Hawaii is the Big Island and is an oddly opposite place. Landing in Hilo, Hawaii is tropical, but drive to Volcanoes National Park and you’re in a world of lava.
Is Hawaii, The Big Island, on everyone’s Bucket List?
Hawaii Draws You in
If volcanoes and lava-field hiking are to your liking, then the Big Island it is. Prepare for a soothing rollercoaster ride going from Hilo’s tropics to the aridness of Kilauea Volcano on the western side. Snap photos of iconic ocean sunsets, clear blue water breaking against smooth sand or craggy rocks. Look for the hidden—a flower tucked in rock crevice and red in a field of black lava. You’ll see signs you never see in Pennsylvania. Try local food—who but a resident of the tropics knew papaya really tasted that good? And Poke? Ah, Hawaiian Poke is scrumptious.
Notice the Monkeypod trees. Palm trees shoot up and Monkeypod spread out. The banyan trees are the ones with a hundred skinny trunks melded together.
The Big Island has an active volcano
The Waimanu Valley is used year round for hunting, so aside from the normal hiking gear, clothing should be brightly colored, and stick to the trails. A young woman was walking up, wearing a large backpack. She stopped and smiled. “Whew. I am fit and this hike is a killer.” This trek is not for the casual hiker. It is hard, long, and should be thoroughly planned in advance.
When you take a hiking break, make sure to get a delectable island treat—the Malasadas.
Ask a local for the best provider in the area and you won’t be disappointed. The other culinary item on Hawaii is the Kona Coffee. We laughed that a local recommended the best price in town to bring beans home: Costco.
This island bears repeating.
