trek to the top of an extinct volcanic cinder cone.

Where we were able to convince Ciel to stop snapping photos of feet,

Just long enough to get this shot of our own.

The low density of the cinder, formed from foamy molten lava,

Made for spectacular shows of strength.

“It’s all in the wrists.”

Track 3 - Free as a Bird

South Point (Ka Lae),

Is the extremely windy,

And aptly named southernmost point in the USA.  It’s also the site where the Polynesians are believed to have first landed in Hawai’i.

The best part about exiting the country here is…

…No customs.

Track 4 – Ticket to Ride

To reach the nearby “Green Sands Beach” requires a 2.5-mile hike across rugged terrain.

Or, for fifteen bucks, a questionably less rugged ride in the back of  “Muggy’s” truck.

Nana and Ciel scored the free upgrade to Business Class.

Sure, the olivine crystal-coloured sand was less “green” and more “khaki”,

But, it was still a cool spot to stop for a swim.

Track 5 – A Hard Day’s Hike

On our return trip to Kilauea Iki Crater,

We girded our loins and braved the mountainous trek 120 metres down to the floor of the steaming lava lake.

After leading the pack with giggling squeals (and a few face plants) the whole way down, Ciel totally copped out for the return trip.

And, no Bearss hike is complete without an adequate supply of snack foods.

Track 6 - Lava Fields Forever

Well, what do you expect at “Volcanoes National Park”, if not a whole lotta lava?

With a side of gale force winds.

Throwing caution to the wind, 

And risking life and limb,

We forged ahead to the end of “Chain of Craters Road”.

A former loop road, Kilauea’s flows put an end to that in 1987, by burying a 9-mile stretch.

“Hey guys, great photo op.  Make it look like you are running from the lava…”

 “…Or like you are a really uncoordinated dance troupe.”

(Holei Sea Arch)

Track 7 – All You Need Is Lava

Not wanting to miss another opportunity to view more phallic rock formations,

We made the short walk to check out the Lava Tree State Park.

“Lava trees” form when flowing molten lava solidifies around trees, which burn away, leaving lava molds in their place.

So, I guess you need lava and trees.

Although, the homeowners who opted to reclaim their land and start over on top of the lava-flooded town of Kalapana, 

Don't really even need the trees.

And then there’s Ciel, who just needs whatever everyone else has.

Track 8  - Yellow Submarine

Nope, no submarine. Just me snorkeling in the Kapoho Tide Pools.

After that it was on to the volcanically heated Ahalanui Hot Pond.  Where you'll see (as evidenced in the proceeding photo stream) how I've mastered the most important family- photo-taking tenet:

Whatever happens,

Keep your eyes on the camera,

And keep smiling.

Got the shot.

(And there's your submarine.)

Track 9 - Across the Universe

The summit of Mauna Kea, at 4207 m above sea level, has the altitude, dry environment, and stable airflow, to make it one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation.

Of course, that also makes it a little difficult to get to with two toddlers in a minivan.

But, we did manage to make it up to the visitor’s centre (2804 m), for their evening star gazing program.

(Crescent Moon)

(Andromeda Galaxy)

(Jupiter)

At  5°C and 30 minutes past bedtime,

The kids loved it.

Track 10 – Lukey in the Sky with Doors Off

Picture yourself in a chopper over a volcano,

(Pu'u O'o Crater)

With macadamia trees and marmalade skies,

Somebody radios you, you answer quite slowly,

A guy with kaleidoscope eyes.

Most of the lava from the Pu’u O’o Vent flows in underground lava tubes, but occasionally it breaks through to the surface, 

And cascades into the sea.

Aside from nearly getting my arm ripped off by the rotor wash every time I tried to reach out to point at something…not a bad trip.

And, apparently, in Hawai'i, the helicopters aren't the only things with the doors off.

(Classy photo, Nana. Really classy.)

Track 11 – I Am the Walrus

Actually, there were no walruses at the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo.

But they did have a Binturong,

A Toucan,

An Iguana,

A Giant Anteater,

And a couple monkeys.

Track 12 – Here, There and Everywhere

The drive up the Northeast coast had a little bit of everything,

Tsunami battered coasts,

(Laupahoehoe)

Stunning valleys,

 (Waipi'o Valley)

(Pololu Valley)

Picturesque mountain passes,

And rainforest waterfalls.

 (Akaka Falls - 128 m)

Track 13 - Birthday

With our touring and travelling taking priority, and plans to overnight in the tiny hamlet of Hawi, we’d resigned ourselves to the fact that the best we could do for Britt’s birthday dinner was likely going to be peanut butter and jam sandwiches in the back of the minivan.

Fortunately, by sheer luck, the “Plantation House” B&B we stayed at,

Was right across the street from what turned out to be an outstanding sushi restaurant.

“No worries. I've got this.”

“Happy Birthday, Mummy!”

Track 14 – Here Comes the Sun

While half our vacation has been spent applying 100+ sunscreen and obsessively searching for shade,

It appears others follow a different strategy.

Whose got some lettuce and tomatoes?

Track 15 - We Can Walk It Out

After a short hike around the remains of King Kamehameha’s Pu’ukohola Heiau (Whale Hill Stone Temple, built  c. 1790),

Ciel, yet again, led the way on the rocky stroll,

To the Puako Petroglyph Reserve.

(Those ancestral Hawaiians sure loved their stick people.)

All and all not a bad tour. Look for the unplugged album in stores soon…

Bonus Track – All Things Must Pass

If there are any loyal fans out there keeping count (Ref. Blog #061),

Yes. Lightning can strike twice.

And no. We won’t be winning any parenting awards.