When I venture to a new place, I'm seeking a spiritual connection, something to inspire and nourish my soul, something different from the plethora of contrived and generic travel destinations not only in the US but around the world. From Cabo to Miami to Florence to Dubai tourist boards try to dazzle visitors with the same ole high-end shopping, where a handbag costs more than your round-trip plane ticket.
There's no designer malls on Hawaii's Big Island, which is a refreshing change--it's natural, real, and as they say, "pili uhane," very spiritual. Hawaii celebrates what it is: a big pile of lava formed by powerful forces in the earth, which are reforming every day.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is on fire at this moment, so I wanted to experience the power of molten lava flowing downhill. But it's too dangerous, and the south rim of the Kilauea Crater is closed. But you can still observe the steam rising from the belly of the earth and the lava's red glow after sunset, which awes us with the reminder that this planet is way beyond our control.
While on the east side of the island we stopped at Akaka Falls Park. Now this was the idealized Hawaii I anticipated. A one mile circular nature hike--lots of stairs--takes you past several falls, but saves the 442-foot Akaka for the climax. The rainforest is equally spectacular with its giant ferns, banyan trees, thick yellow bamboo, and crimson flowers. All along the way, you hear the rush of cascading water and the croaking of frogs.
Sunday dinner was--where else--on the beach at sunset, with toes in the sand, mai tai in hand, and the smooth island sound of L. T. Smooth. Though a Samoan born in New Zealand, he was discovered in Kona, playing his fusion of slack key, jazz, and Hawaiian styles. He was back in Kona just one night for nostalgia's sake. The Adairs luck out again.
Now I am off to commune with sea life, a morning snorkel with colorful fish, a moonlight snorkel with manta rays right outside my hotel.
The beauty of the natural world is healing. The serenity gives me space to think and has me focusing on our universe and my place within. Though I am only a small part, my responsibility is huge. And that is my "mana'o" (my deepest thought from the heart at this moment).
- Nancy Adair nancyadair2002@yahoo.com
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