Personal Narrative

Our February 2022 escape to the Big Island of Hawaii was an ode to the enduring power of adventure and the timeless allure of an untouched paradise, even as the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic lingered. This journey wasn’t just a vacation; it was an exploration, a celebration, and an affirmation of the marvels of the natural world, with each day presenting us with something more spectacular than we could have imagined.

From the moment we stepped onto the island, it was clear why the word "paradise" feels inadequate to describe Hawaii. The Big Island, more than its counterparts, embodies a unique essence, offering a kaleidoscope of landscapes that feel like stepping into different realms of existence. Imagine starting the day enveloped by the green embrace of a thriving rainforest, only to end it standing on barren volcanic rock under a star-laden sky—each scene feels like an entirely different world, yet it all belongs to this one island.

The beaches were a study in contrast and wonder. While the postcard-perfect shores of Kona offered golden sands and turquoise waters inviting relaxation, the hauntingly beautiful black sands of Pololu and Waipio Valleys stole the show. These beaches, bordered by towering cliffs and lush greenery, felt less like places and more like sanctuaries carved by time and tides. We didn’t need to swim or surf to feel the pull of the ocean here; its raw energy and beauty spoke for themselves, grounding us in the present.

One of the crowning jewels of our trip was visiting the iconic Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Walking across ancient lava flows, we traced the geological pulse of the island itself. It was an experience of quiet awe—each step a journey back through time, every cooled ripple of magma a relic of the Earth's fiery creativity. The true magic, however, unfolded at night when we saw an active lava flow. Standing beneath a clouded sky aglow with an unearthly red light, it was as if we’d been transported to another planet. Watching the molten rock create new land before our eyes was humbling and transformative, a stark reminder of the Earth's ceaseless energy and fragility.

But the Big Island’s enchantments didn’t stop at its fiery heart. Ascending Mauna Kea to witness the night sky was nothing short of a pilgrimage to the heavens. At 13,796 feet above sea level, with no city lights to compete, the stars unveiled themselves in a way that felt almost sacred. The Milky Way was so vivid it seemed to arc across the sky like a painter’s brushstroke. The stillness and vastness made us feel at once insignificant and deeply connected to the universe.

What added depth to the natural wonders was the island's cultural resonance. The western coast is dotted with treasures from Hawaii’s past, from ancient petroglyphs to royal fishponds. These remnants of history offered glimpses into the lives of the native Hawaiians, a people whose deep relationship with the land still reverberates today. Even the small moments, like spotting a nene—Hawaii’s endemic and endangered state bird—became threads in the rich tapestry of our adventure.

Reflecting on the trip, I’m struck by how effortlessly the island surprises and inspires. The Big Island isn’t just a destination where you tick off experiences; it’s a place that reshapes your perspective with its majesty. One day, you’re standing on the shores of a black-sand beach; the next, you’re gazing at the stars after walking on lava flows that are younger than you. It’s a place that offers not just sights but profound, unforgettable moments.

For anyone dreaming of visiting, my advice is simple: come with curiosity and respect. Explore every corner, embrace the island’s diversity, and always keep an eye on the shifting weather and the powerful natural forces at play. Our February visit may have been shaped by some limitations, from seasonal currents to pandemic measures, but those constraints only highlighted the island’s adaptability and resilience.

The Big Island isn’t merely a trip; it’s a chapter in your life, an experience so vivid it feels etched into your soul. Whether you come for the beaches, the volcanoes, the stars, or the culture, you’ll leave with a piece of Hawaii etched in your heart, yearning to return and uncover more of its mysteries. For us, what began as a friend's wedding transformed into an odyssey, and the Big Island’s spell still lingers, calling us back to paradise.