Described as “She-Who-Shapes-The-Sacred-Land” in ancient Hawaiian chants, the volcano goddess, Pele, was passionate, volatile, and capricious. In modern times, Pele has become the most visible of all the old gods and goddesses. Dwelling in the craters of the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano, she has been sending ribbons of fiery lava down the mountainside and adding new land around the southeastern shore almost continuously since 1983.
Day 1 - just off the plane.
On the way to Volcano National Park, we stopped in Hilo at Island Naturals Market for peanut butter smoothies, fruit, and veggies. We also spent a few minutes walking the streets of Hilo and learning a bit about city life on the island.
On the way to lunch in Waimea, Day 2.
Kelly’s parents were kind enough to loan us tarps, flashlights, and tools to work the land. Trusty Patsy (the van) awaits our return in the background.
Observatory on Mauna Kea.
” Black cliffs of lava rock embrace a secret shore, its waters clear as glass. Yellow tang, nervously darting at the seabed, form bright specks of canary yellow, like splatters from an artist’s brush. Distorted by wavelets, the sea floor is patterned black and white, patches of bare black rock and white coral sand. Waves curl and splash casually beneath a bright sky.”
- Anja Thomsen
Hiking to the Girls School on the Bond Estate.
Kelly gives a geology lesson on a topographical map of the Big Island.
