Reflections on Hawaii

Our final day on the Big Island is very rainy so we are relaxing, packing and catching up on correspondence.  This island is very different from Oahu and Kauai. There are small pockets of touristy resorts on the west side but for the most part, this island is very rural and agricultural.  In some ways, it feels like northern Ontario (different vegetation of course) with farms, small towns and lots of national and state parks to explore the natural setting. The climate where we are staying on the south east side is also different - much more humid, rainy and less windy. The vegetation is lush with incredible flowering plants and trees everywhere you look. The native Hawaiian population dominates the area but it also seems a destination for people seeking alternative lifestyles. Lots of free spirits, hitchhikers, yoga retreats, drumming circles, clothing optional beaches etc. Interesting to say the least!

The natural world is unavoidable here. The constantly changing weather and the lush vegetation is accompanied by an amazing soundtrack. We are constantly serenaded by the sounds of rainfall, breezes in the trees, crashing surf on the cliffs, the songs of tropical birds and the night calls of the startlingly loud tree frogs.

Our time in Hawaii has been amazing. The beauty of these islands surpasses all expectations. But this place, more than any place I have ever been, has made me aware of the incredible power of nature. This is a place where earthquakes, mudslides, volcanoes, hurricanes and tsunamis are very real and present dangers. The power of the ocean is everywhere,  with ferocious surf carving into the lava formed cliffs and pounding onto idyllic beaches.  The risk of death is very real. I did not mention this before because it has taken time to process, but we witnessed a drowning due to rip currents on a beach when we were on Kauai. A snorkler was pulled out but could not fight the current. The lifeguards found her but were unable to revive her. It was incredibly sad and frightening. It has also made us very respectful of the water.

I have attached a few pictures taken yesterday on our return from the west side of the island when we stopped in the historic town of Hilo.
 Tomorrow, we join Lauren and Andrew on Maui. Can't wait to see them!